Kuzul

A lot has gone on in New York Yankee Universe since losing to the Texas Rangers in the 2010 ALCS and handing the title of “reigning champions” over to the San Francisco Giants.
 
So, how are the 2011 New York Yankees looking heading into the season? Let’s take a look.

 
The Offseason Summary:
 
The New York Yankees headed into the offseason with high expectations, but everything seemed to take a turn for the worst.
 
Yankee Captain and New York icon, Derek Jeter’s new contract negotiations became a soap opera and the press had their claws all over it.
 
Fans were pissed, some at Jeter but mostly at the organization for the belittling and penny pitching games being played on the Captain. It all worked out in the end, but it did leave bruises behind that hopefully won’t linger too long, but you never know.
 
That followed the news that Cliff Lee was not going to play in the Bronx, but instead went back to his old team in Philadelphia.

It came as a shock because the Yankees usually get whatever they go after.
 
Now that time passed since Lee’s decision, it was a humbling experience and a needed one, particularly in Yankee Universe.

For Yankee fans, it makes them realize that not every player’s dream is to be in pinstripes; for the team, they will have to work that much harder for anything they earn this season.
 
Hey, at least Yankee-haters can’t use “the buying championships” excuse any longer, as that torch has now been lit in Boston and Philadelphia too, and that is a fact.
 
One resigning that GM Brian Cashman sealed up without much drama, was that of closer Mariano Rivera for two more seasons.
 
Owner Hal Steinbrenner, who finally took some charge and made his daddy proud too, made a vital move by adding Rafael Soriano to the roster. Soriano was the AL’s best closer in 2010 and is elated to be Mo’s set-up man.

This move gives the Yankees the best eighth and ninth arms in the game, but it also provides a back up in case Mo’s age catches up to his talents.

So, how do the Yankees look heading into 2011?
 
The Yankees look like one of the best teams heading into 2011 and will contend again in 2011.
 
Here are some hopes that could make the Yankees season even better:
 
1. AJ Burnett has been working his butt off this offseason, now let’s see if it pays off.
2. One of our pitching prospects is good enough to win a rotation spot.
3. Pettitte could make a decision.
4. Cashman trades for King Felix in June.
5. A-Rod and Jeter both have career years.
6. Teixiera doesn’t struggle at the plate past April.

Is there anything else to note regarding the 2011 New York Yankees?
 
Of course, but this list could go on forever and talk many directions so here are a few:

• The Yankees play in the AL East and it looks to be tougher than ever.

• The Bombers can still hit, as their line-up is atop the best in baseball list.

• My bet is that Robinson Cano to be unbelievable this season, along with the Yankee outfield of Swisher, Granderson and Gardner. This groups production is more important in 2011, as they are the Yankee future.

• After watching the Red Sox GM Theo Epstein win with homegrown players, Yankees GM Cashman followed that formula by growing the Yanks farm the past few seasons. So far, it has produced Phil Hughes, Brett Gardner, Joba Chamberlain, Robinson Cano and of course, the “Core Four.” Funny that Epstein and Cashman, in a sense, have traded places this offseason.

• This season would be the time to bring up one or two formidable youngsters, at least one has to be a pitcher, and see how they fair in the Bronx. The innings limit need to be handled a lot better than the “Joba Rules” by Girardi and company.

• Speaking of Girardi, he seems to be a good fit so far. It wouldn’t hurt if he kept his binder in the clubhouse sometimes.

• The Yankees are not being viewed as the favorites for anything this season, as almost all predictions have been Phillies vs. Red Sox in the 2011 World Series. This group doesn’t like to be doubted and statistically, the franchise fairs better as the underdogs.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

Chase Utley has widely been considered the top fantasy second baseman for several years. Until now.

Robinson Cano proved his 2009 spike in power (25 HRs) was no fluke, as the left-handed hitter whacked 29 over the fence in 2010. Further, the 28-year-old has proven himself to be the most durable and consistent two-bagger over the last few years.

In six big-league seasons, Cano has hit .297 or higher five times, and sports a career .309 batting average. Over the last four seasons, Cano has missed a grand total of eight games.

This is especially important to note considering Chase Utley, Dustin Pedroia and Ian Kinsler have missed 86, 123 and 150 games, respectively, over the same four-year period.

Cano’s on-base percentage, slugging percentage, isolated power, fly ball percentage and HR/FB rate have all increased progressively over the last three seasons, supporting his growth in power production.

Now fully entrenched as the Yankees’ No. 5 hitter, Cano should hit 25-plus dingers for the third consecutive season and have plenty of opportunity to top the 100-RBI plateau once again in 2011.

He doesn’t present the highest ceiling among second basemen, as the aforementioned Utley, Pedroia and Kinsler all have 20/20 potential, but Cano is most definitely the safest pick.

