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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
Oct 2, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny (22) salutes the fans after the final game of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals are saying goodbye to long-term left fielder Matt Holliday. He is not expected to retained as he hits free agency with the Cardinals looking to go in another direction. Holiday battled injuries and saw his production really dip in 2016.

That leaves the Cardinals with a hole in left field. Right now Tommy Pham and Jose Martinez are on the depth chart to take over in the left field. They could use a veteran presence and Gardner would bring that.

He would also bring some speed to the lineup as a whole. The Cardinals had the second fewest stolen bases last season with only 35, getting caught 26 times. They also had virtually no production from left field last season. Left fielders slashed only .223/.302/.437 for the Cardinals last season, but did produce the most home runs with 34 on the roster.

Gardner won’t provide that kind of power numbers but would bring a lot more to the table in batting average and on-base percentage. He will also help defensively. The Cardinals as a team were negative in left field all season. Gardner has been a positive fielder all throughout his career, excelling the most in left field.

Gardner would be a solid addition for the Cardinals to help get them back into the postseason in the National League.

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