DON'T UNDERESTIMATE GARDY'S ROLE FOR THE YANKEES

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There are ball players that are meant to be home run hitters and there are others who are "quietly consistent" in the words of Charlie Wilmoth at MLB Rumors.  Brett Gardner has been quietly consistent over the last few seasons with the Yankees- he's not an expensive player, he gets his job done with a good career on base percentage of .346, and slightly higher one in 2016  and he offers leadership to a very organic team of rookies, newbies and veterans.  I understand completely why Brian Cashman is in no rush to trade our 33-year-old home grown leader and I'd like to see him remain in his corner in left field in 2017.

Source: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

According to Bryan Hoch,“He’s here not because I can’t move him; he’s here because I’m not comfortable moving him, or haven’t been satisfied in my asks that would make me move him,” says GM Brian Cashman. “You’re going through the process, and you see if that changes. So far to this point, I’ve said no to a lot of different concepts thrown my way on it.”

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You can't underestimate Gardy's role for the Yankees.  He offers more than clutch hits and speed; he offers a growth mindset to a team training to be a champion.  I realize that growth mindset doesn't hit home runs but his presence in our clubhouse should not undervalued.  "He's a hard player to move because he's on an exceptional contract, he's extremely consistent, he's as tough as they come and he's a great clubhouse guy," Cashman said. "I've been asked about him for a number of years now in the wintertime and in the summertime."

I engaged in a discussion about this point with fans after our piece that provided coverage of the New York Post's 3 Goals for Cashman at the Winter Meetings 

My point about Gardy is that he is like a David Ross to this Yankee team.  He is a necessity from the standpoint of what he contributes not just on the field or in the batter's box, but for the team as stable and motivating presence for his peers.

Source: WGN Sports

Ross's numbers are simply okay from an athlete's standpoint but what the numbers don't tell you is how he powerfully contributed to his team mentally.

Gardy's numbers a bit better than Ross, and he still has some years of playing time left.  I don't know that his numbers will improve dramatically over the next few years as a player, but again, what the numbers don't show is his meaningful voice and mentorship of his team mates.

So, I agree with Cashman, for once.  Don't rush to send Gardner to another team- remain patience.  I agree that guys like Chase Headley and Jacoby Ellsbury are not in high demand, but at the same time, we are not going to give away our farm either.  Let's see what negotiating Cashman can do to lure guys to the Bronx and leave Gardy right where he belongs: in pinstripes, here in New York.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof