As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the first basemen and go on with the New York Yankees.
For several seasons the Yankees had problems at first base, primarily due to the porous defense of 1B/DH Jason Giambi, forcing them to promote or other wise sign weak offensive players like 1B Nick Johnson, 1B Tony Clark, 1B John Olerud, and 1B Tino Martinez. After signing 1B Mark Teixeira as a free agent following the 2008 season, however, those problems are long in the past.
1. Teixeira: Under contract for several more seasons after signing a megadeal, Teixeira isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and the Yankees couldn't be happier. Last season Teixeira batted .256 with 33 home runs, 108 runs batted in and no stolen bases. Unlike Giambi before him, Teixeira is not only sound defensively but has won three Gold Gloves. Barring an injury, no one else is going to start more than ten or 12 games at first this season.
2. Nick Swisher: Swisher will be the team's starting right fielder for the third season in a row and he's been a good player thus far, having back-to-back 29-homer seasons and being named to the American League All-Star team last season. He should focus on playing right field, but he'll be the team's number two option at first.
The Yankees figure to be strong at first this season and there's no reason not to expect another All-Star-caliber, Gold Glove-type of season from Teixeira.
Here's how the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees rank at first base this season:
1. Red Sox: Adrian Gonzalez should have a monster season after moving from spacious Petco Park to tiny Fenway.
2. Yankees: Another typical year from Teixeira will be welcome.
3. Mets: Ike Davis is good and should get better, but he's not on the same level as Gonzalez and Teixeira.
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