Interview with Steve Lombardi

Steve Lombardi of WasWatching.com gave me some of time to talk about the 2008 New York Yankees for an interview for the blog.

Steve’s blog, WasWatching.com, has become a online fixture for Yankees fans and is a great source of information for his take on the Bronx Bombers using his own thoughts, ideas, and statistical research to provide readers with very detailed information.

NK: The Yankees were the best team in MLB after the All-Star break last season, but couldn’t put it together for three nights in October to advance. Will their late season momentum from last year and push to make the playoffs translate into success for the 2008 Yankees?

SL: It’s a whole different season this year for the Yankees. The division and the league will be tougher. Just having to play 57 games against the Red Sox, Jays and improved Rays will be hard. And, then you have to factor in the changes to the Yankees pitching staff. I don’t think what happened last season, good or bad, will have any impact on what happens this season.

NK: With Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu in contract years and Johnny Damon wanting to prove he can still play, who will have the biggest season of the three veterans.

SL: If Giambi lasts the whole season, I will be shocked. Of the three, I think Abreu will have the best season - because it’s his walk-year and the fact that he’ll be hitting between Jeter and A-Rod. Damon? His season could go either way - but, I think he should be fine this season. Damon’s 2008 will probably be like his 2006.

NK: Joe Girardi has said on numerous occasions he believes in Kyle Farnsworth’s abilities and knows what type of pitcher he can be. With Girardi at the helm, is this the year Farnsworth finally does the job we all thought he would when he signed here?

SL: Like Abreu, being in a walk-year will be something to kick Kyle in the motivation fanny. I hope Girardi can work miracles with him - because the Yankees will need him to do well. Still, I hate having to count on the guy after all we’ve seen from him so far in his Yankees’ days.

NK: I am one who believes that Mike Mussina is done and was done before he signed the two-year deal after the 2006 season. Is there any hope the Moose can still pitch at this level and what will it take for him to lose his spot in the rotation?

SL: Mussina is one of the biggest risk factors on this Yankees team. I understand why they resigned him. But, at this stage, to count on him as your #3 or #4 starter is a huge mistake - much like the mistake Cashman made last year counting on Pavano and Igawa. What will it take to get him out of the rotation? The biggest issue would be the lack of a replacement. So, even if Moose’s ERA is near five, I could see the Yankees sticking with him.

NK: Which new Yankee (Morgan Ensberg, LaTroy Hawkins, Scott Patterson, or Billy Traber) will have the biggest impact on the team?

SL: I would think Ensberg. Even when his overall numbers went down, he still hit left-handed pitching. And, when you factor in Giambi’s brittle nature, and the unknowns around Shelley Duncan, Ensberg could be a valuable player to have in the wings.

NK: Chien-Ming Wang’s title as the “ace” of the Yankees’ staff has been questioned because of his failures in the 2007 ALDS. Is Wang the “ace” of the rotation or will someone else be given earn that honor?

SL: There is no ace on this Yankees team. Wang is a great #2 guy. But, to be an ace, you have to be able to pitch well on the road too - which Wang has not done in his Yankees career. Bottom line, the Yankees do not have that guy who you want to pitch Games 1, 4, and 7 in the post-season. And, they may not have one until sometime around 2009 or 2010.

NK: Will the Yankees play baseball in October this year and if so, will it be as AL East Champions?

SL: The Yankees should win at least 90 games this season. Will that be enough for the A.L. East crown? Probably not. But, Boston will have to deal the issue of life after a ring too. The sleeper here is the Blue Jays. If they fire on all cylinders, they could win around 95 games and sneak in there. But, that’s a big “if.” It’s going to be close in the East, for sure. The Wildcard? That could be even more difficult - since, outside of the East, you have the Indians, Tigers, Angels, and Mariners. I think Yankees fans have to face it - there’s a chance that there may not be October baseball in Yankeeland this season.

- Once again thanks to Steve and make sure to check out his blog, WasWatching.com.