Yankees Trade Scenarios: 10 Outfield Targets If Brett Gardner Doesn’t Return
June 18, 2012 · Joe Acampado · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
With Brett Gardner out another three to four weeks, some people are wondering if he’ll ever make it back at all. After playing just nine games, Gardner went on the DL and has experienced setbacks prolonging his stint on the DL.
The New York Yankees miss Gardner’s speed, athleticism, defense, and base running skills. He can get on base and create runs all thanks to his speed and know how around the bases. In the outfield, he can chase down fly balls that could’ve ended up turning into a double without his speed.
Since Gardner went down, the Yankees have been primarily using Raul Ibanez as the left fielder. With his age and poor numbers against lefties, however, Ibanez isn’t suited to play the field everyday. Andruw Jones and even DeWayne Wise have filled in, but like Ibanez, they are far from ideal everyday starters.
The trade deadline is approaching and some are wondering if GM Brian Cashman will be looking to add an outfielder in the event Gardner stays on the DL even longer. Cashman will have some restrictions as I’m sure he doesn’t plan on trading away another highly-touted prospect and then there’s the Yankees’ payroll plans for 2014.
Ideally, Cashman would be looking for a relatively inexpensive player who can get on base and even steal some bases. I’ll bet Cashman will want someone who can hit with runners in scoring position. With that in mind, here are 10 players the Yankees can target.
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