Yankees reel in big fish Teixeira

December 24, 2:55 AMNY Fantasy Sports ExaminerLee Forman

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For the third time this off-season the Yankees made a huge splash in the free agent pool.  Yesterday it was reported the team came to terms on a huge 8 year contract worth $180 million for 1B Mark Teixeira, formerly of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  ‘Big Tex’ was the prize of the free agent market this off-season thus giving the Yanks the top position player to go along with C.C. Sabathia (believed to be the top pitcher available).

Teixeira is only 28 years old and is a former All-Star (2005).  In that season he had mammoth numbers while playing with the Texas Rangers: .301 AVG, 194 hits, 43 HR’s, 112 runs, and an astonishing 144 RBI’s.  While he hasn’t reached that level of production since, he still strikes fear in opposing pitchers and improves any line-up lucky enough to have his services.

Teixeira’s 3 year averages (2006-2008): .299 AVG, .937 OPS (on base % plus slugging %), 168 hits, 96 runs, 32 HR’s, and 112 RBI’s.  He figures to improve his run production while hitting in such a potent Yankees line-up.  I see him finishing the 2009 season close to a .305 AVG, with 110 runs scored, 36 HR’s, and 130 RBI’s.

Teixeira is a rock-solid 2nd round pick.  The only thing keeping him from being a 1st round selection in fantasy drafts is that he plays at one of the deepest positions in baseball.  SS, 2B, and 3B are top-heavy but each position has a considerable drop-off in production after those pinnacle players are off the board. 

Example: there is a more significant drop in production and value from Jimmy Rollins to Troy Tulowitzski or Derek Jeter than there is from Lance Berkman to Adrian Gonzalez or Derrek Lee.

Teixeira is currently 3rd on my 1B rankings for the upcoming season behind Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard.  The Teixeira signing hurts the value of a few Yankees, especially the OF’s and those hoping for DH duties – Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, and recently acquired Nick Swisher.  For more information on how that may play out and who might be most effected check out Tristan H. Cockcroft’s blog.  The deal does boost the value of Derek Jeter who figures to score more runs with A-Rod and Big Tex hitting behind him.  More that kind of stuff once the season draws closer.