Brett Gardner is in the middle of a position battle with Melky for the CF position of the Yankees. I am very high on Gardner this season and long term for that matter. He potentially could be the lead-off hitter for the Yankees for many years to come barring Austin Jackson doesn't explode. While Jacoby Ellsbury is a fantasy favorite due to his extreme speed, as he is going #57 per Mock Draft Central's ADP, Gardner is not in the top 418! To compare these two speedsters I will break down their final season in AAA:
In 2007 Ellsbury played 87 games and amassed 363 ABs in AAA.
Avg: .298
HR: 2
R: 66
RBI: 28
BB: 32
K: 47
2B: 14
3B: 5
SB: 33
In 2008 Gardner played in 94 games and he had 341 ABs in AAA:
Avg: .296
HR: 3
R: 68
RBI: 32
BB: 70
K: 76
2B: 12
3B: 11
SB: 37
They both played in the International League so you would assume that the competition would be similar from 2007 to 2008. Gardner did K more but his BB/K ratio was much better at .92 vs .68 for Ellsbury. Looking at these 2 stat lines it is hard to say Ellsbury or Gardner will be the better fantasy option, but they are much closer then most people think. We will have to wait and see if Gardner can translate these numbers into MLB success, but given his skills, I believe he presents a very profitable end game pick.
They are similar is size as well with Gardner listed at 5'10 and 180 LBS and Ellsbury is 6'1 and 185 LBS. The both throw and bat from the left side.
Other News:
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Joba gets Shelled in outing
Interview with Stephen Strasburg
Strasburg has 16 K's and touches 102 MPH 7 times
Fantasy Pros 911 Article about Future Closers in the AL
Keith Law on Top Prospects
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