YANKEES VS METS FIRST BASE:

The wait is over. Finally, after my 3 day layoff from the blog, I'm back and ready to roll.

I will start off this Position Debate/Breakdown at one of the more complicated spots the yankees have to deal with this season, First Base.

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NY YANKEES, FIRST BASE:

Although I am a firm believer in overall production from one position, I am skeptical at the Yankees first base situation. Although reports out of camp are stating that Giambi is in great shape and is primed for a great walk season and trust me it helps that he is in a walk year, but I dont buy it until I see it. The facts stand that Jason Giambi is an aging player that is injury prone with declining offensive skill. Don't get me wrong I would love to "juicin Jason" pop 30 HR'S and drive in 100 plus RBI'S but its not happening. What we could count on is a steady 400 on base percentage 16-22 HRS and about 55-59 RBI'S. I'm giving these numbers based on a healthy year while platooning. The other parts that would make up the Yankee first base position is a mystery. I will list you the roster and non roster invites at first.

Wilson Betemit, (should get some at bats at first and some at other infield positions)

Juan Miranda, (its safe to say he wont make the team)

Shelley Duncan, (Shelley is an Interesting story. Last year he definitely silenced all of his critics that he could hit major league pitching and would be a viable part to the Yankee team. But, Duncan did have a blood clot issue this off season and with a bevy of names that the yankees have competing for this spot it becomes tricky. Ultimately I do think Shelley will make the team this year, despite his remaining options. His Ab's may come a bit more sporadically He may just become an ultimate Bench threat.)

Morgan Ensberg, (The Ensberg pickup in my eyes was a tremendous move on cashmans part(for a change) It was a low risk high reward kind of move. If he ends up being a bench guy or part of the platoon I think he will help this team in a big way.)

Nick Green, ( I dont know why Green is competing for a job here. I dont think he fits in. The only thing I would let him do is clean the jockstraps(uchh) The yankees already have much better talent thats competing for this spot. But with all that said watch him make the team.)

Chris Woodward, (I know he was productive as a part of the Mets but his numbers last year as a part of the Braves were abysmal. I feel the same about Woody as I feel about Green.)

Jason Lane, (I know when the signed him they said hes gonna play a little first base , but with the influx of talent they have signed since then they most definitely changed their minds. He probably will be competing for the 4th outfielder job.

Whomever wins the the final spots as the other head(s) of the yankees first base platoon monster, I think its safe to say that they are good for 10-15 HRS with 30-35 RBI'S. If you total Giambi's numbers combined with those numbers you get around 30 HRS and 85 RBI'S. The Yankees and any other ball club would take that in a heartbeat. Again, these numbers are all based on speculation. I could be completely off the mark, but thats what this debate/breakdown is all about.

However it shakes out, I'll tell you one things for sure the Yankees Bench this year is going to be a helluva lot better than it has been since I could remember.

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NY METS, FIRST BASE:

As a mets fan on a high i will try to make this argument fair not overhyped...
At 1st base is Carlos Delgado. In his first season with the mets he put up 38 hr's and 114 rbi's last year following surgery he struggled the entire year and still put up 24 hr's with 87 rbi's..each year he had 30 doubles....this year reports out of port st Lucie is that he looks in great condition...but doesnt everybody....i am looking for numbers somewhere between his first 2 seasons as i believe he will turn it around..
but age will keep him from his 06' numbers...my prediction is 31hr's and 93 rbi's the other options at first base include:

Damion Easley - last year with only 193 ab's he hit 10 homers...I cant predict how well he will do at first...then subtract from the days he plays at 2nd or OF so his overall stats at first will be 8 hr and 19 rbis..in 151 ab's...even though he was injured last year for a lengthy period i believe that with the improved bench it will take some ab's away from him..

Marlon Anderson/Olmedo Saenz - taking away their PH..these are 2 good PH but combines i am looking for 10HR with 31 RBI..if Saenz is on the team the entire year...One guy to keep an eye on in the minors is Mike Carp..this guy has a near major league ready bat and only has to work on his defense...i was at one spring training game this past march, where he had 6 rbi's ....he should be in AAA this year and if the mets decide not to pick up delgado's option in 09' he could see some playing time in 09'
Anyways i think the mets win this one hands down...delgado himself is enough reason to win this...and their bench is as deep as ever at the position..even though the mets dont have a true backup at 1b their options are still ok....and if u argue defense...u have a DH at first so shut up!

Debates will start in the comment thread. I'm looking forward.