Nobody can claim that the New York Yankees are resting on their laurels. Those with Yankees tickets for the 2010 baseball season will see a team that was once again very active on the MLB market. After losing to the Red Sox in a bid for John Lackey, they traded for Javier Vazquez, trading Melky Cabrera in the process. This team even let their World Series MVP walk away to the Los Angeles Angels.

The Yankees must rely on the starting rotation to repeat as AL East champions and bring home the second World Series title in the second season at New Yankee Stadium. CC Sabathia remains the staff ace, A.J. Burnett is number two, Vazquez is number three, Joba Chamberlain is number four, and Andy Pettitte is the fifth starter.

The Yankees must rely on the starting rotation to repeat as AL East champions and bring home the second World Series title in the second season at New Yankees Stadium. CC Sabathia remains the staff ace, A.J. Burnett is number two, Vazquez is number three, Joba Chamberlain is number four, and Andy Pettitte is the fifth starter.

Many believe that Burnett is the key to this Yankees team. If he pitches well, then they should repeat as division winners. If he does not then New York will have to make some sort of drastic midseason trade. I think the “what if” factor goes a little deeper in the rotation. Chamberlain had a high ERA last season and Pettitte is ancient. He has kept going, but if this is the season he finally breaks down then the Yanks are in big trouble. Add to the rotation a player that did well in the NL and struggled in the AL just two seasons ago and this great rotation is more than a little suspect. The Yankees still should remain competitive, if at the very least, to torture Mets fans.