Who will win this ‘big city’ match-up? The men from the Big Apple or guys who hang out at Hollywood and Vine?
Gary Sanchez (24) and Aaron Judge power the Yankees (photo, ESPN.com)
Catcher: Gary Sanchez (NYY) vs. Will Smith (LAD): While Smith is an up-and-coming catcher, Sanchez is an established star. After hitting 34 home runs in 2019, El Gary has shown that he has one of the most potent bats in the league, especially among the backstop corps. BIG Advantage: New York
First Base: Pete Alonso (NYM) vs. Max Muncy (LAD): Even though Alonso broke the rookie record last year with 53 home runs, this is a tight match-up. After suffering castaway status in Oakland, Muncy has found a home in LA. He hit 70 home runs in two seasons with the Dodgers, and versatility makes him a valued contributor in the lineup. Small Advantage: New York
Second Base: DJ LeMahieu (NYY) vs. Tommy La Stella (LAA): La Stella finally broke through in 2019. In only 80 games, he hit .295 with 16 home runs. The problem in this comparison is LeMahieu, who’s one of the best 2nd basemen in baseball. In 2019, DJ hit .327 and had career highs in hits, runs, home runs, and RBIs. BIG Advantage: New York
Third Base: Jeff McNeil (NYM) vs. Anthony Rendon (LAA): Rendon is a big-ticket player, finishing 3rd in NL MVP voting last season before moving to the AL and Anaheim. While McNeil is an All-Star and solid leadoff man, too, his skills and stats don’t match up with Rendon’s. BIG Advantage: Los Angeles
Shortstop: Gleyber Torres (NYY) vs. Corey Seager (LAD): After missing most of 2018, Seager bounced back in 2019 by slugging 19 home runs and leading the NL in doubles. Torres followed up his rookie year with a monster sophomore season. New Yorkers expect big things from this 23-year old in 2020. Advantage: New York
The best of the best (photo, OC Register)
Center Field: Aaron Hicks (NYY) vs. Mike Trout (LAA): It’s a blowout! Mike Trout is baseball’s transcendent player. Period. In eight MLB seasons, Trout has been first or second in MVP voting every year except one. Wow! BIG Advantage: Los Angeles
Left Field: JD Davis (NYM) vs. Cody Bellinger (LAD): Bellinger gets the start in left because the LA team has the best center fielder in baseball. And just as Trout gets the nod in center, Bellinger gets it in left. He’s the reigning NL MVP, and his slugging numbers speak for themselves–47 home runs and 115 RBIs. BIG Advantage: Los Angeles
Right Field: Aaron Judge (NYY) vs. Mookie Betts (LAD): These two might be the best right fielders in baseball. If not for injuries, Judge would be in the MVP race every season. Equally talented, Betts had a down year (for him) in 2019, but he still hit .295, had 29 home runs, and led the AL in runs scored. Push
Designated Hitter: Giancarlo Stanton (NYY) vs. Shohei Ohtani (LAA): Both sluggers have high hopes of coming back this year after having had 2019 derailed by injury. Stanton and Ohtani possess as much power as anybody in the game–50 HR potential during a full season: Push
Winner: NEW YORK, 4-3 (with two pushes)
