Addition of Ichiro Gives New York Yankees MLB's Best Lineup in 2006

The hypothetical game is a fun one to play. How would Babe Ruth fair against today's pitching, how many wins would a healthy Koufax have had, the list goes on.

The Yankees recent acquisition of Ichiro had me thinking: "With all the aging stars currently on the Yankees, what would their lineup look like if the whole team had been together during the mid 2000's?"

The results are staggering. The team's lead-off and two batter combine for almost 230 runs scored, while three through six hitters combine for over 140 home runs. Somehow, a young Robinson Cano winds up batting eighth. 

Sometimes one's imagination can get the best of them, so here you are, the current New York Yankees lineup based on the individual player's 2006 seasons. 

1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF

2006 Stats (Mariners)

AVG: .322 / OBP: .370 / 9 HRs / 45 SBs / 110 runs

Awards

All Star selection, Gold Glover, Led the MLB in hits (224)

Arguably the best leadoff man of the past decade, Suzuki's speed and ability to get on base makes him the perfect man to set the stage for this power hitting lineup. His stellar defense solidifies the Yankee outfield and offers an arm opponents have to respect. 

2. Derek Jeter, SS

2006 Stats

BA: .343 / OBP: .417 / 14 HRs / 34 SBs / 118 runs

Awards

All Star selection, Gold Glover, Silver Slugger, Finished second in A.L. MVP voting

With Ichiro in the lineup and Cano in just his second season, Jeter fits comfortably into the two slot. In the 2006 season, Jeter had a career year, posting his second highest single season numbers in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging en route to finishing second in the A.L. MVP voting. 

3. Alex Rodriguez, DH

2006 Stats

BA: .290 / OBP: .392 / 35 HRs / 121 RBI / SLG: .523

Awards

All-Star selection

Coming off his 2005 campaign that saw him win the MVP, Arod's 2006 season was bound to be a bit disappointing. While he didn't launch 48 home runs or slug .610, his '06 numbers were good enough to land him an All-Star selection.

Taking into account A-Rod's injury last night, the loser of the Ibanez/Swisher battle would fill his spot and move down to the sixth/seventh slot in the order. 

4. Mark Teixiera, 1B

2006 Stats (Rangers)

BA: .282 / OBP: .371 / 33 HRs / 110 RBI / SLG:.514

Awards

Gold Glover

In 2006, Mark Teixiera continued the production that had made him one of the most feared bats in the American League. While he couldn't repeat his Silver Slugger 2005 season or earn a second straight All-Star selection, Teixiera circa 2006 has a solid bat and would drive in anyone left on base by Rodriguez. 

5. Andruw Jones, CF

2006 Stats (Braves)

BA: .262 / OBP: .363 / 41 HRs / 129 RBI / SLG: .531

Awards

All Star selection, Gold Glover

Jones' current stat line of .230/.303/.500 with 12 home runs and 27 RBI may not be overwhelming Yankee fans, but his 2006 numbers put him among the league's most productive outfielders. With his power, he would have been a great protective bat for the Yanks' cleanup hitter. 

6. Raul Ibanez/Nick Swisher, LF

Ibanez 

2006 Stats (Mariners)

BA: .289 / OBP: .353 / 33 HRs / 123 RBI / SLG: .516

Swisher

2006 Stats (Athletics)

BA: .254 / OBP: .372 / 35 HRs / 95 RBI / SLG: .493

Either way you can't go wrong with one of these two. Both hit for power and drive in runs. In 2006, Ibanez was in the middle of his prime, while Nick Swisher was in just his second full season as an MLB regular player. 

Ibanez's bat is a bit more reliable at this point in their careers, but with the recent injury to A-Rod, whoever didn't start originally would end up filling his spot as designated hitter. 

7. Eric Chavez, 3B

2006 Stats (Athletics)

BA: .241 / OBP: .351 / 22 HRs / 72 RBI / SLG: .435

Awards

Gold Glover

Eric Chavez, starchild of the moneyball movement, never had the most desirable batting average, but his high on-base percentage and excellent fielding make him an asset to this team, especially at the height of his offensive production. 

His sure hands at third help soften the blow of the injury to Alex Rodriguez. 

8. Robinson Cano, 2B

2006 Stats

BA: .342 / OBP: .365 / 15 HRs / 78 RBI / SLG: .525

Awards

All Star selection, Silver Slugger

In 2006, just Cano's second full season in the majors, the second baseman enjoyed a breakout year. Despite his great average, the outstanding bats throughout the rest of the lineup force Cano down to the eight slot. His power hasn't fully developed yet, and his speed makes him the ideal candidate to get on base for when the lineup turns over. 

9. Russell Martin, C

2006 Stats (Dodgers):

BA: .282 / OBP: .355 / 10 HRs / 65 RBI / SLG: .436

Breaking in to the MLB in 2006, Martin played in 121 games on his way to a fantastic rookie season. Martin's '06 numbers are better than his current 2012 production (.180/.295/.356).

There has to be a weak spot in every lineup, but having it behind the plate is no concern. Russell Martin's numbers make him a steady bat that won't hurt the team over the course of the season.