How They Match Up

* INFIELD: The Braves have a diverse first-base platoon featuring left-handed hitting Ryan Klesko, who adds some pop to the lineup, and right-handed hitting Brian Hunter, who is a much better defensive player. Second baseman Bret Boone is solid defensively and has decent power, though he hit only .182 in the National League championship series. Manager Bobby Cox probably will go with Walt Weiss over Ozzie Guillen and Jose Hernandez at shortstop. The strength of the infield is power-hitting, switch-hitting third baseman Chipper Jones, who earned so much respect from the Mets he was walked nine times in their series. The Yankees have one of baseball's best all-around shortstops in Derek Jeter, a defensive wizard who can hit for average and power and is the glue to the infield. First baseman Tino Martinez has struggled in the playoffs but hit a huge grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series last year. Second baseman Chuck Knoblauch has suffered from a mysterious throwing ailment that has prompted Manager Joe Torre to replace him in the late innings of close games. Third baseman Scott Brosius didn't have the career year he had in 1998 but showed he can still have an impact, with a homer, triple and single in Game 1 of the American League championship series.

* OUTFIELD: Atlanta right fielder Brian Jordan made the Mets and Astros pay for their decisions to pitch around Jones, hitting .310 with three homers and 12 RBIs in the playoffs. Center fielder Andruw Jones is a terrific defensive player with excellent range, a strong arm and a fearless approach to the game. However, he's hitting only .220 with three RBIs in the playoffs. Left fielder Gerald Williams, a former Yankee, has been a pleasant surprise since moving into the leadoff spot in early August, and he hit .261 with four RBIs and four stolen bases in the playoffs. The Yankees counter with one of baseball's best center fielders, Bernie Williams, who had career highs in hits (202), runs (116), RBIs (115) and walks this season. But whereas Williams is hitting .367 with three homers and 12 RBIs in league championship series play, he is a .125 hitter in 10 World Series games. Right fielder Paul O'Neill is no Gold Glover, but he's a clutch hitter who seems immune to playoff pressure.