3. New York Yankees

Big Leagues- The Yankees may have had the most disappointing offseason of any team in their eyes.  As a team looking to improve their starting pitching, the Yankees got shut out on Cliff Lee, and missed trading for Zack Greinke.  Now their lineup is looking the same besides the often injured Russell Martin taking over for Jorge Posada.  This Yankees team is still a top team in the major leagues, but they really failed to improve.  They resigned Derek Jeter to a monster contract, and Alex Rodriguez is another year older.  But the lineup is not their problem, it’s the starting rotation.  If the season started today their rotation would have Ian Nova and Sergio Mitre holding up the back of the rotation.  That won't match up with the Phillies or Red Sox.  Another move the Yankees made, that will actually help the team is signing Rafael Soriano as a setup man.  The contract of 3 years 35 million was a little ridiculous, and GM Brian Cashman has already came up and said he didn't participate in negotiations, but if you have the money, you might as well spend it.  This is what their starting lineup would look like today:

Catcher- Russell Martin/ Jorge Posada

1st Base- Mark Teixeria

2nd Base- Robinson Cano

Shortstop- Derek Jeter

3rd Base- Alex Rodriguez

Left Field- Brett Gardner

Center Field- Curtis Granderson

Right Field- Nick Swisher

DH- Jorge Posada

Pitching- C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Phil Hughes, Ian Nova, Sergio Mitre

Relief- Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano

Top 5 Prospects

 C Jesus Montero- We've been hearing about Montero on the prospect front for quite a few years now, with everyone thinking he is the eventually replacement for Jorge Posada.  After the Yankees signing of Russell Martin it looks like he will get 1 more year in the minors.  Coming into 2010 he was Baseball America's 4th ranked prospect, and he could even be higher this year.  Last year in Triple A as a 20 year old, he batted .289 with 21 home runs and 34 doubles while driving in 75 runs.  He should start next year in Triple A, but if Russell Martin struggles the 6'4 catcher will get his call.

RHP Dellin Betances-  The 6'8 righty was a 8th round pick in the 2006 draft, and finally had his breakout season last year in Single and Double A.  The big righty made 17 starts sporting a 2.11 Era while going 8 and 1.  He struck out 108 batters in 85 innings.  He will be 23 starting next season and lacks the youth to be an elite prospect, but the Yankees are hoping he's just a late bloomer.

C Gary Sanchez-  After signing the 17 year old Dominican the Yankees sent him to Single A to start his career off.  He played in 47 games and hit .327 with 8 home runs and 13 doubles.  He is still too young to project, but that is a great start.  We could see him eventually moving from catcher if the Yankees decide to keep him behind Jesus Montero, or being used as a very valuable trade chip.  

LHP Manny Banuelos- The 19 year lefty pitched at 3 levels last year, finally ending his season at Double A.  He did not have a win in 15 starts but had a 2.51 Era in 64 innings.  He struck out 85 batters and the next few years the Yankees will work on stretching him out.  He'll start next year at Double A and should continue to progress.

RHP Ivan Nova- The 23 year old righty was dominant last year in Triple A while splitting time in the majors.  In Triple A last year he had a 12 and 3 record and a 2.86 in 23 starts.  He was a fill in starter and late season reliever for the Yankees also appearing in 10 games.  He held his own with a 4.50 Era.  With the Yankees missing out on Cliff Lee, Nova should be starting next year as the 4th or 5th starter.

Payroll and Direction-  You can't say much about the direction of the New York Yankees.  They have money, they will spend it, and they should be among the league leaders in wins every year.  This year though, the Yankees have the prospects that can give them organizational depth.  They have resisted trading Jesus Montero multiple times, and it's about to pay off in the next couple seasons when he hits the big leagues.  Look for the Yankees to continue to run out the mostly the same players for the next few years, and win 90 to 100 games.