Mark Teixeira 2010 Projection

I’m calling it now – Mark Teixeira will win the AL MVP this season. I’m sure all the writers on Bronx Bombers Beat will submit their predictions for all sorts of awards, but this one I want to make loud and clear early. Teixeira really is the complete package. He’s a great defensive player (I know people think first base is an easy position to play, but strong defense there really is underrated. Try putting someone there who can’t handle a bad throw, or can’t react to a screamer down the line and then say first base is easy to play), he’s clutch, and he’s one of the best hitters in baseball. Last season he was in the discussion, but the way Mauer led his team to the playoffs really was a great accomplishment. Also he did alright in the stats department…  Anyway, here’s what I expect for Teixeira this season.

Plate Appearances: 714
At Bats: 620
Hits: 197
Walks + HBP: 94
Doubles: 51
Triples: 1
Home Runs: 43
Runs Batted In: 131
Runs Scored: 116
Stolen Bases: 4

Batting Average: .318
On Base Percentage: .407
Slugging Percentage: .611
On Base + Slugging: 1.019

He’s going to put it all together this year. Last year really the only thing that hurt him was his slow start. Once A-Rod was back in the lineup he was crushing the ball. This year A-Rod should be healthy for opening day (knock on wood), so higher production should be expected from Tex. I know he has always had a problem hitting early on in the season, and he usually comes on later in the season. First off, if anything that helps his MVP chances – if he puts up those numbers while doing even better in the second half of the season it means he got stronger when it counted, helping lead the Yankees to the playoffs. Secondly, I think he shakes that issue this season. With Rodriguez being around during the beginning of the season Teixeira will get into a groove earlier rather than later. He’s had the MVP mold for seasons. This is the year he puts it to use.

Tomorrow we’ll take a look at the face of the Yankees, Derek Jeter.

Do you think Teixeira can put together an MVP season? Discuss below in the comments section!

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

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3. Curtis Granderson 2010 Projection
4. Nick Johnson 2010 Projection
5. Nick Swisher 2010 Projection