New York Yankees: An Outfield To Forget?

The temperature is down to near zero conditions, not a day for outdoor activities, so here I am at the keyboard, and thinking about my beloved Yankees. Glancing over the current roster, I came to a glaring problem. How the hell did we end up with this damned outfield?

My first glance went to center field, a wise old man once told me winning teams are always strong up the middle. Yet, here I find the likes of Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera?

It is hard to dislike this Gardner kid until you look at his batting average. Unless this guy can find a way to steal first base, we got a major problem. Sure he can fly like the wind, he will cover a lot of ground, but it appears he can't even hit the ball out of his hand? 

Next in line is Melky. How can anyone not like Melky. He plays hard, every game, He gives his all. He is a true Yankee. But again, he isn't much of a hitter. Maybe around .250 at the best?

Moving over to left field, this is probably our strongest outfield spot. We have Johnny Damon. Personally I love Johnny D. Great leadoff batter. Can cover the ground. Gives a big effort every day.

But what about that God-awful throwing arm? Can we win with that type of performance? Only if he can again surpass the .300 batting average plateau.

This brings me to the strong suit, Hideki Matsui. Call me a sucker if you will, but I love this guy. Simply a solid Major League hitter, figures to bat well over .300, and is not as bad as some would have you believe patrolling the pasture. I call Matsui a major plus!

Crossing back over the Stadium grass, out in right field, the problems begin again. Nady was always an average outfielder at best. He became an early-season sensation last year in Pittsburgh.

I would run fast and hit hard, if I were stuck in that God-forsaken city as well. He quickly levelled off in the Bronx, reaching what I believe were probably his norms.

Let's call this guy the other fellow, Swisher. Can you spell "over-rated?"  That's what this guy is. Some outfield speed, some arm strength. On his best day a batting average around .240-.250. And a possible headache in the clubhouse?

All in all, not a very promising picture for the hard core Yankees fans. But we are loyal to fault. There is always a silver lining. And guess what. We have the solution, our infield. For we are loaded there. We will cover that area tomorrow. See You then.                                                                                    endit-lfj