A Look at the OF Depth

Brett Gardner had X-Rays done on his thumb before yesterday’s game, after saying it didn’t feel quite as well as he thought it did. He ended up pinch-running during the game after DH Jorge Posada drew a one out walk in the 8th. That appears to tell us that Gardner’s alright, but let’s be pessimistic here for once and assume he’s going to have to miss time.

There are a lot of ways the Yankees can play it if Gardner does miss time. Marcus Thames could see more time in left, but I doubt that’s going to happen. He’s been cooling down (1.591 OPS in April, .684 in Mat, .250 June) and let’s face it, he’s putrid on defense. This option is out there, but highly unlikely. Kevin Russo is another already-on-the-Major-League-roster option, but like Thames, he hasn’t hit of late and is relatively new to the outfield. I doubt the Yankees want to see him starting many games in a row. This brings us to the minor league options.

The only two outfielders on the 40-Man roster are Greg Golson and Chad Huffman, so let’s examine them first. In a six game stint with the Bombers this year, Golson went 2-5, but hasn’t been hitting well in Scranton. His triple slash is .260/.302/.372/.674. Those numbers don’t exactly inspire confidence, but Golson wouldn’t be counted on for offense. He’s incredibly fast in the outfield and would likely play plus-plus defense in left in Gardner’s absence.

Chad Huffman has been described as an average at best, but probably below average defender. His bat is a bit better, though he hasn’t been terribly consistent for Scranton. His OPS sits at a very “meh” .721, though his MiL track record (.846 OPS) suggests he’s better than that line.

After those two, there’s David Winfree–who’s got a .443 SLG and a team leading five homers, but his OBP leaves much to be desired at .311 (.032 IsoD)–and the recently returned from injury Colin Curtis. Curtis Has a .365 OBP this season in 25 games, but his power is still low (.083 IsoP, .110 career IsoP). Both of these guys are not on the 40 man roster, so a move would have to be made to get them on the team, which hurts their chances.

The options don’t look all that great, honestly, but if Gardner does have to miss some time (though it looks like he won’t have to), the Yankees will obviously have to call someone up. Golson would likely get the call because of his speed and defense. If I got to pick, I’d go with Huffman because he has the best Minor League track record.

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