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New York Yankees: 5 Potential Destinations For Brett Gardner

By Kenneth Teape

Jul 31, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) singles during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) singles during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees: 5 Potential Destinations For Brett Gardner
Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais (9) talks with starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (left) following the top of the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Mariners

Left field was a black hole for the Mariners last season. Nori Aoki was decent last season, slashing .283/.349/.388. But, he didn’t bring the production on the basepaths that the Mariners were hoping, as he stole only seven bases compared to nine caught steals.

That is an area that Gardner would help the Mariners. They have a strong middle of the order with Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager but there is only so much they can do if the players ahead of them in the lineup aren’t consistently getting on base.

Aoki was released already, leaving the Mariners with Ben Gamel and Guillermo Heredia on the depth chart in left field. Danny Valencia was a solid acquisition to help, as he brings a ton of versatility to the Mariner. But he is expected to spent most of his time in a platoon at first base, meaning the Mariners could be in the market for another outfielder.

They could also use some insurance for Leonys Martin in centerfield. It does not look like Franklin Gutierrez will be back, as he backed up all the outfield spots last season. Gardner could slide into that role while being the starter in left field.

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