Brett Gardner Daily Update No. 2

Yesterday, Yankee manager Joe Girardi announced that Brett Gardner will likely be the starting center fielder when the new season begins and that Curtis Granderson would be shifted to left.

Girardi said that Gardner is a "pure" center fielder, apparently implying that Granderson is not.

General Manager Brian Cashman said he was completely comfortable with Girardi's statement adding that the Yankees were re-initiating the Bubba Crosby era with Gardner as the full time center fielder.

Granderson was hailed as the Yankee center fielder for years to come when he was acquired from the Tigers in an offseason trade. But Joe Girardi has shown a strange affinity for Gardner, who was given the starting center field job out of spring training last year but could not hold it.

Granderson could not immediately be reached for comment.

After Girardi's announcement, the Yankees signed Randy Winn to a one year contract reported to be worth about $2 million.

Winn played for the Giants last year and hit .262. It is reported that he is an all round outfielder who can play all three positions.

Inside sources (there really aren't any) have reported that upon being told that Winn had been signed, Girardi immediately called veteran catcher Jorge Posada.

Apparently Girardi asked Posada if it would be possible for him to begin working with Gardner on his slider. With the loss of Phil Coke, the Yankees need another left handed arm in the pen. 

Since it appears Yankee brass still felt the need for an outfielder despite Girardi's confidence in Gardner, Gardner will be given a shot at earning a spot in the bullpen.