2010 Yankee Report Card

The 2009 Yankee season ended in a euphoric celebration of a world championship. The 2010 Yankees weren't as fortunate, falling just two wins shy of an american league championship and a trip to another world series. Despite the heartache of winter being upon us, there were still many great moments in the Bronx this year. Here's my individual grades for the entire 2010 Yankee squad.

Jorge Posada-C Plus: Jorge battled injures all year and at age 39 is probably a year away from retirement. His defense continues to decline and there's a good chance prospect Jesus Montero will be the starting catcher next season, making Jorge the full time DH. Sadly it seems as if Posada has lost the ability to throw out runners and his passed ball numbers are increasing every year. When healthy, he's still a force with the bat. A good clutch hitter who continues to have pop.

Mark Teixeira-C: Mark Teixeira is the greatest defensive first baseman that I've ever seen. His offensive output this year, however, was a major letdown after a strong 2009 campaign. He again showed pop with 30 homers, and drove in over 100 runs. But he hit around .250 for the season and was dreadful again in April. The biggest disappointment when it comes to Teixeira is his lack of clutch hitting, especially in the postseason. He had a big home run in game 1 of the ALDS, but didn't register a single hit in the ALCS.

Robinson Cano-A Plus: It wasn't a surprise that Cano forced himself in to the MVP talk this season with a monster season. He's always had the tools, and one of the prettiest swings you'll ever see. The difference this year was his approach with RISP. In years past he had been dreadful, this year he was a machine. He hit 30 home runs and had over 100 RBI for the first time. His defense is very underrated, as it seems like every night he made a play that makes you jump out of your seat.

Derek Jeter-B: It's been well written about that this was the worst season of Jeets career. It also wasn't as bad as people claimed it to be. He hit just .270, about 50 points below his career average. But he still had 179 hits, scored 111 runs, and drove in 67. The baseball "experts" that complain about his defense are off base. What he lacks in range he makes up for in other ways. He can't get to balls up the middle the way Jimmy Rollins does, but nobody can go to their left and make the jump throw in the hole like Jeter. He'll resign with the Yankees this winter and, baring a huge injury, collect his 3, 000th hit with the club.

Alex Rodriguez-B: ARod battled injury all year. It was obvious his hip was bothering him. He still managed to hit 30 home runs and drive in 125 runs, second in the major leagues. His defense was fine as always. He has one of the strongest arms in the game.

Nick Swisher-A: The only reason Swish doesn't get an A plus is his dreadful postseason performance. The Yankees right fielder had a solid season last year in his pinstriped debut, but this season took his game to a new level. He was basically a .300 hitter, had lots of pop in his bat and drove in nearly 100 runs. In past years his defense had been a liability, but this year played a far improved right field.

Curtis Granderson-B: If the season ended in early August, Curtis Granderson would be getting an F. The fact that he gets a B should tell you how incredible his stretch run was. He reconstructed his swing with Kevin Long in Kansas City and was incredible from that point on. In early August, he had 9 home runs. He finished with 24. His defense in center field was stellar. I look forward to seeing a complete season from Granderson next year.

Brett Gardner-B Plus: I went in to this year hoping Gardner could hold his own until next season, when we would surely sign Carl Crawford. By mid may it was obvious Gardner was the real deal, and now I just don't see the Yankees making a move for another left fielder. His speed is incredible, he stole 47 bases. He gets on base and causes chaos. His defense is supreme. His only problem is his tendency to look at strike 3 trying to work a pitcher.

Francisco Cervelli-B: Cervelli did what a back up catcher should do. His defense isn't great, but it's good enough. He doesn't have pop in his bat, but he'll get a hit every now and then. I feel comfortable having him back there. His enthusiasm is great.

Marcus Thames-A: I expected nothing from Thames this year. He ended up getting numerous huge clutch hits and home runs for the Yankees. I wouldn't mind bringing him back in 2011.

Ramiro Pena- B Plus: A utility infielder who did his job fine. Can't hit worth a damn, but a wizard with the glove.

Lance Berkman-C: Berkman came over in August in a trade and was awful. He was a clutch hitter in the postseason however, so he gets a C. I don't see the Yankees attempting to bring him back.

Austin Kearns-F: Terrible baseball player.

CC Sabathia-A Plus: This team wouldn't have even made the playoff's without the big man. The rotation fell apart mid summer and he carried us through the dog days without a wimper. The man is the definition of an ace. 161 dollars is looking like a bargain. Everyone should have a CC Sabathia in their life.

Andy Pettitte-A: Old Man Pettitte was having a career year before injuring his groin in July. Of course, he was masterful in every postseason start he had. If he retires this winter, it'll be a dark day in Yankee land.

Phil Hughes-B Plus: Hughes started off on fire, then looked awful, then bounced between not so great and really good. He's 24 years old, so that's going to happen. His future is bright. Phil Hughes is the real deal. We just aren't sure if he's a future ace or a solid number 3.

Javy Vazquez-F: Javy can't pitch in New York. Period. It doesn't help when you have a dead arm. 85 MPH "fastballs" that are straight as arrows aren't going to cut it in the AL East. Time for this bum to get out of town.

AJ Burnett-F: "AJ Burnett has great stuff." Every time I watch or listen to one of his starts, this is what I hear. If great stuff means constantly giving up 7 runs in 2 innings of work, being mentally unstable, and causing me to want to commit suicide every 5 days, he can keep his good stuff and shove it up his hill billy ass.

Kerry Wood-A Plus: When we traded for Wood, I just thought it was cool that I could say Kerry Wood was a Yankee. I expected nothing out of him. He ended up being a shutdown set up man. It'll take a miracle for him to accept a set up role after the year he had, but I'm hoping for a miracle.

David Robertson-B Plus: Robertson is who you bring in if the bases are loaded and nobodies out. He can strike out the side. He can also give up 4 hits in a row. He's still young and I expect him to be a big part of the Yankee bullpen for years to come.

Joba Chamberlain-C Plus: Despite my constant calling him a bum, you won't find a guy who wants Joba to succeed more than me. I love a chubby white guy that gets on the mound and tries to throw it by guys. Sadly when Joba takes the mound you don't know if you'll get a bulldog that's going to leave the opposing team shaking in it's boots for a moron from nebraska that looks like he has no idea what pitch to throw. It might be time for Joba to find a new home.

Boone Logan-B Plus: Nice surprise.

Chad Gaudin-D Minus: Chad Gaudin sucks, simple as that.

Sergio Mitre-B: He manages to mop up without making the mess bigger.

Dustin Moseley-B: He is what he is.

Mariano Rivera-A Plus: Game over.