State of the Yankees: The Future is Now

Accordingly, I found it necessary to follow up Jason's last post in regards to the standing point of our respective team allegiance. It has become apparent that this might be the year the Yankees miss the playoffs, as they've hovered around .500 all season and appear lacking the punch to make a strong run as they did last year. However, the future looks extremely bright for this squad. There are many questions that surround the team, to name a few:

1) What will Phil Hughes turn out to be? and can he stay healthy?
2) Will Joba Chamberlain translate into a legitimate ace?
3) Do the Yankees continue to have two starting outfielders who lack range and throwing accuracy?


Brett Gardner
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees-
Yankees Triple-A Affiliate

Three big questions, all can't be answered right away. However, if the Yankees could get something in return for trading Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui (with the numbers they have put up so far, it would have to be a considerable return), two promising outfield prospects in the Yankees system could have an opportunity to make the big club - Brett Gardner and Austin Jackson. Gardner is in Triple-A and seems major league ready, and Jackson is in Double-A but could be Major league ready very soon. These two excellent athletes excel in fielding and have good speed, both of which the Yankees lack. Jackson has 91 stolen bases in three and half minor league seasons, and has only been caught 27 times - a 77% success rate. Meanwhile, Gardner has amassed 141 swipes in the same amount of time, and has only been caught 30 times (82%)!

The only downside is the two both don't possess the same quality bats that Damon and Matsui have. Gardner has only nine home runs in his minor league career, but has shown patience with 207 walks and owns a .290 BA. "A-Jax" however hasn't shown the same kind of patience, striking out over 300 times, but can drive 'em in - he has 157 minor league RBIs.

The keyword to their promotion would be versatility. With their fielding skill and base running ability, they could translate as good bottom of the order hitters, with the potential to move up the line up. It would be interesting to see what these two youngsters could do at the Major league level. Trading Damon and Matsui could help in other areas to improve the other issues the team has, like the bullpen and lack of left handed pitching.


Austin Jackson
Trenton Thunder- Yankees Double-A Affiliate

For now the Yankees will stay the course, and hope to get production out of Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, but as September approaches, keep your eyes open for Brett Gardner and Austin Jackson, as the future is just a call-up away.