Brett Gardner has surprised me. He has hit much better than I ever imagined.
He even went deep the other day, showing the power I know we need in a centerfielder, but which I thought he could be lacking.
He probably does not have any assists, yet, because his "arm" is a level under that of, for example, Paul O'Neil. But he is accurate and smart. He knows just where to throw the ball, and when.
He is playing with enthusiasm, toughness and confidence. His base running terrifies the opposition and is causing errors and lack of concentration amongst them.
He remains a mediocre bunter for base hits, but what modern ballplayer is any better?
Without Brett, we would likely be under .500.
I still would vote "no" on giving him "Number 7 ," but maybe by season's end we'll all push for that.
Good call, Duque.
Now give us another one from the minors. Who is the next Brett Gardner for us?
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5 comments:
Write this down.
Ivan Nova.
His BABIP is .385.
That won't last.
He's nothing but a singles hitter, and that will hurt us in the long run.
{His speed compensates, but not enough.}
Add to that the flop of Granderson and the struggles of Johnson and consider this: Has any Yankee championship team ever been so weak offensively in the outfield/DH spots?
Ivan Nova or Villanova?
Isn't Ivan a boxer?
Joe:
You know what they always say...the three keys to winning championships are: corner outfielding, corner outfielding and designated hitting.
GWC3:
I think the keys are starting pitching and three-run homers, many of which should come from outfielders and designated hitters.
Crazy idea I got from watching guys like Mantle, Maris, and Jackson a long time ago.
But, hey, Johnson and Swisher have gone deep today, so maybe we can get out of second place before the season's over.
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