Yankees: Brett Gardner shows he can still be of value

The Yankees are pushing to create a young, yet powerful dynasty and they sure are close. But every team needs some veteran players to act as glue — to do the work that goes unnoticed. For the Yanks, that player is Brett Gardner.

A career member of Yankees, Brett Gardner first called attention to himself as a prospect with his exceptional speed. Now 34, Gardy has to make do with the limitations age has placed on him.

No longer one of the fastest players in baseball, Gardner may not jump off the page to most fans but understand, his abilities are still essential when evaluating the Gold Glove outfielder.

Besides Gardner’s primary offensive and defensive production, which includes a batting average traditionally above .250 and a career-high 21 home runs in 2017, Gardner adds immense value in other ways.

As the Yankees’ leadoff hitter, it is helpful to the entire team if Gardy can force his opponent to throw excess pitches. Gardner was fourth on the team in pitches per plate appearance (of those that played at least 45 games), averaging just over four pitches per plate appearance.

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This underrated ability fatigues the pitcher, who right out of the gate could easily find himself in a first-inning battle and a high pitch count.

And Gardner showed us this ability in Thursday’s 6-1 win over the Blue Jays by facing 30 pitches in just five plate appearances.

Onwards from numerical production, Gardner has the same hardworking, scrappy mindset each time he steps foot between the line. He hustles, dives, and slides headfirst into first base even after scrutiny from both his past two managers.

Even his physical characteristics are of extreme value to this Yankees’ team. Being left-handed, Gardner is of utmost importance at the top of the lineup, expecting to be followed by a trio of power righty hitters.

Add to that his speed. While not as quick as was during the first half of his 10-years in the league, Gardner is still possibly the fastest player on this team. Make no mistake about it though, 23-year-old Tyler Wade is giving Gardy a run for his money.

On a very large and somewhat slow Yankees team, any and all speed is welcome.

Next: Yankees: What we know before the start of 162

Now I’m not saying Gardner is the best player in pinstripes, that’s a competitive battle on its own. But Gardner is a player in demand for the Yanks as of this season because being different from the rest of the bunch has allowed Gardner to age rather well.

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