Yankees American League Wild Card Lineup Forecast
By Josh Peelman
Greg Bird has played above and beyond what the Yankee’s expected since Mark Texeira went down for the season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
First Base: Greg Bird
Other Options: Dustin Ackley, Brian McCann, Brendan Ryan
Greg Bird should be our first baseman in the Wild Card Game. He has been solid since he was called up and has batted .250 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI. He also has 16 walks in 136 at-bats over the span of 39 games. Ever since Mark Texeira went down for the season, he has more than accounted for Texeira’s production and has played excellent defensively at first base.
He seems to be the future at first base for the Yanks as long they don’t trade him away like they have so often done with assets in the past. Meanwhile Dustin Ackley is only a utility man to be used when a position needs rest or to pinch-hit. Brendan Ryan is better used at second base for defense, and Brian McCann should be seen more often than not behind the plate.
In other words, without any other viable options, Greg Bird should be out there at first base. Do not expect to see Alex Rodriguez out there either, as the Yankees have ruled that out weeks ago.
Next: Who Starts at Second Base?