Celebrating My First 10 Seasons Watching Baseball!

Hey guys, Drew back here! I didn't realize until the other day, during midterm week no less, that last baseball season was the 10th year I've been following the game. It's amazing how quickly the past decade has gone, and how many memories baseball has made me. So, I decided to construct a team in recognition of this. I wanted to make a Yankees team using the best overall seasons for each position between 2005 and 2014, filling each slot with players specific to that role. Rather than stacking the bench with the superstars who just missed the cut, I wanted to keep things realistic. It may go a bit over budget, but it is the Bronx Bombers we're talking about. Without further ado, let's take a look at the results!

Catcher - Jorge Posada
Season: 2007
Statistics: .338 BA, 20 HR, 90 RBI, 171 H, 91 R

Jorge was the best Yankee catcher since Thurman Munson, and it's only fitting that we start this team with the player with the heart and soul he possessed. His On Base Percentage of .426 was not matched by anyone else on this team, and although his defensive performance wasn't always Gold Glove caliber, who could go against a team leader who can switch hit for power and average?

1st Base - Mark Teixeira
Season: 2009
Statistics: .292 BA, 39 HR, 122 RBI, 178 H, 103 R

Tex's first year in New York was much better than what would follow. Due to injuries, we wouldn't see this type of production past 2011, but he was a key player all throughout the year, and helped lead the Yanks to their 27th World Championship. He was the runner up for MVP behind Joe Mauer, and won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger to accompany a fine season.

2nd Base - Robinson Cano
Season: 2010
Statistics: .319 BA, 29 HR, 109 RBI, 200 H, 103 R

It was difficult to choose Cano's best season in New York, but I ultimately decided on 2010. He finished only behind Josh Hamilton and Miguel Cabrera for AL MVP and also came up with Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards! Robby was the first Yankee I got to see fully develop into a star player, and it was fun watching him dominate the second base position for so long here in the Bronx. He could do it all, and we'll certainly miss that with Stephen Drew slabbed as our Opening Day second baseman in 2015.

Shortstop - Derek Jeter
Season: 2006
Statistics: .343 BA, 14 HR, 97 RBI, 214 H, 118 R, 34 SB

Jeter was 31 years old when I started watching him play, so for the average player he would've only had a few "prime" seasons left. Luckily for us, we got to see the Captain perform above average (at least offensively) until he was 39! New Yorkers feel that Jeter should've won MVP ahead of Justin Morneau in 2006, as it was one of his best seasons of his career. He also won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger this year (catch a theme?), so not only is this offense loaded with hitting, but they could also hold their own in the field.

3rd Base - Alex Rodriguez
Season: 2007
Statistics: .314 BA, 54 HR, 156 RBI, 183 H, 143 R, 24 SB

A-Rod put up video game numbers in his second of two MVP awards he took home with the Yankees, only possible with the help of performance enhancing drugs. I would've tried to find ways around having him on this team, given how much of a head case he is, but there really wasn't anyone else qualified enough to take the hot corner. I was a huge fan of Alex's at this point in time, and I can definitely credit his enormous statistics to keeping me interested in the game when I was young enough to simply walk away (I was 8 in 2005). While most of us aren't fans of his at this point, there's no denying that he would make a perfect cleanup hitter for this roster.

Left Field - Hideki Matsui
Season: 2005
Statistics: .305 BA, 23 HR, 116 RBI, 192 H, 108 R

He was one of those guys that was taken for granted. He wasn't a Gold Glove caliber player in the field, but give Godzilla a bat and he was almost certain to make you pay. Matsui broke his wrist in 2006, breaking a total streak of 1,768 consecutive games played (1,250 with Yomiuri, 518 in NY). He was never really the same player after the injury. In 2005, however; the guy was unstoppable. He was recently named as an advisor to General Manager Brian Cashman, and Cash could not have picked a classier player to help represent playing in pinstripes.

