MY TAKE ON THE YANKEES' GOING WITH CLINT FRAZIER OVER BRETT GARDNER

  New York Yankees‘ outfielder Brett Gardner has been the team’s longest tenured player, but now, the argument that the Yankees can’t afford to wait for Gardner to snap out of a slump at the plate has finally been put to rest with the 2021 season upon us.  

    Last season Frazier got a shot because Stanton was on the injured list, and he had to face the reality of getting send down to the minors again when Giancarlo Stanton returned. Frazier never fully caught a  break into the majors because of the team's packed outfield, but 2021 will bring Red Thunder a huge opportunity as far as his role with the organization goes.

    In 2019 the only  way Frazier  got a full-time position on the team was if the Yanks shed contracts, and Gardner looked like he was the odd man out. Due to the organization's long time commitment to Gardy, the veteran left fielder was brought back on a one-year, $4 million deal for 2021. The contract includes both a player and a team option for 2022. 

    Most likely Gardner's future with the Yankees will be on the bench as Frazier's time to shine will be in the upcoming season.

    During the pandemically-fractured season, in 75 at bats, Gardy managed to accumulate 13 hits; 3 homeruns; and a .173 batting average. Along with those numbers, he put together 9 runs; knocked in 6 ribbies; stole 3 bases; and currently is slugging at a .333. Over his career, he compiled a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 42.5, had 5295 at bats, stole 270 bases, and launched 127 long balls.

    Brett Gardner is currently my favorite baseball player, but honestly as much as it hurts me to say it, the time has come for Gardy to ride the bench if he really wants to finish his career as a Yankees' player. Like many fans, “Brett The Jet”, is the nickname I like to call him by and throughout his career as a Yankee, “BTJ” has become known for his slick speed on the base pads and for that reason, I would like to believe that it makes perfect sense to continue having him as a leader in the clubhouse with Frazier getting a full time shot.

    By far Gardner has earned the title when it comes down to being more superior and more gritty athlete, but even with his tough at-bat approach that works pitchers into tough pitching counts and his respectable presence as a veteran outfielder, I have to agree with the team's decision to pass the torch onto a younger athletes that can offer the position more pop.  

    It looked like Red Thunder was in the weather forecast for a while in 2020, and it looks like Clint Frazier will bring more of that pop on a consistent basis in 2021.

    Boy, I knew this guy could hit, but what he did in 2019 was amazing. In my book, he has proven his worth because he has some stellar defense and man, that bat swing is so sweet to watch.

  When Frazier addressed the media on the Wednesday afternoon for the first time of  the 2019 season, one day after being called up from the Yankees’ alternate site, it was obvious that the outfielder was bursting with confidence.

  “I feel like I’m the best player right now than I’ve ever been,” he said as a smile crept across his lips. I’ve worked on a lot of things and I’m ready to show it off.”

    I know that there are people who don’t really trust in the outfielder’s abilities, but when we first acquired him from Cleveland, I just knew that he would be something for the Yanks. As a fan, I am really glad to see him doing well in the majors and I wish him all the success in his future endeavors.

   Frazier’s 2020 debut featured three hits, including a home run in his first at-bat, as Red Thunder finished a triple shy of the cycle in a 6-3 win over the Atlanta Braves.

   Despite all the uncertainties that faced Clint, after the damage he inflicted on the Braves and the Red Sox, I am convinced that that he could be a vital component in the Yankees’ Chase For 28 in 2021 .