I've been thinking about this for a few months now, and it's been fun to think about. Let's get right to it. Here is my all time yankees lineup.
Catcher: Yogi Berra
This was a little bit of a challenge, the two front runners, Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey. However there are several others in contention. Notable ones are Thurman Munson, who I might consider had his career not been so tragically cut short. Elston Howard, the teams first black player and black MVP, possibly the best defensive catcher, he was a great one too, he just doesn't separate himself from the others though. Jorge Posada, was a really good offensive player, and an important piece of a dynasty, but was just average on defense, he was a great one too but doesn't separate himself from the rest. This is the deepest position in yankee history. If Posada gets in they will all be HOFers. You could give this to Berra or Dickey, it's a close one but I've gotta give it to Berra.
Honorable mentions: Those mentioned above
1st base: Lou Gehrig
There was no contest here, the second greatest yankee ever, one of the best offensive players ever, almost a sure bet for 40 homers and 100 RBI's. He is the greatest 1st basemen ever and in yankee history.
Honorable mention: Don Mattingly: The second best 1st basemen in Yankee history, he had some great season with the Yankees. Unfortunately he didn't have enough great seasons with the team. The only edge he has over Gehrig is his defense. He has some great season in the 80's including his 85' MVP season, but unfortunately he never got a ring and fell off a cliff later in his career.
Others: Tino Martinez, Chris Chambliss, Mark Texiera
2nd base: Robinson Cáno
There were a few players who were in consideration for this, Cano, Willie Randolph and Tony Lazzeri. I would like to put in Randolph, he had a great glove but his bat was just too lacking, Lazzeri was a good offensive player, not a great fielder. They maybe also deserve it more because they played on the team longer, but this is my list and dispite those things I want Cano on my team, he was just better than the other two, he was a great offensive and defensive 2nd basemen, it's just a shame he didn't play in the Bronx longer, or there would be no question about it.
Honorable mention: Willie Randolph, Tony Lazzeri
3rd base: Craig Nettles
I know I know, how could I not have A-Rod here. Well a simple answer it's because I have another place for him on here spoiler alert I guess. A-Rod was better offensively, Nettles was better defensively, But Nettles was also really good offensively as well.
Honorable Mention: A-Rod
Short Stop: Derek Jeter
There was was no contest here, I could fill this with Derek Jeter's accomplishments but I think you are all aware of those. He was the cornerstone of the latest dynasty.
Honorable Mention: Phil Rizzuto
Outfielders:
RF: Babe Ruth, best baseball player ever, there was no question here whatsoever.
CF: Joe DiMagio,
Had to put either Joe or Mantle here so I put Joltin Joe but spoiler I'm cheating and putting Mantle at LF
LF: Mickey Mantle
He was the best switch hitter ever! I could say so much more! I cheated and put him at LF but I just can't choose between him and Joe for CF so I cheated.
What can I say about these three, 3 of the 4 greatest Yankees ever, all so great I can't say enough.
Honorable Mentions: Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, Roy White, Bernie Williams
DH: Alex Rodriguez
The only reason he wasnt at 3rd was because Nettles was a good bat and a better glove than A-Rod, and A-Rod known for his great power fits perfectly at DH! He is a controversial figure but you ant deny his greatness.
Honorable mention: Reggie Jackson, Roger Maris
Pitching:
Starters:
Whitey Ford: The best starter the Yankees ever had.
Lefty Gomez: One of the best and Goofiest players in the Yankees history
Ron Guidry: Had the best Season out of any pitcher in Yankees history! He was the best Yankee pitcher of his time, Louisiana Lightning was amazing
Red Ruffing: The teams best ace of the 40's dynasty
Herb Pennock: Truly one of the best pitchers of his time, Ruth was not the only great Yankee to play for the Red Sox before the Yankees during that time.
Bullpen:
Mariano Rivers is the headliner here, but the bullpen is so deep, I'm just gonna name a bunch of greats
Mo, Goose Gossage, Sparky Lyle, Dave Riggeti, John Wetteland, Jeff Nelson, Mike Stanton, Ramiro Mendoza, Dellin Betances, I mean the list goes on and on.
Please comment and tell me what you think!