HITTING
"The Yankees haven't exactly been the Bronx Bombers in recent seasons, but they still should have more than enough offensive firepower to win.
If Dave Winfield is able to return to form following a year on the sidelines due to back surgery, the Yanks will have an explosive attack. If age (38), the long layoff and an aching back keep Winfield from being a big contributor, the Yanks should still be potent enough.
Don Mattingly (.303, 23, 113), second in the American League in RBI, remains at the heart of the order and Steve Sax (.315, 5, 63, 43 stolen bases), second in the AL with 205 hits, was the perfect table-setter. Jesse Barfield (.234, 23, 67) gives the Yanks another longball threat.
After posting an average 42 points better than his career minor league mark, Roberto Kelly (.302, 9, 48, 35 steals) must prove his surprising first full year in the majors was no fluke."
-Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1990 Edition
PITCHING
"The Yankees have been in first or second place at the All-Star break each of the last five years and yet the AL East title has eluded them since 1981. Their pitching staff has undermined them every year.
The Yankees simply haven't had the arms to last over the long haul. Andy Hawkins (15-15, 4.80) was the only starter to provide more than 200 innings last year on a staff that ranked 13th in the AL with a fat 4.50 ERA. The Yankees used 16 different starters and 22 pitchers overall in 1989.
The club's desperation to improve their rotation showed in the three-year, $5.7-million contract they lavished on the unpredictable Pascual Perez (9-13, 3.31). When they failed to sign free agents Mark Langston and Mark Davis, they added Tim Leary (8-14, 3.52) from the Reds for a pair of prospects. Now they must hope Leary can regain his 17-11 form of 1988.
Eric Plunk (8-6, 3.28) and Greg Cadaret (5-5, 4.05) can either start or relieve. The Yankees spent much of the off-season debating how to best use Dave Righetti (2-6, 3.00), who has recorded 25 saves but blown nine saves in each of the last two years. Ex-Pirate Jeff Robinson can help the Yankee bullpen a lot more than his 7-13 record and 4.58 era last year would suggest. Lee Guetterman (5-5, 2.45) is a capable setup man."
-Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1990 Edition
FIELDING
"Mattingly, a Gold Glove winner the last five years, can lay claim to being the best first baseman in the game. Second baseman Sax and shortstop find Alvaro Espinoza provide strong defense up the middle, especially now that Bob Geren will take over for Don Slaught behind the plate for a full season, complemented by three-time Yankee Rick Cerone."
-Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1990 Edition
OUTLOOK
"These are hard times for the Yanks, who found themselves in disarray at the end of their first decade without a World Championship since 1910-1919. Their 74-87 record last year was their worst since 1967, and manager Bucky Dent begins the year with his job hanging by a thread. Even in the weak American League East, this doesn't figure to be the Yankees' year."
-Tom Pedulla, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1990 Edition
HEROES IN PINSTRIPES, A NEW DECADE: THE 1990 YANKEES
"The New York Yankees have welcomed with open arms the dawning of a new decade. If baseball prosperity was measured by victories and defeats, the 1980's in the Bronx would be considered a rousing triumph. But while most franchises simply appraise success by the battles won, it is the number wars won by the Yankees which continues to define the expectations for today, and the goals for tomorrow.
The past 10 seasons saw the Yankees win more games than any American League team. But noticeably absent over the decade was the waving of a World Championship flag. The foundation is in place to add a 23rd World Title.
What better individual to lead the 1990 Yankees than a player who participated in the last World Championship in 1978. Manager Bucky Dent, summoned to the Bronx in August to replace the vocal Dallas Green, took over a squad that was suffering through one of the worst months in Yankee history. But to Dent's credit, he installed a new credo and the players responded, starting September with a nine-game winning streak and finishing the month with their best winning percentage (15-10, .600) for the season.
But the respectable month cannot mask the final fifth-place outcome, 14-and-a-half games behind division-winning Toronto.
