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New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, right, talks with Alex Rodriguez (13) during a spring training baseball workout, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo | Lynne Sladky)

For the 2015 Yankees, age is more than just a number. If the team is going to rebound from back-to-back years out of the postseason, it will need contributions from old, declining players. The quartet of CC Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran and Mark Teixeira will combine to make over $83 million this year.

If the Yankees have a chance to crack the 90-win plateau, that group will have to earn it.

At the age of 34, Sabathia is the youngest of the group, but by no means a sure bet to return to the ace-level form he showed throughout his prime in Cleveland, Milwaukee and New York. By July, Rodriguez will be a 40-year-old with two hip surgeries under his belt. Mark Teixeira has seen his OPS plummet from .896 (2003-2012) to .700 (2013-2014) over the last two years. Beltran needs to prove he can stay healthy and still play the outfield.

Of the four, who is the best bet to have a good season? Thus far, returns have been most positive for Sabathia and Rodriguez.

A scout who saw CC Sabathia last night says: "He threw better, & harder, than I've seen him throw in 3 years." Good sign for the #Yankees — Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) March 18, 2015

Girardi said ARod's shown enough defensively that he's confident playing him once a week at third. First base? Doesn't sound like a priority — Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) March 17, 2015

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, scouts aren't as high on either Teixeira or Beltran. While spring training statistics aren't reflective on regular season performance, both are hitting under .200 heading into games on March 18.

Based on the first half of spring training, who is your pick to have the best season? Is it the former ace in Sabathia? The three-time AL MVP in Rodriguez? Or will a muscled up Teixieira and healthy Beltran surprise?

Vote in our poll and sound off below in the comments section!

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.