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March 15, 2008
It's Time For "Havok" Gardner To Shine?
Via Kat O'Brien:
Brett Gardner (batting .368 this spring) was 1-for-2 with a walk, two steals, a run scored and an RBI [in yesterday's game]. “He’s an exciting player,” Girardi said. “He creates havoc.”
Can we start calling Brett Gardner "Havok" now?
As the hardcore readers of this blog know, I've been tracking Gardner since June of 2005. And, I thought he had a chance to help the Yankees last season.
Brett's coming off a good Winter Arizona Fall League effort. He's not short on confidence and Brian Cashman likes him.
This all makes me wonder: Should the Yankees be working the phones with the Cubs (who need a center fielder) and the Giants (who need outfielders, period), or, perhaps with a team like the Padres (who may be interested in picking up an outfielder), and pitching Johnny Damon (in a trade) to make room for Gardner, now? Or, do you just wait for Damon to break down this season and then slide in Gardner at that point? The latter probably makes more sense.
Maybe it's the fanboy in me, but, I can see Brett Gardner helping the Yankees this season the way Robinson Cano helped in 2005, Melky Cabrera did in 2006, and Shelley Duncan did in 2007. He just needs a chance to play.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 15, 2008 10:22 AM
Comments
Gardner has been impressive, but I want to see him put up a > .800 OPS in SWB before I would consider him for a regular ML job. I still think he's likely a 4th OFer, however, he may well be a weapon off the bench in the playoffs.
Posted by: Rich ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 15, 2008 11:19 AM
He's a punch and judy extrabasehitaphobic player. Let's get on the phones and see who will take him.
Posted by: Lee Sinins at March 15, 2008 11:33 AM
Gardner's problem is he can't hit for any power whatsoever. That doesn't just mean home runs. That means doubles, triples, anything.
What`s interesting about him though is that he`s not just a Juan Pierre type guy that hits for a solid average and runs fast. Gardner also has walked a lot. So he has some potential.
However, Austin Jackson has WAY more upside than him. Melky is obviously ahead of him as well. Their`s no reason to move Damon just to be able to play Bret Gardner.
Posted by: Mike NYY at March 15, 2008 12:15 PM
I think we should see what he provides at the ML level, by means of a callup or injury replacement, before they think of trading Damon.
Posted by: Michael at March 15, 2008 02:04 PM
Brett Gardner is intriguing. I like his speed and patience combination. Damon will breakdown this season, so Gardner's opportunity will come this season, definitely. What happens to Melky, if Gardner is display his tools at a solid success rate? Does Melky get his job back when he returns from his suspension, if Gardner is producing at a high rate?
Posted by: E-ROC at March 15, 2008 09:19 PM