The prognosticators, who saw the Yankees' angst to be a thin pitching staff, watched their words turn prophetic as the team ERA soared with the summer heat. If the Yankees are to make any kind of a run at the American League East title, the pitching corps and its remodeled look must attain some level of consistency sorely lacking from last year's staff. The additions of Pascual Perez and Tim Leary as starters, the return of an injured Dave LaPoint and the acquisition of Jeff Robinson as a middle reliever will go a long way in determining the fate of the '90 Yankees.
If a smile should creep from beneath Dent's exterior, chances are his thoughts have drifted to his team's offensive and defensive capabilities. Surprises, both pleasant and unexpected, came from two main sources in the Yankee infield in 1989. The emergence of shortstop Alvaro Espinoza and the hell-bent play of second baseman Steve Sax dominated Yankee headlines last season. Espinoza, a career minor leaguer, filled a void fans envisioned as the team's most gaping hole. Sax, a former Los Angeles Dodger standout, has clearly proved his once-suspect defensive skills are in good hands [sic]. His offensive proficiency has made him one of baseball's finest all-around players.
When speaking of talented Yankee players, the name Dave Winfield usually tops the list. An individual who feeds off personal challenges, this veteran may face the toughest one of his professional career. The 38-year-old outfielder is coming off back problems which excluded him from the entire '89 season. His imminent return is cause for concern. As always, he remains confident.
'I feel as good and better than I did in 1988 before I got injured,' Winfield says. 'Mentally I feel really good. When I feel better than I have in the last few years, I have to talk with a smile on my face.'
Though Winfield is not ready to surrender his right field spot, his replacement, Jesse Barfield, appears the likely candidate to start the season there. That, in turn, moves Dave to left.
Mixing in the speed of centerfielder Roberto Kelly and the power potential of catcher Bob Geren and designated hitters Mel Hall and Steve Balboni, the lineup can flex its muscles and cause disruption on the bases.
Here is a proposed Opening Day lineup:
1. Steve Sax, 2B
2. Alvaro Espinoza, SS
3. Don Mattingly, 1B
4. Dave Winfield, LF
5. Mel Hall/Steve Balboni, DH
6. Jesse Barfield, RF
7. Bob Geren, C
8. Mike Blowers, 3B
9. Roberto Kelly, CF
Sax hitting first.
If Sax found adjusting to his new life in the AL a difficult process, he certainly didn't show it. After the departure of Rickey Henderson, arguably baseball's greatest leadoff hitter, Sax stepped into the number one slot and performed above the high expectations asked of him. The Yankees All-Star second baseman led the team in batting average (.315, 33 points above his career average), at-bats (651), runs (88), hits (205) and stolen bases (43).
In the leadoff spot, Sax can utilize his speed and his penchant to get on base. In the field, he led the league at his position with a .987 fielding percentage. Statistics aside, Sax' greatest asset to this Yankee squad is his ability to inspire. He is one of baseball's true gamers, a throwback to when players played every game as if it were their last.
Espinoza hitting second.
In Espinoza, the Yankees find themselves with the quintessential second-place hitter. Through the 28-year-old shortstop hit in four different spots throughout the '89 season, he inflicted the most damage hitting second. His .336 average in the number two slot and his combined 23 sacrifice hits (second in the majors) makes him the obvious choice to follow Sax.
Espy's ability to hit and run will result in the Yankees scoring early and often if the middle of the lineup does its job. Through Espinoza dazzled in the field, his season-ending .282 average adds a dimension not often seen from a Yankee shortstop.
Mattingly hitting third.
If consistency is the buzzword for greatness, Mattingly is among the elite. For the sixth straight season, the Yankees first baseman hit over .300 (.302), collected at least 37 doubles and was elected to the All-Star team. Much of Mattingly's success will rely on Sax and Espinoza getting on base. His 119 RBI last season were second highest in the league. Like any great player, the Hit Man performs best when needed most. When opportunity knocked, Mattingly hit .339 with men in scoring position and drove in the game-tying RBI 10 times, both team highs. The only thing missing in his arsenal is foot speed, and last season he managed a career high three stolen bases.
