Is It Sunday Yet?

We are five days away from Opening Night for Major League Baseball and I don't know if I can control my excitement any longer. Coming off the first Yankees title since 2000, I will admit to being a typical Yankees fan and expecting another World Series title this year in the Bronx.

It will not come easy though.

This off-season the Yankees looked to bolster its starting rotation in hopes of avoiding the October 3-man rotation that was forced upon manager Joe Girardi. Although Javier Vasquez struggled during his first tour in New York, his ability to pitch deep into games will make his acquisition a success for GM Brian Cashman.

Vasquez's arrival also forced a four-man race for the last rotation spot, a spot that went to Phil Hughes, who hoping to carry the success he experienced in the bullpen last season to his starting career. It is important to remember that two years ago Hughes was considered the top starting pitching prospect before injuries derailed his season.

Those injuries opened the door to Joba Chamberlain's arrival as the Yankees 8th inning man. This year Joba returns to that role (although Girardi has yet to make this official) and should thrive in being the bridge to Mariano Rivera.

An improved rotation and bullpen will help the Yankees win in October, but the offense has the ability to carry the team over major stretches this summer. I believe the key to that lineup will be Robinson Cano. Cano, believed by many scouts destined to win a batting title, appears ready to move up to 5th behind Alex Rodriguez in the lineup. He should face many situations with runners on base and the potential to come up with clutch, game-winning at-bats.

Although this team appears ready for another World Series push, the road to title 28 will not be easy. The Red Sox, Rays, and Orioles all improved during the winter. Outside the division, the Mariners traded for Cliff Lee and have him slated to pitch behind Felix Hernandez in the rotation. The Twins also appear ready for another run at the Central title and are entering a new ballpark that may signal the end of Minnesota as a "small-market" team.

Across the league in the National League, the Phillies, Cardinals, and Rockies are the favorites to win the NL. I do not want to count the Dodgers out based on my belief in Joe Torre as a manager.

It should be an outstanding summer, Sunday night cannot come soon enough.