2005 Record: .586 (95-67), AL East Champs

2004 Record: .605 (101-61), AL East Champs

Who’s Out: John Flaherty (C), Ruben Sierra (OF/DH), Mark Bellhorn (INF), Kevin Brown (P), Alan Embree (P), Tom Gordon (P), Al Leiter (P), Matt Lawton (OF), Tino Martinez (1B), Felix Rodriguez (P)

Who’s In: Johnny Damon (CF), Mike Myers (P), Kyle Farnsworth (P), Octavio Dotel (P), Miguel Cairo (INF), Kelly Stinnett (C)

Notes: With Bernie Williams heading towards the end of his career, the main concern for the Yanks was to sign an all-star outfielder; the answer was Johnny Damon. They signed Bernie to a 1-year deal as a 4^th outfielder and DH, which at $1.5 million could prove to be a steal of a deal for the Yanks. Tom Gordon moved on to the Phillies for a closing gig, so Kyle Farnsworth of the Braves and Octavio Dotel (of the Tommy John Surgery) were signed for bullpen duty. On the coaching side, skipper Joe Torre signed a deal to stay with the Yanks for at least the 2006 season and possibly the 2007 season, Ron “Gator” Guidry was brought in as the new pitching coach, and the very competent Lee Mazilli (ex- manager of the Orioles) was drafted to be Torre’s bench coach. Barring an unfortunate meteorite crashing into the Yankees’ infield, it looks like the Yankees will be near the top of the AL East yet again in 2006.

Next Up: Chicago White Sox

Labels: 2006 team profiles