Breaking Second Base Down
By Joe Davis
Joe Davis is angry about USA losing 8-6 to Canada today... So he is late on his entry. Without further waiting, here is the breakdown of the Red Sox and Yankees' second basemen.
Robinson Cano (NYY) - The Rookie of the Year candidate for the 2005 season is returning for the Yankees this year. The Yankees will be hoping for the same numbers ( .297 AVG, 14 HR, 62 RBI, .320 OBP). His defense isn't stellar, but better than Alfonso Soriano. He is still very young (24 in October), and still has a lot to learn. He can potentially turn into a very good second baseman.
Mark Loretta (BOS) - Loretta will be returning for his 12th major league season, and it is his first in the American League. It will be interesting to see if he can return to 2004 form (.335 BA, 16 Homeruns, 76 RBI). If he does, or even raises his batting average over the .300 mark, he will be crucial to the Red Sox offense. If Crisp can get on before Loretta gets on, and he moves him over before the big bats come up, it will make the Red Sox a better team. Remember, the Red Sox still lead the league in runs last year even with Edgar Renteria batting in the two-hole for most of the year. Loretta is in a similar situation as Renteria except he will not have the same expectations.
Edges:
Offense - Yankees
Defense- Red Sox
Speed- Red Sox
Throwing Arm - Red Sox
Range - Red Sox
Turning the Double Play-Red Sox
The edge goes to the Red Sox. The edge is to Boston right now, 2-1 for starters.
Thursday: Third Base
