Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The New Guys
SP Andy Pettitte
He may be new to the 2007 Yankees, but Pettitte needs little re-introduction to fans. The lefty returns home after three seasons with the Houston Astros, and the Yankees will be counting on Pettitte to pick up right where he left off, shooting for 15 wins or more -- plus a few starts in October.
1B Doug Mientkiewicz
Seeking an improved glove for first base, the Yankees signed one of the best in the game in Mientkiewicz. Though the 32-year-old has dealt with injury problems the last few seasons, he is expected to be part of a platoon with Andy Phillips or Josh Phelps at first base, and should help out the rest of the infielders. He's also close personal friends with Alex Rodriguez, having attended the same high school in Florida.
SP Kei Igawa
A 27-year-old left-hander from Japan, Igawa was a three-time strikeout king in the Central League while pitching for the Hanshin Tigers. The Yankees have been cautious to note that Igawa shouldn't necessarily be compared to Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka, as the two pitchers are dissimilar, but both will be counted on for quick results. Igawa will be a point of interest as the Yankees sort out their rotation.
RHP Luis Vizcaino
Acquired in the Randy Johnson deal, Vizcaino has earned the nickname "Daily" for the frequency in which he takes the baseball from his managers. That will fit right into Joe Torre's thought pattern, and the Yankees believe Vizcaino could slot anywhere from the sixth to the eighth inning.
RHP Chris Britton
A reliever acquired from Baltimore in the trade of starter Jaret Wright, the 24-year-old Britton gives the Yankees another experienced arm in the middle-inning mix. He appeared in 52 games for the Orioles last year, posting a 3.35 ERA with two losses and a save.
1B Josh Phelps
Picked up in the Rule 5 Draft from Baltimore, Phelps spent all of last year at Triple-A Toledo, batting .308 with 24 home runs and 90 RBI. He'll need to beat out Andy Phillips to secure a roster spot.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Labels: Andy Pettitte, baseball, Chriss Britton, Doug Mientkiewicz, Josh Phelps, Kei Igawa, Luis Vizcaino, preview, Yankees
Posted by Steve Kenul at 6:24 PM
Royal Rooters posted at 3:09 PM
Minky may make the Yankees lineup seem slightly like an NL one but as a Red Sox fan I can attest to how fun his defense is to watch.
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