Yankees vs. Red Sox Breakdown: First Base
By Joe Davis
Joe Davis continues his breakdown of the Yankees and Red Sox in today's installment: First Base.
Each player has a starting first baseman, and a defensive replacement for late innings.
Jason Giambi (NYY) - The overpaid, overrated, steroid using first baseman is back for the Yankees this year. He had a "rebound" year last year after admitting using steroids. I am not sure what to think of him this year. He is a player that can either hit very well, or hit very poorly. I think he will put up average numbers: A .260-.270 batting average, 25-30 homeruns, 80-90 RBIs. It also depends if he's using his steroids or not. I cannot trust that Giambi is clean now, and I would not be surprised if he got caught using them this year if his numbers start to fade.
Andy Phillips (NYY) - Young and inexperienced, Phillips will get more playing time this year. He has not proven himself to Yankee fans and baseball fans yet, so anything can be expected from him.
Kevin Youkilis (BOS) - Like Phillips, he is young and inexperienced. Was projected to be the starting third baseman after Bill Mueller left, but the arrival of Mike Lowell pushed him to first base. His range is average, better than Kevin Millar. He is nicknamed the "Greek God of Walks," and is Billy Beane's dream player because of his OBP. I expect him to have a solid year. He will draw walks, and will score runs before Crisp, Loretta, Ortiz and Ramirez if put in the eight or nine hole. He will put up good 10-15 homeruns and 60-70 RBIs, which compared to Kevin Millar will be an upgrade. Also, his OBP be higher than .400 and will help the Red Sox to try to defend their league leading run status this year.
JT Snow (BOS) - Six time Gold Glove winner. Need I say more?
Edges:
Offense - Yankees (Giambi)
Defense- Red Sox (JT Snow)
Speed- Red Sox
Throwing Arm - Red Sox (JT Snow)
Scooping Up Wild Throws - Red Sox (JT Snow)
Holding Runners On- Red Sox
The edge goes to the Yankees... I believe the offense will help more than the defense of the Red Sox.
Wednesday- Second Base: Cano vs. Loretta
