2008 New York Yankees

The final standing	Fails to progress to division series
Regular-season record	89–73 (.549)
Post-season record	Did not play
Divisional rank	3rd
ALDS record and opponent	Did not play
AL rank	5
ALCS record and opponent	Did not play
World Series record and opponent	Did not play
Manager	Joe Girardi
Captain	Derek Jeter
Top batter	Home runs: Alex Rodriguez (35), Jason Giambi (32), Bobby Abreu (32) BA: Johnny Damon (.303), Alex Rodriguez (.302), Cody Ranson (.302 in 33 games), Derek Jeter (.300) Runs: Alex Rodriguez (104), Bobby Abreu (100), Johnny Damon (95) RBI: Alex Rodriguez (103), Bobby Abreu (100), Jason Giambi (96)
Top pitcher/ (W-L, ERA)	Mike Mussina: 20-9, 3.37 Andy Pettitte: 14-14, 4.54 Chien-Ming Wang: 8-2, 4.07
Attendance record	4,298,655 (1st of 14)

The Season: A Brief Summary

The 2008 New York Yankees season, the 106th for the franchise, unfolded with a mix of unexpected highs and crushing lows. Hosting the All-Star Game at the iconic Yankee Stadium added a touch of nostalgia to a season that would mark the end of an era, as the team prepared to move to a new ballpark.

Under the new leadership of manager Joe Girardi, hopes were high, but the 2008 New York Yankees season quickly spiraled into a series of unforeseen challenges. Injuries plagued the team, with almost every key player facing setbacks. The most durable starter was sidelined almost all season, and star players like Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, and Derek Jeter struggled to maintain their usual standards of performance.

Despite these setbacks, the 2008 New York Yankees, true to their resilient spirit, managed to win 89 games. One of the unexpected bright spots was the remarkable performance of veteran pitcher Mike Mussina, who, at the age of 39, won 20 games for the first time in his career. Mussina’s resilience mirrored the team’s ability to overcome adversity.

Another surprising contributor was Jason Giambi, who defied expectations with 32 home runs and 96 RBIs, showcasing a resurgence that few had predicted. The 2008 New York Yankees bullpen also exceeded expectations, providing unexpected support for a team facing numerous challenges.

However, the season’s downfall lay in the inability to overcome the disappointments that plagued the 2008 New York Yankees team. Injuries to key pitchers, including Chien Ming-Wang and Joba Chamberlain, left the starting rotation in disarray. The struggles of young pitchers Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, who failed to meet pre-season expectations, added to the team’s woes.

Offensively, despite solid performances from players like Rodriguez, the 2008 New York Yankees faltered in critical situations. Rodriguez’s struggles with runners in scoring positions and late-game situations created additional pressure. Cano’s inconsistency and defensive lapses added to the team’s woes, contributing to their failure to make the playoffs for the first time in 15 years.

As the season concluded, the 2008 New York Yankees faced a pivotal off-season, contemplating how to address the numerous holes in the team. Questions lingered about re-signing key players like Bobby Abreu and whether to pursue top-notch starting pitchers or invest in the development of young talents like Hughes and Kennedy.

The emotional rollercoaster of the 2008 New York Yankees season left fans with a sense of uncertainty about the team’s future. While the resilience of players like Mussina and Giambi provided glimmers of hope, the disappointments and challenges of the season underscored the need for strategic decisions to ensure the Yankees would not take another step back in the seasons to come.

2008 New York Yankees most memorable game – Last game at Old Yankee Stadium

The last game at the old Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008, was a night steeped in history, nostalgia, and emotional farewells. More than 54,000 fans gathered to bid farewell to the iconic ballpark that had witnessed decades of baseball greatness. The 2008 New York Yankees played the Baltimore Orioles. But this night transcended the competition; it was a tribute to the beloved stadium.