This early in the draft, consistency is more important than potential. Take Cano 12fth overall and reap the rewards.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Nos. 1-10: Is Pujols Still The Top Pick?
• No. 11: Joey Votto

Previous articles from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 Projections: Adrian Beltre
• The Sub-2.50 ERA Curse: Why Five Elite Starting Pitchers May Regress in 2011
• 2010 Batting Average on Balls in Play Leaders: What to Expect in 2011?
• 2011 Closer’s Corner: Papelbon, Cordero & Rivera Are the Only Reliable Options

Follow Fantasy Baseball Insiders on Facebook & Twitter

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

As we fast approach the start of another baseball season, let’s return to a familiar question: Who’s better, the Yankees or the Red Sox? 

The Red Sox made more upgrades to their roster during the offseason, but the Yankees were the better team last year.  So where does that leave us?  Let’s take a look, position by position.

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As the football season begins to wind down, the 2011 MLB season is right around the corner with Spring Training beginning in mid-February.  

With many interesting signings during the offseason, some of the league’s most dominant players have decided to switch cities and play for another organization, such as Rafael Soriano and Cliff Lee.  

As Spring Training is quickly approaching, take a look at 10 players who are the most likely to show up to camp out of shape.

* Stats compiled from ESPN

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With Boston’s offseason spending spree and Tampa Bay’s everything-must-go jumble sale, one can make a pretty good stab at how the AL East will play out in 2011.

The Yankees and Red Sox will fight it out for the top spot, the Blue Jays and Rays will compete for third and fourth and the Orioles will still languish at the bottom.

Obviously, any of the bottom three could make a run to the postseason as the Rays did in 2008, but it would be a staggering turnaround.

At first glance, this article may appear overloaded with players from Boston and New York but bear in mind, there is a simple reason they will be the favorites for the AL pennant: they have the best players.

If the O’s had more players on this list, they would not have had 13 consecutive losing seasons.

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Once one of the weaker positions in the league, second base has seen an increase in talent in recent years and there is more talent yet to come. 

Let’s take a look at how the rankings currently stand, though by year’s end there is the potential that the list will look drastically different:

1. Robinson Cano – New York Yankees
2. Chase Utley – Philadelphia Phillies
3. Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox
4. Ian Kinsler – Texas Rangers
5. Dan Uggla – Atlanta Braves
6. Brandon Phillips – Cincinnati Reds
7. Martin Prado – Atlanta Braves
8. Rickie Weeks – Milwaukee Brewers
9. Ben Zobrist – Tampa Bay Rays
10. Aaron Hill – Toronto Blue Jays
11. Brian Roberts – Baltimore Orioles
12. Kelly Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks
13. Gordon Beckham – Chicago White Sox
14. Howie Kendrick – Los Angeles Angels
15. Chone Figgins – Seattle Mariners

Thoughts:

• I recently gave my thoughts on Gordon Beckham, which you can check out by clicking here.  The bottom line with him is that there is some risk involved, but he came on strong in the second half and should be a good buy as a middle infielder or low-risk option.
• On mlb.com (click here for the article), the Brewers’ new manager, Ron Roenicke, was recently quoted as saying, “At times, you’re going to say, ‘Why are you running so much? Why are you getting thrown out trying to take extra bases?’”  That brings hope for Rickie Weeks potentially reaching the 20/20 plateau, something that was basically impossible under the old regime as they rarely were active on the base paths.  It certainly gives him a boost up in our rankings.
• Since the last time I did the rankings, Uggla has been dealt to Atlanta.  It certainly doesn’t change his value much in either direction.  Joining Brian McCann and Jason Heyward in the middle of the order, it’s very possible he will exceed 30 home runs for the fifth straight season (almost a given) while going 90/90 as well.
• Speaking of Atlanta, Martin Prado will be shifting to the outfield while maintaining his eligibility at 2B and 3B (and 1B if you play in a league that only requires 5 games played for eligibility).  You have to love that type of flexibility.
• There are several young second basemen who could make an impact in 2011 including Dustin Ackley (click here for my thoughts), Brett Lawrie (click here for my thoughts) and Jason Kipnis (click here for my thoughts).

What are your thoughts on the rankings?  Who’s too high?  Who’s too low?

**** Make sure to pre-order your copy of the Rotoprofessor 2011 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide, selling for just $5, by clicking here. ****

Make sure to check out our 2011 rankings:

• Top 15 Catchers
• Top 15 First Basemen
• Top 15 Third Basemen
• Top 15 Shortstops
• Top 30 Outfielders
• Top 20 Starting Pitchers
• Top 15 Closers
• 2011 Fantasy Draft First Round Breakdown

THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO FEATURED ON WWW.ROTOPROFESSOR.COM

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

With Zach Greinke off the board signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, what if the Twins were in a position to grab their neighbor to the east’s other prized possession, Prince Fielder? Bleacher Report will examine this possibility and rate it on a scale of one to 10 with one being the least likely. We will also look at a few other stars in major league baseball and their chances of playing the Twin Cities in the near future.