Void of controversy and a statistically sub-par season, Mattingly's career has been the model of excellence.
Winfield hitting cleanup.
When most men his age are playing flag football for physical enjoyment, Winfield expects to do the unexpected. After a sterling performance in '88, perhaps his finest in Pinstripes, Winfield's mere presence both on the field and in the clubhouse could serve as a psychological stronghold [sic] for the entire team, both young and old. Expecting him to attain his '88 numbers (.322, 25, 107) may be unrealistic, but even a scaled-down version of his former self will be a welcome sight.
While Winfield's contribution offensively is immeasurable, his ability to adjust and play left field may have longer lasting ramifications. After the Henderson trade, the Yankees were null of a true left fielder. With Winfield and Barfield at the corners and Kelly in center, the Yankees possess two of the best arms in the league and a player with the speed to cover the cavernous Stadium outfield.
Balboni/Hall in the fifth spot.
This lefty-right DH combination had an effective '89 season. Balboni, the second-time Yankee, made the most of his opportunities and his home runs. The Yankees went 13-3 in games he homered, and the former Royal and Mariner played a smooth first base when needed. Kansas City All-Star infielder George Brett claimed Balboni was one of the best first basemen he played with because of his soft hands. What he means to the lineup is better pitches for Mattingly and Winfield. With Barfield to follow, the middle of the lineup could be among the league's most potent.
What Mel Hall brought to the Yankees after his acquisition in March of '89 was some much needed offense from the left side and scintillating play in left field. Known more for his offense and offbeat style, Hall made the highlight film several times with outstanding catches in left. The short right field porch suits his compact stroke. Eleven of his 17 home runs landed in the Stadium seats and the Yankees seemed to respond, losing just once after a Hall homer. But the second-year Yankee may be most valuable should Winfield have physical problems. Hall would be the heir apparent in left.
Barfield hitting sixth.
Much controversy surrounded the trade bringing Barfield to the Yankees for pitcher Al Leiter. There were few complaints at season's end. The right fielder led the league with 20 assists and kept countless baserunners at bay in fear of becoming another statistic. Though Barfield's overall .234 average was substandard for a player of his caliber, his 18 homers and 56 RBI showed signs of what could come. Barfield's mild-mannered nature adds a soothing presence in the Yankee clubhouse, a quality often understated in a sometimes tumultuous atmosphere.
Geren, hitting seventh.
Geren took over the duties as the full-time catcher in August after being recalled from Columbus in mid-May. With the departure of Don Slaught to the Pittsburgh Pirates in an off-season trade, the 10-year minor leaguer takes over the reins as the Yankees' number one catcher. Though Geren ended the season hitting .288 in 205 at-bats, he slumped badly in September due to a sore back. Whether he can hit major league pitching over the long haul is yet to be determined. What should not lapse is his defense. Geren's deftness behind the plate and strong arm have earned the respect of the league's best base stealers. If the middle of the lineup puts up big numbers, Geren's offensive statistics become less noticeable.
Blowers hitting eighth.
The former Montreal farmhand arrived in New York as the player to be named later in the John Candelaria deal. Last year the Yankees used seven men at the hot corner and are looking to the 25-year-old as the answer at third. With just 13 major league games under his belt entering the '90 season, Blowers is an untested commodity. Known for his slick glove work, the former shortstop switched to third in 1987 and led the Florida State League in fielding. His most difficult transition will occur at the plate. If Blowers can hit a solid .250 and remain solid in the field, he would fulfill expectations of the Yankee brass.
Kelly hitting ninth.
