Yankees American League Wild Card Lineup Forecast
By Josh Peelman
The Yankees Outfield has played well despite injuries happening sporadically throughout the year. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Outfield: Left Field Brett Gardner, Center Field Jacoby Ellsbury, Right Field Carlos Beltran
Other Options: Chris Young, Dustin Ackley
Analysis: Our outfield has been pretty strong all year and there really seems no reason to change it now. Beltran’s bat seems ready for the postseason. Brett Gardner has struggled at the plate as of late, but has come through time and time again and is one of the best in the majors in the outfield overall, especially on defense. Jacoby Ellsbury has as always been stellar both at the plate as well as in the outfield, so don’t expect to see Chris Young until later innings unless the pitcher matchup warrants it.
Editors Note* What will be interesting to see is how Joe Girardi plays it when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound. Can he afford to keep Chris Young, one of his best performers against left-handed pitching all season, on the bench? Only 10 players in the AL with at least 100 at-bats against left-handed pitching had a higher batting average than the .319 Young did this season.
Next: How Will The Bullpen Shape Up?