Brett Gardner signs $2.8 million deal with New York Yankees – MLB News
New York Yankees have avoided arbitration by signing a one year $2.8 million deal with left fielder Brett Gardner. Since making his Major League Baseball debut, the left hander striker has given considerable results.
In 2010, Gardner displayed some high quality batting abilities. Hitting a decent .277 batting average in 150 games, he made the most of available opportunities during that season. In addition to his batting strengths, the guy showed remarkable defensive skills on the field to win his first ever Fielding Bible Award.
However, his progress was halted significantly when he suffered from a wrist injury. After recovering from his injury, he made a comeback to MLB in 2011 Spring Training session. Struggling to find his form, he was demoted to the bottom third of the order.
But the striker continued to work hard and he finished the season with highest number of stolen bases in American League. He also went on to win his second Fielding Bible Award in as many years.
Gardner was paid only $530,000 by the Yankees last season. Hitting seven home-runs with 36 RBI’s, .345 on base percentage and 87 scored runs, he earned a huge raise in salary with a $2.8 million contract. The left hander had asked for $3.2 million salary earlier this year, which the Yankees countered with a $2.4 million offer. Although both parties had been in talks for the last couple of months, they couldn’t reach a deal.
The Yankees were quite terrible in the best of five game series in the playoffs. However, Gardner was the only bright spot as he batted with a decent .412 average.
Gardner will be looking to up his game play to earn another huge pay day at the end of 2012 season. The Yankees, on the other hand, has also made great moves to strengthen their batting lineup. Brian Cashman and his men made it to the playoffs quite comprehensively last season but they were unable to maintain their form. The General Manager now wants to build a team that is capable of winning the World Series.
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