Just an early prognosis for the 09 Season...A lot of things can happen between now and Opening Day. It would not surprise me if one or possibly two of the outfielders in the mix to start is traded by then. Xavier Nady, Nick Swisher, Melky Cabrera, Brettt Gardner and Johnny Damon have all come up in trade talks but nothing finalized yet. 

1. Johnny damon LF - A liability in the field, yet he is still an above average leadoff hitter. Last Years Stats- .303 BA, 17 HR, 71 RBI

2. Derek Jeter SS- No surprise here, Future HOF member. Last Years Stats- .300 BA, 11 HR, 69 RBI

3. Alex Rodriguez 3B- Another offseason caught up in the headlines. Look for Arod to try to hush the critics with a Monster season. Last Years Stats- .302, 35 HR, 103 RBI

4. Mark Texiera 1B- Formerly of the Angels, Braves, and Rangers Texiera has been a class act not to mention a consistent hitter and fielder wherever he goes. Look for him to put up career numbers being surrounded by better talent than ever before. Last Years Stats- .308 BA , 33 HR, 121 RBI (With Braves and Angels)

5. Hideki Matsui DH- Matsui missed a chunk of last season with an injury. Expect him to bounce back but and have a nice year. But remember he is on the downside of his career. I wouldnt be surprised to see him play some left field and give Damon the opportunity to DH. Last Years Stats- .294 BA, 9HR, 45 RBi (missed over 60 games due to injury)

6. Xavier Nady RF- Nady has the ability to play all three outfield positions and he will probably get that chance to play all 3 at some point this season. He is an extremely steady player who will get the chance to drive in tons of runs batting after these bombers. Last Years Stats- .268 BA , 12HR, 40 RBI (Yankees #'s only)

7. Jorge Posada C- Posada, like Matsui saw his 2008 season ruined by injuries. He too feels he has a lot to prove and is chomping at the bit to prove the haters wrong. He may never be the productive hitter we have seen in the past but more importantly he needs to be the rock of the pitching staff and must stay healthy. Last Years Stats-.268 BA, 3HR, 22 RBI (missed over 100 games due to injury)

8. Robinson Cano 2B- This is his year to put up or shut up. Since breaking into the majors a few years ago he has seeemed to regress instead of improve from year to year. A very talented but unisnpired and sometimes lazy player, he must play with the energy and intensity of his double play partner Derek Jeter. If he does, he could be a serious contender for the batting title.(Don't Laugh) Anyone who watches him play knows he has skills that cannot be taught. Last Years Stats- .271 BA, 14 HR, 72 RBI

9. Melky Cabrera CF- This was the toughest position to predict. Melky should be able to hold off the young promising prospect Brett Gardner for now but if he gets off to a slow start look for the Yanks to mix things up and give Gardner a shot. Last Years Stats- .249 BA, 8HR, 37 RBI

As you can see I have left Nick Swisher oout of the lineup....I feel like as of now he is the odd man out and will probably be traded. If he isnt then he could be used as a utility role filling in at the corner outfield spots as well as 1B.