Although the 1998 Yankees team was my favorite, following closely behind in second place is the 1996 team. It was the first year for Joe Torre to manage and Derek Jeter started his career. When the season ended he was a World Series champion and AL Rookie of the Year.

This team was not especially big on power, but they played the game with the attitude that every run is important and with a total team concept. They used the hit and run and the steal at opportune times and moved runners into scoring position by making productive outs.

Tim Raines was great at leading off then Jeter knew from day one knew how to hit behind the runner and also how to hit and run effectively. This team did not have to wait for the three run homer. They manufactured runs. This is what I'm hoping for some ten years later with the 2006 version of the Bronx Bombers.

Johnny Damon is a great leadoff hitter with speed. Jeter will follow and as mentioned is a great hit and run type hitter. Then the big bats follow: A-Rod; Sheffield; Matsui; Giambi and Bernie. The bottom of the lineup will have Posada and Cano. When Cano leads off an inning he will have Damon to follow. This team should score a lot of runs and simply just bash teams to death.

The potential problems I see are still the quality of the starting pitching and overall defense. Randy Johnson will be 42, Mussina is in his late thirties, Pavano is a question mark, will Chacon and Small be as clutch as they were is '05? Jaret Wright is someone prone to injuries. I think one of these guys will be traded. Carl Pavano probably has the most value considering his age and past history. The Yankees outfield defense should be better with Damon. He can go get the ball and covers quite a bit of ground. His arm though is awful. Teams will continue to go from first to third on the Yankees. Sheffield is not a great right fielder other than his arm. Matsui makes most of the routine plays but is not great at going back on the ball either. Plus, his arm is probably average at best.

I think the Yankees are a lock for postseason but they have to get over the hump. Most postseason games are close and you have to have the ability to score one run when needed. This is why I hope Torre will go back to the '96 team style and use all facets of his talent laden team. The homerun will not always come when needed.

It looks like Andy Phillips and Miguel Cairo will be the backups for Jason Giambi unless a deal is pending. J.T. Snow just signed with the Red Sox. All in all it should be a very exciting year at the big ballpark in the South Bronx. Only 86 days until the start of the regular season and only 94 until opening day at the stadium. I can't wait!