As you may have heard during the eighth inning of the final game of the World Series, Alex Rodriguez has decided that he was only kidding when he said, "I love New York" and "I want to be here when the new stadium opens up in 2009." The likely American League MVP has opted out of his contract with New York and the $81 million he would have made over the next three years.
The 2007 Yankees were first in the American League in batting average, home runs and RBI. Those numbers, of course, include Alex Rodriguez's production - .314, 54 homers and 156 RBI.
Now let's assume that instead of A-Rod, the Yankees had a third baseman who performed like the average batter - .272, 10 home runs, 42 RBI. If that were the case, the Yankees would have placed fourth in batting average, ninth in home runs and fourth in RBI.
This is the reality of the 2008 Yankees - with A-Rod gone, they are a slightly above-average hitting team.
The Yankees are left with a huge hole in their lineup, and the free-agent pool of third basemen doesn't look too promising, with Mike Lowell almost certain to stay in Boston. As you read this, Yankee fans are conjuring up crazy schemes to trade for Miguel Cabrera or Aramis Ramirez. People have even suggested moving shortstop Derek Jeter to third base - they're desperate to fill A-Rod's void.
These fans must realize that it's insignificant where that replacement plays on the diamond. Twenty home runs is just as valuable coming from a third baseman as it is from a catcher, outfielder or designated hitter. New York can pick up an average third baseman like Mike Lamb or Russel Branyan, pay him peanuts and address the offensive drop-off in other ways.
Like by replacing Melky Cabrera in centerfield.
We were all okay with Cabrera joining the ranks of Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Bernie Williams as he patrolled the stadium's hallowed center field. This was only acceptable, however, when the Bombers had A-Rod in the lineup. It was endearing to have a homegrown youngster with a good arm, a weak bat - .273 and eight home runs this season - and a funny name. But the Yanks lineup suddenly looks less than spectacular, and Melky's purpose on the team is now unclear.
If New York wants to win in 2008, they've got to see Melky for what he really is - a fourth outfielder. The free agent pool contains several significantly better centerfielders, notably Aaron Rowand (.309, 27 HR) and Torii Hunter (.287, 28 HR). With one of these mashers replacing the Melkman in the lineup, the Yankees offense won't miss A-Rod nearly as much.
And while we're on the subject, defensive specialist Doug Mientkiewicz is no longer a viable option at first base. The Yanks need a power-hitting first baseman to combine with their new centerfielder as a two-player replacement for Rodriguez. The free agent pool is shallow here, but a trade for Mark Teixeira or Jim Thome, who are both entering the last year of their contracts, could provide the necessary pop. With a real offensive threat at first base, part-time DH Jason Giambi can finally be relegated to the bench - a role he earned this season with his .236 average and 14 homers.
The Yankees are starting to look like a normal team, and normalcy is the last thing their hungry fans want. They want a championship. To do so, New York must realize that Mientkiewicz and Cabrera, a Gold Glover and fan favorite respectively, are luxuries that even the Yankees can't afford.
Ellis Rochelson '09 thinks the Red Sox earned it. Congratulations. Comments? Questions? Send them to Ellis_Rochelson@brown.edu.
