Dec 23, 2009 -- 11:15AM, 27TimeWorldChamp wrote:

Dec 23, 2009 -- 11:07AM, Legends wrote:

Mike don't get me wrong. I would agree with you if Gardner were 23 or 24. But Gardner is 26--by then mostmajor leaguers should have established themselves. If Melky was considered mediocre 4th OF at 25 with a .275 average, why would Gardner be any different at 26, with a .270 average? I just don't see/expect that much from him.

Also, I suspect Gardner can't handle it here. His interview at the parade regarding people hanging/falling out of their windows made it sound like NY was overwhelming to him. Then again, he's from a small town, and NY will overwhelm some people. But if he can't get used to that. He may be better off elsewhere. Robertson, on the other hand seemed to be taking it all in.

If the Yankees go with him I may still cringe. However, if he surprises me, I'll give him credit.

 

????huh????

I was explaining how I thought Gardner didn't seem comfortable in NY, and Robertson did not seem unconfortable. Gardner interviewed with Kim Jones at the World Series parade and it was mentioned that he came from a vey small town in South Carolina. Gardner was telling about his experience in New Yor and he commented on the fans' behavoir. From his perpective, it looked like they were falling out of their windows, but I think they were just calling out to the players, etc. Is that what confused you?

In short, I don't think Gardner is meant for NY, but if he somehow proves he's better than what I think, I'll give him credit.

Dec 23, 2009 -- 10:56AM, TheManMike wrote:

Dec 23, 2009 -- 8:25AM, yankeeoldfan wrote:

When Gardner can figure out how to steel first base then he will be a every day player.. The kid just can't hit and if you can't hit your not going to be a corner outfielder.. I don't care how fast you are, he doesn't put the bat on the ball near enough either.. Way too many K's...  And as is I don't like our starting out field..  There's no way Gardner is going to be our everyday LF'er...

Were you and I watching the same Gardner last year? The Gardner I've seen hit over .300, at one point, this past season (finished with .270 AVG). The Gardner I seen stole 26 bases, while getting caught only 5 times. The Gardner I seen finished with a .345 OBP. The Gardner I seen had 67 hits while striking out 40 times so I don't know where you got the idea that he strikes out way too much. He's done all of that, in LIMITED PLAYING TIME. He played 108 games, but started just 63 times

Gardner did the things you said, but when he faced good pitching and in the playoffs he was non existent.. Girardi put him in twice to steal a base and both time he either got caught stealing or got picked off of first base..  I've got nothing against Gardner but I can't believe Ca$hman has him in the plans to be our every day LF'er...  If it wasn't for his speed he wouldn't even be up with the big club.. Hey I hope he hits .400 and steals a 100 bases, I just don't think it's going to happen...

Dec 23, 2009 -- 11:49AM, yankeeoldfan wrote:

Gardner did the things you said, but when he faced good pitching and in the playoffs he was non existent.. Girardi put him in twice to steal a base and both time he either got caught stealing or got picked off of first base..  I've got nothing against Gardner but I can't believe Ca$hman has him in the plans to be our every day LF'er...  If it wasn't for his speed he wouldn't even be up with the big club.. Hey I hope he hits .400 and steals a 100 bases, I just don't think it's going to happen...

So we have to condemn all ROOKIES, then?  Rookie mistake.

I think you do have something against Gardner, old fan.

Dec 23, 2009 -- 11:52AM, Bats wrote:

Dec 23, 2009 -- 11:49AM, yankeeoldfan wrote:

Gardner did the things you said, but when he faced good pitching and in the playoffs he was non existent.. Girardi put him in twice to steal a base and both time he either got caught stealing or got picked off of first base..  I've got nothing against Gardner but I can't believe Ca$hman has him in the plans to be our every day LF'er...  If it wasn't for his speed he wouldn't even be up with the big club.. Hey I hope he hits .400 and steals a 100 bases, I just don't think it's going to happen...

So we have to condemn all ROOKIES, then?  Rookie mistake.

I think you do have something against Gardner, old fan.

 

A rookie mistake, like any mistake, is excusable the first time. If it's done it more than once, it's not a rookie mistake anymore: it's a lack of fundamentals.  This isn't anything against Gardner, it's a reality for any rookie. If his job is to steal bases, and he gets caught, he has to learn how to execute better the next time around.

Dec 23, 2009 -- 11:56AM, newinn wrote:

I don't know what Gardner is or will be. I do know I've been watching baseball for 50 years and I am very impressed how so many of you can determine a players value after 2 or 3 innings or a few at bats. You know if a relief pitcher is any good in about 3 innings. I remember Edwar Ramirez going to the Hall of Fame after his first 2 inning outing. I say with this lineup you can carry Gardner in the 9 hole and see if he can cut it. If he can hit 270 with an on base % of 365 or so, if he can continue to work the count, this guy might just win a lot of games with his legs. My sincerest congratulations to all of you Charlie Lau's out there. I admit this guy might turn out to be a 230 hitter and if he is his speed is of little value. I do think he is an exciting player to watch and I'd love to see him make it.

Ditto. Unlike so many here, I want to see him get a real chance. It's not going to hurt the team to try him out. It's not like we're going to be stuck with him, if he blows, for most of the season. But like you were saying, people prefer to judge a player after only a short time. Glad they're not calling the shots in the Yankees organization.