HOW THE YANKEES STACK UP: FIRST BASE

BYB is doing a full series on every Yankee position and comparing them to the rest of the clubs in the American League East.  Read our first piece HOW THE YANKEES STACK UP: CATCHER. Now read about first base...

First Base

The Yanks will continue to feature slick fielding, power hitting Mark Teixeira at first base.  While his average with the Yankees has not been what was expected (.263 ), he has averaged 34 HR,  106 RBI,  and 90 runs scored over four seasons.  In that time he has won three Gold Gloves.

Toronto Blue Jays: Edwin Encarnacion is coming off a career year for the Blue Jays (.280/42HR/110 RBI/93 RS) and at 30 years old they can expect more of the same.

Baltimore Orioles: Chris Davis (.270/33 HR/85 RBI) was behind Mark Reynolds at first base most of the second half of 2012, but Reynolds is gone (to Cleveland) so he is back as the starter.

Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays signed free-agent James Loney to a one-year $2 million contract.  The former Dodger doesn’t hit for much power, but provides a steady glove and good average (.282 for his career).

Boston Red Sox:  The Red Sox thought they had landed former Ranger Mike Napoli to a 3-year contract in filling a hole at first base.  But with Napoli’s hip the signing turned into a 1 year deal worth $5 million.  Last year he hit .227 with 24 HR for Texas.  If he can’t play, they will go with 28 year-old Mauro Gomez (.275) at first.

My rankings at First Base:

1.    Yankees (Teixeira)
2.    Toronto
3.    Baltimore
4.    Tampa
5.    Boston

Next up is second base.  Don't agree with my opinion? Offer your own... comment below.

 
--Steve Skinner, BYB Guest Writer
Twitter: @oswegos1







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