Yankees Daily

Scouting the Outfielders

Left Field:

Johnny Damon vs. Raul Ibanez

Raul Ibanez

Year	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
2009 Season	500	93	136	34	93	56	119	.272

Has good power and a knack for driving in runners in scoring position. Doesn’t strike out as much as you might expect from a slugger of his caliber.

His power is a lot less prevalent against southpaws. Defensively, he has trouble adjusting to fly balls and isn’t quick enough to overcome mistakes.

He hit very poorly against the Dodgers batting .211 with one home run and four RBI in 18 at bats. He’s a home run threat even at the age of 37 every time he steps up to the plate.

Johnny Damon or just Johnny “Ta Ta”

Year	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
2009 Season	550	107	155	24	82	71	98	.282

Johnny Ta Ta Damon possesses a quick bat and is tough to strike out in key situations. He has a below average arm and injuries to his legs have forced him to move from center field to left field.

He had a good ALCS while batting .300 and driving in five runs. He had nine hits and 16 total bases.

Advantage: Even. Both are older players but can bring a key hit to their team in big game situations.

Right-field:

Nick Swisher vs. Jayson Werth

Jayson Werth

Year	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
2009 Season	571	98	153	36	99	91	156	.268

Now, for what it’s werth…. Jayson is a great athlete with a big frame. Has very good power, excellent patience at the plate, and good speed. Knows how to take a walk. Plays all out and can carry his team when he gets on a roll.

His all-out style can lead to injuries. He’s streaky, and will pile up strikeouts when he’s not in his zone.

He did not hit for a high average in the NLCS but hit when it count by going yard three times with six RBI and 13 total bases in 18 at bats.

Nick Swisher

Year	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
2009 Season	498	84	124	29	82	97	126	.249

A switch-hitter with surprising power from both sides. Supremely patient at the dish. A clutch hitter and a team leader who hustles all the time. Versatile with with the glove.

For a patient hitter he doesn’t make great contact, leading to too many Ks. Can seem a little reckless at times in the field and on the bases.

Had a very poor ALCS batting only .150 with no home runs, no RBI and two runs scored.

Advantage: Phillies. Werth is a much superior player.

Center field:

Melky Cabrera vs. Shane Victorino

Shane Victorino

Year	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
2009 Season	620	102	181	10	62	60	71	.292

A consistent, hustling, high-energy player. Bats for a high average with some pop while taking a solid number of walks without striking out much. Piles up steals, doubles, and runs. A Gold Glover in center field.

He hit .368 with two home runs and six RBI with an astounding 16 total bases in the NLCS in 19 at bats.

Melky Cabrera

Year	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG
2009 Season	485	66	133	13	68	43	59	.274

A consistent switch-hitter from both sides of the plate, he lines the ball into the gaps with regularity. Is an outstanding defensive center-fielder.

Has only average power and speed. Needs to become a little more assertive at the plate in order to become a more productive hitter.

He had a great ALCS batting .391 with four home runs and 11 RBI in 23 at bats. Tied for the team lead in hits for the series with nine.

Advantage: Even. Both guys have been playing well and their regular season stats are almost similar.

First one off the bench:

Brett Gardner vs. Ben Francisco

Advantage: Yankees. Brett Gardner can steal a base and change the game after he subs for a batter who just singled.

Advantage overall: Phillies. Jayson Werth is the deciding factor. Nick Swisher looks lost at the plate and shouldn’t be starting.

Got most of my information from SB Nation, mlb.com and fox sports.

Tags: new york yankees, philadelphia phillies, phillies, world series: scouting the yankees - phillies outfield, Yankees, yankeesdaily

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