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beatnikpoet13 · 04-30-2004, 03:31 PM

Catcher
Jorge Posada will once again be behind the plate for the Yankees. Last season Posada hit 30 homeruns with 101 RBI's, both among the team's leaders. Posada is average behind the plate, but his offense more than makes up for his defensive shortcomings. Backing Posada up will be John Flaherty, a more than capable backup with an above average throwing arm.

First Base
Jason Giambi returns for his third season with the Yankees, and all eyes will be on him in light of the offseason's steroid scandals. Last year Giambi led the team in homeruns and RBI's, with 41 taters and 107 men batting in. Giambi's batting average was a career low .250, and his RBI total was his lowest since 1998. Look for Giambi to have a breakout year this season, as he has a lot to prove. Giambi is a subpar fielder, however he'll need to play in the field, because Bernie Williams will be the team's DH this season.

Backing up Giambi will be newly acquired Travis Lee, who in his six seasons in the majors has yet to live up to expectations. Lee is a superb fielder, so look for him to spell Giambi in the late innings of close games. The Yankees also signed Tony Clark this offseason, but don't expect much out of him, as he may very well start the season in AAA Columbus.

Second Base
This is without question the weakest position on the team. Miguel Cairo gets the nod as the starter, but he's subpar both in the field and at the plate, so look for the Yankees to make a move to shore up this position. Last season Cairo hit an anemic .245 in limited duty with the Cardinals. Enrique Wilson will back Cairo up, while also serving as the utility infielder.

Shortstop
Shortstop will be capably manned by Team Captain Derek Jeter, who is entering his tenth season with the team. Last season Jeter hit .324 with 10 homeruns and 52 RBI's, and his leadership and intangibles will be invaluable as the Yankees try to win another world championship. Enrique Wilson will serve as Jeter's primary backup.

Third Base
In perhaps the biggest offseason trade, the Yankees acquired Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers in return for Alphonso Soriano. Rodriguez came to the Yankees only after agreeing to move to third base. The jury is still out on his defensive ability to play third, but no one doubts that he'll be the same player offensively. Last season Rodriguez was among the league leaders in homeruns, RBI's, and runs scored. Once again Enrique Wilson will serve as Rodriguez's backup.

04-30-2004, 03:31 PM	#6
beatnikpoet13 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin Posts: 122	The Infield Catcher Jorge Posada will once again be behind the plate for the Yankees. Last season Posada hit 30 homeruns with 101 RBI's, both among the team's leaders. Posada is average behind the plate, but his offense more than makes up for his defensive shortcomings. Backing Posada up will be John Flaherty, a more than capable backup with an above average throwing arm. First Base Jason Giambi returns for his third season with the Yankees, and all eyes will be on him in light of the offseason's steroid scandals. Last year Giambi led the team in homeruns and RBI's, with 41 taters and 107 men batting in. Giambi's batting average was a career low .250, and his RBI total was his lowest since 1998. Look for Giambi to have a breakout year this season, as he has a lot to prove. Giambi is a subpar fielder, however he'll need to play in the field, because Bernie Williams will be the team's DH this season. Backing up Giambi will be newly acquired Travis Lee, who in his six seasons in the majors has yet to live up to expectations. Lee is a superb fielder, so look for him to spell Giambi in the late innings of close games. The Yankees also signed Tony Clark this offseason, but don't expect much out of him, as he may very well start the season in AAA Columbus. Second Base This is without question the weakest position on the team. Miguel Cairo gets the nod as the starter, but he's subpar both in the field and at the plate, so look for the Yankees to make a move to shore up this position. Last season Cairo hit an anemic .245 in limited duty with the Cardinals. Enrique Wilson will back Cairo up, while also serving as the utility infielder. Shortstop Shortstop will be capably manned by Team Captain Derek Jeter, who is entering his tenth season with the team. Last season Jeter hit .324 with 10 homeruns and 52 RBI's, and his leadership and intangibles will be invaluable as the Yankees try to win another world championship. Enrique Wilson will serve as Jeter's primary backup. Third Base In perhaps the biggest offseason trade, the Yankees acquired Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers in return for Alphonso Soriano. Rodriguez came to the Yankees only after agreeing to move to third base. The jury is still out on his defensive ability to play third, but no one doubts that he'll be the same player offensively. Last season Rodriguez was among the league leaders in homeruns, RBI's, and runs scored. Once again Enrique Wilson will serve as Rodriguez's backup.