Good Friday Afternoon Linkapalooza: 3/29/13

Is it me or did it feel like it took longer for this offseason and spring to pass than it did the past few seasons? I don't know, it just seems like it's been almost a year since I've watched a Yankee game.  Good thing we've only got to wait 3 more.  Now onto the links!

- On Monday, William Juliano of The Captain's Blog took a historical look at the high turnover in this year's expected Opening Day lineup.

- Mark Panuthos of Bronx Baseball Daily took a skeptical look at the upcoming MLB season.  I like the cut of your jib, Panuthos.

- Mike Eder of IIATMS/TYA broke down Vernon Wells' past few seasons to try to find reasons to be optimistic about the trade.

- On Tuesday, Mason Stark of Pinstriped Bible did some serious analysis on the Yankees' history of developing young pitchers in Part 2 of the 2-part investigation.  Definitely check out Part 1 first if you haven't already.

- Chad Jennings of LoHud pointed out the problem the Yanks are going to have with available 40-man roster spots as a result of their continued roster moves.  But please, get rid of more useful, cheap, team-controlled young players to make room for washed up veterans.

- On Wednesday, Alex Pugliese of Yanks Go Yard mused on some potential candidates for new team captain after Derek Jeter retires.

- SJK of NoMaas questioned how Brian Cashman truly feels about the recent string of roster additions and expressed his desire for Cash to speak out so we know how much to really blame him.

- On Thursday, fishjam25 of Yankees Fans Unite listed the 10 reasons to like this year's team.  I'm having a hard time getting on board with all 10, but check them out and judge for yourself.

- Derek Albin of Pinstripe Pundits commented on the concern for CC Sabathia's pitching elbow, and provided a cool visual to clue us in on what to look for as a sign of trouble.

- Mike Axisa of RAB capped off his season preview series with a player-by-player look at the long list of injured guys.

- El duque of It Is High... came up with a great suggestion for Tim McCarver's replacement.

- On Friday, Daniel Burch of The Greedy Pinstripes wrapped up his 2013 predictions series with his picks for the 2013 postseason.

- Fernando Alejandro of Respect Jeter's Gangster commented on the latest garbage to come out of Randy Levine's mouth.  Funny how Levine always seems to say the wrong thing, huh?

This week's Friday Jam is "Circles" by Incubus.  I just realized yesterday that I've never played any Incubus in the Palooza, and this song is fitting for this season as it looks like some of the Yankees' big expenditures are coming back around to haunt them.



Enjoy your weekends, everybody.  Here's your first reminder that I'll be doing another Opening Day live blog on Monday.  Clear your schedules.

2013 AB4AR Season Preview: The Predictions

(Courtesy of Getty Images)

It's all done.  The projections, the previews, the analysis, and the hypothesizing.  The Yankees have made the moves they've made and players have suffered the injuries they've suffered.  After this weekend, that all takes a backseat to the start of the regular season and the return of Yankee baseball to our everyday lives.  The only thing left to do before then is take all that's been discussed and analyzed these past five plus months and use it to make predictions.

This season is easily the most difficult one to predict from a Yankee fan's/blogger's perspective.  The team has taken a big step back on paper, and despite the nearly $220 million payroll their battle will be the most uphill one in years.  Between their collective step back and the collective step forward that the rest of the AL East has taken in the past two seasons, it seems the time is perfect for the Yankees to give up their throne at the top of the division.  Do I believe they will?  Yes, I do.  Do I believe they will completely fall apart and drop down to the bottom of the division?  Find out for yourself.

After the jump, the official AB4AR 2013 MLB predictions.

Spring Training Game 33 Wrap-Up: PIT 2 NYY 1

(Courtesy of the AP)

The Yankees wrapped up their Grapefruit League schedule with a game against the Pirates yesterday.  Hiroki Kuroda was on the mound for his final spring start and he did not disappoint.  We also got to see the bench picture start to come into focus as Juan Rivera was released during the game after starting at first base.  There are only two ST games remaining before the regular season kicks off on Monday.  We're getting close, people.

Game Notes:

- Not a lot of offense in this game.  The Yanks plated their lone run in the 9th on a double by Lyle Overbay. He isn't going to make up for Teix's power, but if he can hit doubles on the reg the Yanks will take it.

- Kuroda was very sharp yesterday, allowing just 1 hit and 0 runs in his 6 innings of work.  He struck out 5, didn't walk a batter, and looked as good as he has all spring.  Perfect way to end your camp.

- Brennan Boesch and Thomas Neal both doubled, and Francisco Cervelli tripled for the other XBH on the day.

- Other offensive notes: Kevin Youkilis went 1-3 and finally got a hit that wasn't for extra bases.  Slacker.  And Robinson Cano returned to the lineup with a 1-3 day of his own.  Good to see he recovered quickly from his stomach ailment.

- Scary moment for Boone Logan in the 7th, and I'm not talking about the 2 runners he put on base that came around to score.  Logan had to leave the game after getting hit by a line drive, but after the game he told reporters he was fine.  He's scheduled to pitch again today.