Mark Teixeira has been a critical missing piece in the Yankees puzzle for the last year and a half. That is why the news coming out of spring training, that Teixeira is swinging the bat well and that he is feeling no discomfort is a great reason to be excited. He is being wise, not trying to push himself too hard, but sticking to his physical rehabilitation plan.
His comments, as tweeted out by Meredith Marakovits, about expecting to have a typical year with 30 home runs 100 RBI eyes is something that should be making us all concerned, at least a little.
Tex in the cage. Said he expects to be a key contributor...Hit in the middle of order typical 30hr/100rbi yr pic.twitter.com/0t7sdskZBA
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) February 16, 2014
It is not realistic for a guy coming off wrist surgery to be able to hit at that level in the majors, and the Yankees should not put that kind of pressure on him. We appreciate his desire to make an impact, but the tendon is going to heal the way it is going to heal. It is subject to the laws of physics, and trying to push a recovery past what it is capable of is the most common way that players re-injure themselves.
The fact is that if Teixeira can hit 20 home runs and drive in 80 runs batted in, which is low by Teixeira standards, but an average performance for a major league hitter, he will still be a very valuable asset to the Yankees. In fact, those numbers outperform the Yankees productivity at first base for all of 2013. Who would be upset if that is how it turns out?
Mark Teixeira's value to the team goes beyond his productivity in the batter's box. His fielding, his range, and his in-game instincts are well renowned. His leadership and his maturity in the clubhouse are a much-needed positive influence. I have written before about the importance of leaders and standard-bearers to take their place, and Teixeira is going to be a major contributor. His very presence in the clubhouse and on the field makes the Yankees a better team. There is no reason to jeopardize that trying to do something that is not necessary.
What we seen so far in his progress is exciting and he needs to continue to push himself, but not too hard. We need him healthy all the way from April through October. If that means that we do not get 30 home runs and 100 RBI, but we still get good productivity, so be it. The Yankees need what was missing last year by his absence.
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