This Gardner Wants to Roam the Centerfield Grass

Brett Gardner knows he has his work cut out for him. Melky Cabrera established himself as the every day centerfielder last year. Or did he? The Yankees were reportedly willing to include Melky in a deal to the Twins for Johan Santana. So if Melky doesn't improve his offensive numbers this season, does that mean his job may be available sooner rather than later? Brett Gardner can't answer that, but he is going to do everything he can to give the Yankees some additional things to think about in the future.

The 24-yr old speedster is confident in his own abilities and his play this spring has made Joe Girardi and the Yankees front office take notice.

“It’s not a knock against Melky Cabrera or Johnny Damon or whoever happens to be out there,” Gardner said. “Obviously, that’s their job now. But I know if it were my job, someone else would be behind me wanting my job, too. Ever since I got drafted, that’s been my goal.”

Gardner has hit .379 (11-29) this spring and has added 4 walks for a gaudy .455 on-base percentage. And this kid can flat out run- he's perfect in 6 steal attempts in the grapefruit league.

While basically possessing no power, Gardner has hit .288 in 3 minor league seasons, with a .381 OBP. He's averaged 14 doubles, nearly 6 triples, and has stolen 114 bases in 136 attempts (84%). He's also proven to be more than capable in the outfield, where his speed helps cut off balls headed for the gap.

“He brings a speed dimension, what I like to call a pest dimension, to the game, where pitchers can never relax when he gets on base or infielders can never relax when he’s at the plate,” Girardi said. “He plays very good defense. He plays hard. We like him.”

Gardner started last season at Double-A Trenton before playing the final 45 games at Triple-A Scranton. He's expected to start in PA again, but he most certainly will be one of the first players called up in case of an injury.

“You never want to settle for being second best,” he said. “You always want to compete. The way I look at it is, that’s what they drafted me for: to play center field for the New York Yankees.”

You can bet Brett Gardner will be ready when that call comes.


Source: NY Times