For a player that hits lead off a lot, Brett Gardner didn’t hit for a high average. He batted .259 and had 87 runs scored. He also struck out 93 times.
Gardner doesn’t have corner-outfield power as evidenced by his seven home runs and 36 RBI but he played an excellent Gold Glove left field. He can track down a plethora amount of balls in the outfield.
Gardner is one of the fastest players in baseball and has the ability to set the table for the heart of the batting order. He stole 49 bases.
Has very little power to speak of and needs to prove in 2012 that he can hit left-handed pitching with consistency. His arm is slightly below-average as well.
Brett Gardner really stepped it up in the playoffs in 2011. In five games he batted .412/.444/.471. Joe Girardi might have to start him in the lead off spot on an every day basis in 2012 with production like that.
Original Story:
http://www.yankeesdaily.com/post/33433