The pregame ceremony was a grand spectacle, combining elements of an All-Star Game, Old-Timers Day, and the magic of the Field of Dreams. The recorded voice of legendary public address announcer Bob Sheppard welcomed everyone to “The Final Game,” setting the tone for a night of reflection and celebration.

The Yankees unveiled the original 1922 American League pennant in the center-field bleachers, symbolizing the opening of the Stadium in 1923. A connection between past and present was established as actors in vintage uniforms recreated the 1923 Opening Day lineup on the field.

Longtime broadcasters Michael Kay and John Sterling guided the emotional journey, showcasing video clips of Yankees legends and memorable moments throughout the stadium’s 85-year history. From Lou Gehrig‘s “Luckiest Man” speech to Reggie Jackson‘s three home runs in the 1977 World Series, the montage stirred memories and emotions.

The introduction of former players added a tangible connection to the stadium’s rich legacy. Legends like Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Bernie Williams, and / took their positions on the field, creating an awe-inspiring tableau of Yankees history. The families of Bobby Murcer and Thurman Munson received heartfelt applause, underscoring the deep bonds between the players and the fans.

A poignant moment came when Julia Ruth Stevens, Babe Ruth‘s daughter, threw out the first pitch, symbolizing the closing of the stadium with a nod to its opening. The 2008 New York Yankees lineup was uniquely introduced by Bob Sheppard’s voice, with each player joining the former greats on the field.

The game itself, against the Orioles, held playoff implications, but the atmosphere felt like a championship showdown. The 2008 New York Yankees won 7-3, with Johnny Damon and José Molina hitting home runs. Molina’s home run became the last one ever hit in Yankee Stadium.

As the game concluded, the entire 2008 New York Yankees team gathered at the pitcher’s mound, and Derek Jeter addressed the crowd. He spoke of the stadium’s 85 years of tradition and memories, urging fans to carry those experiences into the new Yankee Stadium. The team, caps in hand, took a lap around the field to the sounds of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” creating a poignant and unforgettable farewell to the House that Ruth Built. The fans, the players, and the ghosts of Yankee Stadium united in a collective goodbye, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Yankees history.

2008 New York Yankees season in videos

Postseason Result

(Didn’t make it to playoffs)

