EVENTS
 Sportsman of the Year
 Heisman Trophy
 Swimsuit 2001

No. 1 New York Yankees

Derek Jeter hit .349 last season and led the majors with 219 hits. Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport

1999 Record: 98-64 (1st in AL East)

It's hard to imagine a team being more efficient and successful than the New York Yankees. They followed up 1998's dream season with 98 wins and a another World Series title in 1999. If they can avoid major injuries, a three-peat is possible in 2000.

The Yankees have only minor questions heading into this season starting with DH. Chili Davis has retired, and Darryl Strawberry will miss the entire year meaning depth could be a problem.

There will be no problems at shortstop where Derek Jeter has become one of the game's best players. Last season, he was one of the finest offensive players in the league, played great defense and was a team leader.

Catcher Jorge Posada will have to adapt to an expanded role after Joe Girardi signed with the Cubs. But that's a minor issue compared to the Yanks overall talent. I rank them as the best team in baseball.

Copyright © 2000 CNN/Sports Illustrated An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines.