...well, of course, it's the Milford Plaza. But we're referring to Brett Gardner, pride of Holly Hill, S.C., starting center fielder of the New York Yankees.
"I'm really excited, but the hard work has just begun. Whatever I've done in spring training doesn't matter anymore. I've still got to get off to a good start in the regular season, and do the little things I'm capable of doing to help this team win,'' Gardner said this morning.
Gardner was so focued on winning the job, and not taking anything for granted, that he has no idea where he's going to live in New York. We'll check the Milford Plaza rates.
Anyway, as we mentioned in today's main story, the last time the Yankees had three different starting center fielders for opening day was 1979-81, with Mickey Rivers, Ruppert Jones and Jerry Mumphrey. You gotta love Mickey, but the other two fellows weren't exactly Willie and the Duke.
So, greetings from Dunedin, where Andy Pettitte faces the Blue Jays. Toronto lefty David Purcey will face this lineup: Jeter, Johnny, Tex, Matsui, Swisher (RF), Cano, Ransom, Molina, Gardner.
Hang in there -- opening day is a week from today. Incidentallly, the Yankees are taking a train to Baltimore from New York on Sunday morning (or at least they were up until yesterday. Joe Girardi has called a 1:20 p.m. workout Sunday afternoon).
If Gardner gets off to a slow start and can't get on base at least at league average, how long do you think it will be until they start using Melky as the CFer?
I guess I'm asking, how long of a leash do you think Girardi will give Gardy?
Posted by: Bronx Baseball Daily | March 30, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Seems like he'll get a very long leash. Girardi has a lot of affection for Gardner's game, particularly his speed. He is the 9th hitter, after all, and you'd think that the Yanks could absorb a slow start from Gardner at the plate - even with A-Rod gone until May 15.
Posted by: Pete Caldera | March 30, 2009 at 11:30 AM