New York Yankees
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2000 RECORD: 87-74 (1st IN AL EAST)
WON DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF OVER ATHLETICS 3-2
WON LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP OVER MARINERS 4-2
WON WORLD SERIES OVER METS 4-1

REVIEW
As the Yankees stumbled to the finish line last season, they hardly looked like the team to beat. Even in the divisional playoff against the upstart Oakland A's, another championship seemed remote. But then something kicked in against the Mariners, and they coasted the rest of the way en route to their third straight World Championship. While SCOTT BROSIUS and TINO MARTINEZ started to show their age, BERNIE WILLIAMS, DEREK JETER and mid season acquisition DAVID JUSTICE more than picked up the slack. ROGER CLEMENS returned to his ace form, while ANDY PETTITTE notched 19 wins. And with the game on the line, no one was better than MARIANO RIVERA, who had 36 saves and an ERA of 2.85.

LOOKAHEAD
The rich keep getting richer. The top free agent pitcher on the market, MIKE MUSSINA, comes aboard and takes DAVID CONE's slot in the rotation. After going 11-15 with the Orioles, a return to form by MUSSINA could get the Yankees the majors best starting staff. BROSIUS and MARTINEZ will be watched closely and if their performances continue to slip, G.M. BRIAN CASHMAN will respond accordingly. A pick up that didn't get much ink was the signing of left-hand hitting slugger HENRY RODRIGUEZ. He's hit 25+ home runs in four of his last five seasons, and a season in Yankee Stadium will be to his liking. Manager JOE TORRE has hinted that this might be his last season, so the Yankees would like him to go out on top.

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
He's still a top notch leadoff man, but CHUCK KNOBLAUCH's throwing problems have become a worry for the Yankees. With top prospect ALFONSO SORIANO still waiting in the wings, they won't wait long to make a change if KNOBLAUCH can't get his defense together.

STATS MAN SAYS
Only age can slow them down > 1st