No surprise here, Girardi names Gardner starting CFer

[VinnyTheMick]

The plan is for Melky to be on the team, Girardi said. But saying that is the plan is like saying he could be traded. … Melky said he was disappointed but that he would do whatever he could to help the team.

Said Girardi: “Both of them played great. Melky had a tough year last year but he came into camp, was ready to go and played very well. Gardy finished up strong (last season) and had a great camp and we’re just going to go with Gardy.”

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

[Pharmcat]

melky put up good #s in the spring and has a great CF arm althou gardner takes the better route...i still wouldve gone with melky

[HCYanks]

Meh... this is something that's hardly written in stone and Melky's going to get every chance to win the starting job back unless Gardner performs really well. I'm predicting that they'll both end up being mediocre and that CF will still be Jackson's position to lose when he comes up. I'm just hoping Girardi doesn't overreact to Melky and Gardner's good springs and start giving them at-bats over Swisher, who should be starting in RF in the first place.

[VinnyTheMick]

melky put up good #s in the spring and has a great CF arm althou gardner takes the better route...i still wouldve gone with melky

Melky has had a good 2 weeks. Outside of that Gardner has clearly out performed him. His speed on the bases trumps Melky's "great arm" & outside of that great arm what does Melky really have?

[Jitpal]

I give it until mid-June, then Austin Jackson will be up here and he won't be going back down. Garnder will be the pinch runner/late inning defensive replacement and Melky will be on some other team's roster. -Jitpal