The off-season pick-ups have proven to be solid additions. Johnny Damon has provided the dynamic that was missing from the lead off position...Miguel Cairo has shown how valuable he is off the bench. On the mound, the bullpen additions of Mike Myers and Ron Villone from the left side have shown to be well worth it, while righty flamethrower Kyle Farnsworth looks like he'll thrive setting up Mariano.

The best thing for a Yankee fan has been the performances of Jason Giambi and Derek Jeter and the pitching of Mike Mussina. Jeter may make a run at the batting title with Damon hitting in front of him. Giambi is healthy and is producing like the Giambi of his MVP years.  While I have never been a big Mike Mussina fan, he's really impressed me so far. In fact, he's the ace of the staff right now until Randy Johnson shows more consistency.

All in all, the Bombers are on the right path. It's a far cry from the start a year ago. Now, with the Red Sox on tap to open the month, we'll see if the Yanks can blossom during month number two.