GRAND OPENING
Yankees begin quest for 27th world title tonight in Oakland




By: Russ Rose
Special to Yankees Talk Shop
April 3, 2006

TThe winter moves and spring training are officially done. The New York Yankees, along with the other 29 teams begin their marathon race for a spot in the "Fall Classic," otherwise known as the World Series. In a city where the most recognizable name in all of sports resides the only thing that matters is hardware.

Twenty-six times the Yankees have been the world champions of baseball. They have won more world titles than any team in any sport anywhere. To give a casual observer the enormity of this feat the onlooker only need look to the teams with the second most championships - the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia/Oakland Athletics. The Cardinals and Athletics have each won nine World Series since the dawn of the modern era of baseball.

Tonight, the Bombers open their 103rd campaign in Oakland against an Athletics team that many experts are pegging to wrest the West Division title away from the Los Angeles Angels. The Yankees have one of the most formidable line ups ever assembled. This offense, if it remains healthy and performs at its best, could easily top 1,000 runs scored. However, the Yankees face an A's starting rotation many believe can propel them into the World Series.

Oakland GM Billy Beane has an uncanny knack of doing more with less than any other general manager in baseball. Beane has assembled, yet, another excellent starting rotation. Lead by 2002 Cy Young award winner Barry Zito the Oakland Athletics are poised to win 90+ games this year. Zito is joined by Rich Harden (10-5, 2.53), Esteban Loaiza (12-10, 3.77), Dan Haren (14-12, 3.73) and Joe Blanton (12-12, 3.53). Zito went 14-13 with a 3.86 ERA. Thank about that. That's five starters who have ERA's under four. That is a phenomenal statistic. That means these starters will keep their team in games. Throw in a good bullpen capped by closer Huston Street (2005 Rookie of the Year winner) and the Oakland Athletics are poised to make some noise.

The Athletics will open their season with Zito and he will be facing five-time Cy Young winner Randy Johnson. Johnson had a mixed bag of success for the Yankees in 2005. The second half of his inaugural season in New York was much better than the first half. Overall, Johnson went 17-8 with an ERA of 3.79, but for the Unit is really was a Tale of Two Seasons. In the first half Johnson struggled mightily going into the All-star break. Johnson's record was 9-6 and his ERA was 4.16. In the second half Johnson went 8-2 and lowered his ERA to 3.79.

This spring Johnson has thrown more innings getting ready to start the season, and he appears to be ready to deal to opposing batters. He seems more at ease with the New York press and all the pressures of playing for the Yankees. Johnson has assured everyone his is focused on winning games, which is exactly the reason he was brought to New York.

The Yankees have a lot to prove. Although, predicted to win their ninth division title very few prognosticators consider the Yankees to be the American League representative in the World Series. The Yankees have the line up to score a lot of runs, and beat up on lesser teams, but how will they fare against the quality pitching of an Oakland or Chicago White Sox in a short series?

Injuries are a big concern for the Yankees. With the exception of Shawn Chacon the Yankees starting rotation has issues. Randy Johnson (lower back), Mike Mussina (elbow), Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder) and Carl Pavano (shoulder and lower back) have all missed starts or significant time because of injuries. Jaret Wright, a starter last year, also missed months of the season, because of a reoccurring shoulder injury. Pavano will start the season on the disabled list, but is expected to be back by the middle of April.

If the staff can stay out of health problems and pitch to their potential, then the Yankees will be fine going into the post-season. Pitching and defense will win the World Series. Just ask the Chicago White Sox and the Florida Marlins. If this year goes like last year where guys were coming from and going to the disabled list through a revolving door, then the Yankees won't be around for the finish.

Tonight, the long road to the second season begins. Let's hope the Yankees will reach the finish line and beyond.

PLAY BALL!



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