LEFT FIELD
HIDEKI MATSUI VS. MANNY RAMIREZ

Charles Krupa / AP Manny Ramirez

Reigning World Series MVP Manny Ramirez … sounds a little strange, doesn’t it? He had a better case for regular-season MVP, but that went to Vlad Guerrero.

Manny is anything but orthodox, but he has matured into a consistent big-time slugger whose numbers can’t be disputed. He has averaged 40 homers and 128 RBI over the last seven seasons, and the numbers would be a bit higher if not for missing big chunks of the 2000 and 2002 seasons. Defensively, let’s just say he knocks in more runs than he lets in, and Fenway’s tiny left field minimizes the damage.

Hideki Matsui put some of the ‘Godzilla’ back in his game last season, pumping up his home-run total from 16 in his first season in the U.S. to 31 in 2004. He also is a dependable RBI man in the middle of a powerful lineup, averaging 107 in two seasons.

His defense is average and his arm isn’t even that good, but he could end up playing some center field if Bernie Williams’ decline continues. Matsui, 30, also is in the final year of a three-year deal, so expect him to be particularly focused this season.

CENTER FIELD
JOHNNY DAMON VS. BERNIE WILLIAMS

Charles Krupa / AP Johnny Damon

Look beyond the caveman get-up, and you discover that Johnny Damon is one of the best center fielders in the league, and actually a relative moderate in a clubhouse that used to be filled with characters.

He had a career year in 2004, reaching highs in homers (20) and RBI (94) — the latter an amazing mark for a leadoff hitter — while hitting over .300 for the third time.  Don’t expect those numbers again — even with Damon, 31, in a contract season. But he is a .287 career hitter, walked more than he struck out last season, has developed power over the years, and still can steal 20-plus bases. He covers a lot of ground in center field, but has a below-average throwing arm.

Bernie Williams also is in a contract year, and that might turn out to be a good thing for the Yankees. After having to listen to talk about Carlos Beltran all winter, you have to think Williams, 36, will be out to prove he has something left in the tank. He did finish strong last season after a February appendectomy put him behind schedule. He still draws a lot of walks from both sides of the plate, but his former Gold Glove-caliber defense has fallen off considerably. His performance is one of the keys to the Yankees’ season.

RIGHT FIELD
GARY SHEFFIELD VS. TROT NIXON

Joe Skipper / Reuters Gary Sheffield

Gary Sheffield isn’t happy unless he’s miserable, but the guy can really hit. After one peaceful and very productive season in the Bronx, Sheffield is unhappy about the contract he negotiated and signed, and threw a hissy fit about it early in camp.

He also has the steroids issue hanging over his head, but for some reason, he keeps sliding under the radar while others get grilled. His 36 homers and 121 RBI despite a shoulder that needed off-season surgery are a testament to his offensive abilities. And his defense isn’t bad, either, particularly his strong arm. He doesn’t appear to be slowing down much at 36.

Few Red Sox players failed to put up big numbers in 2004, but Trot Nixon was one of them. He was limited to just 149 at-bats due to back and quad problems, but he did hit .316 in the regular season and .357 in the World Series, showing he should return to form in 2005. One concern is a lack of success against lefties that could turn him into more of a platoon player. But he averaged 26 homers and 89 RBI in 2001-03, and should get back to that level this season.