After that, Gardner was used as a fourth outfielder, filling in for Cabrera in centerfield and as a defensive replacement in the late innings of games, with Cabrera switching to left and Johnny Damon taking a seat, and as a pinch runner. For the season Gardner played in 108 games, batting .270 with three home runs and 26 stolen bases, good for 13th in the American League.
In the post season, Gardner was often used again as a defensive replacement in the late innings as well as the important role of pinch runner, aiming to get himself into scoring position to score a run if the Yankees were down.
This season, however, with Cabrera gone to Atlanta and Curtis Granderson aboard, Gardner has the chance to claim the starting job in leftfield (or maybe center, again, if Joe Girardi deems him a better fit there, with Granderson in left).
But that doesn't seem to be enough for Gardner.
This offseason he dedicated himself to becoming a better bunter, saying that he focused more attention on squaring the bat around during his workouts this winter.
"That's the good thing about hitting off a [pitching] machine," Gardner said, according to the Daily News. "You can bunt 50 or 100 balls in 15 or 20 minutes. No time. I've been bunting a lot, working on that more and trying to bring that back into my game."
"Now it's just a matter of being comfortable enough with it not to be scared to do it in a game and have confidence that I'm going to put it where I want it. Not only can it be a tool to get on base, but it keeps defenses honest and can bring the corners in and maybe I can shoot some balls by them."
After spending the winter hitting at a facility near his South Carolina home, Gardner was among a contingent of early arrivals in camp, well in advance of the Yankees' position player report date of Feb. 23.
Gardner may find the early arrival helpful, heading into a spring where he will challenge Randy Winn and Marcus Thames for playing time and to confirm that he should be in the Opening Day outfield for the Yankees on April 4 in Boston.
Manager Joe Girardi said that he views the outfield setup of Gardner, Granderson and Nick Swisher as interchangeable, but he intends to keep Swisher in right field for the most part. That will leave Granderson, an All-Star center fielder last year, and Gardner, a speedy pure candidate for the same position, to sort things out in the Grapefruit League.
"I'll just wait and see what happens," said Gardner, who said he would also take balls in right field, just in case. "I'll just go into Spring Training, stay healthy and do the best I can. It's not really something I worry about. Hopefully, I'll have a good spring and do well enough for them to feel I need to be out there every day no matter where I am."
He missed 40 games last season after suffering a fractured left thumb on July 25 on a caught stealing against the Athletics, interrupting a 56-game stretch where he was batting .308 (40-for-130) after hitting just .214 (15-for-70) to begin the season.
I love Brett Gardner, and if he can stay as consistent as he was during that 56-game stretch where he hit .308, he should be a great number nine hitter in the order, maybe occasionally batting first when Jeter gets a day off. Gardner is one of the fastest guys I have ever seen and he is always hustling, no matter if it's a ground ball to the pitcher or a triple in the gap.
He works hard and is dedicated to making himself a better player every day. His defense is remarkable, as he covers so much real estate in centerfield because of his blazing speed and even has a pretty above average arm to go with it. He gives up his body when he needs to and makes good reads on the ball. Although he may be able to play leftfield and rightfield, he is much better suited for center, which is usually where the fastest guys can showcase their speed and ability to cover ground.
I have frequently said that I think the Yankees best outfield right now is with Granderson in left, Gardner in center and Swisher in right and I am going to stick by that.
Gardner has also become a fan favorite in New York because of his constant hustle, base stealing ability and overall excitement he brings while playing the game. I still think Swisher is better for a reserve role, as I have said many times, but whatever. I am excited to see what Gardner has to bring to the table and if he can nail down a starting job in the outfield for the entire season. The first Spring Training game is March 3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. I am so excited for it, are you?
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