The Yankees have enough talent on their pitching staff and in their lineup to win a World Championship in 2009. They have more depth in both areas than they have had in years past so that if the team faces a multitude of injuries like it has since 2007 then it should be able to keep winning.
With that said, there are a couple of players who will be on the roster or in the minors capable of making a big impact while not being counted upon. Phil Hughes is the obvious top choice in this department. Though he will not make the team out of spring training, in the event of an inevitable missed start by someone in the rotation, Hughes will be the first one called up. In the lineup, guys like Austin Jackson and Jose Molina could play increasingly important roles depending on how center field and the catching situation pan out.
In the bullpen, guys like Brian Bruney, Mariano Rivera and Damaso Marte will be reliable relievers counted on in high pressure situations and other names like Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras, Jonathan Albaladejo, Phil Coke and Alfredo Aceves will be competing for a spot.
But the major name who probably won't break with the team out of camp will be Mark Melancon, who has long been considered Mariano Rivera's replacement. With the downfalls in Humberto Sanchez and JB Cox due to injuries the last couple of seasons, Melancon is the closest dominant arm in the system. Melancon missed 2007 due to Tommy John surgery, but recovered in 2008 to dominate minor leaguers, withstand a heavy workload, and reach his fastball's velocity back up to 95 miles per hour. Melancon is the most unknown, but strongest reason people who think Joba Chamberlain should be in the bullpen will simply be proved wrong. At every level of the minors the reliever's numbers have improved and he figures to have the makeup of a closer. Here's a profile on the star prospect.
Listed below is a guide we can follow for the rest of the winter and into spring training:
Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Position players report (A-Rod meets the media under the big top)
Wednesday, Feb. 18 – First full-squad workout
Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Final World Baseball Classic rosters announced
Wednesday, Feb. 25 – Yankees first spring game (at Blue Jays in Dunedin)
Thursday, Feb. 26 – Yankees spring home opener (vs. Rays)
Monday, March 2 – WBC players must report to their teams
Tuesday, March 3 – Yankees host Team USA in exhibition game
Thursday, March 5 – World Baseball Classic begins in Tokyo
Monday, March 23 – World Baseball Classic final at Dodger Stadium
Wednesday, April 1 – Yankees final Grapefruit League game (vs. Phillies)
Friday, April 3 – First exhibition game at new Yankee Stadium vs. Cubs
Saturday, April 4 – Final exhibition game at new Yankee Stadium vs. Cubs
Monday, April 6 – Opening Day at Baltimore
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