Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees have had some of the worst overall production from their third-basemen this year. Whether it’s Kevin Youkilis, who is basically done for the season, David Adams, who is a rookie and a natural second-baseman, or Alberto Gonzalez, who is also a natural middle infielder, it has all been horrendous. In addition, the uncertain future of Alex Rodriguez dictates that the Yankees need to make a play for a replacement that could actually make an impact in the lineup.
In comes Alex Liddi, who the Seattle Mariners just designated for assignment. He has not exactly been lighting up the stat sheets either, batting a measly .059 with one walk and seven strikeouts in 17 at bats. But he is only 24 years old and a talented player with a good amount of power who has some holes in his swing.
The Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long is one of the best in the game and has fixed plenty of swings in the past. Think of Curtis Granderson, who before coming to the Yankees, had not hit more than 30 home runs in a single season. Obviously the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium is much more hitter-friendly than the Detroit Tigers‘ Comerica Park, but Long helped Grandy compact his swing and become a much more effective power hitter.
A change of scenery and a little help from one of the best hitting coaches could be a great new situation for the young Italian-born player, Liddi. Even if it doesn’t work out, it’s worth a shot. With the way the Yankees’ third-basemen have been hitting this year, it can’t get any worse.
