Well, we're only a couple of weeks away from another opening day, the second last opening day that there will ever be at Yankee stadium.
Here's the latest from our favorite team:
1. Johnny Damon put a gym into his Orlando home this past offseason and spent considerable time pumping iron. Apparently, he liked the feeling of hitting a career-high 24 homeruns last season, and hopes to repeat or surpass that number in 2007. Early in spring training, he told reporters that he "felt as strong as an ox." Look for Johnny Damon to have an outstanding season - even his throwing arm has looked strong over the past few weeks.
2. Kei Igawa has been missing his trademark accuracy. Could it be an adjustment to the slightly larger ball used in MLB? His curveball has been effective, but his fastball has hovered in the 88 to 90 mph range without pinpoint location. He has proven to be effective at striking batters out, but has also walked more than his fair share. If he doesn't show improvement during his last couple of starts during spring training, the Yankees may opt to begin the season with him in the minor leagues so that he doesn't get shell shocked in the big leagues in April.
3. A-Rod appears to be playing with a newfound sense of freedom and lightness. He spent less time this pass offseason bulking up, and having lost about 10 pounds from last season, he looks more agile on the field.
4. Robinson Cano still has the look of a lethal hitter. A contact hitter with excellent power to all part of the field. Look for him to be one of the top five hitters in the big leagues this season. He may be the best pure hitter on the entire roster.
5. Playing full time at DH is looking good on Jason Giambi. Despite having wrist surgery during the offseason, his swing and power are just as good as ever. Look for him to get back to .300 with 40 HRs and 110 plus RBIs in 2007.
6. Derek Jeter has quietly batted above .300 this spring training, and appears to be as he always is. Expect another consistent season from the captain.
7. As usual, Hideki Matsui is in regular season form during spring training. He is looking sleek and lithe, hitting the ball with power and playing a solid left field. Look for him to hit 30 plus HRs this year.
8. Bobby Abreu just started swinging the bat again after suffering a pull of one of his oblique muscles early in spring training. Look for an excellent season from Abreu, one that is effectively a contract year for him.
More updates as they become available. It should be another good year for Yankees fans. Can't wait for the many encounters that we will see between Dice-K and Hideki Matsui.
- Joshua