2008 New York Yankees roster

Name	Age	B	T	Ht	Wt	DoB	Yrs	G	GS	WAR	Salary
Bobby Abreu	34	L	R	6′ 0″	220	Mar 11, 1974	13	156	152	2.7	$16,000,000
Alfredo Aceves	25	R	R	6′ 2″	205	Dec 8, 1982	1st	6	4	1.3
Jonathan Albaladejo	25	R	R	6′ 5″	270	Oct 30, 1982	2	7	0	0.2	$393,225
Wilson Betemit	26	B	R	6′ 2″	220	Nov 2, 1981	6	87	37	-0.4	$1,165,000
Chris Britton	25	R	R	6′ 3″	275	Dec 16, 1982	3	15	0	0.1
Brian Bruney	26	R	R	6′ 3″	235	Feb 17, 1982	5	32	1	1.6	$725,000
Melky Cabrera	23	B	L	5′ 10″	210	Aug 11, 1984	4	129	112	0.4	$461,200
Robinson Cano	25	L	R	6′ 0″	228	Oct 22, 1982	4	159	154	0.2	$3,000,000
Francisco Cervelli	22	R	R	6′ 0″	220	Mar 6, 1986	1st	3	1	-0.1
Joba Chamberlain	22	R	R	6′ 3″	245	Sep 23, 1985	2	42	12	3.5	$390,000
Justin Christian	28	R	R	6′ 1″	195	Apr 3, 1980	1st	24	10	-0.2
Phil Coke	25	L	L	6′ 1″	210	Jul 19, 1982	1st	12	0	0.8
Johnny Damon	34	L	L	6′ 2″	205	Nov 5, 1973	14	143	133	4.2	$13,000,000
Shelley Duncan	28	R	R	6′ 5″	215	Sep 29, 1979	2	23	15	-0.3	$398,300
Morgan Ensberg	32	R	R	6′ 2″	210	Aug 26, 1975	8	28	17	-0.9	$1,750,000
Kyle Farnsworth	32	R	R	6′ 4″	230	Apr 14, 1976	10	45	0	0.9	$5,916,666
Brett Gardner	24	L	L	5′ 11″	195	Aug 24, 1983	1st	42	32	1.3
Jason Giambi	37	L	R	6′ 3″	240	Jan 8, 1971	14	145	138	1.9	$23,428,571
Dan Giese	31	R	R	6′ 3″	200	May 19, 1977	2	20	3	0.5
Alberto Gonzalez	25	R	R	5′ 10″	195	Apr 18, 1983	2	28	15	-0.3
LaTroy Hawkins	35	R	R	6′ 5″	220	Dec 21, 1972	14	33	0	0	$3,750,000
Phil Hughes	22	R	R	6′ 5″	240	Jun 24, 1986	2	8	8	-0.3	$406,350
Kei Igawa	28	L	L	6′ 1″	210	Jul 13, 1979	2	2	1	-0.2	$4,000,000
Derek Jeter HOF	34	R	R	6′ 3″	195	Jun 26, 1974	14	150	149	3	$21,600,000
Ian Kennedy	23	R	R	6′ 0″	210	Dec 19, 1984	2	10	9	-0.9	$394,275
Damaso Marte	33	L	L	6′ 2″	215	Feb 14, 1975	9	25	0	0
Hideki Matsui	34	L	R	6′ 2″	210	Jun 12, 1974	6	93	88	1.1	$13,000,000
Juan Miranda	25	L	L	6′ 0″	220	Apr 25, 1983	1st	5	3	0.2	$390,000
Chad Moeller	33	R	R	6′ 3″	207	Feb 18, 1975	9	41	25	0
José Molina	33	R	R	6′ 0″	250	Jun 3, 1975	9	100	81	0.8	$1,875,000
Mike Mussina HOF	39	L	R	6′ 2″	185	Dec 8, 1968	18	34	34	5.1	$11,071,029
Xavier Nady	29	R	R	6′ 2″	215	Nov 14, 1978	7	59	58	1.1
Ross Ohlendorf	25	R	R	6′ 4″	240	Aug 8, 1982	2	25	0	-0.7	$391,425
Scott Patterson	29	R	R	6′ 7″	225	Jun 20, 1979	1st	1	0	0
Carl Pavano	32	R	R	6′ 5″	265	Jan 8, 1976	10	7	7	0	$11,000,000
Andy Pettitte	36	L	L	6′ 5″	235	Jun 15, 1972	14	33	33	2.1	$16,000,000
Sidney Ponson	31	R	R	6′ 1″	220	Nov 2, 1976	11	16	15	0.2
Jorge Posada	37	B	R	6′ 2″	215	Aug 17, 1970	14	51	46	0.2	$13,100,000
Edwar Ramirez	27	R	R	6′ 3″	165	Mar 28, 1981	2	55	0	0.8
Cody Ransom	32	R	R	6′ 2″	200	Feb 17, 1976	6	33	12	0.4
Darrell Rasner	27	R	R	6′ 3″	210	Jan 13, 1981	4	24	20	0.1
Mariano Rivera HOF	38	R	R	6′ 2″	195	Nov 29, 1969	14	64	0	4.3	$15,000,000
David Robertson	23	R	R	5′ 11″	195	Apr 9, 1985	1st	25	0	0.1
Alex Rodriguez	32	R	R	6′ 3″	230	Jul 27, 1975	15	138	138	6.8	$28,000,000
Ivan Rodriguez HOF	36	R	R	5′ 9″	205	Nov 27, 1971	18	33	26	-0.8
Humberto Sanchez	25	R	R	6′ 6″	270	May 28, 1983	1st	2	0	0	$390,000
Richie Sexson	33	R	R	6′ 7″	205	Dec 29, 1974	12	22	6	-0.2
Chris Stewart	26	R	R	6′ 4″	215	Feb 19, 1982	3	1	1	-0.2
Billy Traber	28	L	L	6′ 5″	200	Sep 18, 1979	4	19	0	-0.2	$500,000
Jose Veras	27	R	R	6′ 6″	240	Oct 20, 1980	3	60	0	1.1
Chien-Ming Wang	28	R	R	6′ 4″	225	Mar 31, 1980	4	15	15	1.9	$4,000,000

