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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 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) removes starting pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) from the game in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game five of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers had a good first season under rookie manager Dave Roberts. He guided the team to a playoff berth, winning the NL West division and taking home NL Manager of the Year. The Dodgers, despite their massive payroll, are a team with holes and it was impressive to see a rookie manager navigate those holes.

One of the holes was in left field. The Dodgers threw Howie Kendrick out there last season despite being an infielder throughout his career. The change seemed to throw him off, as he hit only .244 while playing left field, but .310 at his natural position at second base. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason and now the Dodgers once again have a hole in left field.

The Dodgers are always players in free agency because they essentially print money. But they have other areas to worry about in free agency, such as the bullpen where closer Kenley Jansen has hit the open market. Trading for a left fielder could be the move for the Dodgers and Gardner would be a good fit.

The Dodgers used Chase Utley as their leadoff hitter a majority of last season, which could be called unconventional. While he brought some power to the table with 14 home runs out of the leadoff spot he brought nothing on the basepaths. He had only two stolen bases out of the spot, and the Dodgers had only four stolen bases from their leadoff man all season.

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The Dodgers were 27th in MLB with 45 stolen bases, so base stealing isn’t a part of their plan. But it would be nice to have a threat that is capable of swiping a couple of bags late in a game.

While the Dodgers didn’t have bad fielding numbers in left field, they didn’t have much range. Essentially, they made the plays they were supposed to but not much more. That isn’t bad, as you want people to make the plays they are supposed to. But Gardner could be a difference maker in left field and save the Dodgers some runs defensively.

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