Yankees Editorial: Alex Rodriguez should bat in the middle of the lineup

By Caleb Gebrewold | Mar 16, 2015

Entering Spring Training, the New York Yankees had no idea what to expect from Alex Rodriguez. We all know the back story, as he missed an entire year due to suspension, and wasn’t exactly the same player before the suspension, due to two major hip surgeries, and an advancing age.

Through the first few weeks of camp, A-Rod is quietly looking like the Yankees best hitter. All along, I have stated that Rodriguez will be one of the most important Yankees in 2015, and he has shown why in Spring Training. While it is obviously a very small sample size, it is encouraging to see Rodriguez put up results.

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Of the Yankees projected regulars, Rodriguez and Chase Headley are the only players hitting over .300 (Headley was 1-10 but has six hits in his last nine at-bats). Outside of the former and current third baseman, the next highest batting average from a Yankees regular is Jacoby Ellsbury, who is hitting .208 (Garrett Jones is at .250, but if A-Rod is the regular DH, then he will be a backup barring injury).

Moreover, the projected 3-4-5 hitters (Carlos Beltran, Mark Teixeira, and Brian McCann) are hitting .125, .167, and .176 respectively. None have homered, and only McCann even has an extra base hit (only one double). While Spring Training means nothing, teams still hope that their players perform, as it can be an early indication of things to come.

These early poor numbers don’t guarantee the three will struggle. Beltran is still recovering from an offseason surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow. Teixeira is a notorious slow starter. McCann is redeveloping his swing, and attempting to go the other way more to beat the shift. All three are also veterans who will be ready to go once the season begins.

With all of that said, should the Yankees wait around until they have no choice but to move Rodriguez to the middle of the lineup, or make the move early? It is pretty obvious that he is no longer among the most feared players in the sport, but A-Rod has shown he is still capable of hitting, he has good discipline at the plate, and he still carries an intimidating presence.

Of players projected to be on the big league roster, A-Rod has the highest batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, and on base plus slugging percentage. He also is second in walks to Brett Gardner, and has the only home run.

As previously stated, this by no means guarantees similar results once the season is underway. A-Rod could get hurt, or be unproductive, come April 6th. Still, shouldn’t the team start the season with its most productive hitter in the middle of the lineup?

In 2014, the Yankees lacked a productive bat in the middle of the order. In 2015, they have one in A-Rod, it just remains to be seen if they will let emotions dictate the situation, or properly utilize him.

Next: MLB.com releases Yankees Top 30 prospects list

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