HOUSTON -- When the 2014 Yankees open Tuesday night, this is how Joe Girardi will fill out his lineup card:
Derek Jeter SS
"Basically, we are going to have a new guy in every position," Girardi said.
This was the Yankees' lineup to start 2013 against the Red Sox.
Gardner CF
Vernon Wells LF
Jayson Nix 3B
Sabathia P
When you look at the difference, there has to be some optimism.
Anyway, why is Girardi having Gardner bat seventh instead of ninth?
"You can do some things with the guys hitting behind him," Girardi said. "You can let him run. You have a patient hitter in Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson. I just kind of like the way he is. You get through the first couple of guys and then speed again."
That 2009 feeling: The previous time the Yankees didn't make the playoffs, they brought in Sabathia, Teixeira and A.J. Burnett. This winter, they went crazy again in free agency.
"I think it has the same feel," Girardi said. "I think there is a high expectation with the names that we added. We addressed a lot of situations."
Setup job: Girardi confirmed that Shawn Kelley and Matt Thornton will get first crack at the eighth inning. After their initial outing, Girardi said he will move to whomever owns the hot hand.
Drive to 95: Girardi estimated it will take about 95 wins to make the playoffs.
Remember him: The Yankees and Andy Pettitte ended the 2013 season in glorious fashion. On Monday, Pettitte attended the Yankees' workout and threw batting practice. He is expected to take part in a ceremony for Jeter on Wednesday.
No 40-man move yet: The Yankees have yet to make a 40-man roster move for Yangervis Solarte.
Pitching Matchups: Here are your pitching matchups against the Astros:
Tuesday: Sabathia (14-13, 4.78 ERA in 2013) versus Scott Feldman (12-12, 4.78)
Wednesday: Hiroki Kuroda (11-13, 3.31) versus Jarred Cosart (1-1, 1.95)
Thursday: Ivan Nova (9-6, 3.10) versus Brett Oberholtzer (4-5, 2.76)