WHAT IF GARDNER DOESN'T PLAY THIS YEAR?

It doesn’t happen too often that a player goes to Dr. James Andrews and then goes for a second opinion. Usually you go to Dr. James Andrews and suddenly Tommy John bursts through the door, shakes your hand and the next thing you know you’re out for the season. Luckily, according to Marc Carig of the Star-Ledger, Gardner doesn’t have any sign of ligament damage in that right elbow. Read Carig HERE. So…your next question is, what is it then? Why is the guy still out of the Yankees lineup? I don’t know, but Brett Gardner and the Yankees DO know, but their being cautious and now Gardner is going to Cincinnati to Dr. Tim Kremchek today for a second opinion.

Look, if this wasn’t a big deal, the Yankees would say so. This second opinion says to me that the Yankees are concerned about something, but look, I’m not the guy to answer that question. I can however speculate. In this case, I’m you, fishing for information and trying to get to the bottom of this, thinking it through and wondering what will happen long term if things don't pan out.

That's right, the biggest question really has to be... What will we do if Brett Gardner can’t play this season? Then what? What happens to GGS? What happens to situational hitting and the New York Yankees? That for sure is something I’ve been complaining about since their most recent losing streak.

Oh sure, it’s forgotten now, the Yankees have won the last 6 in a row sweeping both the Mets and the Braves and yes, a win is a win, but when you don’t have speed in the lineup, there’s no question it will hurt you eventually. Sure Curtis Granderson has the speed, but he also hits home runs. We need those few speedsters in the lineup to get on and move from first to third on a single or better yet, score. There is no question the loss of Brett Gardner is a blow to the team. Again, you don't see it right now, but it's there.

True, morale is high right now, 3 big wins in Atlanta and 3 before that against the Mets in the Bronx. They’re riding a winning streak and that’s good, that means the speed factor is not affecting them this road trip and hopefully it won't. There is no question though…we need Gardner back.

And look, if it’s not Gardner it needs to be someone who needs a shot and play daily and run and be as athletic as Gardner in left field. I've said it once and I'll say it again, no more of this hodge-podge platooning of Raul Ibanez and Andruw Jones, Jayson Nix and DeWayne Wise. We need a guy to get on base but also play a solid outfield.

Look, we’ll know what’s up with Brett Gardner soon. Let’s hope it’s not serious because for all you guys that didn’t give a crap if Gardy was in the lineup or not, let’s face it, you miss him in the lineup now. I do too so I hope to God this is nothing major with his right elbow or we’ll be looking for someone to fill the void at the deadline I suspect...OR, who's down in those minor leagues that needs a shot?

Let’s hope not…let’s hope Gardy’s back.

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