FIRST BASE
KEVIN MILLAR VS. JASON GIAMBI

Winslow Townson / AP Kevin Millar

Jason Giambi has taken the high road this spring, working equally hard on restoring his image both in the clubhouse and with fans, as well as recapturing what used to be MVP-level hitting skills. The former has taken the edge off what could have been an explosive and distracting situation. The latter remains to be seen.

But there is little doubt that Giambi, 34, will surpass his puny 2004 numbers — .208, 12 homers, 40 RBI in 80 games. In his first two years in New York, Giambi averaged 41 homers and 115 RBI. That is a real stretch for this season, but make no mistake, manager Joe Torre is breathing easier than when camp started, and now can reasonably expect some solid numbers from his first baseman.

The Red Sox settled their final-out ball dilemma with Doug Mientkiewicz and shipped him off to the Mets, meaning they lose nothing more than an outstanding defensive replacement — his main function after being obtained late last season.

Kevin Millar will get most of the starts, with possibly a few cameo appearances by David Ortiz. Millar, 33, is a defensive liability, and probably should be a fulltime DH, but that’s Ortiz’s job. But Millar’s right-handed pull-hitter tendencies make him a nice fit at Fenway, and he has averaged .286, 22 homers and 85 RBI in two seasons with the Red Sox. There’s no reason to think he can’t come close to those numbers once again.

THIRD BASE
BILL MUELLER VS. ALEX RODRIGUEZ

Kathy Willens / AP Alex Rodriguez

The lightning rod of this rivalry has changed from time to time over the years — from Bucky Dent to Don Zimmer to Aaron Boone, and of course, the author of the curse himself, George Herman Ruth. But that’s Alex Rodriguez’s role these days.

His first year in the Bronx was eventful to say the least, and all the adjustments did take away from his usual production. But he should be more comfortable in his surroundings the second time around, so look for a better season — possibly an MVP season if the Yankees’ off-season changes result in another AL pennant.

As expected, Bill Mueller fell back to his career-norm .285 average after a career-year .326 in 2003, when he won the batting title. He is coming off knee surgery, but is on track to play Opening Day, hitting eighth in a stacked lineup. He has had two knee surgeries in the last couple of years, and is 34, so he could yield some playing time to Kevin Youkilis or Ramon Vazquez. But Mueller remains a solid player.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Pujols a unanimous pick for MVP CTB: Pujols is MVP of the decade, too CTB: Twins hope to re-sign Mauer by Christmas Feds seek rehearing of baseball drug list ruling CTB: Angels back in the Halladay chase CTB: Yankees planning on Joba, Hughes starting CTB: If M’s done with Lopez, suitors should be plentiful DeMarco: Red Sox should take measured approach Complete list of free agents Circling the Bases: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: