Game 111 Preview: Yankees vs. Tigers

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Player to Watch: Brett Gardner

Brett Gardner has been on fire at the plate lately.  He leads the team in batting average, at .284, on-base percentage (.363), runs (70) and slugging percentage (.467).  He has his five home runs in the last week bringing his season total to a career high of 15, including the game winning home run last night against the Red Sox.  His previous career high was 8 and he should more than double that before the season ends.  The sudden power surge has helped propel the Yankee offense in recent days.

"“[Home runs] are not my game,’’ Gardner said with a smile. “I’m just happy to be able to go out there and repeat my swing and swing at good pitches to hit and not chase too many pitches out of the zone.’’ (h/t Kevin Kernan, New York Post)"

Gardner has been on fire at the plate and has also played fantastic defense in the outfield.  A gold glove caliber center fielder who is playing left field, Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury form one of the best defensive outfields in the majors.  The home grown Gardner will also being wearing pinstripes for a while, having signed a four year $52 million extension before the season began.  If he can continue to perform at this level, that contract will be a steal for the Yankees.