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New York Yankees Predictions / 2010 Season Preview

Shea Matthews weighs in with his N.Y. Yankees 2010 Team Preview. Don’t be surprised if the Yanks win the East again – maybe even with a little breathing room. Do your MLB betting with Cappers Picks MLB expert picks in 2010 and get ready to cash in big!

2010 MLB Predictions/Previews: New York Yankees

Hard to believe, as many of us watch the snow fall outside, that the Boys of Summer are almost back. But it’s true; pitchers and catchers have reported to 2010 Major League Baseball training camps and it’s time to start our team-by-team baseball gambling previews for the year.

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MLB Team Preview – N.Y. Yankees

They’re baaaaaack.

It was only a matter of time before the New York Yankees, baseball’s “evil empire,” returned to dominance. After a banner 2009 that culminated in a World Series championship, the Yanks are still as stacked as ever – even more so than last season. We know they’ll contend; the main question is whether or not a new dynasty is upon us.

Partially because of their bandbox new stadium and partially because of Mark Teixeira’s added presence, the Yanks were home-run machines last year, leading the majors with 244 and scoring 32 more runs than the next closest team. While Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Melky Cabrera have left the Bronx, scoring won’t be a problem.

Derek Jeter still has another .300 season or four left in his bat and acquiring Nick Johnson gives the Yanks another outstanding batting eye who gets on base quickly and should bat high in the order. We all know what Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez can do in the No. 3 and 4 spots; they’re right up there with Braun/Fielder, Pujols/Holliday and Utley/Howard as the top hitting tandems in baseball. Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano are dangerous run producers too – and Nick Swisher still swings a heavy stick.

New York’s biggest offseason coup was getting Curtis Granderson from Detroit. Not only does he give the Yankees their rangiest defensive outfielder since Bernie Williams’ prime, it gives them a potent (and still relatively young) lefthanded bat that can take advantage of the winds blowing out in right. Granderson topped 30 homers with the Tigers last year; does he have a shot at 40 in pinstripes?

All that and we haven’t touched on New York’s pitching yet. C.C. Sabathia was worth every penny of his gargantuan contract last season; despite his girth, he’s among the most consistent and durable starters in the game. What A.J. Burnett lacks in consistency and control, he makes up in absolutely electric stuff, with a blazing fastball and power curve. Andy Pettitte has matured into a reliable innings eater – not similar in style but similar in role to what Tim Wakefield gives Boston every year.

Then there’s Javier Vazquez. The strikeout artist had perhaps his best season as a pro with Atlanta last year, placing second in the National League in K’s behind Tim Lincecum and deserving Cy Young consideration. He naturally gives the Yankees amazing depth but I’m not as excited about him in 2010 as some people are. Vazquez’s only season that comes close to matching last year’s production is his 2003 campaign with the Expos, in which he posted a 3.24 ERA and whiffed 241 batters. He joined the Yankees the following year and tanked, watching his ERA balloon to 4.91. He failed his first audition in the Bronx, even after a monster year; why should we expect this year to be different?

New York remains in capable hands in the late innings. Mariano Rivera seems destined to dominate as long he still desires to play baseball. Regardless of who earns the fifth starter spot between Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain (it looks to be Joba right now), both guys have been absolutely dominant when called upon in relief. That was Hughes’ role for much of 2009 and he flourished, going 5-1 with 13 holds, a 1.64 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 33 innings after the All-Star break.

It’s no secret that the Yankees open 2010 as the class of the American League and possibly all of baseball. All the pieces are in place for repeat as World Series champs – particularly because the team’s philosophy changed so significantly starting last season. These guys finally buy into the team concept, actually seem to like each other and aren’t likely to change their ways after being rewarded so hugely last season.

The Yanks should win the East again – maybe even with a little breathing room between them and the pack.

Yankees Prediction: First, American League East

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2 replies on “New York Yankees Predictions / 2010 Season Preview”

For: Stan Mathews:
Mr. Mathews – David Ortiz is not inching to 40. Although many dominican players have given false birth dates, this is not the case with Ortiz. He just turned 34. I signed him when he became 16 to his first professional contract with the Leones del Escogido Baseball Club in the dominican winter league, and consider myself part of his family.
very truly yours,
Christian A. Lugo

It’s hard to bet against the Yanks, but I don’t see them repeating a championship this season.

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