Is Gardner ready to be the man in CF
Gardner is batting .190 for the year. He is 10 for 41 since being recalled in August. He plays god defense and has a good arm.
Is he ready for primetime in 2009? Can he hit .280, .375 OBP and steal 50 bases next year? Or should Melky get another chance?
It is a tough call. Gardner does not have the power Melky does. Melky can hit 15 HR’s a year, Gardner will be lucky to hit 5. Both play very good defense. Melky can steal bases but Gardner has lightening speed. Gardner is more of a gamer, Melky looks like he “glides”.
I have followed Gardner in the minors the last couple of years. I am also a big Melky fan, at least besides this year.
A lot of it comes down if Melky can play like he can play. Ideally he grabs the CF spot and hit .290, 15 HR’s, 80 RBI;s, steals 20 bases and plays great defense. Then Gardner can be a reserve outfielder and pinch runner in 2009.
8 games left in 2008.
