Scouting Report Yankees

HITTERS

7 MICKEY MANTLE, CF
Bats L-R, .299, 41 HR, 89 RBI
Most explosive player in baseball, with blazing speed on bases and in field, great power from either side of plate, very strong and accurate arm. Bad right shoulder which hindered effectiveness as left-hand hitter earlier in season is now strong again. Despite frequent injuries in past World Series, has hit nine home runs in 31 games. Now that he is in top shape could be set for biggest performance yet. Excellent bunter when batting left, will take the extra base, always a big threat to steal.

14 BILL SKOWRON, 1B
Bats R, .279, 14 HR, 71 RBI
Never able to play full Series in three previous chances because of injuries, but Yankees keeping fingers crossed now. They need his power, which is strongest to right center and could be big factor in smaller Braves' park. Has great strength and is determined at plate but has been below .300 this season for first time in career. Tends to swing at too many bad pitches. Definitely improved in field, now charges bunts well, can make the play at second. Has fair speed for big man.

9 HANK BAUER, RF
Bats R, .271, 11 HR, 48 RBI
Not an outstanding hitter but a dangerous one because of aggressive determination, he carries a record consecutive-game hitting streak of 14 into this year's Series. Still has trouble with the right-hand curve ball but has cut down on swing, quit going for the seats on every pitch, and this, along with more frequent rest, has boosted average to highest level in recent years. A fine outfielder with a strong, lethally accurate arm, he is also a daring base runner, always a threat to steal.

8 YOGI BERRA, C-RF
Bats L, .272, 22 HR, 89 RBI
Game's most famous home-plate conversationalist, this stocky veteran had miserable 1957 season, began '58 same way. Then, reacting to challenge of Howard, helped by less strenuous part-time duties in outfield, began to bang away with old fervor, is once again most feared clutch hitter on roster. Vicious pull hitter who can murder anything in strike zone, dotes on inside fast ball. Has tremendous Series record. Runs well, a fine receiver with quick arm. Fair outfielder but weak on long throw.

32 ELSTON HOWARD, C
Bats R, .321, 11 HR, 65 RBI
Abandoning old widespread stance and hitting more to right has boosted his average 68 points over last year, more or less beat Berra out of catching job, at least against left-hand pitching. Still not a good curve-ball hitter. Has good power to left center when needed, must be considered home-run threat in County Stadium. With chance to catch regularly, has developed into outstanding receiver, is very quick and agile, has better arm than Yogi. Lack of speed only real deficiency.

10 TONY KUBEK, SS
Bats L, .270, 2 HR, 48 RBI
Rookie of the Year in '57, the 21-year-old Milwaukeean has had a disappointing year at the plate, with a 27-point drop in average, but his run production is up and he has done a fine job at shortstop. Despite two Series homers last fall, he has little power, almost never pulls, usually hits to center and left; a good bunter. Range afield is wide; has strong, accurate arm; quick and smooth on double play. Terrific speed, second only to Mantle's, makes him excellent base runner, constant threat to steal.

12 GIL McDOUGALD, 2B
Bats R, .252, 14 HR, 61 RBI
Slumped badly after sizzling start, having worst year at the plate. Opposing pitchers say he appears tired, unsure, no longer digs in, seldom really stings the ball as in the past. Usually an outstanding fast-ball hitter with occasional power, dangerous in the clutch. Excellent hit-and-run man, fine base runner, lacks outstanding speed but gets good jump and will sometimes steal. Very good hands, smooth and fast on the pivot, plays position with exceptional knowledge of opposing batters.

25 NORM SIEBERN, LF
Bats L, .306, 12 HR, 50 RBI
Outstanding hitter in the minor leagues last year, tall, slender youngster had shaky start in Stadium, finally began to click, has now apparently settled old Yankee problem of who's in left. Hits ball sharply to right center, has fair power. Has exceptional sense of strike zone for young player, seldom swings at bad pitch. Defensively, has much to learn about playing tough Yankee left field; speed and arm are only average, often has real trouble coming in on balls hit in front of him.

6 ANDY CAREY, SB
Bats R, .280, 12 HR, 43 RBI
Began season as No. 2 man in third base two-platoon system, but superior hitting earned him No. 1 job. Having best season since rookie year after cutting down on swing, choking up couple of inches on bat. Likes low fast ball, seems to get a piece of every pitch. Has tremendously strong arm, exceptional ability to play bunt, slow-hit ground balls. Weakness is lack of speed, only fair reaction and range on hard-hit balls to his left or right. Late-season ankle injury may hobble him for Series.