mr2686,
Here is why I think Banks would have started at SS and Rizzuto would have been benched if both were on the Yankees.
In 1953, Banks came up as a 22 year-old rookie with the Cubs and appeared in 10 Games. That year, Rizzuto was 35 and he had, basically, his last productive year.
I think if both were on the team in 1954, the Yankees would look at a 23 year-old Banks and prefer him over a 36 year-old Rizzuto. Even if they didn't in Spring Training or the start of the season, they probably would have at some point.
I mean, unlike teams today (because of Salary Arbitration and Free Agency), the Yankees weren't afraid to bring young players up and let them start IF they were talented. Mantle first appeared as a 20 year-old and was starting at 21. Berra first appeared at age 21, played half a season at 22 and was a regular at 23. So, if Banks showed any signs of his true talent, I don't think the Yankees would have hesitated to bench Rizzuto and start Banks in his place.
David
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