We’ve looked at some of other potential fantasy baseball 2009 keepers — 2009 rookies — doodes — already with our ongoing 2009 fantasy rookie series. Today (this afternoon, whenever you’re reading this) we look at the New York Yankees rookie center fielder, Brett Gardner. Gardner had 127 ABs last year, but he’s all rookie for our porpoises. (Which reminds me, I found out recently my girlfriend went on a trip about five years ago and rode on a dolphin. The thought of her going for a dolphin ride made me jealous, even though she never told me she was with an ex-boyfriend. I just assumed that you go for trips that involve dolphin rides when you’re vacationing with someone special. Baby, look at his fin! He’s waving! This is the best time of my life! I hope he sprays me with his spout like you did last night! You don’t go for dolphin rides when you’re with some jerkoff. Dolphin rides are what girls do with nice guys. But I digress.) Brett Gardner may not even start for the Yankees in center field, but if he does, there’s a reason you’ll want to keep an eye on him for 2009 fantasy baseball.
SAGNOF. That’s why, faithful Razzball reader. Gardner has the power of Juan Pierre, and the legs of him too. In 1448 minor league at-bats, Gardner had an OBP of .389 while averaging about a steal every 3rd game. When he moved to the majors, he still averaged a steal every 3rd game, which is a lot of steals if he can play 120 games. His OBP didn’t carry over from the minors, but he’s still young and has time to improve. He could find himself leading off for the Yanks if everything breaks right for him, which would lead to a lot of steals and runs. Gardner is a perfect endgame target in deep mixed and AL-Only leagues.