Center Field - Curtis Granderson
Season: 2011
Statistics: .262 BA, 41 HR, 119 RBI, 153 H, 136 R, 25 SB

Grandy and I had a love-hate relationship through his four years in New York. I loved him as a person, but sometimes I couldn't take his inconsistency at the plate. Sure, he clubbed over 40 home runs in back to back seasons, but he also struck out well over 100 times both years. But his 2011 season was the best of any center fielder's in this span (sorry, Bernie), as evidenced by his inflated stat line and 4th place MVP finish. He led the league in runs scored and RBI, stole 25 bases, and played above average defense to boot. I still root for Curtis with the Mets, but his power/strikeout style isn't exactly my favorite approach to watch.

Right Field - Gary Sheffield
Season: 2005
Statistics: .291 BA, 34 HR, 123 RBI, 170 H, 104 R, 10 SB

While Jeter was always my all time favorite Yankee, Gary Sheffield was my first favorite "role" player of sorts. Sheff would've been the star of most other teams, but in New York he wasn't exactly the one selling tickets. It excites me seeing him on the Hall of Fame ballot, but I truly feel that he's just a Hall of Very Good player, despite his 500+ career home run achievement. But in 2005, he put together a Hall of Fame quality season, doing a little bit of everything. He and Vladimir Guerrero in particular were lethal weapons during their prime, and it was fun to see balls rocket off his bat (unless you were sitting in the left field field level seats, then watch out).

DH - Jason Giambi
Season: 2006
Statistics: .253 BA, 37 HR, 113 RBI, 113 H, 92 R

Giambi was a mixed bag of tricks late in his Yankees career. Often injured, with or without that weird moustache, and constantly mentioned in steroid allegations. But 2006 was his final "great" season, and he will provide an extra boost of power to a lineup that doesn't really need it, but wouldn't mind it either. He could also serve in a small platoon situation with one of the bench players, hitting mostly against right handed pitching.

Bench -

Francisco Cervelli
Position: C
Season: 2014
Statistics: .301 BA (162 PA), 2 HR, 13 RBI, 44 H, 18 R

Cervelli played with passion in his 7 partial seasons in New York, and will back up Posada when he needs rest. He can provide a spark with his bat, and while he wasn't the best defensively either, you know he will play to the best of his ability every time he's called upon.

Andruw Jones
Position: OF
Season: 2011
Statistics: .247 BA (222 PA), 13 HR, 33 RBI, 47 H, 27 R

Jones will platoon with Giambi and hit mostly against left handed pitching for this team, as he did extremely well in 2011. He batted .286 vs. left handers, hitting 8 of his 13 total home runs. Jones can also contribute as a backup outfielder, and though he was a former superstar defensive player, he won't quite bring that tool to the park as a 34 year old.

Brett Gardner
Position: OF
Season: 2009
Statistics: .270 BA (248 PA), 3 HR, 23 RBI, 67 H, 48 R, 26 SB

I would have loved to use one of Gardy's better seasons for this slot, but unfortunately according to my rules I had to take a year in which he wasn't a starter. He provided an excellent spark off the bench for the World Series team, and would eventually develop into one of my favorite current players. He'll be the preferred backup outfielder over Jones for this team, and the perfect late game pinch runner as well.

Jayson Nix
Position: UTIL
Season: 2012
Statistics: .273 BA (202 PA), 4 HR, 18 RBI, 43 H, 24 R

I always enjoyed the versatility of Nix, and I feel like most teams should have a guy capable of playing multiple positions. I could have went with Eduardo Nunez, but his versatility felt forced as he made far too many errors too often. Nix was sure-handed, and he wasn't an automatic out at the plate either.

Opening Day Lineup

1 - Derek Jeter (R)
2 - Curtis Granderson (L)
3 - Robinson Cano (L)
4 - Alex Rodriguez (R)
5 - Mark Teixeira (S)
6 - Jason Giambi (L)
7 - Gary Sheffield (R)
8 - Hideki Matsui (L)
9 - Jorge Posada (S)

Total Salary - $137,726,096
Average Salary - $10,594,315

Notable Omissions - Eduardo Nunez, Nick Swisher, Alfonso Soriano, Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon, Jose Molina, Bernie Williams

The Yankees may have won the World Series just in 2009 since I started following the team, but as you can see, there have been so many fantastic individual seasons compiled throughout that time. I also constructed a pitching staff, and will have that posted tomorrow to complete the 25 man roster! Please feel free to comment with your thoughts on this team, as well as any changes you would consider, and if you would like to use this idea for your team on your blog, be my guest!

See Ya!

Care Package from Julie!

Hey guys, Drew back here! If any of you readers are interested in my last two lots, the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals, please comment and email me your address (yanks1996wsc@gmail.com). I recently received a package in the mail courtesy of Julie from A Cracked Bat! I sent Julie some Tigers cards in the #FreeStuff giveaway, and I was surprised to get a package back out of the blue in exchange!

Julie attacked a lot of my player and team collection needs, and she did a fantastic job! I surprisingly ended up needing a majority of the cards, which amazes me considering how many Yankees cards I've been able to accumulate over the years. I had never even seen the Cano Generation Now Arrives insert from 2007 Topps until this package came along, so I really appreciate that one in particular.

I needed every one of the cards in the above scan, and many of these players are some of my all time favorites! I love the way Yogi looks out of place in that 1990 Topps design. Those 2014 Stadium Club cards are super nice too; I could almost read CC's forearm tattoo due to how clear the image is.

Julie finished off the lot with two sweet Tanaka's; the first being his 2014 Topps Chrome rookie card and the second his 2015 Topps "Future Stars" base card. I really don't like the way they did the Future Stars logo this year, but the picture makes up for it. I'm hoping for the best for Masahiro next year, but wouldn't be surprised if things don't work out as well as the Yankees would like.

Thank you so much for the package Julie; you really didn't have to do all this! If you haven't given A Cracked Bat a look, here's a link.

See Ya!

2015 National League Central Preview + Predictions!

Hey guys, Drew back here! Moving right along; here is our fifth division preview of the season. Since I started this series, I've had to make two changes thanks in part to pitcher injuries that were critical to the hopes of two teams. I first moved the Rangers from third to fourth in the AL West due to Yu Darvish's impending Tommy John Surgery. Texas will still have a solid team, but Darvish would've made them a contender, and it really sucks that he won't be around in 2015. Also, I just recently decided with the tragic torn ACL young Blue Jays righty Marcus Stroman suffered to lower the Blue Jays to second in the AL East. I had them winning the division due to a breakout year for Stroman, and since this is my blog and I get to do what I want, the Blue Jays will now be a Wild Card team while the Red Sox will now take the division in my opinion. Injuries have been brutal this spring already, and I know it's drastic to move an entire team based on one player, but that just goes to show how competitive baseball should be next year.

If you've missed the beginning of this series, check out my predictions for:

AL East                    AL Central                   AL West                      NL East

2015 NL Central Standings Prediction:

Image Source

1 - Pittsburgh Pirates

X-Factors: Gregory Polanco, Pedro Alvarez, Gerrit Cole, Jung-Ho Kang

The Cardinals have barely bested Pittsburgh two years in a row now, and I don't believe they can do it again. This year will be the first time since 1992 that the Jolly Roger will be raised at the top of the division, and the first time they ever win the Central (at that time they were in the NL East). Mike Trout may be younger and slightly more talented, but that is no reason to put down Andrew McCutchen. Cutch is in the thick of his prime, and should be primed to lead his time into the playoffs for the third straight year. Their young outfield of McCutchen, Starling Marte, and Gregory Polanco has tremendous potential, and should be explosive on offensive and defense. They were able to sign back A.J. Burnett, who clearly proved that PNC Park was a great fit during his first stint with the team. Francisco Liriano was re-signed, and young fireballer Gerrit Cole will continue to prove that he's their future ace. If this team can continue to play like they have in recent time, they will only get better. And to the rest of the division; that's awfully scary.

