New York Yankees’ Mike Ford pinch-hit for the Yankees in the 9th inning of yesterday’s exhibition game against the Phillies and smashed a 458-foot game-tying home run. He’s always been known for his ability to hit the ball and seems like a lock to make the 30-man roster.
After yesterday’s game, New York Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone praised the young slugger. When asked if he sees Ford playing a role this year he responded “I see a role,†and “I think some people miss how good of an offensive player he is.†“He controls the zone as well as you can and has power,” Boone said. He also gave us hints on how the Yankees might use him, saying “He’s a middle of the order major-league hitter, that’s how I view him. He’s that good.†All in all, Boone seems like he’s made up his mind on whether or not to make room for Ford on the roster.Â
Mike Ford was another one of those players that shined after being called up because of injuries. Heck, he even saw time on the mound. He, along with many others, made a name for himself. Because the Yankees are so right-hand heavy on the offensive side, Ford might get to see his name in a decent amount of lineups. Now obviously in a shortened season, he won’t see as much time as he saw last year but still a good amount. That’s assuming that everyone stays healthy.Â
What else can he do?
Ford can also serve as a great pinch-hitter. He proved that today. With his left-handed bat, you might see Boone put him in the DH spot just for the matchup. He is very versatile offensively and provides great depth behind Luke Voit. I thought he was a no brainer on the roster and it’s good to know that Boone agrees with me. Ford in many ways, might change how the Yankees handle things.
Here are Ford’s stats from last season: 50 G, 143 AB, 30 R, 37 H, 7 2B, 12 HR, 25 RBI, 17 BB, .259 BA, .350 OBP, .559 SLG, .909 OPS, 1.1 WAR. A .909 OPS in his first 50 major league games in crazy good.Â
Mike Ford is going to end up taking roster spots away from people that made the roster last year. That’s how good Aaron Boone and the Yankees think the second-year player is going to be. Look out for Ford’s name on a lot of lineup cards this season.