Fantasy Profile: Brett Gardner, OF, New York Yankees

Welcome back to the 2015 Last Word on Fantasy Baseball Guide.  Over the next several months we will be releasing player profiles, projections, position rankings, and a number of other articles that will help you dominate your fantasy league this season.  Whether you play rotisserie or head-to-head; whether you have a standard draft, a snake or an auction league, and whether its keeper league or a one-year deal; we have all the fantasy information you need.

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Brett Gardner has been a staple in the Yankees outfield since 2010, and has been a perennial producer for fantasy owners.  Gardner has been known more for his ability to score runs and steal bases more so than the other counting stats.  However, in 2014 Gardner displayed solid power for his owners belting 17 HRs over 555 ABs.  This was a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners that for the most part thought they were drafting a two category player, and ended up with a player that produced solid counting stats in three categories.

For the past two seasons (2013-2014) Gardner has averaged 23.5 SBs, 55 RBIs, and 84 Runs at the top of the Yankee lineup.  Prior to his power surge in 14’, Gardner only hit 20 HRs over his past three full seasons of work (10’/11’/13’, 2012 season shortened due to injury).  As a positive note, his power in 14’ was not simply a result of the short porch at Yankee Stadium as he actually hit 9 of his 17 HRs on the road.  There are signs for concern that Gardner’s sudden display of power may not be repeatable in 15’ as his home run per fly ball rate jumped dramatically to 11% in 14’ vs. 6.5% career average.

Gardner has established a track record of producing consistent speed, and runs scored, however it is difficult to feel comfortable that he can repeat his power performance of last season.