Red Sox / Yankees Hitting Comparisons

Interesting analysis of the batting orders and other factors done by Bronx Banter. The focus is on hitting but fielding and pitching comparisons are examined as well. Nicely done work.

I will take issue only with two points of the analysis:

1. In comparing Kevin Youkilis to Bobby Abreu - the comment was:

Youkilis has been great for the Sox thus far this year, but comparing him to Abreu is just not fair, though it's a credit to Youkilis that this is even close.

People seem to think Bobby Abreu is still the Bobby Abreu of 2004. Abreu is supposedly a power hitter but this year he has a HR/AB rate of 1 HR ever 44.44 AB. Youkilis has hit 1 HR every 34.62 AB this year. If anything - the edge should go to Youkilis in this matchup.

2. As far as defense - this was the comment:

With the hitting out of the way, here's a quick look at the defense, starting with the two teams' defensive efficiencies with their major league ranks:

NYY: 70.8% (4th)
BOS: 69.1% (19th)

That advantage exists despite the fact that the Yankees have committed nearly twice as many errors as the Sox, with 54 to the Sox major-league low 28.

The Red Sox' defense has been the best in baseball this year yet this analysis seems to indicate the Yankees have an edge. The Red Sox clearly have the edge in defense and on top of that they will have home field familiarity going for them. Not even close - big edge Red Sox.

I would also add that by midnight tonight the Yankees will have played 3 games and taken a plane ride all within 48 hours. That has to be tiring. Adreneline may carry them through today but look for some fatigue on Saturday when the two teams play a day game.