Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner has survived the Yankees offseason outfield retooling, and he plans to make the most of his opportunity to be the team's full-time left fielder this season, NorthJersey.com reports.
Gardner hit .270 in 108 games with New York last year while spending most of his time in center field. Manager Joe Girardi is confident that Gardner knows what it takes to play at the major league level.
"Gardy's going to be asked to go out and win the job and play at a high level," Girardi said. "We feel we have depth and guys that want to play every day."
Following the Yankees' acquisition of Curtis Granderson, Gardner figures to primarily play left field this season. However, the possibility remains that Granderson and Gardner could change positions.
"Wherever they happen to put me out there, I'll adapt," Granderson said. "I've got to get some more balls out in left, because it's been a while. But I have been out there before, so it's not like it would be the first time."
Regardless of where he plays, Gardner knows he has to continue to work hard as an everyday player.
"That's all you can do," Gardner said. "Everything else will take care of itself."
