2007 - A Pre-Season's Thoughts

Back in March 2007, I wrote this about the upcoming season... it makes me laugh to see me writing about Pavano and Igawa in serious terms. Moose didn't have the season he or us wanted, but this year is great. The A-Rod-Jeter "no longer BFFs" in Spring Training seems like a lifetime (and storm in a teacup) ago, and my final 'world series'... I really should reign myself in ;-) ----------------------------------------------------- March 4th 2007: At this time of year my thoughts turn to baseball and I start becoming obsessed all over again. So, a few ponderings about the team... Infielders: It's strange, I love Jeter unreservedly.. he IS the Yankees, I saw his headfirst dive into the stands from across the field in the seats behind 3rd base and held my breath with the other 55,000 attendees. So the whole Jeter - A-Rod thing is a bit unsettling cos I actually feel a bit for A-Rod. I guess I like that he's honest, that there isn't the same friendship as before. That's fine, everyone has friends who for various reasons, become less so. It's human nature, that's the way it goes. Anyway, when you get down to it, as long as they are happy within themselves and playing well, I really don't care what they mean to each other, and I would guess they don't care either. Cano should have another outstanding season - as long as he keeps smiling that gorgeously infectious smile I'll be happy. Mientkiewicz is someone I haven't watched that much of closely, so am waiting to see how he fares with the team, as it's not just stats that count, it's production and team cohesion. Pitchers: So, once again another season, and another worry about pitching. I'm a big Mussina fan - I love pitchers who use finesse and their brains rather than brawn to get strikes. I wouldn't expect a big season any more, but I think that he will be solid and give us some good wins without which a team has no chance. I think Pettitte is a better buy than Johnson was... I was never a big fan of Johnson, I know he has good stats and great wins etc, but it just never felt right. So, we'll see how it goes, I'm hoping for a solid season, much like Mussina. This means that I'm expect another ace season by Wang, and I think he'll deliver. Not sure about Pavano - like his teammates, I'm waiting to see if he delivers and then I'll judge. Igawa looks interesting, am looking forward to seeing his stuff. Outfielders Well Bernie. I loved Bernie, he was fantastic, a true Yankee... but it's time to move on however much that hurts. Abreu is a good buy I think, as long as he can stay healthy. Matsui should have a solid season too. Damon is someone I can't quite make my mind up about, but he does deliver, but isn't shining which I guess is good for him not having to carry the team, but I would hope for more given his experience and solidity. So, what do I think of the hopes for the season? Hmm, I think that last year's defeat by Detroit in the Division really shook them up, so I believe that this year will be the at least the World Series. ------------------------