The CF Battle
So unless something shocking happens we'll either see Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera patrolling Center Field in the new Yankee Stadium come the start of the 2009 season. Melky - who was the starter when the 2007 and 2008 seasons opened up is not the favourite for the gig despite not having any minor league options left.
Gardner has been on fire throughout spring training hitting .500 through 26 ABs including three that went out of the park. What I like about Gardner is that he's the perfect #9 hitter. He is essentially a second lead off guy and if he can get on base then he can provide speed - genuine speed - something that the Yankees have been lacking in recent years.
The alternative is Melky Cabrera who has never really fulfilled the tab of CF of the future. A player with limited power and poor plate discipline who whilst providing a good glove isn't what the Yankees have been looking for.
Gardner provides the club with a bit of spark and energy. If Gardner can get on 200+ plus times in a season then he'll do damage. With the CF winner being tabbed for the #9 spot then they'll be hitting ahead of Johnny Damon, a pesky hitter who makes contact. Gardner on base and Damon at the plate, sounds like a recipe for a lot of 1sts and 3rds to me for that clutch SS that wears the #2.
So even though we are only half-way through ST, for me Brett Gardner has already all but won the starting job.
Gardner has been on fire throughout spring training hitting .500 through 26 ABs including three that went out of the park. What I like about Gardner is that he's the perfect #9 hitter. He is essentially a second lead off guy and if he can get on base then he can provide speed - genuine speed - something that the Yankees have been lacking in recent years.
The alternative is Melky Cabrera who has never really fulfilled the tab of CF of the future. A player with limited power and poor plate discipline who whilst providing a good glove isn't what the Yankees have been looking for.
Gardner provides the club with a bit of spark and energy. If Gardner can get on 200+ plus times in a season then he'll do damage. With the CF winner being tabbed for the #9 spot then they'll be hitting ahead of Johnny Damon, a pesky hitter who makes contact. Gardner on base and Damon at the plate, sounds like a recipe for a lot of 1sts and 3rds to me for that clutch SS that wears the #2.
So even though we are only half-way through ST, for me Brett Gardner has already all but won the starting job.
posted by Neil Monnery at
15:16
4 Comments:
That descripion of Gardner sounds just like what Yankee fans were saying about Cabrera a couple years back....interesting
Melhy was never a base stealer and certainly was never given the 80 out of 80 grade by BA for speed...
Yeah Yankees are the best and to be honest if Gardner feels bad about his fans opinion...c'mon is just a game.
Gardner provides the club with a bit of spark and energy.
Thanks....
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