The New York Yankees, getting off to a fast 2-1 start against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, look to be a team that can pick up where they left off if the starting pitching and the bullpen hold up their end of the bargain.

Some new faces in the Yankee lineup are Curtis Granderson, who had two homers and two RBI’s in the first series against Boston. A great signing by the Yankess to begin the 2010 regular season, Granderson is sure to show more of his talent in his primary position, centerfield. Nick Johnson for the most part being their DH and number two hitter doesn’t have a hit, but he has four walks and an on base percentage of .500. He has performed well thus far and set up Yankee hitters like Mark Teixeria, A-Rod, and Robison Cano. Marcus Thames is mostly a DH, but not a fundamentally sound left fielder for the Yankees and having Randy Winn is an extra piece for the Yankees skipper, Joe Girardi.

However, if the Yankees want to be successful, it’s going to have to come through the starting rotation and the bullpen. Phil Hughes is the current fifth starter, but he’s better served in the seventh inning in the Yankee bullpen. Mariano Rivera’s looking like himself with two outstanding saves to start off the season and Chamberlain could be the new Yankees closer, but it remains to be seen.

Heading to St. Petersburg Florida, the Yankees will have their work cut out for them against the Rays, who focus on their speed first, pitching second. Evan Longoria, Joe Madden’s franchise third baseman and an enormous hitter who brings in tons of RBI’s, is hitting .417 and will be fundamental in the game. Jason Bartlett, hitting .385, is also a pretty solid player in the infield. It’s early, but this could be Carols Pena and Carl Crawford’s last year in St. Peter. Regardless, the Yankees will have to step up their game to topple the Rays.