Baseball America released its Top 20 Rookies at the Break list today. Coming in at number nine is Yankees centerfielder Brett Gardner. Here is what Baseball America had to say about Gardner:
Singles hitters have value, too, especially when they have quick bats, a discerning eye and explosive acceleration and speed. Gardner is one reason for the Yankees’ strong offensive showing in the first half, when they led the AL in runs—with an assist from the new Yankee Stadium. Gardner hit just three home runs in 94 Triple-A games last season, but—before you ask—he has hit two of his three homers this season on the road. On the other side of the ball, Gardner’s plus glove has helped energize an aging, slowing defensive unit.
In 77 games this year Gardner is hitting .282/.352/.404 with 3 HR, 19 RBI, and 18 stolen bases.
Here's the rest of the top ten:
1. Ricky Romero, LHP, Blue Jays
2. J.A. Happ, LHP, Phillies
3. Colby Rasmus, CF, Cardinals
4. Brad Bergensen, RHP, Orioles
5. Randy Well, RHP, Cubs
6. Andrew McCutchen, CF, Pirates
7. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
8. Scott Richmond, RHP, Blue Jays
9. Brett Gardner, CF, Yankees10. Jeff Niemann, RHP, Rays
The rest of the list can be found
here.
2 Comments:
Gardner has been one of the most pleasant surprises to hit the Bronx in a while. I liked what I saw last season, and this year, he's delivering more of the same, only better.
If nothing else, he'll forever have the distinction of being the first man to hit an inside-the-park home run in the New Yankee Stadium.
Yea, he's doing what he's done on every level; struggled at first and then quickly figured things out.
He's been fantastic, and yes as you said the most pleasant surprise of the season so far.
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