2 - St. Louis Cardinals

X-Factors: Michael Wacha, Kolten Wong, Jason Heyward

This has been one of the most consistent teams of recent time, always doing things the right way ("The Cardinal Way"). Led by catcher Yadier Molina, the Birds will be looking to build off their division win and Championship series loss to the reigning champion San Francisco Giants. What the Cardinals have that the Pirates don't have is age, which could be viewed in two different ways. It is great to have players that know how to win, but it's not great having a group of players deteriorating and more susceptible to injury. Molina's performance has declined, but his impact on the team is far beyond his bat, but he's not the only one. Matt Holliday's performance is gradually decreasing, and ace Adam Wainwright is going into a year already with injury concern. But this isn't to say this is a bad team, their potential on paper just doesn't quite seem to top Pittsburgh's at this point. Newly acquired Jason Heyward will be worth every bit of the trade they made involving Shelby Miller and prospects. Heyward may not have reached his offensive ceiling quite yet, but he's considered the best right fielder defensively in the game, and he's only 25 years old. The return of Michael Wacha should balance the pitching rotation while Wainwright battles through what may be a difficult season, as well. Mike Matheny is a fantastic manager, and he'll find a way to get this team to the playoffs; I just don't expect them to win the Central with their stars slowly fading away.   

3 - Chicago Cubs

X-Factors: Jorge Soler, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant

Who in their right mind would bet for this team to win the World Series? Considering it's been over a hundred years since they last won, the odds are clearly not in their favor. And while yes, they did improve significantly this offseason adding Jon Lester, Dexter Fowler, Miguel Montero, and manager Joe Maddon; it's not their time yet. People aren't even sure if Kris Bryant is going to make the Opening Day roster due to money reasons, so that alone could set the team back. This core of young talent is unmatched on any other team in the game, and I do agree that they can become at least a Wild Card contender as early as this year. However, I think most of their success is still a few years away. It has to be tough on developing outfielder Jorge Soler, third baseman Bryant, and second baseman Javier Baez hearing all of these World Series talks. Vegas may think it's their time, but the average baseball fan should be able to see that there are far too many already established teams that will be more prepared this year. I'm as excited as the next guy to see these young stars make names for themselves in the big leagues, don't get me wrong. But I don't see them making the playoffs this year.

4 - Cincinnati Reds

X-Factors: Health

Choosing between the Reds and Brewers for this spot was more difficult than just about anything else I've attempted to predict this year. But, given that this Reds team is currently healthy, I can't help but put them ahead for now. If this team could stay relatively healthy this year, I can see them even making a playoff run. Even though they lost Mat Latos, they still have a lot to offer. Jay Bruce and Joey Votto were absent in the lineup for most of last season, and they should provide a spark guys like Todd Frazier, Devin Mesoraco, and Billy Hamilton needed. Johnny Cueto will most likely be pitching his final season for the Reds, and will be performing for a big contract. He will once again make a case for the Cy Young Award, and now healthy Homer Bailey and Tony Cingrani should contribute too. This team's devastating 2014 paralleled the Rangers in the American League, and like I said for them (before they lost Darvish of course)... how much worse could it get? 

5 - Milwaukee Brewers

X-Factors: Ryan Braun, Jean Segura, Adam Lind

The Brewers won 82 games in 2014, and I just ranked them in last for this upcoming season. And I do not feel comfortable with this decision at all, because this does not feel like a last place team. I just don't know how else to go about this, and thus here we are now. Ryan Braun has been going through Tiger Woods Syndrome ever since his PED scandal, and we may never see the old Braun again. This will be their third baseman and model of consistency Aramis Ramirez's final season, and he can't man the hot corner all that well anymore. Carlos Gomez and Jonathan Lucroy will provide the major spark of the lineup; both being potential MVP candidates, but it still isn't enough for me. Why is that, you ask? It all comes down to pitching, and they simply do not have what any of the other teams in the division have. They traded Yovani Gallardo to the Rangers this past winter, and it's going to hurt them not having a dependable ace in the staff. The offense can be as good as it was last year, but the other four teams here have all improved. If anything, the Brew Crew took a step back.

Division MVP: Andrew McCutchen

Division Cy Young: Johnny Cueto

Playoff Teams: Pittsburgh, St. Louis

I ended up choosing the Marlins and Cardinals as my two Wild Card choices for the National League, which means that the defending champion Giants, or the always popular choice, the Dodgers, will NOT make the playoffs at all. Stay tuned to see what I have to say about the West, and shortly after that I'll have my playoff and award predictions! 

