Thoughts about the Yankees before Opening Day

Well, we have our roster.

Starting Lineup
CF Brett Gardner
RF Ichiro Suzuki
2B Robinson Cano
3B Kevin Youkilis
DH Travis Hafner
LF Vernon Wells
1B Lyle Overbay
SS Eduardo Nunez
C   Francisco Cervelli

Presumably, but we might see a different DH on Opening Day with Jon Lester on the hill.  This is really going to take some getting used to, but at least things will look better by May.  Derek Jeter shouldn't be out too long, and Granderson and according to Tex himself, Mark Teixeira, will be back in May some time.  The Yankees totally overreacted to what looks like an easy April, but at least the bench is younger (but not better).

Bench
C  Chris Stewart; IF Jayson Nix; OF Brennan Boesch; OF Ben Francisco

I really wish Ronnie Mustelier made the team - a bone bruise kept him from that, but he should be an early call-up if needed. Ben Francisco will definitely be the first cut when Jeter is back, but at least he'll get his signed ball added to the Yankee Stadium Museum.  I would also enjoy either Ramon Hernandez over Chris Stewart.

Starting Rotation
SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Andy Pettitte
SP Ivan Nova
SP David Phelps

No worries 1-3 to start the year.  Hughes should hopefully only miss 1 start based on early April travels. I am slightly worried about 4&5.  Nova's spring fell apart towards the end and as much as I am a Phelps fanboy, he can't seem to get past the 5th inning. At least there is some depth there.

Bullpen
CL Mariano Rivera
SU David Robertson
SU Joba Chamberlain
SU Boone Logan
SU Cody Eppley
SU Shawn Kelley
LR Adam Warren

I wanna know this: Why did David Aardsma get cut in favor of a RHS in Cody Eppley and a pitcher with minor league options in Kelley? I get Warren to sub in Phelps or Nova's LR role for now, but considering Aardsma'a a former closer with a CHEAP $500,000 salary, I don't get it.  Rapada starts the year on the DL but the back-end is just fine.

The Yankee haters forget the fact the pitching staff is relatively intact, and a top 5 in the AL overall.  They'll keep them in contention until the heavy hitters are back.