2009 Yankees Roster Depth Chart

Jordan Emanuel

2 min read

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06-12-2024

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The 2009 New York Yankees boasted a roster brimming with star power and impressive depth, a lineup that ultimately fell just short of a World Series victory. Let's delve into a retrospective look at their depth chart, highlighting key players and the overall composition of the team.

Starting Lineup

The Yankees' starting lineup was a force to be reckoned with, featuring a potent mix of established veterans and rising stars.

• C: Jorge Posada
• 1B: Mark Teixeira
• 2B: Robinson Cano
• SS: Derek Jeter
• 3B: Alex Rodriguez
• LF: Johnny Damon
• CF: Brett Gardner
• RF: Nick Swisher

This lineup provided a formidable combination of power, speed, and on-base skills. The presence of established stars like Jeter, Rodriguez, and Teixeira provided a solid foundation, while younger players like Gardner and Swisher added dynamism and potential. The catching position was solidified by the veteran Posada.

Bench

The bench players offered valuable versatility and experience, providing crucial support when needed.

• C: Jose Molina
• 1B/DH: Lance Berkman (acquired mid-season)
• INF/OF: Eric Hinske
• OF: Austin Kearns
• INF/OF: Ramiro Pena
• INF: Melky Cabrera (traded mid-season)

Berkman's addition significantly strengthened the lineup's offensive capabilities in the latter half of the season. The other bench players filled in admirably, providing depth at multiple positions. The team's flexibility was a notable strength.

Starting Rotation

The starting rotation was anchored by a formidable group of pitchers:

• RHP: CC Sabathia
• RHP: Andy Pettitte
• LHP: A.J. Burnett
• RHP: Joba Chamberlain
• RHP: Javier Vazquez

This rotation possessed a potent mix of experience and power, led by the Cy Young-caliber pitching of CC Sabathia. Pettitte provided consistent performance, while Burnett and Vazquez were capable of dominating games on any given day. Chamberlain, still a young player at the time, held a key role in the bullpen and occasionally started games.

Bullpen

The bullpen was a critical component of the 2009 Yankees, demonstrating both strength and inconsistency throughout the season.

• Closer: Mariano Rivera
• Setup: Joba Chamberlain (when not starting), David Robertson, Damaso Marte, Phil Hughes

Mariano Rivera's presence as the closer provided stability and security in the late innings. However, the team faced challenges at times with consistency among other bullpen members.

Analysis

The 2009 Yankees' roster showcased a deep and talented team, capable of competing for a World Series title. While their strong starting lineup and pitching rotation were clear strengths, the inconsistency in the bullpen contributed to their ultimate postseason failure. The team’s depth provided ample opportunities for players to step up, but ultimately, the team fell short of their ultimate goal. The season served as a reminder of the importance of consistent performance across all facets of the game.