Projections: The Yankee lineup

Now that the first half is officially in the books, let’s take a look at some full season projections for the Yankee regulars:

ROBINSON CANO: 

161 games, 113 R, 213 H, 30 HR, 107 RBI, .336 AVG, .389 OBP

Could very well be the American League MVP if the season ended today.  Leads the best team in baseball in hits, doubles, total bases, batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS.  If he learns to draw more walks he will be an on-base machine.

DEREK JETER:

160 games, 112 R, 186 H, 15 HR, 80 RBI, .274 AVG, .340 OBP

Still has a chance to reach 200 hits in a season for the eighth time in his career.  Barring injury, Jeter will enter next season needing about 50 hits to become the first Yankee to reach 3,000 hits.   

BRETT GARDNER:

155 games, 107 R, 163 H, 10 HR, 55 RBI, .309 AVG, .396 OBP 

After sharing centerfield with Melky Cabrera last season, Gardner has shined as a regular.  The Yankees would have been happy with quality fielding and some occasional speed on the basepaths.  The unexpected .309 average and .396 OBP, the highest among Yankee regulars, has been a pleasant surprise.  Also projected to steal 48 bases.

JORGE POSADA:

134 games, 58 R, 116 H, 20 HR, 65 RBI, .265 AVG, .373 OBP

Even in an injury-plagued first half and at the age of 38, Posada’s production ranks among the best in the league at catcher.  Although DH is the place for him.

ALEX RODRIGUEZ:

156 games, 88 R, 160 H, 27 HR, 133 RBI, .269 AVG, .345 OBP

With the exception of the projected 133 RBIs, Rodriguez’s numbers hardly resemble that of an A-Rodian season.  His 27 projected home runs would be his lowest since 1997 when he hit 23 in 141 games with Seattle.  His projected AVG, OBP, and SLG would all be the lowest of his career.  But still good enough to be an All-Star.  

NICK SWISHER:

157 games, 104 R, 178 H, 28 HR, 93 RBI, .298 AVG, .377 OBP

His All-Star promotion video begged fans to “Send Swish” to Anaheim but his numbers alone may have got him there.  A career .250 hitter, Swisher had never bat higher than .262 yet is hovering around .300 this season and is headed for a career year. 

MARK TEIXEIRA:

162 games, 116 R, 160 BA, 31 HR, 110 RBI, .254 AVG, .360 OBP

For all the talk of Teixeira’s prolonged slump, batting average aside, his power and run production aren't far off from his season averages of 37 home runs and 121 RBIs.  

CURTIS GRANDERSON:

138 games, 69 R, 116 H, 15 HR, 52 RBI, .240 AVG, .309 OBP

It's been a dissapointing first half for Granderson.  While he has battled injuries, former Yankee prospect Austin Jackson got off to a hot start (he has since cooled considerably) and left some questioning the swap of centerfielders with the Tigers.  He won’t come close to last year’s numbers of 30 home runs and 71 RBIs but should have see increased production if healthy in the second half.

Coming later today:  "Projections: The Yankee pitching staff"