Third Base

Third base for the Red Sox is held by Veteran Mike Lowell a ten year veteran has been a solid presence and a great team leader for the sox for 3 seasons now. Last season he hit .274 in 113 games. Hampered by injuries in 2008 he was sown from his career .279 average. The days of him hitting 25 HR and 100 RBI's probably behind him at 35 he is still a solid fielder and who the Sox are hoping can return to his 2007 form when he batted .324 with 120 RBI. Not really representive of his career numbers. All and all a very serviceable piece for 2009. I give him a B

The Rays Willy Aybar is more of a utility infielder than a true anchor at third. Hitting .253 with average power only had 82 hits in 324 ABS. I’m reserving judgment until we have a full season sample of his abilities. So far not to impressed Grade C+ (ok I lied about reserving judgment)

Alex Rodriguez is argued by many to be one of the best players to ever play the game. His numbers have been brilliant with a career .306 BA and 553 HR it’s a hard point to argue. Although a better SS than third baseman has a cannon for an arm. He also has good speed on the bases with a 12 year average of 22 a year. Alex will probably one day be the all time leader in HR and many other categories if he plays out his current contract. Now the bad. Alex has been none as a choke artist who hits allot when it doesn’t really matter and hits into allot of DP. I think this will be the year that he discredits these critics however you can’t discount bad timing. Anyone who doesn’t give him a A however is just jealous.

As we approach the outfield we will also look at those players who only occasionally play in the outfield.

Recapping the Infield I think we have solidified some facts.

1. The Rays are based on pitching not hitting

2. The Red Sox have the best Defense of the three

3. The Yankees are going to hit allot or HR

With the additions both teams have made and the adjustments that will be made to the Rays pitching I think it’s going to be a battle between the Yankees and the Sox for the division.