by Lyle Fargas

Created on: December 12, 2006   Last Updated: November 09, 2008

2007 could very well be the year that the Yankees return to their pennant-winning ways. If the National League continues to be weak, they could also be hoisting their World Series championship banner at the start of the 2008 season, which will be the last season of Yankee Stadium on its original grounds.

The signing of Andy Pettitte solidifies and gives balance to a decent rotation. He's returning to where he enjoyed the best years of his career, winning 149 games and 4 championships. Chen-Ming Wang served as the ace of the rotation during the 2006 season, winning 19 games and coming in second in the Cy Young race. If he can stay healthy, another strong season can be expected as the league has yet to figure out his devastating sinker. Mike Mussina is also coming back after winning 15 games with a solid 3.51 ERA. Unfortunately, Randy Johnson is also returning, falling apart more and more after every start. He won 17 games despite an ERA of 5, thanks to the solid Yankee offense. He should only be counted on to be a fourth or fifth starter, although his $16 million salary would suggest otherwise. Carl Pavano will most likely be on the disabled list or traded before the start of the season, so nothing can be expected out of the man who hasn't thrown a pitch since June of the 2005 season. The Yankees are on the verge of signing Kei Igawa, a left-handed pitcher out of Japan who could hold down the fifth spot in the rotation. If he doesn't work out or if someone gets hurt, Philip Hughes is waiting in the wings in the minor leagues. Some compared his makeup to that of a young Roger Clemens while he was toying with Double-A hitters for the Trenton Thunder.

The regular lineup figures to be strong as usual, with every position player besides first base returning (Giambi will most likely be more of a full-time DH in 2007). Jorge Posada is coming off a strong 2006, but is getting older at a very demanding position. He will most likely have another solid season with some drop in production. Alex Rodriguez is coming off a season that was stressful and frustrating for him and Yankee fans. He did end up with solid numbers, much of which came at inconsequential moments and not in the clutch. His numbers should be nice, and a strong start could lead him to a season more like that of his 2005 MVP campaign. Derek Jeter, robbed of the 2006 MVP, is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and should continue being a key to the Yankee lineup. Robinson Cano finished third in

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