The update on the Yankees' centerfield race: It's still too close to call.You guys know I think Gardner should start, and when April rolls around I think that's who will have won the job. So far I can't see how he's not leading this fight by a significant margin. Yes, it's nice to see that "Melky didn't panic," but Gardner is outplaying him and that's all that should matter.
Manager Joe Girardi said he's pleased with the play of candidates Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera and expects the evaluating process to continue right up to the end of the Florida portion of spring training - if not beyond.
"They've both played at a very high level," Girardi said last night before the Yankees beat Toronto, 7-4. "I'm of the belief that we can carry both and get production out of both."
Gardner started the exhibition season as a very hot hitter, and entering last night, he was batting .382 with three home runs and six RBIs. Cabrera, who started in centerfield against the Jays, began the evening at .242-0-5. He had an RBI single in the third inning.
Girardi said he's liked what he's seen from Cabrera, especially how he didn't hang his head during Gardner's quick start. "Melky didn't panic," he said. "He just kept working and doing his thing. That's a sign of maturity."
I also agree with Girardi when he says he thinks he can carry both players. Unless there is an issue with Posada catching everyday and they need a third catcher I don't see any reason why the Melky/Gardner loser shouldn't stay on as an extra outfielder.
8 Comments:
No problem with anything he said. It keeps the pressure on both players "even into the season." But, lets face it, the job is Gardner's. There is NO way we are going to see Melky in CF on April 16th.
I agree Peter.
I could see carrying both until A-rod comes back, but once he does I think we would have to send Gardner down or trade Melky.
Scotty,
Why not send Berroa or Ransom down and keep the other as the utility guy?
Greg,
I like the upside in Berroa. I know he has been downhill since wining the ROY, but he looks awesome this spring and should be our utility IF, not Ransom.
Lets be honest here one hitter is hitting 378 and the other is hitting 250. Not really close Gardner is the obvious winner.
Peter, I like Berroa too, I just have some concerns about his defense.
And Anon, I agree.
I think part of having them not just verbally hand the job over to Gardner is to see how he deals with the pressure. He's dealing with it great, and it's preparing him for the pressures of being the "starting CF of the NY Yankees."
Realistically the guy only has to bat about .275 with a .340 OBP to be acceptable (aka better than Melky) and I think he's capable of more than that... maybe 10 HRs (short porch in RF), .280 BA, .350 OBP, and 30 SB. From your #9, that's plenty.
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