Add in the superstar/sideshow hovering in the distance in the form of Alex Rodriguez, and you have what should be another season full of as much intrigue as the promise it contains.

If the players stay healthy (and Rodriguez recovers from his hip surgery within a month or two, as expected) the Yankees have the potential to erase the bitter memory of last year's third-place finish and aim for their 27th World Series title.

If not, or if some of the star-studded newcomers succumb to the pressure of playing in New York, the season could seem as endless as a string of A-Rod headlines -- and manager Joe Girardi could find himself looking for a new job.

Here's a quick look at the roster, unit by unit:

Rotation: Should be and has to be the team's strength. Girardi has set the tone by leaning on new ace CC Sabathia to pitch the season opener on April 5 and the home opener at the new Yankee Stadium on April 16. Everything flows from Sabathia, but the potential of the rotation is staggering with Chien-Ming Wang, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Joba Chamberlain.

Bullpen: This unit should be stronger than people might think with Mariano Rivera needing to show he can rebound from shoulder surgery, Brian Bruney proving he can handle the setup role he has coveted and young, live pitchers like such as Phil Coke trying to turn some heads.

Lineup: The Yankees will suffer without A-Rod early but mostly just needs to keep Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui healthy after injury-filled 2008 seasons. If those players struggle, the lineup takes a major dip and puts more pressure on the rotation.

Bench: The weakest part of the roster is bolstered only by Nick Swisher, who didn't take well to the news that Xavier Nady will start in right field. Swisher did say he would do his best to help the team and adjust, and they'll need him and Melky Cabrera to do that. The team could use some middle-infield help, especially early on when Cody Ransom subs for Rodriguez at third.

THE YANKEES WILL CONTEND IF ...: Alex Rodriguez recovers from his hip injury and can go a day or two without causing some major distraction or, at least, blocks out the ones he causes. Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui stay healthy. CC Sabathia pitches like the ace the Yankees have coveted for years. RHP Brian Bruney steps up into the setup role and RHP Mariano Rivera doesn't let age or a surgically repaired shoulder derail him. 1B Mark Teixeira adjusts easily to the New York spotlight and carries the club until A-Rod returns, then helps provide a dangerous 1-2 punch in the middle of the order.

PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON: RHP Chien-Ming Wang doesn't say a lot, but his competitive passion burns deceptively beyond his placid demeanor. After missing most of last season because of a foot injury and watching the Yankees throw money at free agents, the inexpensive two-time 19-game winner should be ready to step up to a big year. It won't hurt that the sinkerballer will be split between power pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.

ON THE DECLINE: DH Hideki Matsui will need to be kept out of the field because of a pair of surgically repaired knees and will inhibit the club's roster flexibility. In his walk year, Matsui could show the will and pride that have made him a solid player the last few years, but if he has another injury or falls off he could dilute the lineup's power.