The Yankees have gotten their holiday gifts early this year with starting pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. I could rant and rave about how Stienbrennerclaus had to spend oodles of cash in order to bring New York some holiday cheer but the fact remains; the Yanks just hauled in the top two free agent pitchers on the market. Now that the Bronx Bombers aren't using Sidney Ponson as their number three man in the rotation we can expect them to once again be pushing towards playoff glory in the dominate A.L. East. As a Red Sox fan I can't help but be upset in losing both these arms so let's look towards the bright side.
The Yankees still have a bullpen that needs to prove themselves and even though it's anchored by arguable the game's greatest closer it still needs someone to handle innings seven and eight. Unlike the teams of former pinstripe glory this is not the "score a minimum of six runs a night type of team." If New York is going to stay in contention with the high powered A.L. East they're going to need to find more than just starting pitching to do it.
Boston is going to need to counter but unlike their rivals the Sox already have the pieces: their lineup is good though more offense could be used from the catching and shortstop, the pitching can last innings 1-9, and all they need to do is to avoid the injuries that plagued them last year. The statement seems obvious but it should be interesting to see whether or not Ortiz will be the one we saw last season or the 2007 version. Mike Lowell is also returning from injury, a true warrior, whopushed himself beyond limits during last year's playoffs. Both men have much to prove as the Fenway Faithful wait with baited breath. (Note: I'd write on Tek here but read my previous article for more information.)
Talk of Teixeira still lingers but say the Sox land their catch, where to put him? With talent like Teixeira's it would be a shame to not have him on the field at all times. Maybe I'm wrong but here's the options that make the most sense to me:
1) Move Teixeira to 1st and Youkilis to left having Ellisbury and Drew trading time in center.
2) Upon acquiring Teixeira shop out Lowell after moving Youk to 3rd
3) Don't bother, Teixeira without a doubt is a great player but the Sox don't seem to have a place for him at this time. Look to obtain another starting pitcher who can either anchor the rotation or come into it should the need arise.
As far as I can tell this could all be a ploy to keep another big gun out of the enemy's hands. I'm sure Boston would much rather Teixeira go to a less threatening squad say... Washington.
