5 Biggest Questions Facing New York Yankees Going Into Opening Day 2016

By Bryan Zarpentine

The New York Yankees begin every season with the highest of hopes, and the 2016 season is no different. Of course, gone are the days in which the Bronx Bombers were a virtual lock for the postseason. The Yankees will face tough competition in the AL East, as well as plenty of internal questions. With opening day fast approaching, here are the five biggest questions the Yankees will have to answer in 2016.

5 Biggest Questions Facing New York Yankees Going Into Opening Day 2016

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What To Expect From CC Sabathia? — Even before Sabathia left the team late last season to deal with personal issues, there were questions about his future in pinstripes. The big lefty has struggled mightily the last few years, and heading into the season there's uncertainty about how much he can still contribute and where he fits with the Yankees. He'll make $25 million this season, so the Yankees surely have to find a spot for him somewhere on the roster.

Is Starlin Castro The Answer At Second Base? — Castro has impressed this spring, but once the regular season starts he has a lot to prove to show that he can be the player he was during his early years in Chicago. The Yankees have had trouble finding the right second baseman since Robinson Cano left, and they are hopeful Castro is finally the answer.

Can Alex Rodriguez Keep Going? — A-Rod had a massive season last year, but that was when he was fresh and rejuvenated after a full year off (i.e. suspended). At his age, there's no guarantee he can repeat the 33 home runs and 86 RBIs he gave the Yankees last season, and a lot of people will be watching him to see if he can be a productive player in his 40s.

Can Veterans Stay Healthy? — Several of the Yankees' top offensive players, including A-Rod, Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury, have had trouble staying healthy in recent years, and the age of those players makes health a question mark for the team heading into 2016. If more than a couple key players go to the DL for extended periods of time, the Yankees may not have the depth to handle it.

Can Pitchers Stay Healthy? — Health is also a concern for New York's pitching staff. The Yankees have the potential to have a great starting staff, but several key pitchers could be at risk. Masahiro Tanaka has a partial tear in his UCL; Ivan Nova is still on the road back from Tommy John; Nathan Eovaldi was shut down early last year; and Michael Pineda has not exactly been injury free during his career, so the Yankees can't be sure all of them will stay healthy all season.

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New York Yankees

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