Brett Gardner

[BronXBombers51]

Thoughts on this guy? With the Yankees shopping Nady and Swisher, it seems like he's the favorite to land the CF job. He and Melky will likely compete in ST, but from what I've read (and what I saw of Melky last year), it's Gardner's job to lose. He was pretty awful with the bat during is ML stint last year, but could he be a decent player with regular playing time?

2005 (A-): .284/.377/.376

2006 (A+ and AA): .298/.395/.370

2007 (AA and AAA): .281/.369/.378

2008 (AAA): .296/.414/.422

He's also swiped 153 bags in the minors and got caught 31 times for a 83% success rate. He stole 13 of 14 in his 42 games in the majors last year. He's shown an ability to walk, drawing 70 in 94 games last year in AAA.

From a fantasy perspective, maybe a decent option for cheap steals and possibly runs?

[Mike_nyc]

I dont like him (from a fantasy perspective)...maybe a bottom of the barrel shot at some steals, but frankly, I dont think he's their centerfielder.

[Kingctb27]

Maybe take a shot on him as a 5th outfielder in a deep league, but in a normal sized league.

[Havok1517]

He is a Dave Roberts, Joey Gathwright, or Scott Podseidnik type player. Neither should be starting but have speed to contribute.

[DbacksRback]

He is a Dave Roberts, Joey Gathwright, or Scott Podseidnik type player. Neither should be starting but have speed to contribute.

I agree he could be decent for the Yanks but I just dont see him as a solid fantasy play unless you need sb

[J35J]

I think he can be a Willy Tavares/Michael Bourn type if you want to compare to guys who are somewhat relevant right now.

[stumpak]

I play in a relatively deep roto league (13 teams) with daily substitutions, and Gardner is a guy I am targeting at the end of my auction. I think he will provide an acceptable BA if he is platooned against righties only, and the steals will be there (if he is full-time, he will easily steal 30-40 even at the bottom of the order). In other words, he will provide Ryan Freel type of numbers on a 66% basis. Nothing to write home about, but he will provide a good shot in the arm for SBs as an injury plug in.

I would rather take flier on Gardner (if he gets the job out of ST) than screw around with someone like Bourn.

[MashinSpuds]

Gardner also struck out a ton when he did get playing time last year, so even with a few walks he rarely was able to get on base when he got time. Maybe it'll be different this year but I agree with the others in that he's not what one would picture a starter would be on the Yanks these days. Damon, despite his arm, at least can get on base relatively consistently.