Expectations for Mark Teixeira in 2015
By: Jesse Garcia
There is no doubting that Mark Teixeira has been major
disappointment the past three seasons for the Yankees. He has two seasons
remaining on his mega eight-year $180 million contract that he signed following
the 2008 season.
The 2015 season is important for Teixeira not only for the Yankees
and their success, but for Teixeira’s legacy. Will he be remembered as a power
hitting threat that helped win the Yankees a World Series? Or will he be
remembered as another injury plagued, over-paid, passed his prime money eater
that picked up a ring along the way?
For the Yankees sake, Tex needs to come back strong and return to
his old ways in being middle-of-the-order, legitimate, run producer. The
Yankees lacked offense last season and Teixeira had a big role in that. If Tex
can even produce half of what he used to, the Yankees offense could drastically
improve. Not to mention the fantastic defense he provides at first base.
Another interesting note that might benefit Teixeira is that
Yankee manger Joe Girardi hinted at the fact that Alex Rodriguez might be
getting time at fist base in 2015. That would take some of the pressure off
Teixeira. If Rodriguez were to make the transition to first base, Girardi would
be able to rest Tex more often and give him days as the designated
hitter.
Girardi has a few options for Teixeira to keep him on the
field and get as many games possible out of him. The Yankees need his bat in
the order to bring their offense back to where it needs to be.
So what are realistic expectations for Mark Teixeira in 2015?
Assuming he is healthy for most of the season, Yankee fans should expect Tex to
play around 140 games and a stat line close to .253/24/74.
Follow me on twitter @JesseGarcia975
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