By: mick

mick — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 14:49:53 +0000

When speaking to Austin, I sometimes think I must have been watching a different Tyler Austin than most baseball writers. As much as I would like to see Austin succeed, I look at his footwork around 1B, and although he did improve, he looks to be a defensive liability. His inability to pick throws in the dirt from 3B and SS will be a strong deterrent to his earning the 1B job. The worst of it, imo, is that he has an extremely closed stance at the plate. When closed to that extreme, he makes himself an automatic out with pitches in, that can get under his hands. Even if he can get out in front of the pitch, as the ball rides in, he can’t see it. There were times when he seemed to adjust, not quite so closed, when he actually made solid contact. But, he also lost the ability to go to the opposite field when making the adjustment. Although he does handle the ball up and away fairly well, driving it to right center, he’s only gonna see the ball down and away, and in, under his hands. I don’t see him as being successful, as long as he uses this approach at the plate. Austin seems to have a long way to go on both sides of the field, at this point. With no one in the pipeline at 1B, and with the release of Parmelee, the Yankees would be wise to sign a veteran at 1B. Logan Morrison would be a pretty good fit. He’s an excellent defensive 1B, and if healthy, he’s got the Yankee Stadium stroke. At least that would give Austin time to work on his game at Scranton.

Comments on: Spring training competition: Can Tyler Austin win the starting first baseman job?

By: mick