Brett Gardner started in center field and hit sixth in the batting order as the New York Yankees lost a spring training tilt to the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday.
Neither position is a likely spot to find Gardner after the regular season starts in just 20 days.
Because it is uncertain if Gardner can hold down a regular outfield slot, the Yankees will almost certainly put Curtis Granderson in center because he will be playing every day.
It is inconceivable why Joe Girardi would have hit Gardner sixth even in an exhibition game. The six hole is a power slot, and Gardner has absolutely no power.
Gardner went 0-for-2 at the plate against Pirates pitching. He did draw a walk, but he also struck out once and left one runner on base. He finished the game hitting .158 for the spring.
In the fie ...
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Article written by Perry Arnold
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