SPEED WILL BE A FACTOR WITH GARDNER OUT

(In Photo: Shane Victorino)

The Yankees have been winning more than they're losing and I’m not complaining, but news out of Yankeeland concerning Brett Gardner and his newly reported elbow surgery, read HERE is definitely cause for concern.  Yes, the long ball is a big part of the Yankees winning as of late and look, who am I to tell them NOT to hit a home run.  It’s big, it’s dramatic and if they are getting runs on base, cranking out 3 run home runs, Grand Slams like Raul Ibanez the other night, I have no problem with that.  But, if the Yankees go up to the plate looking to crank out 3 solo shots and the score is a 4-3 loss with absolutely no situational hitting…I have a problem with that.   

That’s why Brett Gardner is so important and not having him in the lineup for that extra option could hurt us…sure not now, but eventually.  The Playoffs are a whole different animal and with a season being only 5 games or 7 games, every tool, including speed is needed.  I believe that.

 (In Photo: DeWayne Wise)

Brian Cashman doesn’t want to do much, he’s stated that publicly, but we need a speedster out there to get on base and run their ass off. Yes, DeWayne Wise is a fast guy, but he isn’t a great hitter.  As we’ve seen, Raul Ibanez and Andruw Jones have very good days, but they also have bad days, plus, they can’t run a lick. Luckily for us, with Gardy out, this could force Cashman's hand to get that replacement we need. 

Yes, an argument can be made that the way the Yankees are producing, there is no need to rush Gardner, just let him have his surgery and we'll see the guy in 2013. It makes sense...but think about this,  What do most teams do in late innings of games they have a shot at winning in a playoff series? They put in the pinch runner.  Fast guys with a shot at scoring from first base.  Wouldn’t it be nice to know that if Gardy isn’t coming back, there are other “Gardys” on the bench ready to run?

The Yanks are playing it close to the vest right now and they won’t tell you they’re doing stuff behind the scenes to get ready, but they are.  That's why you're hearing whiffs about Shane Victorino and Denard Span.  Believe me, the Yankees are piecing things together for the trade deadline…maybe 1 starter, but definitely 1 outfielder with speed.  I’m convinced of that. The Yankees know they need a backup plan…and believe me, they're exploring it now. 

Stay tuned… We'll have a piece on Victorino and possibly Span this weekend.

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