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Although he didn't strike out anyone Sunday night, there should be plenty of punchouts coming from one of the game's most intimidating ninth-inning presences. Owners of the fireballing righty should look forward to another year of 40 saves, 75 strikeouts and sterling ratios.
Now that's how you make a first impression. Granderson wasted little time in showcasing his offensive prowess for his new AL East rivals, drilling a second-inning Josh Beckett offering into the right center seats in his first at-bat as a Yankee. The explosive 29-year-old blasted a career-high 30 long balls last season, a number that he should have little trouble eclipsing now that he'll be taking half of his hacks at cozy Yankees Stadium.
While he might not be the biggest name to grace a Yankees lineup that is overflowing with All-Star talent, Gardner's lightning speed and plus-defense could translate into a 50-steal, 90-run season if he can hold off Marcus Thames and Randy Winn for the starting job in left. If the 26-year-old keeps churning out performances like he did Sunday night it won't be long before he starts showing up on mixed-league radars so you better pounce early.
An injury-marred '09 saw Beltre post career full-season worsts in most offensive categories, including RBIs (44), home runs (8) and slugging percentage (an anemic .379). Now healthy and hitting in a far more dynamic lineup, the 31-year-old should also benefit by trading in his old Safeco Field home address for the friendlier confines of Fenway Park.
Sure, Swish's career .245 average leaves a lot to be desired, but his high walk-rate and above average pop make him a near lock for his second straight 80-20-80 season in pinstripes. Just imagine what he could do if he straightens himself out at home, where he surprisingly, given the offensively-friendly nature of Yankee Stadium, socked just eight of his 29 homers last season.
An encouraging sign for the veteran backstop who was bothered by a stiff neck during the last week of Spring Training. Posada has missed considerable time over the past two seasons but still managed to poke 22 dingers in 438 at-bats in his age-37 season last year. As long as he's on the field and in the Bombers lineup, he should be one of the Majors' most productive players behind the dish.
Acquired more for his glovework than for his skills at the dish, Scutaro nevertheless came through with the bat in a big way Sunday night, delivering a couple of key singles hitting out of the nine-hole. A few more games like this should go a long way toward silencing those who felt the 34-year-old's '09 breakout was a fluke.
Pedroia talked confidently about posting his first 20-homer season during Spring Training and considering the fact that the two-time All Star and 2007 American League Rookie of the Year is still just 26-years-old, it's possible that we have not yet seen his true power potential. The dynamic second baseman has all the tools needed to add a second American League MVP to his burgeoning collection of hardware and should be one of the game's most valuable contributors at year's end.
Youk missed some time toward the end of camp after fouling a ball off his knee against the Orioles on March 31, but he put plenty of his owners' minds at ease after smacking a stand-up triple off CC Sabathia in the sixth. Boston's hard-hitting third sacker should continue to drive the high octane Red Sox offense while providing a .300 average and 25-home run power from the infield corners.
Cano bounced back from a disappointing '08 season in a big way last year, pounding out 48 doubles, 25 long balls and leading all Major League keystones with a crisp .320 average. Set to hit fifth in what could be a historically prolific Yankees lineup, the sweet-swinging 27-year-old should surpass the 100-RBI barrier for the first time, a feat that only one second baseman (Aaron Hill) accomplished last season.
At the ripe age of 36, the decorated Yankees captain will surely have to slow down one of these days, but until that time comes there are few shortstops that boast the kind of across-the-board output as the reliable 10-time All-Star. Count on another highly productive season from Jeter.
Although he certainly wasn't working with his best stuff, Sabathia seemed to have things under control until faltering in the sixth after giving up a leadoff walk and a pair of extra-base hits to Boston's middle-of-the-order bats. The imposing southpaw struggled with a 7.23 ERA during Grapefruit League play, but keep in mind that Sabathia is a notorious slow-starter and was knocked around to the tune of a 4.73 ERA in five April starts last year before settling down and finishing with a 3.37 mark. He'll look to pick up his first win on April 10 when he makes his second start of the year at the Rays.
Beckett's sixth Opening Day start, and second as a member of the Red Sox, is one that he'll likely hope to forget. Boston's ace put 11 men on base and missed the mark on 40 of his 94 pitches – a recipe for disaster when facing an offensive unit as patient as the Yankees. Beckett will have his work cut out for him his next time out when he locks up with reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke and the Royals on April 10.
A right-handed hitter with pop in his bat, Ryal gives D-backs skipper A.J. Hinch a weapon off the bench, particularly against left-handed pitchers. In addition, Ryal showed that he could play left field as well as third, second and first base. While he is not assured of an everyday role, Ryal's versatility could make him an asset in NL-only leagues that feature daily changes.
Wuertz and Devine, two key cogs in the A's bullpen, should be ready to go by the end of April. Outman, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, isn't expected back until midseason.
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