Yankees Search for Center Fielder

Gardner auditions, Damon DHs, Cabrera watches, Jackson looms and the Yankees' quest to fill the center field void continues. The New York Yankees have a proud history in center--DiMaggio, Mantle, Murcer and Williams filled the glamor position impeccably. Since Bernie faded, the front office has been incapable of finding the next big thing.

The opportunity to sign a discounted Beltran was missed. The result--a four year deal to Johnny Damon has produced a void. Johnny's shaky defense and anemic arm provided an opportunity for Cabrera who responded with enthusiasm and potent defense. Two solid seasons were betrayed by a flailing bat and Damon was back where it all began. Fly balls hung for a long time before dropping in for extra-base hits, base runners moved with abandon as the throws bounced in.

The 2008 season winds down without a Yankees pennant race. It's audition time, blazing Brett Gardner enters the mix. Who is this guy? "Gardner has some good things going for him--excellent speed, good range in the outfield, some patience, and the ability to hit for a respectable average. The thing that will keep him on a major league bench..is a complete, total, absolute lack of power...If Gardner suddenly shows the ability to hit .330, it might change things, but his best hope right now is to have a general manager fall in love with him.."--Baseball Prospectus 2008 Guide. Turns out, Brett could be in luck, when asked this spring who would be the next impact player from the farm Brian Cashman responded, "Brett Gardner." Can Brett butcher boy his way to the show? We get the opportunity to find out.

What's next? Austin Jackson is on the horizon. Reggie Jackson commented this spring that Jackson is by far the best athlete in the Yanks system and reminds him of Devon White. The YES booth pondered the possibilities, "The thinking is that he needs a year at Triple-A...you don't want to rush young players before they're ready. Failure on the resume creates doubt and can hurt them.."--(Kay/Singleton,paraphrased) The Yankees having been there and done that with Hughes and Kennedy. The result is that two prodigy's are now projects. The future will have to wait.

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