Do you agree, disagree? Feel free to start up some baseball chatter in the comments below, I've enjoyed hearing your feedback so far and I'm glad this new series has been appealing to some people so far! I can't wait for the season to begin!

See Ya!

Mailday - Welcomed PC Additions from John!

Hey guys, Drew back here. Yesterday, I shipped the remainder of the #FreeStuff packages, and the only teams remaining to claim are the Kansas City Royals, Washington Nationals, and Cleveland Indians. If you're interested, please comment or email me (yanks1996wsc@gmail.com) and I will get them out as soon as I can. I didn't ask for anything in return for the cards, as I was initially just trying to clear out a bin of doubles that was taking up space in my collection. However, one of my readers, John, claimed two teams and wanted to reciprocate for what I sent him. I received a package from him a few days ago, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many holes he filled in my PC's!

John started off with cards of some of my favorite Yankees. He actually added 2 new cards to my Robinson Cano PC, the 254th and 255th unique cards in the collection! I'm beginning to warm back up to Cano, but I'd prefer to stick with collecting his Yankees cards (though I'd take the Mariners ones too). I just wish Topps would realize that the facsimile autograph they put on his cards matched his actual autograph; it's not even close.

Next, he sent a bunch of cool older Johnny Damon cards! I don't have enough of his pre-Yankees cards, and after meeting him at a card show I've grown to like him more as a player and person. He still hasn't announced his retirement because he thinks he's still got the talent to play in the big leagues. I admire that.

Finally, John sent along a bunch of non-Yankee cards that fulfilled some of my smaller player PC's. Nick Swisher used to be one of my main collections, but collecting him got a little boring after a while and I've slowed down. Believe it or not, this was my first card of him in an Indians uniform. I really hope to see Hamilton recover from his recent relapse, because he's easily been one of my favorite players to watch growing up.

Thank you so much again John for all of the great cards! You really didn't have to!

See Ya!

2015 National League East Preview + Predictions!

Hey guys, Drew back here! I've had a blast with this series so far, and I love hearing what some of you have had to say defending your favorite teams. Remember, this is solely my prediction; I decided to throw some interesting curveballs in my picks to be able to say "I called it" when a team of the Royals caliber makes a deep playoff run next year. With that, if you're interested in checking out my posts regarding the AL East, Central, and West, feel free to click the links! But for now, let's talk about this year's National League East; a division mostly on the rise from being one of the least competitive divisions in the game.

2015 NL East Standings Prediction:

Image Source

1 - Washington Nationals
X-Factors: Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Drew Storen

This was probably my easiest pick of all 30 teams. The Nationals have become one of those yearly great regular season teams (similarly to the Angels), but I have a strong feeling that will change in 2015. Their pitching rotation ranks among the best on paper in the modern baseball era: newly acquired Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg, Doug Fister, and Gio Gonzalez. Tanner Roark won 15 games with a sub 3.00 ERA and they won't even have room for him on Opening Day! Zimmermann and Fister are in contract years which will give them even more to play for, and the team knows that 2015 could be their only shot with this particular roster. Shortstop Ian Desmond will be a free agent as well next offseason and, considering he already turned down $107 million from the Nats in 2013, I don't see how they would be able to afford him. The biggest concern for Washington is their bullpen, led by closer Drew Storen, who pitched well last season but will have a much bigger role potentially closing out key playoff games. A rebound season from Ryan Zimmerman and the possibility of a major Bryce Harper breakout year could give them an extra boost and push them deep into the pennant race. The sky is the limit for this team.

