Baseball Update: ‘The Big Puma’ Joins the Yankees
Lance Berkman, considered one of Houston Astros’ best player in the last decade has moved to the Big Apple for an undisclosed fee and a trade of two Yankee players, infielder Jimmy Paredes and pitcher Mark Melancon. The switch hitter, known for his contribution to the Stros’ as a versatile batter in the national league, has surprisingly switched to the Bronx at the age of 34.
Berkman, known to be one of Astro’s acclaimed Killer B’s, makes the move as a result of an option that was particularly given to him by his former team General Manager, Ed Wade. Lance carried a complete, no trade clause, but due to interest shown by many national and American league teams, Wade approached him with the option to pick 4 teams he would consider switching over to, said the experienced hitter. Of those four, New York Yankees was one of the teams he chose. Now, after spending eleven and a half years with Houston, the big puma has gone to the east division to make his mark on the Eastern Division and the American league.
A move regarded as a blockbuster step for The Yankees, who are looking to retain their division, championship and Series titles, their new addition, Lance Berkman walks into a territory that is unfamiliar to him. Referring to the move as a testing one, the experienced, designated hitter explained his views on the transfer: "I'm a little nervous, a little apprehensive about this whole thing. I'm from Texas. Heck, I played at Rice. This city is like the womb. I feel comfortable here, and to think about the possibility of going anywhere else is kind of scary.” Whatever the case, regardless of his apprehensions, the batter looks forward to the challenge and hopes to do his best.
However, one question remains on every critic’s mind. And that question asks what Berkman brings to the Yankees and how will that benefit a team that’s harbouring Alex Rodriguez, who is a home run short of a record, 600? The answer comes in the form of the experience; Lance brings to the team itself.
As every follower of Major League Baseball would know, the Yankees’ are without first baseman, Nick Johnson. The designated hitter, succumbed to a wrist injury, which is a reason why a slot has been left open in the recent days. Apart from that, the 27 time World Series champions are looking for a full time batter who would provide cover for Jorgue Posada who has been actively filing that hole, at the moment. Compared to Johnson’s .270 batting average, the big puma carries a .296 rating and a Runs Batted In of over 80 for 2009. On top of that, Berkman has hit 326 homeruns, in all competitions and has above a 1000 runs in batting. All his statistics are considered stellar and for any club or team, Lance is considered a Golden asset. He was also part of Houston Astros’ 2005 Nation League pennants winning team. One of his biggest moments came in the St. Cardinals match, where he hit a grand slam to put the team in a position to win the trophy. Apart from league glory, the veteran player is renowned for his reputation as a five time All Star Player.
In the 2005 World Series game against the Chicago White Sox, Lance banged a stellar .385, earning him a reputation of a big hitter and Astros’ best performer in history. Even though the Stros’ lost the series, Berkman’s reputation as a big dependable batter was realized around the Major League Baseball world.
Berkman brings consistency and power to the Yankees. If there are already questions of his need in the roster spreading about in the Fan circuit, the answer comes with the improved possibility of the team’s chances in winning the titles again and defending their status as champions.
Till now, Lance has featured in one match for the New York Yankees. His performance against the Tampa Rays was disappointing but then again, this is a different arena to compete in. One can only guess how useful the trade with the Astros’ proved worthy to the Champions. Whatever the case may be, statistics suggests Berkman is a powerhouse to be reckoned with. In addition, with rivals looking to beat the Yankees, the big puma presents himself as a personality to be feared in the world of MLB.
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