BRETT GARDNER IS TRADE BAIT APPARENTLY

The trading theory of Brett Gardner is news to me, but under the circumstances, it makes sense. Look, with Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran just signed, and Alfonso Soriano, Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells also outfielders, I guess someone with worth has to become trading bait.  Brett Gardner is young, a lead off guy with terrific defensive ability.  So, according to ESPN, the Yankees are making him available.

Andrew Marchand writes: "the New York Yankees plan to engage in trade talks involving starting outfielder Brett Gardner, sources told ESPN New York.

Although they value the speedy Gardner and still could keep him, the Yankees believe he could be used as a main trade piece to address one of their needs, which include second base, third base, the starting rotation and the bullpen....

 When the Yankees agreed with Ellsbury, an official with knowledge of the team's plan said, 'Absolutely not,' when asked if Gardner would be dealt, saying that New York wanted to team the similar players together.
But with Beltran on board, the Yankees are more open to the possibility of trading Gardner.
The Newark Star-Ledger earlier reported that the Yankees were more open to listening to offers on Gardner."

Hey look, there is no question the Yankees need pitching and if someone they like is offered for Gardner, what are they supposed to do?  It's going to be interesting next week. But before we get nuts, we need to wait and see.

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