1. Either Pettitte, Mussina, or Wang visit the DL

I think it’s fair to say that if any one of these three hit the DL for any extended period of time we can kiss the season goodbye. Mussina and Pettitte are susceptible to injury at any time due to age. After a full season last year, let’s hope that Wang can hold up. The only way this could be mitigated would be if Pavano has a huge year.

2. Mariano Rivera becomes a mere mortal

‘Nough said on that one.

3. Either Jeter, A-Rod, or Posada hit the DL for any extended period of time

I think an injury to any position player other than these can be sustained. The Yankees would need to make an immediate trade. Cairo could not be called upon to fill the 3b/SS positions for a significant period of time. There is no internal replacement for Posada. Posada is a risk in my opinion.

4. Scott Proctor’s 2006 was an aberration

With the most appearances of any reliever in baseball last year, Proctor was an important workhorse for the Yankees. If he is ineffective, it puts immense strain on the rest of the bullpen; especially Rivera since Farnesworth is so fragile.

5. Clemens is signed….and learns that he can’t pitch in the AL anymore

Imagine the media circus if he signs with the Yanks this year? Imagine the circus if he gets shelled? Not good for the clubhouse or team chemistry.  

6. The firstbaseman is an automatic out

I don’t care how flawless Mienkietvizwichick may be in the field or how many other big bats are in the lineup, they must get SOME type of production from firstbase -  even a spray hitter.

7. The young Devil Rays and high-potential Blue Jays make the division more competitive

The Yanks may not be able to gobble-up as many wins with the Rays’ speed and the Jays’ power.

8.  Dice-K is the real deal, Beckett figures out how to pitch in the AL, and Schilling pitches for a contract

This would be a recipe for a Yankee disaster. If those guys pitch, and with the always confusing Wakefield, the Yanks may find it hard to stay ahead of the Red Sox. Manny is still on the Red Sox roster and if J.D. Drew stays healthy that lineup is dangerous.

9. The Yanks get off to a very slow start and Torre is fired

 Buh-bye season. A leadership feeding frenzy would ensue. Too much turmoil.

10. A-Rod falls on his face

The Yankees NEED A-Rod to play a stellar third base, to be the feared hitter he was in years past, and to avoid negative press.Â