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For all the hype Robinson Cano had in 2010, when you compare his numbers from the past two years, the only major change was in his RBI.  As fantasy owners enter 2011 drooling over the numbers Cano posted just a year ago, they quickly forget that in 2009 he hit .320 with 25 home runs, 83 RBI and 103 runs.  Clearly, that’s not a statement that is meant to temper expectations in the least.  The fact of the matter is, with back-to-back exceptional seasons, Cano has now captured the crown as the best fantasy second baseman in baseball.

Is that enough to justify using a first-round selection on him?  Let’s take a look:

2010 Campaign

He hit .319 with 29 home runs, 109 RBI and 103 runs, showing success against both righties and lefties.  Against southpaws he hit .285 with 13 homers, 43 RBI and 40 runs. 

He was significantly better in the first half than the second.  In the first three months, his lowest average was .333.  In the second half, his highest average was .292.  That’s not to say that he was bad, as they always say baseball is a game of averages.

What Happened

The major change for Cano from 2009 to 2010 was where he hit in the lineup, which certainly helped lead to significantly more RBI opportunities.  In 2010 he had 518 at bats in the five spot, driving in 81 RBI (he also had 102 at bats hitting cleanup, with 28 RBI).  In 2009 he spent 412 at bats hitting sixth or seventh.  Clearly, the additional chances suited him well.

He also long had the tag of not being a “clutch player.”  In 2009 he hit .207 with runners in scoring position.  In 2008, while he hit .263, he had only one home run.  Last season he hit .322 with five home runs and 77 RBI.

It is noteworthy that of his 29 home runs, 18 of them came with the bases empty (he had six with a man on first as well as the five with runners in scoring position).  Granted, it’s not like he was overly lucky with RISP (.329 BABIP), but if he does have a decrease in luck, he may not be able to match the RBI total.

Is that really a “downside?”  Absolutely not, but it is just something worth noting.  The truth is, he’s a good enough hitter and the Yankees lineup is so strong, I wouldn’t worry about his RBI total.

Among 2B in ‘10, Cano ranked the following:

• Tied for second in home runs with Rickie Weeks (Dan Uggla led the way with 33)
• Second in runs (Rickie Weeks led the way with 112, though only four second basemen had as many as 100)
• First in RBI (Dan Uggla was first with 105, the only other second basemen with more than 83)
• Second in Average (Omar Infante was first at .321; only four second basemen with at least 400 at bats hit .300 or better)

Clearly, it’s hard to argue those numbers, isn’t it?

What To Expect in 2011

There is nothing in his numbers that give you any reason to think that he’s going to regress significantly.  Just look at some of the peripherals:

• .326 BABIP
• 36.5 percent fly-ball rate
• 19.3 percent line-drive rate
• 14.4 percent HR/FB
• 12.3 percent strikeout rate
• 8.2 percent walk rate

You want to argue that his fly-ball rate and HR/FB are greater than his career marks?  Well, he’s also just 28 years old, so the idea of adding power is not out of the ordinary.  In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him eclipse 30 in 2011.

The fact of the matter is that Cano has developed into one of the best hitters in baseball, not just one of the best second baseman.  The fact that he plays a weaker position only makes him all the more appealing.  Owning him gives you an advantage over all of your competitors, because few other players at his position bring average, power and the potential to go 100/100.

With the power of the Yankees lineup behind him, he should be a lock for the first round in all formats, and a player who should go in the middle of the round.

What are your thoughts?  Is Cano a first-round pick?  Why or why not?

Make sure to check out our previous first-round pick analysis articles:

• Ryan Braun
• Prince Fielder
• Ryan Howard

THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO FEATURED ON WWW.ROTOPROFESSOR.COM

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

As of this moment, right here, the 2013 Yankees already have in the neighborhood of 109 million dollars spent. That’s with arbitration, or new contracts. 109 million…for a season 3 years away.

What is that team going to look like? Is it going to be as old and brittle as some forecast? Well, maybe. Let’s take a guess at what the lineup and rotation might look like by then.

In The Field

1B: Mark Teixeira is penned in here for the foreseeable future.

2013: 22.5 million, 33 years old in 2013.

2B: Robinson Cano, barring injury or severe drop in play, will be here in 2013 on a new contract.

2013: New contract would bring in say, rough guess, 18 million per. 30 years old in 2013.

