Yankees to get another outfielder?

It seems certain the Yankees will add an outfielder before spring training, doesn’t it? But who? Obviously, they were telling the truth about not signing either Matt Holliday or Jason Bay to play left field, but I don’t think they’re going to just hand the position to Brett Gardner, either. Just remember when Cashman entered a 2006 stating that Bubba Crosby would the center fielder before signing Johnny Damon. Speaking of Damon, it sounds like Johnny Damon hasn’t got a shot unless he’s willing to play on the seriously cheap, which isn't likely to happen.

There aren't too many players available. The options are Reed Johnson, Xavier Nady and Jerry Hairston. However, their contracts may be even too high. The word is that the budget remaining is $2M. The Yankees ought to give Brett Gardner a real chance. He’s got a compelling set of skills - there aren’t many guys who can create that kind of havoc on the bases. He has gotten on base at a decent rate (.345 in 108 games last year, career .389 in the minors). He will catch the ball. If it doesn’t work out, you have your Johnson/Hairston, Jr./Nady type take over and Brett is relegated to OF No. 4. He’d be their No. 9 hitter. Starting Brett Gardner in left field wouldn’t cause the Yankees to miss the playoffs next season, that’s for sure. If they don’t make the post-season next year, they’ve got bigger problems than left field. A lot bigger problems.