2013 vs 2014 Offense Comparison

Sep 20, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Alfonso Soriano (12) hits an infield single against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Left Field

The Yankees traded for Vernon Wells in the hopes that he could retain his only remaining skill, the ability to mash lefties and platoon with Ichiro. However, he was unable to even do that. Curtis Granderson was hurt for most of the year after being hit by pitches on two different occasions. This pressed Wells into everyday duty when Brett Gardner shifted to center field. After receiving 458 plate appearances last year and in line for $21M in 2014, he is now a DFA candidate. The Yankees caught lightning in a bottle last year with a mid-season trade for Alfonso Soriano as he found his power stroke. Brett Gardner has excellent on-base skills and is one of the best baserunners in the league. If Gardner could ever drop his K rate to 15% while maintaining a BB rate around 10% and post a .350-ish BABIP he could be one of the best offensive left fielders in the league. Even replicating last year’s performance should be a upgrade over 65% Wells and 35% Soriano in left. In his contract year, Gardner may run wild and put up baserunning numbers (+8 runs) that by themselves are equal to Wells/Soriano from last year. Add in the hitting and this could be a 10-15 run upgrade on offense.