Why the Yankees need Teixeira

As the rumors swirl around potential free agents the Yankees may target this winter, one hitter stands out above the rest. As Chris from iYankees pointed out earlier this week, Mark Teixeira is a good fit for the Yankees because of his OBP potential, but there are five reasons why the switch-hitting slugger should be the at the top of Brian Cashman's "to get" list.

1. His career numbers: Teixeira is a proven hitter. He's improved every season since his 2003 debut with the Texas Rangers, and has shown a knack for adjusting to new pitchers (just look at his numbers with Atlanta). Since his debut, Teixeira has averaged a .290/.378/.541 line and 33 home runs per 162 games. To put it simply: he'll drasticlly improve the Yankee offense.

2. He hits in the clutch: I could write about how good his numbers with RISP or the bases loaded were this season, but his career numbers are even more impressive: With runners on, he hits .298. With RISP, he hits 324. With the bases loaded, he hits .364. He actually hits better when runners are on base. Performance in the clutch is the quickest way to a Yankee fan's heart. If the Yankees get him, he'll be a fan favorite within a month.

3.He's a switch hitter: Prior to the acquisition of Xavier Nady, the Yankees lineup was a bit lefty heavy. With Abreu likely leaving, Nady will be the everyday right fielder, but he is not capable of serving as a no.3 hitter. Teixeira will give the Yankees the necessary balance in the top-half of the batting order. His career numbers while hitting in the three-spot: .311/.394/.573.

4.He's a great defender: One of the keys to improving the Yankees for next season is making the infield defense stronger. The only open spot in the infield is at first base, and Teixeira is, without question, the best defensive first baseman on the market. He's has always received praise for his glove work, and he's already earned two gold glove awards. He'll not only help the pitchers, but he is great at scooping the bad throws Cano, Jeter and Arod occasionally make.

5. He's a fan of Don Mattnigly: Teixeira grew up in Baltimore and was an Orioles fan as a child, but he frequented Yankee stadium and wore the no. 23 in little league and college to commemorate Mattingly. Having a chance to play first base for the Yankees, the position of one of his baseball heroes may make Tex even more fir for the Bronx.

A player of Teixeira's caliber is a rare commodity these days: someone who is a serious offensive threat while greatly impacting the teams defense. He's improved as a hitter every season (notice his BB rate) and has shown that he can be both a team player and clutch performer. Yes, he'll cost a bundle, but with a good $75 million to work with, the Yankees have the money and space to make Teixeira the next great Yankee first baseman.