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Yankees fans in pre-ALDS poll wanted Jasson Domínguez and Oswaldo Cabrera in lineup

A.Walker26 min ago
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across Major League Baseball. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in New York Yankees fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

One of the biggest debates this season regarding the Yankees lineup centered on the left-field position. With Alex Verdugo consistently struggling at the plate and the young Jasson Domínguez tearing up the minor leagues, fans were upset that the budding superstar wasn't utilized as often as possible through the end of the regular season.

In our Reacts poll conducted throughout this past week, fans still believe The Martian should be prioritized in the postseason lineup.

The poll result wasn't even close, either. While Domínguez's body of work this season is not as impressive as his short stint in the majors the year prior (a 160 wRC+ in 33 PA compared to an 84 wRC+ in 67 PA this season), most Yankees fans would rather see the future of the outfield be given the chance to play in big moments. He has proven everything he needs to in the minor leagues, but the playing time has still eluded him at the MLB level, even with Verdugo performing poorly at the plate for months.

Manager Aaron Boone has shown his trust in Verdugo throughout the season, defending him whenever necessary to the media, so it's not a surprise to see the skipper choose him to start Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals . They seemed to be prioritizing defense. Considering the stakes though, there should be a shorter leash than during the regular season. Thankfully, Verdugo came through with a big night to help the Yankees win the ALDS opener, so no one in the Bronx had any regrets about it.

Another position of contention, especially with Anthony Rizzo out of the ALDS lineup due to two fractured fingers, is first base. Oswaldo Cabrera and Ben Rice are the two in contention for playing time at first base, and Yankees fans believe it should be Cabrera who gets the nod.

Cabrera had the second-best offensive season of his short major league career, though he was still below average with the stick at an 87 wRC+. He also played most of his time at third base instead of first, but his work in his few appearances as a first baseman was solid. At age-25, Rice has shown flashes of strong performance at first base, but he struggled with the bat after a hot start and feels better suited to come off the bench as a pinch-hitter than as the full-time first baseman.

The Game 1 strategy for Boone and the Yankees is already out there with Cabrera and Verdugo starting. But when it comes to their approach for the rest of the playoffs, these questions are ones that may have to be asked depending on how the players involved fare, whether it be poor performance or an injury.

When it comes to the fan's opinion, Domínguez and Cabrera would be the ideal choices for the Game 2 starting nine. Boone is known for sticking by his players, and it's hard to dispute that despite this fan vote, Verdugo has earned a Game 2 start through his starring play in the ALDS opener.

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