August 14, 2009

Three for Three

At the start of the season, one reason to believe the Yankees would be a better team than last year had nothing to do with free agent signings or trades. Three of their hitters played poorly in 2008, Posada and Matsui due to injury, Robinson Cano due to an off year. A return to anywhere near their previous performances would give the Yankees a huge win boost.

Thursday night, Posada didn’t play, but his .356 OBA and .509 slugging percentage are certainly in line with his career numbers. He won’t play 140 games, but his 110-120 games are very valuable. Robinson Cano did play, and went 2 for 5 to raise his batting average to .318. He’s likely to set a career high in doubles and home runs, and his averages are right in line with his 2006-2007 seasons, which earned him the nice contract.

Matsui hit two home runs among four hits he knocked out last night. He can no longer play the outfield, which does reduce his value, but he’s a designated hitter who can actually hit well. His power returned after injuries sapped it 2008, and he’s able to stay in the lineup. Given the ages of Posada and Matsui, I expected one of them not to return to form. With both doing so, and Cano figuring out his hitting problems, it’s as if the Yankees added three great players without giving up anything.

CC Sabathia pitched another great game, walking two and striking out 10 in eight innings as the Yankees down the Mariners 11-1. With Ian Snell giving up eight runs in six innings, I’d say that trade is not working out for the Mariners.

2 thoughts on “Three for Three

  1. Pingback: Bounce back players helping to power Yanks | River Avenue Blues

  2. Pingback: On Matsui and the designated hitter | River Avenue Blues

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