THE Yankees come roaring into September nearly perfect, just like Andy Pettitte was last night in Baltimore. This AL East race was won Jan. 6, the day the Yankees signed Mark Teixeira.
That marked the separation point between the Yankees and Red Sox. Boston blew it that first week of the new year and now the Red Sox will have to live with their decision through the 2016 season.
Teixeira has brought a sense of balance. He has added class, success and a switch-hitting power bat.
“He’s been a phenomenal addition,” Alex Rodriguez said. “To me, he’s like a present-day Lou Gehrig.”
There’s only one other player with as many as 34 doubles and 32 home runs: Albert Pujols.
Said one scout, who keeps close tabs on the AL East, “The difference between the Red Sox and the Yankees right now is Teixeira. There’s no doubt about it, that was the biggest move of the year and that’s when they won the division.”
There has been much talk about Teixeira or Derek Jeter winning the MVP. Don’t overlook Brian Cashman as executive of the year for his ability to convince ownership to go the extra mile to sign Teixeira to the eight-year, $180 million contract and bring Pettitte (12-6) back for another year.
It’s not only about making trades, it’s about targeting the right free agents. Cashman did that with the additions he made this winter: Teixeira, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. In an era when so many teams don’t spend money or waste it, this was money well spent.
When the Yankees began the season in Baltimore, Teixeira was booed by Orioles fans. He got off to a terrible start. Things have changed.
Teixeira was hitting .283 after the 5-1 win last night, a game in which Pettitte was perfect through the first 20 batters. Then, with two outs in the seventh, Jerry Hairston Jr., subbing for the resting Rodriguez, booted Adam Jones’ grounder at third. Nick Markakis followed with a single.
Teixeira has 32 home runs and 101 RBIs. In July he hit .295. In August he batted .294. He’s hitting .360 with two outs and runners in scoring position.
In Teixeira, the Yankees have the complete package. So often the defensive value of a first baseman is overlooked. It’s one of the most vital positions on the field and through the years the Yankees were so accustomed to poor play at first with Jason Giambi, they forgot just how important it is to have a Gold Glove first baseman.
Until Cashman reminded them.
Here is another point where Teixeira’s value is not fully understood. By adding his work ethic and his stability, it empowered Jeter to be more of a leader and has enabled the two to work together to keep their teammates on the same page every game.
Winning is the most important thing. It doesn’t matter who is the star. A-Rod is on board with that philosophy and as a result, the team has flourished. There seems to be a new hero or a combination of heroes every night. No one is trying to do too much.
That comes directly from the influence Teixeira has on the team.
“We’re just trying to win games,” Teixeira said. “That’s all that matters to us.”
Essentially, Teixeira has made the Yankees the star again. It’s about the team working together to do the right thing. The Yankees may not always be perfect, but they’ve been pretty close.
You earn your stripes in October. The playoffs begin in 36 days. Teixeira and the other new big-money Yankees, Sabathia and Burnett, will have to do well in October for the season to matter.
The Yankees and Red Sox are heading for another collision in the ALCS. Last year, in his first postseason, Teixeira was one of the few Angels to show up against Boston. He batted .467 in four games, but did not get an extra-base hit.
It’s a different year. It could be perfect.
