The Bronx Block

Poll Results: Center Field

By Eric Haskell | July 18th, 2008

Here are the results of our poll on the center field situation;

Who should be starting in center field?

Brett Gardner - 97 (57%)
Melky Cabrera - 74 (43%)

As you can see, Brett Gardner was your choice by a fairly significant margin. However, since this poll began, neither of the two has been exactly impressive statistically. Their averages - .192 and .212 for Brett and Melky, respectively - are awful. