Normally, a rehabbing player going 1 for 6 in an intrasquad game would not be news, or even remotely interesting. However, with the craptastic production that the Yankees have been getting from the 3rd base position (batting average south of .200, no home runs, mediocre defense), the Yankees need Alex Rodriguez back as soon as possible (Selena Roberts-induced drama and all). Peter Abraham reported the results of A-Rod’s intrasquad game, saying that Alex was not running at full speed in the game, and also walked twice.
It is pointless to extrapolate anything from an intrasquad game in which A-Rod was hitting against the likes of Matt Richardson and Jose Ramirez, but it is encouraging to see that he is working his way back. They have performed fairly well up to this point given the loss of A-Rod, Bruney, and Wang to injury, but ultimately, the Yankees need their big slugger back in the worst way. His presence lengthens the lineup, replacing an automatic out at the bottom of the lineup with a 3-time MVP.
Nobody could agree more than Mark Teixeira, whose .197/.365/.364 line is blowing nobody away. The high OBP sticks out as evidence that opposing pitchers are pitching around Tex, and this could change when A-Rod returns to the lineup. Tex’s struggles may have to do with trying too hard, but hopefully, the return of an effective A-Rod could take some of the pressure off the Yankee first baseman. To be honest, I’m surprised the media hasn’t made more of his struggles already. I guess they’re too busy deciding that Joba needs to go back to the ‘pen (seriously, when will they learn?).
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Lol at the tag. I think Tex looks about ready to bust out at the plate- he has just missed a few balls in the last few days, and has hit a few right at people. I think he has a good series v. Anaheim.
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Eric Schultz Reply:
April 30th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I hope so, though every time I see Teixeira bat he seems to pop out to the infield.
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