2008 New York Yankees additions, transactions, and trades

Offseason changes to the Roster

• The departure of Manager Joe Torre to the Los Angeles Dodgers marked a significant change.
• The New York Yankees welcomed Joe Girardi as their new manager.
• Don Mattingly, having missed out on the managerial position, chose to leave the team and join Torre with the Dodgers.
• On November 29, catcher Jorge Posada inked a four-year contract extension valued at $52,400,000.
• Backup catcher José Molina agreed to a 2-year, $4 million contract on December 3.
• Tyler Clippard was traded to the Washington Nationals for reliever Jonathan Albaladejo on December 4.
• A one-year deal worth $3.75 million brought relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins to the team on December 9.
• Pitcher Andy Pettitte re-signed with the Yankees for a 1-year, $16 million contract on December 12.
• On December 13, Alex Rodriguez committed to a staggering 10-year, $275 million contract (potentially exceeding $300 million with performance milestones).
• Closer Mariano Rivera secured a three-year contract valued at $45 million on December 17.
• Luis Vizcaíno declined salary arbitration on December 21 and opted for a multi-year deal with the Colorado Rockies.
• Andy Phillips moved on to the Cincinnati Reds, while Doug Mientkiewicz joined the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• The 2008 season marked the conclusion of Roger Clemens’ illustrious MLB career, as he did not return to the Yankees.
• On March 10, 2008, just before his 60th birthday, actor/comedian Billy Crystal signed a one-day contract with the team.

Mid-season roster additions

• Following a 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Joba Chamberlain’s inaugural start at Fenway Park, the Yankees acquired Xavier Nady and Dámaso Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for four minor league prospects.
• Kyle Farnsworth was traded to the Detroit Tigers in return for catcher Iván Rodríguez.

2008 New York Yankees player debuts

• Alfredo Aceves – 08-31-2008 – 25 years old
• Francisco Cervelli – 09-18-2008 – 22 years old
• Justin Christian – 06-24-2008 – 28 years old
• Phil Coke – 09-01-2008 – 26 years old
• Brett Gardner – 06-30-2008 – 24 years old
• Juan Miranda – 09-18-2008 – 25 years old
• Scott Patterson – 06-01-2008 – 28 years old
• David Robertson – 06-29-2008 – 23 years old
• Humberto Sanchez – 09-18-2008 – 25 years old

The team stats (batting)