SS: Eduardo Nunez. Anyway, that is the plan. Scouts say he definitely has the potential; reminds some of Cano a bit when he was that age. By 2013, hopefully, he will mature and take the next step.

2013: Rookie-type contract. Yanks save money here. Will turn 26 in 2013 season.

3B: Derek Jeter. Think Jeter was mad with the contract negotiations? Wait until they move him to 3rd.

2013: 17 million. Will turn 39 in 2013 season.

LF: Grady Sizemore. Sizemore’s current contract is up in 2012, and if healthy and has a bounce-back season, he will demand too much money for the Indians to resign him. Also, have a feeling the Yankees will trade Swisher at some point, and won’t resign Granderson and will need some outfielders. Therefore, Yankees trade for Sizemore. Sizemore will turn 31 in 2013 and the Yankes will resign him before he becomes a free agent.

2013: 31. Contract: If he’s healthy, say 14 million or so.

CF: Brett Gardner. Mr. Scrappy himself is the Yankees lead-off hitter and defensive stalwart.

Turns 30 in 2013. Yankees sign him to friendly contract of about 10 million per.

RF: Jesus Montero. Too big behind the plate and with other catching prospects coming, Montero is placed in the right field spot. Will Gardner next to him and the veteran Sizemore in left, the Yankees feel Montero can’t do too much damage.

Montero will be 23 in 2013 and still be on a very friendly rookie contract.

C: Figure a mix of Gary Sanchez—by accounts the Yankees top all-around catching prospect—and a journeyman, Kelly Shoppach, for instance, to take some of the days from the rookie and tutor him. Shoppach will make about 5 mil.

DH: Alex Rodriguez. Too steroid-damaged to play the field anymore, A-Rod clogs up the DH role until 2017.

Turns 38 in 2013 and earns 28 million.

Rotation

CC Sabathia will turn 33 in 2013 and will earn 23 million.

Cliff Lee will turn 35 during the 2013 season and will earn about 25 million.

A.J. Burnett will be 36 in 2013 and earn 16.5 million.

Phil Hughes will be 27 in 2013 and will be signed by the Yankees to a deal near 10 million.

Dellin Betances will be 25 in 2013 and under a rookie contract.

The Yankees will try commit a panic-trade for another pitcher at some point. Those trades usually do not work out, but if A.J. Burnett pitches his way out of the rotation (a distinct possibility), figure a Jason Marquis-type trade to try to fill in the gaping hole Burnett leaves. Betances figures to be the “See, we’re trying out rookies” pitcher of 2013.

Bullpen

The first season without Mariano Rivera. Panic! The Yankees sign a couple of relief guys to help out—figure Mike Gonzalez and Jonathon Broxton (or similar dudes) to say 18 million for them total. Another rookie, (the Yankees need them to offset the leviathan-type contracts) Manny Banuelos will get a shot in the pen as a lefty, along with the next Joba Chamberlain, “can we get anything out him?” guy—Andrew Brackman. Adam Warren will be a pen guy as well, long reliever. A couple of other journeymen fill out the pen.

Notable Guys Traded/Busts. Nick Swisher. Austin Romine. Joba Chamberlain. Graham Stoneburner. Brandon Laird. Slade Heathcott. Adam Warren. J. R. Murphy. Cito Culver. Ivan Nova. David Adams. Hector Noesi.

Anyway, the above team costs in the ballpark of 210 million and that doesn’t include a bench or any substantive free agent signings between now and 2013 (except of course, Cliff Lee). It also doesn’t include the panic rental trades (the Berkman trade for example). As with any speculation, it’s all educated guesswork. But its fun educated guesswork all to prove a point. And that point should be obvious: The Yankees in 2013 will be in hock to some players—especially the rotation—on the wrong side of 32—some way past 32. It’s coming, these debts, we all know it. The question is “What do we do about it?” The above was just my fun educated guess. What is yours?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

To be clear, in no way do I think the New York Yankees and Derek Jeter will part ways. He’s been the face of the franchise for over a decade, free from controversy, and a consistent performer.

The Yankees want and need him back. Only Miguel Tejeda and Orlando Cabrera would be adequate free agent replacements if you ask me. Followed by Jhonny Peralta and Juan Uribe, if they want to get a bit younger at the position.

Derek Jeter wants to be back. Anywhere else in the league, his value is diminished. A lot of Jeter’s value is based on those pinstripes, not what he actually does on the field. And without Mark Teixeira at first base, his error total would skyrocket. Added to his age, he’d soon be relegated to DH on another team. 

The fans want him back. Enough said!

I don’t think the Yankees would name a new captain if Jeter leaves. But let’s pretend the world ends and Jeter does find another team to play for.  Who would take over as a leader and/or captain for the Yankees?

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