Over the past year, we’ve highlighted Mark Teixeira’s annually declining numbers, particularly when it comes to hitting left-handed against RHP. We’ve even questioned if he’s Yankee Stadium’d his swing, resulting in less line-drives, more pop-ups, and more flyballs.

But maybe it’s the “The Shift” that is affecting his numbers more than anything. Look at his dramatic dropoff in BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) over the last few seasons, and in particular against right-handed pitching:

Overall BABIP:

2009: .302
2010: .268
2011: .239
2012: .208

BABIP vs. RHP:

2009: .290
2010: .255
2011: .222
2012: .200

Basically, 75-80% of what he hits as a left-handed batter is falling into the glove of a defender, and the numbers get more dramatic with each passing season. Having nearly every defensive player on one side of the field is probably a big reason for that.

And with the “The Shift” becoming more popular and Tex so far not showing any signs of adapting, the reality is that the recent version of Teixeira might be the one we’ll have through 2016 — a version that is far less productive than what the Yankees believed they were signing for $180 million.