2 - Miami Marlins
X-Factors: Jose Fernandez, Dee Gordon, Mike Morse

I really like the Marlins this year, I'm not going to lie. Their core young outfield consisting of Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich, and Giancarlo Stanton is one of the best in the business, and they made some other key improvements this offseason too. Martin Prado, Dee Gordon, and Mike Morse should help increase offensive production, although I have a hard time seeing Gordon replicate his 2014 statistics. Henderson Alvarez and trade acquisition Mat Latos should be able to shoulder the load until 22 year old phenom Jose Fernandez returns from Tommy John Surgery around early June. On a personal note, I hope to see David Phelps make the rotation or have a key bullpen role at some point; he will be one of my most missed ex-Yankees next year. But, the main focus of this offense is Mr. Moneybags, Giancarlo Stanton. Six foot six and 240 lbs.; this guy can care less about what happened to his face last year. I think he has the best year of his career, and he helps lead Miami to the postseason as one of the biggest wild card contenders.

3 - New York Mets
X-Factors: Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Wilmer Flores

The unofficial "Good Guy" team starring David Wright, Curtis Granderson, and now Michael Cuddyer should continue to improve from their second place finish in 2015. Unfortunately, I believe the Marlins improved even more and will be the division runner ups by the end of September. This is a team I see getting a little bit better every year, with almost an annual tradition of adding a top pitching prospect to the rotation. "The Dark Knight", Matt Harvey is the cream of the crop, and while his Tommy John comeback will be monitored, I can see him returning to form quickly and easily. Just watch his first Spring Training performance; the guy can seriously pitch. Their offense may be prone to injury and slumps throughout the course of the season, but their fantastic young rotation may be able to lead them into the Wild Card hunt as well.

4 - Atlanta Braves
X-Factors: Nick Markakis, Alex Wood

New Atlanta GM John Hart was awfully busy this past winter, and it became clear that his direction was to throw away last year's team and focus on the future. Poor Freddie Freeman lost the protection of Justin Upton and Jason Heyward in the lineup; who were traded to San Diego and St. Louis, respectively. In addition, power hitting catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis was moved to Houston. Their rotation seems to have improved, led by a solid young trio of Julio Teheran, Alex Wood, and Shelby Miller, and the bullpen is again anchored by star closer Craig Kimbrel. This team may have improved in the long run through all of the prospect acquisitions. Their success in 2015, however, may be partially determined by the health of free agent signing Nick Markakis. Markakis was released by the Orioles after they learned of the herniated disk in his neck that required offseason surgery. This Braves team today doesn't appear likely to make the postseason, but their future should be intriguing thanks to Hart's moves.

5 - Philadelphia Phillies
X-Factors: Cliff Lee, Domonic Brown

It's truly sad seeing how much this team has fallen off ever since their 2008 and 2009 World Series appearances. Their supposed star Ryan Howard has not aged gracefully, batting .223 last season in the first year since 2011 that he managed to play almost a full season (although he did manage to drive in an impressive 95 runs given the team's weak offensive season). Chase Utley is still reliable but injury prone for his age, and Cliff Lee was recently given sad news about his elbow that may end his career a bit prematurely. If I were Ruben Amaro Jr., I would be doing anything in my power to move their terrible contracts and start over. Cole Hamels may be worth his team-friendly contract, but he would fetch the most value in return and therefore should be moved as well, because let's face it: the Phillies don't stand much of a chance next year.

Division MVP: Giancarlo Stanton
Division Cy Young: Max Scherzer
Playoff Teams: Washington, Miami (Wild Card)

The NL East seems to be the youngest division in the game, and there will be so many fun players to watch this season. The Cy Young could've honestly went to any of the Nationals starters, but I picked Scherzer to dominate hitters better than anyone. The adjustment should be fine for "Mad Max", and I'm sure he'll be glad to not have to face DH's such as Victor Martinez, David Ortiz, and Chris Carter as often. I also heard that he's been working on adding a cutter to his arsenal, so we will have to wait and see if that elevates his game further. The Marlins may be a debatable playoff team, but I would personally like to see them make a run with all of their young talent. Plus, how cool would it be seeing Stanton up with a tie game in the 9th inning; bases loaded? The youth movement probably makes this division the weakest in the National League, but it could be one of the best throughout baseball a couple of years from now.

Any thoughts or predictions of your own? Feel free to share them in the comments below! For now, I'm signing off.

See Ya!