Open Mic: A.J. Martelli's All-Time Yankee Lineup

As most of you readers know by now, the New York Yankees are my favorite sports team of all-time. I am participating in this week's open mic, and putting together my all-time Yankee lineup.

1) Mickey Rivers, CF: He could get on base and run. If you needed a fast runner, he was your man. I mean, they didn't call him 'Mick the Quick' for nothing.

2) Derek Jeter, SS: For obvious reasons, Jeter is probably the best shortstop of all-time, is very good at picking up the first base runner, and can play small ball. Not the mention that amazing jump throw while manning the shortstop position.

3) Alex Rodriguez, 3B: I put Rodriguez after Jeter because they always complement each other so well. He's probably the best all-around player on my team.

4) Babe Ruth, DH: Unlike A-Rod, he's probably the best power hitter in the lineup--714 is a large home run count. His defense is probably not the best, so I chose to DH him. He can also be used as a pitcher if need be.

5) Mickey Mantle, LF: Mantle is the epitome of a ballplayer. He can field, and sure enough provide a huge threat at the plate. Hitting over 500 career homers can intimidate an opposing pitcher.

6) Thurman Munson, C: Before his tragic passing, he put up some impressive numbers. He was was a great player, and I'd want him in my lineup any day. Munson was the Captain, and he carried the responsibility properly. Imagine he and Jeter leading the team?

7) Don Mattingly, 1B: Donnie Baseball needs to be in this lineup. One of my favorite players growing up, and he could hit--he visited granny six times in one season! He sported a .307 batting average, and he could pick it at first base.

8) Bobby Richardson, 2B: It'd be a crime not to include Bobby Richardson in the lineup. He could play great defense, and score lots of runs. He also brings a positive attitude to the team, which is always needed in the club house.

9) Reggie Jackson, RF: Mr. October. If you earn yourself a nickname like that, it means that you have demonstrated mastery in the post season and World Series. Reggie was a bit cocky, I'll admit he came off that way even though he meant no harm. He could play hard, and Jeter and Munson would be able to straighten him out if needed. I feel A-Rod is a modern version of Jackson, except A-Rod has accomplished nothing in October. I chose Reggie to round out the order to let the other teams know that we have power in all parts of the lineup.

SP: Whitey Ford: The Chairman of the Board is probably the greatest Yankee pitcher of all-time. His career record is 236-106, and I know they say "numbers mean nothing," but there's no question Ford is my number one.

RP: Rich "Goose" Gossage: Goose was one of the first closers, and helped pave the way for closers everywhere. The recently inducted Hall of Famer is my number one man in relief, no doubt about it.

CP: Mariano Rivera: Probably the greatest of all-time behind Hoffman. Mo is the man I want in a close game. He will shut it down, and do it in style with that famous cutter.

Bench: CF: Bernie Williams: Great defense, awesome hitter; Bobby Murcer RF: Provides a nice spark off the bench and is an RBI machine; C: Yogi Berra: not only noted for his outstanding game play, but he can lighten a mood wherever he goes with his "Yogiisms."; 1B: Lou Gehrig: Was just a very durable player--they didn't call him 'the Iron Horse' for no reason. He could hit like no other. He was much like the Derek Jeter of his time.

If this lineup ever started for the Yankees, I'd be very afraid if I were the opposing team. The Yankees had so many outstanding players over the years, and it was difficult to choose only a select group of players.