2008 Woodie Awards
Local teams should give fans plenty to look forward to this season
Graig Shepard
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Sports
Major League baseball has kicked off what is set to be an exhilarating 2008 season for the tri-state area and New England.
The New York Yankees come into 2008 with a new face at the helm in Joe Girardi, who replaces the legendary Joe Torre.
The New York Mets acquired two-time cy young winner, Johan Santana, through a trade with the Minnesota Twins, and agreeing to a 137.5 million dollar contract extension in early February.
The Yankees and the Red Sox were both involved in the winter chase for Santana, but trades did not work out for either team.
The Yankees are anxious to see what there young arms can do, with Jaba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy. All three saw some time on the hill last season. The Yankees also have veterans Mike Mussina, and Andy Pettite returning.
The Red Sox are not so lucky when it comes to there pitching core. Two of there talented starters are restricted by injuries. Josh Beckett has muscle spasms in his lower back, which could keep him out of the rotation for a few weeks.
Veteran Curt Schilling won't be back in the rotation for months, due to his torn right rotator cuff, and damage to his biceps tendon.
Despite the Mets loss of veteran lefty Tom Glavine (who last season joined the 300 victory club) during the winter, the Mets still have veteran Pedro Martinez who is set for a 2008 season.
Martinez reached 3000 strikeouts last September, making him one of baseball's elite. Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, has set his sights on being a starter for the Mets this season.
The Yanks, Red Sox, and Mets have been serious contenders for winning their division, for the past few years. The upcoming 2008 season is not different.
The Yankees signed three of their high profile free agents, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera. A-rod led the major leagues in home runs, and RBI's this past 2007 season.
Posada is coming back from his best season since coming up to the big leagues. Rivera at the age of 38 still remains arguably the greatest closer of all time.
By adding the highest sought after pitcher in the game in Santana, combined with Martinez and 15 game winners John Maine and Oliver Perez, possibly gives the Mets their best chance at a championship yet.
So as the weather turns warmer and the season picks up, fans of both the Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox should be looking forward to a season full of expectations and dreams of October baseball.
The New York Yankees come into 2008 with a new face at the helm in Joe Girardi, who replaces the legendary Joe Torre.
The New York Mets acquired two-time cy young winner, Johan Santana, through a trade with the Minnesota Twins, and agreeing to a 137.5 million dollar contract extension in early February.
The Yankees and the Red Sox were both involved in the winter chase for Santana, but trades did not work out for either team.
The Yankees are anxious to see what there young arms can do, with Jaba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy. All three saw some time on the hill last season. The Yankees also have veterans Mike Mussina, and Andy Pettite returning.
The Red Sox are not so lucky when it comes to there pitching core. Two of there talented starters are restricted by injuries. Josh Beckett has muscle spasms in his lower back, which could keep him out of the rotation for a few weeks.
Veteran Curt Schilling won't be back in the rotation for months, due to his torn right rotator cuff, and damage to his biceps tendon.
Despite the Mets loss of veteran lefty Tom Glavine (who last season joined the 300 victory club) during the winter, the Mets still have veteran Pedro Martinez who is set for a 2008 season.
Martinez reached 3000 strikeouts last September, making him one of baseball's elite. Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, has set his sights on being a starter for the Mets this season.
The Yanks, Red Sox, and Mets have been serious contenders for winning their division, for the past few years. The upcoming 2008 season is not different.
The Yankees signed three of their high profile free agents, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera. A-rod led the major leagues in home runs, and RBI's this past 2007 season.
Posada is coming back from his best season since coming up to the big leagues. Rivera at the age of 38 still remains arguably the greatest closer of all time.
By adding the highest sought after pitcher in the game in Santana, combined with Martinez and 15 game winners John Maine and Oliver Perez, possibly gives the Mets their best chance at a championship yet.
So as the weather turns warmer and the season picks up, fans of both the Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox should be looking forward to a season full of expectations and dreams of October baseball.
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