A Couple of Yankee Images Worth Sharing

Are you as surprised as I was with the four-year extension Brett Gardner received? I don't grade him as worthy of what's really a five-year commitment. Sure, he's an above-average fielder. But he's not the offensive force some perceive him to be -- especially when the Yanks just signed a far better version of him in Jacoby Ellsbury.
Gardner, who turned 30 last summer, did post a career high in extra-base hits, with 33 doubles and an AL-best 10 triples. But he batted just .273, not .300 -- and his on-base percentage was under .350. Worse, he's become less adept at stealing bases -- his success rate is just 75%. If his speed is diminishing -- as often is the case when a player turns 30 -- what will his value be as the club moves forward?

Below, one of my favorite action shots from last season: last June 3rd against Cleveland, Andy Pettitte -- from his knees nails Indians speedster Michael Bourn.

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