Main February 16, 2004 What Did the Yankees Gain? A reader writes:
David, I'm thinking that the Yankees adding A-Rod is a bit like adding pig to pork. I took a look at Runs Created from 2003, A-Rod had 135 Soriano had 112. So unless I'm missing something the Yankees pick up 23 (offensive) runs with the trade. If I add the 23 runs they pick up to their total from 2003, (877) that gives them an even 900; which would put them 6 runs better than Toronto and 61 runs worse than Boston. So is picking up 23 runs going to make a huge difference in the Yankees fortunes this year? Is their pitching staff 23 runs worse than last year? I doubt it since the bullpen looks much better and the starting five could at this point be considered a wash. Other than defense which I really won't get into because I don't think the Yankees defense got much worse this winter, is there anything else of significance that I'm missing that A-Rod brings to the table, or does it boil down to 23 runs? Merchandising, PR, Ticket sales and ratings not included.
Now, 23 runs isn't nothing. That's 2 wins. And that's two wins over a pretty good player. The win shares difference last year was five, which is close to two wins, also. Here's the reply I sent to the letter. | |
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