Late Innings

It’s official, Brett Gardner has won the Yankees’ center fielder job. This will clearly cut into at bats for Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady. Gardner didn’t get on base much, but he can run, and plays solid defense. His power display this Spring possibly contributed to this title, however I doubt it’ll hold over the season. Cabrera also made a strong case this spring as well, but he’s suddenly a candidate to be traded.

2009 Projection: .265 AVG, 500 AB, 134 H, .315 OBP, .345 SLG, 3 HR, 27 SB

Gardner could possibly get 500 AB, he could get 200 AB, depending on the mood of the day from the Hank Steinbrenner. I’m leaning on the prior case. In either case, he’ll be buried somewhere near the bottom of the lineup, and rightfully so. The best team however would have Derek Jeter in center field. But due to political reasons, that’s not going to happen, leaving the Yankees with one expensive bench.

Gardner is the mirror image of the White Sox’s Jerry Owens, though Garnder brings a better stick to the plate.