Baseball season is back! On April 4, 2016, 27-time World Series champions, the New York Yankees, will take the field in the Bronx against the Houston Astros. Last year, the Yankees finished 87-75, second in the American League East division. The Yankees #chasefor28 has never been greater. Is this possible Yankees lineup capable of winning a world series? It surely could be!
1. Jacoby Ellsbury (Center Field)
Ellsbury is the ideal leadoff batter for the Yankees. He is quick, consistent and efficient at the plate. The question that is raised about Ellsbury right now is will he be recovered enough from his wrist injury to participate in the opening day in the Bronx. Currently, he is beginning to take batting practice swings and wishes to rejoin the team in the lineup soon.
2. Brett Gardner (Left Field)
Gardner proved himself to be a leader of the Yankees during the 2015-16 year. Last season, he made the all-star team roster for the American League because of his impressive performances on the field and at the plate. He finished the year with nearly 148 hits and 16 home runs.
3. Alex Rodriguez (Designated Hitter)
Rodriguez had a comeback year for the books last year, as he returned to the game in the 2015-16 season. Rodriguez had 131 hits, 33 home runs, and 86 RBIs. To help the team make the playoffs this year, Rodriguez needs to put up the same numbers of better in the 2016-17 season.
4. Mark Teixeira (First Base)
Teixeira had an all-star team worthy season last year before his fracture injury. Last season, Teixeira had 100 hits, 31 home runs, and 79 RBIs. For Teixeira, if he can stay healthy the entire season, he is golden for helping this team win big time.
5. Carlos Beltran (Right Field)
Carlos Beltran was arguably the Yankees most consistent hitter last season. He ranked up 132 hits, 19 home runs, and 67 RBIs. If he can bring that same fire into the 2016 season, the Yankees definitely have a chance of achieving their 28th world series title.
6. Brian McCann (Catcher)
McCann, or “McCannon” as Yankees fans call him, had a very productive season last year, both at the plate and on the field. Last season, McCann had 108 hits, 26 home runs, and led the team in RBIs with 94.
7. Chase Headley (Third Base)
Headley had a very good season both at third base and at the plate. Batting, he led the team with 150 hits. He also hit 11 home runs and knocked in 62 runs during the course of the year. If he keeps this up, theres no stopping Headley from leading the Yankees to the playoffs.
8. Stalin Castro (Second Base)
Castro was acquired from the Chicago Cubs to the Yankees after the 2015 season. Last season, he had an extremely productive year. He had 145 hits, 11 home runs, and 69 RBIs. This season in Spring Training for the Yankees, he leads the team in hits and is currently batting a .433 batting average, showing he is a true asset to this team.
9. Didi Gregorius (Shortstop)
Gregorius played his first season with the Yankees in 2015, replacing Yankees icon shortstop, Derek Jeter. As the season progressed, he became an asset to the Yankees success. Gregorius had 139 hits, 9 home runs, and 56 RBIs.
