The Yankees are coming off a season in which they hit 222 HR and average 5.35 runs a game. This year’s team is older and slower. Granderson will not have a year like 2011, Jeter will be 38 and not running anymore, A-Rod is finally AllGone and is no better than Danny Valencia, Teixeira BA has declined significantly over the last 4 years, and Swisher is a .250 lifetime. The bright side is their revamped pitching staff but remember they pitch in the toughest division in baseball…the hard hitting AL East.
TARGET
Eduardo Nunez 2B-3B-SS
Nunez is going into the season with multi-position eligibility which I covet, especially in daily leagues. With the trade of Montero, their projected DH in 2012, look for A-Rod, Cano, and even Jeter to get time at the DH. When that happens Nunez will get the start in their primary positions. Nunez will be this year’s super-sub. A-Rod won’t play on turf in Toronto and Tampa so insert Nunez. Jeter will not be playing 160 games at 38, Nunez gets the start. Nunez could see action in 130 games this year. Nunez has speed and a little pop. He is the perfect player for your bench that can be placed into a hole in your daily line-up. Look for 10HR with 30SB. A great find with your last pick or two in any league.
AVOID
Phil Hughes SP
The Yankees 4 top starters are CC, Kuroda, Pineda, and Nova. That leaves Garcia, Burnett, and Hughes to battle for the 5th spot. As we all know the 5th SP isn’t even needed until week 3 of the season so if drafted he sits until mid-April. Remember Hughes was shut down from 4/15 until 7/8 last years with shoulder inflammation. He finished 5 and 5 with an ERA near a touchdown. The Yankees resigned him this year to a 1 year contract that is not even guaranteed with incentive bonuses. Looks to me like they have no real confidence in him at this point. At best I see him as a spot starter and long relief and then traded mid season for a right-handed bat that can play in the OF. He is a wasted pick in 2012.
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