In 2008, the Yankees used 6 men to man third base but it was always going to be Alex Rodriguez who dominated the position which he did, aside from some down time caused by injury. Here’s how he performed along with the others who were called upon in the position:
Alex Rodriguez (138 games). Rodriguez played 131 games at third base, the remaining seven he was used at designated hitter.
It was only partially because of his time on the disabled list that he fell short of his offensive figures of 2007. Despite his fairly even performance, he was slightly down on his own high standards:
|
|
|
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
TB |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
AVG |
|
2007 |
NYY |
158 |
583 |
143 |
183 |
31 |
0 |
54 |
156 |
376 |
95 |
120 |
24 |
4 |
.422 |
.645 |
.314 |
|
2008 |
NYY |
138 |
510 |
104 |
154 |
33 |
0 |
35 |
103 |
292 |
65 |
117 |
18 |
3 |
.392 |
.573 |
.302 |
Frequency of strike outs was up and he showed less patience at the plate. Defensively he was as strong as ever with few errors.
The Yankee fans have him tabbed as someone who can’t performance in the post-season and this year there was no opportunity for him to prove them wrong or right – so that debate will have to wait.
Expect Rodriguez to man third base throughout the 2009 season and to be amongst the Yankees strongest performances. An everyday player.
Morgan Ensberg (28 games). He played at third base in 21 of his 28 appearances. Ensberg was a surprise in the opening day roster and few who fall in that category see the season out. His .233 average in April suggested that Ensberg wouldn’t buck that trend. His major opportunity came in May with Rodriguez injured and Gonzalez suffering at the plate. He failed to turn this to his advantage with his average on the month falling to .161 on the month. As a consequence, he lost playing time to Alberto Gonzalez who is the stronger player defensively. He was gone before June began and didn’t find another ML team willing to give him plate time.
Wilson Betemit (87 games). He played at third base in 20 of these games. See my first base analysis for some comments on his season. I hope he does well for the White Sox next year.
Alberto Gonzalez (28 games) He played at third base in parts of 20 games. I’ll say more about his season when I get to the shortstops.
Cody Ransom (33 games). He only manned third base on 4 occasions. See my first base analysis for some comments on his season.
Chad Moeller (41 games). This versatile player saw some time at third base in 3 games. I’ll say more about his season when I get to the catchers.
So A-Rod will be back at third base in 2009, but there will to be someone found to act as a back-up. Perhaps they’ll pick up someone as a minor addition to a trade.
