New York Yankees best starting lineup is very good
By Ed Stein
The New York Yankees could lose three key hitters from last season’s 103 win team. Even with those loses, they return a great starting nine.
NASCAR calls it the silly season. Major League Baseball calls it free agency. So far, New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman hasn’t signed anyone new. However, the team has parted ways with several players. Last week oft-injured outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was released and struggling first baseman Greg Bird was designated for assignment, more than likely ending his time in the Bronx. Three other mainstays are unsigned.
Didi Gregorius (30-years-old), Cameron Maybin (32), and Brett Gardner (36) are free agents. There is no guarantee any will return. While Ellsbury didn’t play and Bird had only 41 at-bats, the other three were key contributors. Gregorius, Maybin, and Gardner combined for 55 home runs, 181 runs scored, and 207 runs batted in (RBI) with a slash line of .254/.321/.482/.803.
The good news is even without the productive trio, and no additions, the New York Yankees starting lineup is still among the best in the American League. Not to mention a fairly young one, no player is over 30. They have some very high-level cornerstones and excellent platoon players. Among the remaining players is a combined 13 All-Star appearances, five Silver Sluggers, three Gold Gloves, and one MVP.
Due to injuries in 2019, Bombers manager Aaron Boone quite often had to put together a patchwork lineup. How he didn’t get voted as the American League Manager of the Year is a mystery. Should he be blessed with a healthy roster next year, the New York Yankees have a dangerous offensive team.