2009 was a short season for Brett — and no, we’re not talking about his height — due to injury. However, he hit .270 in his limited time and played a decent centerfield. Out of spring training Brett had won the starting job in center field, Bubba Crosby be damned. Unforunately, his starting job didn’t last too long.
Looking ahead to 2010: Brett likely will be in some sort of a battle with Randy Winn for the starting job in left field even though some reports indicate that Winn is just a bench piece. Either way, I see Gardner being the starter as long as he can hit the ball and historically, if everything holds up, his average will rise this year. This year, if Gardner is the starter in left, expect Winn or Marcus Thames to possibly platoon in against lefties. The Daily News has also indicated that he has taken time out of his spring training to work on his bunting. About time, eh?
2010 Projection: .280, 6 HR, 50 RBI, 40 SB
glad to see you a bit more optimistic about him this year. he has improved significantly at every level. he seemed poised for a pretty good season before he broke his thumb. i wish he’d work on his aggressiveness on the base paths as much as bunting…he’s a bit too tentative.
Brett Gardner is going to be the Yankee CENTERFIELDER and is going to be a star!!!