Post by Ex-NY Yankees GM on Oct 17, 2008 14:40:29 GMT -5
Ramirez' look to keep Yankees on top
By Seth M. Murphy
Sports Writer Extraordinaire
That was the scene at the end of the 1999 season for the New York Yankees, winners of their second straight World Series crown and third in four years.
But this season the champs are going to have a new look in the lineup, with one of the most feared hitters in baseball donning pinstripes.
Manny Ramirez has been acquired to bat cleanup, costing the Yankees Orlando Hernandez, Hideki Matsui, Jake Westbrook and Jason Botts, a price the front-office was very willing to pay for Ramirez.
Manny isn't the only Ramirez to come to New York this spring though, Aramis Ramirez is on his way from Pittsburgh. David Cone and Jose Veras are headed to the Steel City in the deal.
The two right-handed Ramirez' will join a lineup with all-stars Paul O'Neill, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Tino Martinez and future all-star Alfonso Soriano.
The Bombers will be that indeed this season, slugging their way into playoff contention again.
The Yankees did however trade three of their starters from last season, with Cone, Hernandez and Roger Clemens all being dealt.
Clemens did bring them two great young pitchers in Chris Young and Justin Duchscherer and first baseman Mark Teixeira. Those three will anchor the future of the Yankees along with Chien-Ming Wang, Ted Lilly, Soriano and Jeter.
The starting rotation is led by Andy Pettitte and he will be joined on opening day by Denny Neagle, Jose Contreras, Ramiro Mendoza and Young.
The greatest closer ever, Mariano Rivera, is back as the stopper for the Yankees, joined by veterans Mike Stanton, Jeff Nelson and Jason Grimsley. Youngsters Randy Choate and Scott Proctor will also contribute in the bullpen.
Expectations are high for the Yankees again this season, but they have what it takes to make dreams come true.