So, about those Yankee world championship predictions.  You now have Severino out for the year with Tommy John surgery, Paxton out until June most likely with back surgery and German out with his suspension.  All of a sudden JA Happ is a key guy in the rotation and that is not a good thing.  And we are only in February – plenty of time for another pitcher to go down.

The good news is that the Yankees do have some youngsters with high upside who should get a shot in the rotation.  SU enjoys rooting those for those guys – makes it more interesting.  Of course, now that Cole is on the Yankees with their medical staff, who knows what awaits him?

Aaron Boone is likely running his analytical models as we speak of how to position his all right-handed line up for this year.  It does require some thought about where to put Brett Gardner and maybe Tauchman.  You want to make the most of your two left-handed batters.

We will soon find out what a $260 million payroll gets you come early April.