The 2009 Yankees Center Field Situation

Last year, the New York Yankees had a very difficult time putting together a satisfactory CF onto the field. With faltering performances from Melky Cabrera and the inability for Brett Gardner to come up big, center field became a big issue. According to OPD, the Yankees center field was worse by 16.1 runs compared to the average American League center fielder. To help alleviate the lack of a quality center fielder, there has been fan speculation on players such as Mike Cameron or trading Cano for Matt Kemp. I believe that these are not the best options. There is someone far more underrated and talented enough to hold the position -- Ryan Langerhans.

Here is how the Yankees currently project using CHONEs 2009 Defensive Projections and MINER Batting Projections (regressed to 600 PA)

With this line up, CHONEs isn't very happy. -18 runs projected for runs saved (which isn't that bad, considering they were roughly -56 runs last year) and only 135.66 Batting Runs Above Replacement. This team might crack 60 wins with replacement level pitching, but that is no good. The offense is not good enough overall, however. This lineup looks solid for 750 runs -- less than the 789 the Yankees scored in 2008. Essentially, not good enough with the bat and we still have defensive issues.

The best way to improve our lineup is, surprisingly, through defensive improvements. Cost effective measures will allow money to go to free agents such as Sabathia. To improve the lineup, we don't need gigantic free agents such as Teixeira or Manny Ramirez (although, they could be helpful). We need cheap high bang-for-your-buck role players. We need people such as Ryan Langerhans.

Listed below are a few options for a Yankees CF using using CHONEs 2009 Defensive Projections and MINER Batting Projections (regressed to 600 PA)

From this list, the best choice is obviously Mike Cameron. He's better than the 2nd best option listed, Johnny Damon, by a factor of 1.3 wins. Unfortunately, Cameron's option was picked up and therefore a trade would be required.

The second best option for center is Johnny Damon. The problem here is that Johnny Damon has been a very good left fielder for us and Matsui can no longer take the field. Damon fits very well in left field for the Yankees. He'll give us a strong bat and an above average glove. I wouldn't be opposed to trading Damon while has value is high if the right deal came along, however.

The third in the list is a name that I haven't heard Yankee fans talk about. Ryan Langerhans is a 28-year-old outfielder who came up with the Atlanta Braves. In 2004, he was considered the Braves best defensive outfielder and the 48th best hitting prospect in the National League. After six seasons in the major leagues, he has a .713 career OPS and an 86 OPS+. Last year, Langerhans had a 104 OPS+ in 111 ABs. CAIRO says he'll hit .228/.331/.361 while 2009 MARCELS says .238/.346/.385. Either way, he'll be a satisfactory center fielder with a very good glove. Langerhans will not command a large amount of money, nor will he command draft picks.

Suppose we strictly sign Langerhans and toss Gardner and Melky out of the equation.

Langerhans adds an extra win. All he costs is a small amount of money. This, however, isn't the best scanario. Consider the following.

Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera are both currently with the Yankees. If one of them could rebound, it would be great moving forward. CHONEs isn't optimistic on Cabrera's defense in center but it is entirely possible that Melky can bring back solid defense, as well. Gardner is also known for his defensive prowess. Even if they don't get their bats back, signing Langerhans and playing one of them in center options up two interesting options.

This lineup is 2.1 wins better than the previous one. Offensively, it's not much better. Defensively, however, we've improved by 23 runs. This lineup has filled the first base gap, which means we do not have to place a replacement level Juan Miranda into the batting order every day. Ryan Langerhans, by himself, has added 24 runs to the team. That's more than any of the starters in this lineup, bar Alex Rodriguez, contributes to the team. All of this from a man who won't command much money at all.

In summation, I'm not advocating signing Langerhans, but merely giving you some food for thought (in fact, I don't want to have both Langerhans and Brett Gardner in the same outfield unless the Yankees sign a big bat for DH or 1B). Langerhans playing right field and moving Nady has some interesting implications. For example, you can now sign Mark Teixeira and then trade Xavier Nady. One could trade for Mike Cameron and play with a Damon, Langerhans, Cameron OF. One could use the money which would have gone to fixing the hole at first base and spend it on a better DH. The Yankees could sign Adam Dunn and have a Dunn, Damon, Langerhans OF. The Holliday trade could be made and we could have a Holliday, Damon, Langerhans outfield with Adam Dunn/Pat the Bat as the DH.  There are so many new options which are opened by signing Langerhans. His flexibility in the OF and defensive prowess make him a very underrated player for the Yankees. Just remember -- when you think outside of the box, many new and interesting ideas can be put into play.