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1987 yankees roster depth chart

1987 yankees roster depth chart

3 min read 31-10-2024
1987 yankees roster depth chart

The 1987 New York Yankees: A Roster Deep in Potential

The 1987 New York Yankees were a team on the cusp of something special. Coming off a surprising 1986 season that saw them finish just four games out of first place in the AL East, the Bombers were poised to contend for the pennant. Manager Lou Piniella had a talented roster at his disposal, one brimming with both established veterans and promising youngsters. Let's take a look at the depth chart and see what made this Yankees team tick:

Starting Lineup:

  • Catcher: Rick Cerone - A steady veteran, Cerone was the team's primary catcher, providing leadership and defense.
  • First Base: Don Mattingly - The "Donnie Baseball" era was in full swing. Mattingly was a perennial MVP candidate, known for his exceptional hitting and smooth fielding.
  • Second Base: Willie Randolph - A defensive stalwart, Randolph was a key piece of the Yankees' infield, providing stability and valuable on-base skills.
  • Third Base: Graig Nettles - While past his prime, Nettles still provided veteran leadership and solid defense at third.
  • Shortstop: ** ** Bobby Meacham - A consistent performer, Meacham held down the shortstop position, showcasing solid fielding and good offensive instincts.
  • Left Field: ** ** Rickey Henderson - The "Man of Steal" brought electric speed and a potent bat to the lineup.
  • Center Field: ** ** Roberto Kelly - Kelly was a rising star, quickly establishing himself as a top-tier center fielder with a powerful arm.
  • Right Field: ** ** Ken Griffey, Sr. - The elder Griffey was a solid, experienced hitter who added depth and power to the outfield.

Starting Rotation:

  • Ace: ** ** Ron Guidry - The "Louisiana Lightning" was still capable of dominating, but age and injury were starting to take their toll.
  • #2: ** ** Richard Dotson - A durable workhorse, Dotson was a reliable arm in the rotation.
  • #3: ** ** Dave Righetti - Righetti was still finding his groove after transitioning from the bullpen to the starting rotation.
  • #4: ** ** Dennis Rasmussen - Rasmussen was a steady presence, but his lack of overpowering stuff made him prone to struggles against strong lineups.
  • #5: ** ** Tim Leary - Leary was an inconsistent but capable pitcher who could provide valuable innings.

Bullpen:

  • Closer: ** ** Dave Righetti - Righetti was the closer in 1986, but he moved to the rotation in 1987.
  • Setup: ** ** Stan Javier - Javier was a valuable arm in the bullpen, known for his ability to get outs in high-pressure situations.
  • Lefty Specialist: ** ** Tommy John - The ageless wonder was still pitching effectively, providing a valuable left-handed option out of the pen.
  • Long Reliever: ** ** Bob Shirley - Shirley was a versatile arm who could be called upon for multiple innings.

Bench:

  • Catcher: ** ** Butch Wynegar - A veteran backup, Wynegar provided depth behind the plate.
  • Infield: ** ** Mike Pagliarulo - A power-hitting slugger, Pagliarulo was a valuable offensive weapon off the bench.
  • Outfield: ** ** Mike Pagliarulo, Steve Kemp - Pagliarulo could also play outfield, while Kemp brought speed and a solid bat to the bench.

Strengths:

  • Power Offense: The Yankees had a fearsome lineup with stars like Mattingly, Henderson, Kelly, and Griffey, Sr. Their ability to hit for power was a key factor in their success.
  • Solid Defense: The infield was anchored by the dependable Randolph, Meacham, and Nettles, while Kelly was a standout in center field.
  • Veteran Leadership: The team had a strong core of veterans like Cerone, Nettles, and John who provided valuable experience and guidance.

Weaknesses:

  • Starting Pitching Depth: After Guidry and Dotson, the rotation lacked a true ace. This led to inconsistency at times.
  • Closer Situation: With Righetti moving to the rotation, the Yankees lacked a proven closer. This became a major weakness throughout the season.

Overall: The 1987 Yankees were a talented team that had the potential to compete for a championship. Their power offense and solid defense were formidable weapons, but their lack of a dominant pitching staff and a proven closer ultimately kept them from reaching the playoffs. Despite missing out on the postseason, the team's young core gave fans a glimpse of the bright future that lay ahead.

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