Through 76 games, the Yanks' record sits at 41-35. The team is 5 games shy of the season's mid-point, so mid-term grades are in order this week. Despite another slow start (What else is new?), it appears that the Yanks have what it takes to earn another wild card birth. Without further ado, here's how the position players faired in the first half. (Later in the week, we'll take a look at the pitchers.)

Catchers

Jorge Posada: INC
Posada's early season shoulder woes really put the team in a tough bind. But he's back now and hitting well. Yanks need to prolong his career, and the worth of that 4-year contract, by transitioning him to 1B/DH in future seasons.
Po's 2nd half will go a long way toward determining the team's playoff chances.

Jose Molina: B -
He's as valuable as a 218/.237/.316 player can be, and that's both a compliment and an insult. He's what you want for a backup catcher: Above average arm and a great handler of pitchers. He's also very well respected in the clubhouse. His worth is diminished when he plays everyday, however. And would it kill him to take an occasional walk?

Chad Moeller: C+
Moeller proved to be a capable backup to Molina when Posada went down. He is competent behind the plate, pitchers enjoy working with him, and his small sample size .262/.348/.393 is better than expected.

Infielders

Jason Giambi: A
The Big G is making a case to return to the Yanks next year, at a reduced salary of course. His power numbers are very impressive. His 18 Runs Created Above Average ranks 6th in the league. He is 5th in the league in slugging. Only J.D. Drew and Milton Bradley have a higher OPS + (Bradley 189, Drew 166, Thong-Boy 161). His OBP is a lofty.403. His swagger is back, and he is still one of the best offensive machines in baseball, when healthy. His defense has been adequate, but his throws continue to rival Chuck Knoblauch's.

Robinson Cano: D -
The poster child for Attention Deficit Disorder is having a putrid year. Whisperings are that he is pressing due to his new contract. Others say that he misses Larry Bowa smacking him around. It amazes me how often he will come up with men on base, facing a guy with control trouble, having seen the guys before him walk, only to swing at the first pitch and hit a weak pop-up or roll a grounder to second. It's frustrating to see a potential batting crown champ hover in the .230 BA range and show such poor plate discipline. His -20 RCAA is dead last in the league. About the only silver lining in Cano's season so far is that his defense has not suffered; it's actually better than last year.

Derek Jeter: D
This is the guy I really dislike having to rate. Let's just say that I have no argument with those players who voted him the most over-rated player in the S.I. poll. The future hall-of-famer is having his worst offensive season. - 7 RSAA. No Power. .279/.336/.379. In the past, Jeter's offensive contributions have been able to overshadow his poor defensive. So far this year, that hasn't been the case. By the time the Yanks finally move him off SS, he may not have anything left in the tank to contribute at a corner position. Bottom line: He's not that good. If someone with another name were putting up his exact same numbers with the exact same defense, fans would be calling for his head. The reason I didn't flunk him? His "clutchiness," of course!

Alex Rodriguez: A +
Now that Alex is fully healthy, the Yanks are making a nice run. He's 3rd in the league with an incredible 27 RCAA. What is there really to say? He's the best player in baseball, arguably the best player in baseball history, and he plays for the Yankees. Not much analysis needed here. Next.

Wilson Betemit: C +
His eye problems are corrected now, so he can actually see the ball. This comes in handy when facing 98 mph fastballs and wicked curves. Provides some pop off the bench, which is more than can be said for Shelley Duncan. His defense is usually adequate, although his range is slightly below average. He had one horrific game at 3B in Detroit, the night Kei Igawa pitched; that game should be deleted from all of our memory banks.

Alberto Gonzalez: C +
Hasn't played much, but provides excellent defense at 3B, SS and 2B. He's the kind of good-field, no-hit guy that would have been a starting shortstop in the 1960s and 1970s.


Outfielders

Bobby Abreu: C
The Yanks' wall-shy right fielder is having a subpar year, in what will most certainly be his last season in pinstripes. His numbers (.270/.333/.432) are approximately league average. Hence the C. The team would like to see him improve his on base percentage since he hits in front of A-Rod. That OBP is 72 points under his career average. Overall, his performance has not been inspiring.

Melky Cabrera: C -
You know what the Yanks have in center field? A good field, no hit, expendable guy who would make a nice 4th outfielder. Melky can throw with the best of them, but his offensive line of .254 .312 .371. is below league average on all accounts. His OPS+ is 84. So the Yanks are getting little production up the middle (2B, SS, CF). How long until Brett Gardner gets a look?

Johnny Damon: B +
At .327/.395/.486, and with an OPS+ of 138, Damon is proving to be quite a catalyst this year. This may have something to do with being in shape from the start of the season. But it's good to see the team get some mileage on that contract. The move to left has been ideal for Damon; aside from his weak arm, he has been providing capable defense. Nice job all around.

Hideki Matsui: A -
Now regulated to DH for the most part, Matsui can concentrate on raking the ball. He is having one of his finest offensive seasons so far. His ongoing knee issues may make it difficult to maintain his .324/.406/.462, so look for Girardi to monitor Matsui's health and give him days off as needed.

Position Player MVP:
Jason Giambi
Well deserved, but it would have been A-Rod if he were healthy the whole time.

Class Dunces: Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano


This article originally appeared on wcbs880.com

 

Phil is a staff writer for NYYFans.com, and he writes a weekly column for the website of WCBS News Radio 88, the home of the Yankees. You can reach him at PhilAllard27(at)hotmail.com.