This is the hardest blog post I have ever done. The retirement of all time great and the best player in Major League Baseball for the past twenty seasons, Derek Jeter has hit me hard. The best player and one of the very first players drafted by Mr.S. (rip) and the YANKEES is gone and the hole he leaves offensively and defensively as the best shortstop in baseball is enormous. However, we must move on.
The YANKEES for 2015 will be fine and are reloading. With a very deep and talented starting rotation, albeit a starting rotation with much to prove, do not be surprised if this team performs far above expectations of the pundits and so called talking head experts. Didi Gregorius has been tabbed to replace Jeter at shortstop, which in reality can never be done. Didi needs to be himself, do what he does best and must not let the comparisons to Jeter get to him. Chase Headley has been given the third base position and that may be one of the best moves the YANKEES have made in the off season. The basic starting team will be McCann c. Teixeira 1b. Drew 2b. Headley 3b. Gregorius ss. Gardner lf. Elsbury cf. and Beltran rf. The YANKEES have a boatload of very promising minor leaguers, some of which who will undoubtedly be heard from over the 2015 season.
During the off season the YANKEES lost closer David Robertson, but have gotten better and deeper in the bullpen with the maturation of Betances and the signing of Miller. The closer spot has not been decided and possibly no one will be named. From start to finish the YANKEE pitching staff will be exemplary and carry the team a long way. The lineup on the other hand will have to come together and several players will have to step up their game over last seasons effort. The loss of Jeter, the leader, the captain, will leave a gaping hole that will have to filled by everyone in the lineup stepping up their performance.
Personally, I had an almost non-stop off season with interviews and evaluations. By my choice I am now on a year to year proprietary deal with the Steinbrenner sons. But they are not Mr.S. Hopefully, they will make the decisions that are best for the team, the fans, and winning.
I've noticed the stat frauds are almost non-existent here anymore. You guys and gals have done a great job beating them off, refuting and disproving their garbage man made formulas that are meaningless and useless. WINS and WINNING will always define the best players and teams. I will try to post more often this season and glad you are still here and growing the best baseball blog in the world, the WIN METHOD.
To conclude............LETS GO YANKEES.