The new lineup

by Let's Talk About Tex Baby on Dec 17, 2009 11:14 PM EST

Assuming the Nick Johnson signing becomes official we're looking at something like...

Jeter-Johnson-Teixeira-Arod-Granderson-Posada-Cano-Swisher-Melky

So basically we've replaced Damon and Matsui with Granderson and Johnson. Is that an upgrade? I doubt it. I'd be surprised if Grandy and NJ are able to replicate Damon and Matsui's numbers from 2009. although Damon and Matsui probably wouldn't have replicated that either. Still we're losing 2 guys who were proven in the clutch...2 guys who you really felt comfortable with being at the plate in bit spots. I definitely think that for the $1 mil difference, Matsui would have been a better choice at DH than Johnson.

But maybe this isn't a finished product. Damon/Matsui cost $26 mil last year while NJ/Grandy are costing around 11 mil this year. There's room to add another outfielder, although I have no idea who that would be, and still save money. Maybe they'd still bring Damon back if his asking price drops, although that means he'd be the full-time left fielder again now. There's also room to add someone mid-season if this lineup isn't working out.

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I like Nick

But losing the speed in the 2 hole is a little worrysome.I see Nick hitting just as many long balls as Damon and his average will be better but damn he is slow.

by cashman bashman on Dec 18, 2009 11:24 AM EST reply actions

Does it matter all that much?

Nick is a doubles hitter, like Damon. He’ll get on more than Damon too. Now, he may not score on a 1st to home like Johnny could, but, that just means that A-Rod guy’s gonna have to carry his weight. Or if they walk A-Rod to load the bases…#5 hitter, Grand CENTRAL!!? or Jorge, gonna have to do work.

It is worrysome…no doubt. But in the end if Nick gets on at a 40% rate and is hitting his doubles, it will even out, possibly even better than Damon in the 2 hole.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 18, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions