My new 2010 lineup projection

Signing Nick Johnson changes everything. That is, if he’s healthy enough to play. Without him, I slotted the other offseason acquisition, Curtis Granderson, second in the order.

But together, they simply replace the spots of Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui in 2009. Here’s my projected lineup against right-handed starters:

1. Derek Jeter SS
2. Johnson DH
3. Mark Teixeira 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez 3B
5. Granderson CF
6. Jorge Posada C
7. Robinson Cano 2B
8. Nick Swisher RF
9. Melky Cabrera LF

Last year, Joe Girardi put the faster player (Damon) second and the slower player (Matsui) fifth. Though following that logic with Johnson and Granderson doesn’t make sense, as a guy with the third highest OBP in the major leagues last year belongs at the top of the order in front of the run producers (Tex & A-Rod).

Like Matsui, Granderson provides some protection for A-Rod with his pop, especially in the new Yankee Stadium.

Against lefties, all I do is switch Granderson and Cano. Hopefully by the end of the year, the two won’t have to switch with Kevin Long’s help.

As far as I’m concerned, this lineup is the best it can be for its price. Of course, adding Matt Holliday would kick Melky’s weak bat out of the lineup, but that money would better serve the pitching staff.