As the Yankees prepare to finally welcome back their most recent icon of a center fielder when they bid farewell to Yankee Stadium on Sunday, manager Joe Girardi looked at what their next starting center fielder should be like.
While fan favorite Bernie Williams endeared himself to the Yankees with clutch hitting and power, Girardi sees a changing landscape in the American League East.
No longer, Girardi was telling reporters before the game, does every team rely on slugging. Pitching has become the key, and to support pitching, you need defense. Which means you need young, athletic guys who can run.
Then, almost on cue, rookie Brett Gardner stated his case for a full-time shot at center next season with a stunning catch that helped save a game and inspired a…
