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Yankees Hot Corner – Mike Ford or Luke Voit?

The New York Yankees have a big decision coming before Friday night’s Game 1 against the Minnesota Twins; Who is out, Mike Ford or Luke Voit? The two first base sluggers are in the most intense battle for what would be the last spot on the 23 man roster.

While Luke Voit has struggled mightily down the stretch (.167 in his last 15 games, one hit in last ten) Mike Ford has pounced on the potential opening. Ford over his last 15 games hit .353 with three home runs, eight RBIs and 12 hits.

The case for Luke Voit

Although a very small sample size, Luke Voit does have playoff experience. His RBI triple in the 7-2 Wild Card Game victory over the Oakland A’s put Yankee Stadium into a frenzy. He is a reliable first baseman and when he’s hot, is one of the best sluggers in the American League.

Voit isn’t a Gold Glove first baseman by any means, but he’s better than Ford and more fluid at first base. His ceiling is higher than Ford’s when he’s right, so hopefully his elongated slump is just that, a slump.

The case for Mike Ford

Mike Ford will not be winning any awards at first base but he is still competent and if given a roster spot, would mostly DH or pinch hit anyway. Ford has been hot lately and could crank the ball with the best of them.

Ford being on a hot streak at the right time would be the reason why he gets the nod over Luke Voit. The Yankees don’t have time for a player to build confidence in his at-bats because it’s the playoffs and every single at-bat counts.

Ford has been the most productive man at this point in the season, so why not give him a crack in the postseason if the Yankees need him?

It comes down to use and right now the use for either Luke Voit or Mike Ford would be as a pinch hitter. If that’s the case, Mike Ford should get the nod because of his recent success. It’s nothing against Luke Voit or his contributions to the team this season, but it’s Ford’s time to shine.

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