Once again, offense shouldn't be a problem for the All-Star laden Yankees, who should surpass the 900-run mark for a third straight season. But their starting pitching is suspect, and there's no depth. Even if everyone stays healthy this time, the Yanks still might have to slug their way to a 14th straight October appearance.

ROTATION:

1. RHP Chien-Ming Wang

2. RHP Mike Mussina

3. RHP Phil Hughes

4. LHP Andy Pettitte

5. RHP Ian Kennedy

The Yankees are dependent upon the rapid maturity of Hughes and Kennedy, who haven't made 20 starts combined in the big leagues. Wang is coming off his second straight 19-win season, but he needs to perfect his slider and changeup to remain effective; he can't always rely on his sinker.

Pettitte has dealt with back spasms again this spring, and his elbow is always one start away from becoming an issue. But he wasn't bothered by that problem in 2007. Mussina has had a solid spring, but this could be his final year at age 39.

BULLPEN:

RHP Mariano Rivera (closer)

RHP Joba Chamberlain

RHP LaTroy Hawkins

RHP Kyle Farnsworth

LHP Billy Traber

RHP Ross Ohlendorf

The Yankees insist that Chamberlain, who is limited to about 150 innings this year, will join the rotation at some point this summer. For now, he could impact a lot of games as a top-flight setup man for Rivera -- who remains, at age 38, one of the most reliable closers in the game.

Traber might finally give the Yankees something they've lacked for so long -- a lefty who can get lefties out. If Hawkins isn't overworked and Farnsworth finds a comfort zone with his old catcher, Joe Girardi, as his manager, this area could be a definitive strength.

LINEUP:

1. LF Johnny Damon

2. SS Derek Jeter

3. RF Bobby Abreu

4. 3B Alex Rodriguez

5. 1B Jason Giambi

6. DH Hideki Matsui

7. C Jorge Posada

8. 2B Robinson Cano

9. CF Melky Cabrera

Once again, this team is loaded with offense. Consider that Cano -- who batted .306 last year with 67 extra-bases hits and 97 RBI -- is the No. 8 hitter. Posada is coming off a career offensive season, and A-Rod could once again threaten to collect the Triple Crown.

However, Damon, Giambi and Matsui have increasingly dealt with physical issues that could potentially limit their time and damage the club's chances. If Giambi can't stay on the field, he limits manager Joe Girardi's ability to use the DH slot as a way to occasionally rotate his veterans.

RESERVES:

C Jose Molina

INF Morgan Ensberg

INF/OF Shelley Duncan

INF Wilson Betemit

Ensberg and Duncan provide right-handed power, but it could be difficult to get them 400 at-bats each -- especially if Jason Giambi is able to start 100 games at first base. But that's a big if. Duncan's energy can be infectious, and Girardi will attempt to get him time in the outfield and at DH. Molina is a tremendous defensive asset.

Betemit's ability to play all four infield spots might eliminate the need for another middle infielder. Rookie Brett Gardner, a speed demon and a plus-rated defensive outfielder, should impact the roster at some point, giving the club a pesty pinch-running option.

ROOKIE WATCH: OF Brett Gardner, 24, has the speed and defensive outfield tools to impact the club for a significant portion of the year, providing a dimension the team currently lacks off the bench. He also hit nearly .400 this spring. RHP Scott Patterson, 28, was an independent league starter two years ago, but he has excelled in relief and could become a part of Joe Girardi's bullpen this year -- especially if RHP Joba Chamberlain reverts to a starting role.

MEDICAL WATCH:

LHP Andy Pettitte (back spasms) was hoping to be ready to start in the season's first week.

RHP Andrew Brackman (Tommy John surgery) will rehab all summer but could impact the starting rotation in 2009.

RHP Carl Pavano (Tommy John surgery) could pitch in the majors by July.

RHP Humberto Sanchez (Tommy John surgery) could be pitching in minor league games by late May.

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