Our Team

The Opening Day scorecards are rolling off the press this morning.

The ink is still drying on the names of 26 men – including Andy Pettitte, who will be added to the roster on Saturday – from 25 towns in seven different countries that will represent a city of immigrants. New York is home to everyone from everywhere.

This is our baseball team:

Johnny Damon from Fort Riley, Kansas: It feels like he’s been a Yankee forever.

Derek Jeter from Pequannock, New Jersey: The Captain means everything to this team and this city.

Bobby Abreu from Maracay, Venezuela: A man who was born to hit third in this lineup.

Alex Rodriguez from New York, New York: His big bat is always the key to the season.

Jason Giambi from West Covina, California: He might be the most dangerous hitter in this lineup. And that’s saying something.

Robinson Cano from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic: This guy could complete a double play with the D train barreling down on him.

Jorge Posada from Santurce, Puerto Rico: The team’s fire and toughness.

Hideki Matsui from Kanazawa, Japan: A perfect baseball player.

Melky Cabrera from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: The kid with the style and the smile.

Chien-Ming Wang from Tainan, Taiwan: Opening Day at Yankee Stadium is the game he’s waited all winter for.

Shelley Duncan from Tucson, Arizona: Big swings. Big hits. Big celebrations.

Wilson Betemit from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Ready to live up to all that promise.

Morgan Ensberg from Redondo Beach, California: A tough right-handed hitter that adds depth to a relentless lineup.

Jose Molina from Baymon, Puerto Rico: A great backup for one of the greats.

Mike Mussina from Williamsport, Pennsylvania: He has grown into the leader of this pitching staff.

Phil Hughes from Mission Viejo, California: Pete Abraham of the Journal News calls him “The Franchise” and that sounds good to me.

Ian Kennedy from Huntington Beach, California: His pinpoint control hits the Bronx on Friday night.

Andy Pettitte from Baton Rouge, Louisiana: The big lefty will be here on Saturday.

Jonathan Albaladejo from San Juan, Puerto Rico: Sometimes a player just needs a chance. He’s got the talent to make the most of it.

Ross Ohlendorf from Austin, Texas: Some are impressed with his Princeton degree. I prefer his hard sinker.

Billy Traber from Torrance, California: He gets big outs against tough lefties.

Brian Bruney from Astoria, Oregon: I like his attitude and love his fastball.

LaTroy Hawkins from Gary, Indiana: A great teammate and a great pitcher who will quickly become a favorite in the Bronx.

Kyle Farnsworth from Wichita, Kansas: Coming in at 99 mph.

Joba Chamberlain from Lincoln, Nebraska: Coming in at 100 mph.

Mariano Rivera from Panama City, Panama: Game Over.