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A tip of the cap to CC Sabathia and Yankees management for keeping the big guy in pinstripes. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Yankees roster doesn’t look like it will have too many big changes next season; however, one thing I’ve learned after decades of fandom is to expect the unexpected when it comes to the Bombers. I took an exhaustive look at the major pieces of the team, which you can read here:

• The Starting Pitching
• The Bullpen
• The Starting Lineup

But now, the time has come for me to put it all out there. My prediction for the Yankees’ 2012 roster:

Starting Rotation

1. CC Sabathia

2. Ivan Nova

3. A.J. Burnett (or Freddy Garcia, if they bring Garcia back and manage to deal Burnett)

4. Yu Darvish or C.J. Wilson

5. Phil Hughes (or Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos if Hughes struggles or goes down with an injury)

Bullpen

CL Mariano Rivera

SU David Robertson

SU Rafael Soriano

MR Joba Chamberlain

MR Cory Wade

MR George Kontos

LH Boone Logan (or Mike Gonzalez, if they can get him for a reasonable deal)

Lineup

1. Derek Jeter, SS

2. Curtis Granderson, CF

3. Mark Teixeira, 1B

4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B

5. Robinson Cano, 2B

6. Nick Swisher, RF

7. Russell Martin, C

8. Jesus Montero, DH

9. Brett Gardner, LF

Let me know what you think about my predictions. I’m always up for a good debate about the Yankees.

Post By Jackie Micucci (78 Posts)

I have been a writer and editor for 20 years, but I've been a die-hard Yankee fan for almost all my life. Long ball, small ball, I dig it all. I'm a New York native recently transplanted in Seattle who is getting used to living in a one-horse MLB town.

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