The New York Yankees get set to start their 2013 season as the host the Boston Red Sox in Opening Day. However, this season and Red Sox matchup is far from the nail biters we witnessed at the beginning of the century where both teams were competitive. With the Yankees entering the season filled with injuries, find out our predictions for the 2013 season.
Currently, the Yankees look like a last place team in their division. Prior to their injuries, many wondered how the Yankees were expected to compete and remain atop of the A.L. East. For years, dating back to the Joe Torre days, the Yankees have been able to compete despite not having the healthiest or most consistent players. They immediately entered 2013 with an injured Alex Rodriguez whose body appears to be deteriorating by the day. Curtis Granderson went down followed by Mark Teixeira. Captain Derek Jeter was already on shelf during the 2012 American League Championship Series. Without Jeter, the Yankees looked completely naked and vulnerable.
Now, they start the season without any powerhitters except for Robinson Cano and he will be surrounded by guys like Ichiro and an aging Kevin Youkilis. Nothing about the Yankees lineup places fear in their opponent. The Yankees are far removed from what they were in the late 90's and suddenly, Yankee fans don't want to resort to bragging about 27 championships, but merely cross their fingers and wish for the best.
Barring a ton of luck, the Yankees look like they will be in the pit of the A.L. East. They have the same pitching rotation from 2012, minus an injured Phil Hughes. A big question lies on how their catchers Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart will handle the pitching rotation. Cervelli has had experience, but a big question with him lies on his production on offense.
If there is any good news for the Yankees, they have a lot of hard workers on their team. Being that the team is composed of scrappy guys trying to revive their careers like Youkilis, Vernon Wells, Travis Hafner and Lyle Overbay, the Yankees have strayed away from getting the brightest stars on the market. Together, these guys' experiences could be worthy to a Yankee season that is absolutely bleak. However, these players suffer from injuries and have been released because they no longer are worthy on other teams' rosters.
C.C. Sabathia will get the ball today against the Red Sox as the Yanks get ready to face their long time foe. Based on the Yankees current situation and bulk of injured players, their season seems to be a demise. Has anybody thought about getting rid of Brian Cashman? The Yankees injury plague is running so deep the general manager even broke his foot.
Last place it is for the New York Yankees in 2013, the best you can expect from the in a third place finish.
