Over the years, the Yankees have sported some impressive middle infield combinations. When I became a fan in the early '60s, that meant Tony Kubek and Bobby Richardson. For the late '70s revival, it was Bucky Dent and Willie Randolph. Derek Jeter teamed up with Chuck Knoblauch and later Robinson Cano. Phil Rizzuto's partners included Hall of Famer Joe Gordon, as well as Billy Martin and Jerry Coleman. All were high achievers and fondly remembered. But none of those combos have produced what the Yankees 2016 tandem of Didi Gregorius and Starlin Castro have -- 20 home runs each! Didi reached that impressive plateau with a September 27th blast against the Blue Jays; while Castro smacked his 20th back on September 7th against the same opponent.
Sure, present-day baseball is more geared toward the home run. But this pair also provides sound defense. And while other Yankees draw more attention or wow you with their potential, these middle infielders have meshed into an effective duo in their first year together. Heading into the next phase of the rebuild, the shortstop/2nd base combo is something Yankee fans can feel have confidence in.
These images are from the Yankees-Blue Jays game on September 7th.
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