Yankees Getting a Lot of Production Out of CF

In the offseason, the Yankees were close to completing a trade of Melky Cabrera for Mike Cameron. I wrote back in May that I think the Yankees are better off in 2009 and beyond having not done that trade. Let's take an updated look at that.

Peter Abraham pointed out today that the Yankees are getting .287/.356/.441 (.797 OPS) out of their center fielders this season along with 38 RBI and 24 extra-base hits. The only American League center fielders with a better OPS than that mark are Torii Hunter (All Star), Adam Jones (All Star), and Marlon Byrd. Meanwhile, Mike Cameron sits at .251/ .362/.469 with 39 RBIs and 31 extra-base hits.

While those numbers are slightly better Mike Cameron makes $10 million this season and is 36 while Melky Cabrera makes $1.4 million and is 24 and Brett Gardner makes a rookie salary and is 25.

Also, as FanGraphs points out, the Yankees are getting great defense from their CF, especially when Brett Gardner is out there. I think he short arms balls at times, but his arm is serviceable and he makes it up in his speed, range, and outfield instincts.

I thought it had to do with their home park, but even in adjusted OPS, the Yankees feature well above average hitters at every position besides center (Robinson Cano has the lowest OPS+ of any other starter and he's at 115 which is higher than all but three Red Sox starters). So I thought coming into the season they could sacrifice the offense in center for plus defense. Well, Garnder and Melky are hitting as well and that's one of the factors that is helping this well-oiled offensive machine (1st in the AL in OBP, SLG, OPS, TB, runs, BB, and SO, 2nd in hits, HR, and BA and 4th in 2B) continue to run. Let's hope it continues through the All Star break and beyond.