The New York Yankees Post Season Preview

Okay, so my New York Yankees clinched the American League East last night and now they have to play out two weeks of meaningless games. Well, I shouldn't say that. They still have to play for home field advantage I guess, but the most important thing on the minds of Yankee fans (and Yankee management) is A) what's the post season lineup going to look like and B) what's the 25 man roster going to look like. Luckily, in the anxious weeks leading up to the 2006 Major League Baseball playoffs, I am here to offer Yankee fans across the nation a look at what the lineup, pitching rotation and roster should look like. Enjoy…

The Lineup, The Starting Nine:

I happen to be a big proponent of the lefty/righty lineup and, while Joe Torre has leaned this way in the past, the manager has proven that he doesn't stick to this strategy exclusively. This lineup might surprise some folks, but I truly believe this is how it might look like…

1.Johnny Damon CF
2.Derek Jeter SS
3.Bobby Abreu RF
4.Gary Sheffield 1B
5.Jason Giambi DH
6.Alex Rodriguez 3B
7.Hideki Matsui LF
8.Jorge Posada C
9.Robinson Cano 2B

How impressive is that lineup. Some of those spots are no-brainers, but here are the only real question areas… What the hell are we going to do with Gary Sheffield? Sorry Melky Cabrera fans (myself included), but the team really has to play Sheff. He's a veteran and he's earned it. Cabrera might get a start here or there for either Gary or Matsui but those guys are going to play, it's just that simple. Joe Torre has already told the media that he's going to start to work Sheffield in at first base and, as bad as Giambi is defensively, I wouldn't be surprised if Gary gets the nod in the field over Jason. Also, you have to wonder if A-Rod's psyche is going to be further shattered my having to hit sixth. Frankly, I don't think he's earned a higher spot yet and the 7-9 hitters aren't exactly easy outs, so it's not like he's totally unprotected.

The Rotation

1.Chien-Ming Wang
2.Mike Mussina
3.Randy Johnson
4.Jaret Wright/Corey Lidle