Pos	Name	Age	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA
C	José Molina	33	100	297	268	32	58	17	0	3	18	0	0	12	52	0.216
1B	Jason Giambi	37	145	565	458	68	113	19	1	32	96	2	1	76	111	0.247
2B	Robinson Canó	25	159	634	597	70	162	35	3	14	72	2	4	26	65	0.271
SS	Derek Jeter	34	150	668	596	88	179	25	3	11	69	11	5	52	85	0.3
3B	Alex Rodriguez	32	138	594	510	104	154	33	0	35	103	18	3	65	117	0.302
LF	Johnny Damon	34	143	623	555	95	168	27	5	17	71	29	8	64	82	0.303
CF	Melky Cabrera	23	129	453	414	42	103	12	1	8	37	9	2	29	58	0.249
RF	Bobby Abreu	34	156	684	609	100	180	39	4	20	100	22	11	73	109	0.296
DH	Hideki Matsui	34	93	378	337	43	99	17	0	9	45	0	0	38	47	0.294
LF	Xavier Nady	29	59	247	228	26	61	11	0	12	40	1	1	14	48	0.268
1B	Wilson Betemit	26	87	198	189	24	50	13	0	6	25	0	1	6	56	0.265
C	Jorge Posada	37	51	195	168	18	45	13	1	3	22	0	0	24	38	0.268
OF	Brett Gardner	24	42	141	127	18	29	5	2	0	16	13	1	8	30	0.228
C	Chad Moeller	33	41	103	91	13	21	6	0	1	9	0	0	7	18	0.231
C	Ivan Rodriguez	36	33	101	96	11	21	4	0	2	3	4	0	4	15	0.219
3B	Morgan Ensberg	32	28	80	74	6	15	0	0	1	4	0	1	6	22	0.203
UT	Shelley Duncan	28	23	65	57	7	10	3	0	1	6	0	0	7	13	0.175
IF	Alberto Gonzalez	25	28	58	52	4	9	2	0	0	1	0	0	4	8	0.173
IF	Cody Ransom	32	33	51	43	9	13	3	0	4	8	0	0	6	12	0.302
OF	Justin Christian	28	24	43	40	6	10	3	0	0	6	7	1	3	4	0.25
1B	Richie Sexson	33	22	35	28	2	7	1	0	1	6	0	0	6	10	0.25
1B	Juan Miranda	25	5	14	10	2	4	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	4	0.4
C	Francisco Cervelli	22	3	5	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
C	Chris Stewart	26	1	3	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
	Team Totals	31.6	162	6257	5572	789	1512	289	20	180	758	118	39	535	1015	0.271
	Rank in 14 AL teams				7	7	5	10	12	4		4	11	8	7	4

2008 New York Yankees team stats (pitching)

Pos	Name	Age	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER
SP	Andy Pettitte	36	14	14	0.5	4.54	33	33	0	0	0	0	204	233	112	103
SP	Mike Mussina	39	20	9	0.69	3.37	34	34	0	0	0	0	200.1	214	85	75
SP	Darrell Rasner	27	5	10	0.333	5.4	24	20	1	0	0	0	113.1	135	74	68
SP	Chien-Ming Wang	28	8	2	0.8	4.07	15	15	0	1	0	0	95	90	44	43
SP	Sidney Ponson	31	4	4	0.5	5.85	16	15	1	0	0	0	80	99	53	52
CL	Mariano Rivera	38	6	5	0.545	1.4	64	0	60	0	0	39	70.2	41	11	11
RP	Joba Chamberlain	22	4	3	0.571	2.6	42	12	5	0	0	0	100.1	87	32	29
RP	Jose Veras	27	5	3	0.625	3.59	60	0	15	0	0	0	57.2	52	23	23
RP	Edwar Ramirez	27	5	1	0.833	3.9	55	0	16	0	0	1	55.1	44	25	24
RP	Kyle Farnsworth	32	1	2	0.333	3.65	45	0	6	0	0	1	44.1	43	18	18
	Dan Giese	31	1	3	0.25	3.53	20	3	6	0	0	0	43.1	39	22	17
	LaTroy Hawkins	35	1	1	0.5	5.71	33	0	11	0	0	0	41	42	26	26
	Ross Ohlendorf	25	1	1	0.5	6.53	25	0	3	0	0	0	40	50	31	29
	Ian Kennedy	23	0	4	0	8.17	10	9	1	0	0	0	39.2	50	37	36
	Carl Pavano	32	4	2	0.667	5.77	7	7	0	0	0	0	34.1	41	23	22
	Brian Bruney	26	3	0	1	1.83	32	1	5	0	0	1	34.1	18	7	7
	Phil Hughes	22	0	4	0	6.62	8	8	0	0	0	0	34	43	26	25
	David Robertson	23	4	0	1	5.34	25	0	8	0	0	0	30.1	29	18	18
	Alfredo Aceves	25	1	0	1	2.4	6	4	1	0	0	0	30	25	8	8
	Chris Britton	25	0	0		5.09	15	0	14	0	0	0	23	28	13	13
	Damaso Marte	33	1	3	0.25	5.4	25	0	2	0	0	0	18.1	14	11	11
	Billy Traber	28	0	0		7.02	19	0	3	0	0	0	16.2	23	13	13
	Phil Coke	25	1	0	1	0.61	12	0	0	0	0	0	14.2	8	1	1
	Jonathan Albaladejo	25	0	1	0	3.95	7	0	2	0	0	0	13.2	15	6	6
	Kei Igawa	28	0	1	0	13.5	2	1	1	0	0	0	4	13	6	6
	Humberto Sanchez	25	0	0		4.5	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	1	1
	Scott Patterson	29	0	0		6.75	1	0	0	0	0	0	1.1	1	1	1
	Team Totals	30.6	89	73	0.549	4.28	162	162	161	1	0	42	1441.2	1478	727	685
	Rank in 14 AL teams		4	11		8				13	5	6	10	8	6	8

