The New York Yankees: First Base Rotation

The New York Yankees have the possibility of going with a six-man rotation. No, not a pitching rotation. They are more than likely going with six different players at first base during some point in the upcoming 2015 season. It seems that they are trying to be on the forefront of a revolutionary, Billy Beanesque game changer. Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi have to know something that other teams don’t, right? No, unfortunately because of the massive contracts, health woes, and whatever the opposite of Tuck Everlasting is, there is a vacant hole at first base. Let’s take a look at the island of misfit toy solutions. 

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1. Mark Teixeira

Tex is the obvious answer for who the opening day first baseman should be. His stellar Gold Glove defense and switch-hitting power is a rare commodity that this down economy would be jealous of. However, Tex has had a difficult time staying on the field and, with that, living up to the 8-year, $180 million contract. In 2013 he played a lousy 15 games and in 2014 he played 123 games. If we compare his 2014 numbers to the 2009 World Series season, he is a shell of the player he used to be. His 62 RBIs in 2014 are almost half of his 122 in 2009. Also, he batted a respectable .292 in 2009 compared to his .214 in 2014. If he can remain healthy and find his swing, he is the clear cut answer.

2. Brian McCann

Brian McCann played one more game (16) at first base in 2014 than Teixeira did in 2013 (15). His 5-year, $85 million contract was handed to him to continue the lineage of great Yankee catchers. However, in the current trend of trying to preserve your catcher’s health and keep him on the field, he learned to play first base. It was clear that he was uncomfortable there missing routine plays and committing one error.

3. Alex Rodriguez

Guess what? Another big contract player seeing time at first base. The Yankees might have the most expensive first base depth chart in history. Alex Rodriguez missed all of the 2014 season because of a PED suspension. His 10-year, $252.87 million contract was given to him in the years it seemed definite that he would surpass Barry Bonds and the other great’s home run records. Due to suspensions, aging, and anything else you might find in a Miami night club, A-Rod has been a disappointment.

Going on 40 and coming off a season on his couch, we are not sure what to expect from him defensively. Odds are his mobility will be limited and he will not be a smart choice for the hot corner. Girardi spoke with him about the possibility of him playing first base.

4. Carlos Beltran

All New York Met fans might have stopped reading at this point. Yes, we know the love-hate relationship you guys have for Beltran. Yes, we know that there has been more money discussed in this article than a Bernie Madoff meeting with the Wilpons. Beltran’s 3-year, $45 million seemed fit for a player who boasted a .296 average and had 84 RBIs. His experience and switch-hitting power seemed a perfect fit for the House of George. Beltran battled injuries and rotated between DH and the outfield in an attempt to keep him healthy. He appeared in 109 games in 2014 and played a total of one game at first base; however, he did not commit an error in that game! In the same scenario as A-Rod, Beltran’s age and limited mobility might see him time at first base.

5. Chase Headley

Even though he is a free agent and doesn’t seem interested in the Yankees 3-year offer, Headley could be a useful piece in 2015. He saw 7 games at first base in 2014 and in the hypothetical situation of holding he and A-Rod on the roster, he would see more time at first base. Despite the 1 error he committed in the 7 games at the position, it would be a more natural transition for him than McCann or Beltran. Also, at the age of 30, Headley’s range at the hot corner will come into question.

6. Austin Romine

Romine is looking like the backup catcher for the 2015 season with the trade of Francisco Cervelli. If this season sees as many injuries as the 2014 one and Girardi is forced to shuffle and play people out of position, Romine becomes a potential fix. He made a name for himself as a defensive catcher and I am sure his hard work behind the plate would transition to first base. While he only played 3 innings at first last season, it brings it to attention that he is prepared to play there if need be.