This is the third installment of my column on players coming back from injuries sustained in 2013. Today's feature is on a player who was once known for his durability but has been marred by various injuries over the past couple years.
Mark Teixeira (1B-NYY)
There is no question that 2013 was a tumultuous year for Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira. He injured his wrist while training for the World Baseball Classic and then was shut down until June. The hope was that rest would heal his sheath tendon rather than undergoing surgery. Unfortunately, Teixeira only played 15 games before reinjuring his wrist necessitating season-ending surgery. Those 15 games he played were not impressive. Even if we dismiss 2013 as a lost season, it cannot be disputed that Teixeira has some alarming statistical trends since 2009. He was once known as being a power hitter who also hit for a high average. Now it seems that Teixeira is nothing more than a .250 hitter who walks less and strikes out more at almost 34-years old. But assuming his wrist is fully healed, he should have no trouble putting up his standard power numbers of over 30 homeruns and 100+ RBI.
Despite the loss of Robinson Cano, Teixeira will be in the middle of a revamped lineup that now includes Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann. I would argue that this is a deeper and more talented lineup than the one which previously included Cano and a broken down Alex Rodriguez. The mere presence of these other hitters will provide Teixeira more RBI opportunities and better protection behind him which should theoretically give him better pitches to hit. He will slip in many drafts due to his declining numbers and health risks, but he could provide great value if you are patient.