AL East 2015: Ranking the Third Basemen
By Nate Wardle
Sep 24, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) scores a run past Baltimore Orioles catcher Curtis Joseph (left) during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
5. New York Yankees – Chase Headley, Alex Rodriguez, Jose Pirela
I almost feel bad ranking Headley last. This is a guy who is a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner in his own right. However, his defense doesn’t quite match up to that of Machado and Longoria, and his offense doesn’t match up to that of Sandoval.
A career .265/.347/.409 hitter, Headley only has one year in his career where he hit over 15 home runs, and that was his career year in 2012 when he had 31 homers, 115 RBIs (which led the National League), 173 hits, 93 runs, and a .286 average. These numbers are far and above better than his career average, and one will see what he can do with a full season in Yankee Stadium.
One distraction is going to be the man who is backup. I don’t think Alex Rodriguez has much left as a baseball player. But, he will be on the field for the Yankees, weighing the team and their salary cap down. No one knows what to really expect from the former star, but most feel like it won’t be much.
Pirela has the potential to one day start for the Yankees, but it likely won’t be at third base.
The toughest position of all to rank! Do you agree? Tell me why or why not.