Kelly's ability to get on base and advance via the steal adds a whole new dimension to the ninth-place spot. And his .302 average in 1989 demonstrated he can hit major league pitching. But are these skills being wasted, buried deep in the batting order? A year ago it was obvious the 25-year-old center fielder felt comfortable hitting last in the lineup. His on-base percentage (.369) was first among the regulars, and his 35 steals ranked him second behind Sax' 43. Why try and fix something that's not broken? Though Kelly had spurts of problems in the outfield, his overall speed and the experience from the '89 season provide the Yankees with an outstanding triumvirate in the outfield.
While the offensive and defensive prospects for Dent may soothe his nerves, it's his pitching corps that will determine the team's ultimate fate. The staff's 4.50 ERA was second highest in the league, and the starters' inability to go the distance weighed heavily on a bullpen that wore thin in the dog days.
Though the probable starting five of Andy Hawkins, Perez, Leary, LaPoint and Chuck Cary lacks a true stopper, Perez and Leary have shown the ability to dominate when their game is on.
Hawkins, tabbed as the staff's anchor upon his arrival in '89, collected a team high 15 wins. But he dragged around a 4.80 ERA, the lowest among the regular starters. Given the opportunity to spot-start, the left-handed Cary won four games in 11 starts, entering at least the seventh inning seven times.
The Yankees' off-season acquisition of right-hander Robinson to complement southpaw Guetterman as a middle reliever was a major coup. Guetterman started the '89 season throwing 30 and two-thirds scoreless innings and was a major surprise in the early going. Injuries soured Robinson's '89 season, but if he can resurrect past numbers (75 games pitched, 124.2 innings pitched in '88), the duo can make life much easier for closers Dave Righetti and Lance McCullers.
And not far away, Yankees of the future, and even today, strut their stuff, especially the moundsmen. Last year's Albany team boasted a staff that dominated the league. Names like Steve Adkins (Yankees Minor League Pitcher of the Year), Darrin Chapin, Kevin Mmahat and Dave Eiland are only a phone call away.
Fortunately the American League East remains a division with no dominant team. A team that can get out of the blocks early and maintain cruising speed just may walk away a winner with 90 wins.
A new decade for the Yankees unfolds. Heroes in Pinstripes will emerge, and with them a new chapter in Yankee history."
-Gregg Mazzola, The New York Yankees Official 1990 Yearbook
"Dave Winfield returns to the New York Yankees. What that means to manager Bucky Dent is anyone's guess. They're still in turmoil and will continue to be if they don't get off to a good start. Owner George Steinbrenner won't have the late Billy Martin to bring back for a sixth managerial stay. And wait until free agent Pascual Perez starts acting up!"
-Joe Goddard, 1990 Street & Smith's Baseball
"Talk about up the creek without a paddle! Bucky Dent, the New York Yankees' 17th manager in owner George Steinbrenner's 16 years, has questionable starting pitching, no established closer, a gaping hole at third base, and 38-year-old Dave Winfield, who missed all of last season and still claims he's good for six more years as the best right fielder in the league. Dent took a look at these potential trouble spots when he succeeded Dallas Green last August 18 and, taking into account Steinbrenner's mood changes, said, 'Who knows how long it will last ... but I'm going to be here as long as I can.'
The pressure's on Billy Connors. He's the only holdover coach from the brief regime of Green, who predictably blasted Steinbrenner and, in turn, was predictably blasted back. The club's fifth-place 74-87 record constituted its second losing season since 1973. The Yankees used 50 players, the most by any team since the old Seattle Pilots in 1969. At the end of the season, only five players remained from the previous year. Dent and Connors have a rotation of Andy Hawkins, former Montreal disturber Pascual Perez, converted relief closer Dave Righetti- unless he remains in the bullpen- and ex-National Leaguer Tim Leary, and possibly former Oakland A's Greg Cadaret and Eric Plunk.
