TAMPA, Fla. — Hank Steinbrenner thinks the New York Yankees are in a strong position to repeat as World Series champion due to the acquisition of pitcher Javier Vazquez and outfielder Curtis Granderson.
Vazquez, obtained from Atlanta, joins a rotation that includes CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. Granderson, acquired from Detroit, takes over in center from Melky Cabrera, who was sent to the Braves in the Vazquez trade by general manager Brian Cashman.
"The two trades that Brian did I was really pleased with and very proud of," Steinbrenner, a team co-chairman, said Thursday. "I think that is going to make a big difference for us."
The Yankees allowed designated hitter Hideki Matsui and left fielder Johnny Damon to become free agents. New York also added DH Nick Johnson and outfielder Randy Winn.
"We needed another top-notch starter and got one," Steinbrenner said.
Yankees captain Derek Jeter, who has started pre-spring training workouts at the team's minor league complex, spent time Thursday with Hank Steinbrenner and his brother, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner.
"I asked him his opinion, and he said, 'It's all about pitching,'" Hank Steinbrenner said of Jeter.
Jeter is entering the final season of a $189 million, 10-year contract. The Yankees have a policy of not negotiating new deals until after a player's previous contract.
"We'll get into all of that eventually, " Steinbrenner said. "Jeter's place in Yankee history is obvious, so I think you can pretty much assume from there."