Yankees Prospect Profile: Brett Gardner
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Every once and a while, I'll write up a short profile piece on a Yankee prospect. This time, we'll look at one of my favorites, Brett Gardner.
Gardner is of the ideal lead off hitter mold: blazing speed, excellent plate discipline, and solid contact. The Yankees drafted Gardner in the 3rd round of the 2005 MLB draft out of the College of Charleston. Since being drafted, he's been one of the elite small-ball players in the game, and jumped from Single-A to Triple-A in less than two years.
Hitting:Gardner has very few holes in his game. His lack of power is one of them, and that should not really be a cause for concern, considering he will ultimately be a lead off hitter. He has tremendous plate discipline (147 BB/176 K in minor league career) for such a young player, which contributes to his impressive batting average. Gardner does not have very much power, but he has the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field and stretch singles into doubles with his blazing speed. Aside from his terrific patience at the plate, Gardner has decent gap power. He projects to be a .300 AVG/.400 OBP player.
Defense:Gardner has the best center field range and quickest jumps in the Yankees farm system. His top notch foot speed allows him to patrol center field with ease. His arm is average to below average, but his range, speed, and ability to read the ball compensate for any defensive shortcomings. His ability to get good jumps is seriously undervalued, but it allows him to play shallow in center and chase down fly balls that Melky Cabrera or Johnny Damon would not be able to get. Overal, Garnder is a very good defensive player.
Base Running:Gardner's most attractive tool are his wheels. He is one of the fastest base runners in the minors, and gets a good jump off the bag too. He had some psychological trouble about getting caught earlier in his career, but he seems to have recovered from that problem, and has become one of the most dangerous runners in the game. He has the ability to steal at least 40 bases a season, and maybe more if his patience carries through to the major league level.
Projection:Gardner is polished enough the help the Yankees right now. He's a great overall player thanks to his patience, speed and defense. Pinstripes Plus compared Gardner to former Dodger, Brett Butler. I'd say thats a solid comparison. In todays terms, think Juan Pierre with a better eye and stronger arm. I'd say he could fit into the Yankees plans next year, but with a surplus of weak hitting outfielders, Gardner could spend another year in the minors.
2007 Statistics: (From Trenton/Scanton) .301 AVG/15 2B/6 3B/21 SB/.395 OBP
Tools, as compared to the rest of the system (from Pinstripes Plus) Best Left-Handed swing Best Raw Speed Best Outfield Range
Overall Rating: B+