Dent does have some All-Stars. First baseman Don Mattingly fell below his career .327 average with .303 but produced 23 home runs and 113 RBIs. Second baseman Steve Sax proved one of the best free agent acquisitions with .315, 5, 63 and 43 steals. Center fielder Roberto Kelly was one of four regulars to hit .300 (.302, 9, 48 and 35 thefts). Furthermore, right fielder Jesse Barfield re-signed after leading the league in assists, catcher Bob Geren and shortstop Alvaro Espinoza came on strong, and Randy Velarde is a dependable infield swingman.
But oh, that pitching! It gave up more hits last year than any other league team- by far- and no one struck out more than 100 batters, a first for the staff since 1960. The top four pitchers had a total of 325 strikeouts, barely surpassing Nolan Ryan's 301 for Texas. Hawkins (15-15, 4.80) was the only one with double-digit victories. Perez brings erratic behavior from Montreal, where he had a 9-13 record but a 3.31 ERA. The club felt Righetti, now 31, was past his time as a reliever. Righetti agreed. His saves had declined from his major league record 46 in 1986. He had 25 last season to equal the previous year and a 3.00 ERA, but a 2-6 record. Leary was a combined 8-14 last year at Los Angeles and Cincinnati. Cadaret and Plunk, obtained from Oakland in the Rickey Henderson deal in mid-summer, have longed to be starters. This is their chance. They had so-so success in New York. Plunk was 8-6, 3.28 and Cadaret, who had a two-hitter over Cleveland, was 5-5, 4.05. Clay Parker is also in the running after 4-5, 3.68.
The Yankees like the looks, if not the spelling, of left-hander Kevin Mmahat from their depleted system, [along with] Double-A prospect Steve Adkins, who throws a knuckle-curve and was 12-1, 2.07 at Albany. Dent and Connors will also look at Dave LaPoint (6-9, 5.32), who's coming back from shoulder surgery; Chuck Cary (4-4, 3.26), who learned a screwball; Jimmy Jones (8-6 at Columbus), and Dave Eiland.
Obtained from Pittsburgh as Righetti's potential closer replacement is Jeff Robinson. He was 7-13 as a part-time starter but had ERAs of 3.03 and 2.85 the previous two years as a reliever. The setup men are again Lee Guetterman (5-5, 2.45, 13 saves), who gave up 20 runs in 30 innings after starting the season with 30 scoreless frames; Lance McCullers (4-3, 4.57); Fred Toliver, and possibly Rich Gossage, invited to camp after ERAs of 2.68 with San Francisco and 3.77 with New York.
The Yankees have a strong right side of the infield with Mattingly and Sax, and now Espinoza looks like he has a grip on shortstop off .282 and 41 RBI. Mattingly has to avoid another slow start. He hit .226 the first month with no homers and had little power on the road. Sax not only sparked the offense but has turned himself around defensively. Espinoza made the most of his opportunity when Rafael Santana missed the season when his elbow was reconstructed. Third base remains a headache. The Yankees have used 83 players there since 1962, and that includes Graig Nettles for 11 years and Clete Boyer for seven. With Mike Pagliarulo gone to San Diego, they'll look at Velarde (.340 in 33 games), Mike Blowers (14 HR at Indianapolis) and Hensley Meulens (.257 at Albany). Damaso Garcia is a reserve after .271 at Montreal.
Winfield says he's [recovered] from a back injury. If he's still productive, he may have to switch from right field to left field because Barfield (.234, 23, 67) impressed in right with a league high 20 assists. Kelly handles center as one of the league's more exciting newcomers. Mel Hall (.260, 17, 58) and Luis Polonia (.300, 3, 46) are needed for their left-handed bats if not their gloves. Bob Brower (.232) hopes to stick in utility. Football defensive back Deion Sanders needs minor league seasoning.
Catcher Geren (.288, 9, 27) forced the trade of Don Slaught for Robinson. Free agent Rick Cerone (.243, 4, 48 for Boston) and Brian Dorsett support Geren. The Yankees saw enough in Steve Balboni (.237, 17, 59) to re-sign him for two years as a designated hitter."
-Joe Goddard, 1990 Street & Smith's Baseball
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