2008 New York Yankees vs. opponents/ team splits

Opponent (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
Baltimore Orioles (18)	11	7	0.611
Boston Red Sox (18)	9	9	0.500
Chicago White Sox (7)	5	2	0.714
Cincinnati Reds (3)	1	2	0.333
Cleveland Indians (7)	3	4	0.429
Detroit Tigers (6)	2	4	0.333
Houston Astros (3)	3	0	1.000
Kansas City Royals (10)	5	5	0.500
Los Angeles Angels (10)	3	7	0.300
Minnesota Twins (10)	6	4	0.600
New York Mets (6)	2	4	0.333
Oakland Athletics (6)	5	1	0.833
Pittsburgh Pirates (3)	1	2	0.333
San Diego Padres (3)	3	0	1.000
Seattle Mariners (9)	7	2	0.778
Tampa Bay Rays (18)	11	7	0.611
Texas Rangers (7)	3	4	0.429
Toronto Blue Jays (18)	9	9	0.500

2008 New York Yankees monthly record

Month (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
April (29)	14	15	0.483
May (26)	14	12	0.538
June (28)	16	12	0.571
July (25)	15	10	0.600
August (28)	13	15	0.464
September (26)	17	9	0.654

2008 New York Yankees All-Stars

• Alex Rodriguez
• Derek Jeter
• Mariano Rivera

2008 New York Yankees awards and honors

• Mike Mussina – AL Gold Glove
• Alex Rodriguez – AL Silver Slugger
• Derek Jeter – AL Silver Slugger

Other Achievements

• Alex Rodriguez finished 8th in AL MVP Voting.
• Mariano Rivera finished 5th in AL Cy Young Voting.
• Mike Mussina finished 6th in AL Cy Young Voting.

Injury-plagued 2008 New York Yankees

The 2008 New York Yankees grappled with a series of hurdles stemming from injuries to pivotal players. The initial month saw rookies Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy facing challenges, with Hughes sidelined by a rib injury, prompting Kennedy’s reassignment to the minor league AAA affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In response, Darrell Rasner was brought in.

Noteworthy setbacks included shortstop Derek Jeter and third baseman Alex Rodriguez encountering minor quadriceps injuries at different junctures. Catcher Jorge Posada, for the first time in his career, found himself on the disabled list due to a slight tear in his rotator cuff. Adding to the mix, backup infielder Wilson Betemit missed several games due to conjunctivitis.

June brought another blow as Chien-Ming Wang suffered a leg injury while rounding the bases in a 13-0 win, leading to his season-long absence. In the crucial 10-game road trip in August, pitcher Joba Chamberlain succumbed to injury in the opener, compounding the 2008 New York Yankees’ already challenging situation with injuries.

How do you rate the 2008 New York Yankees?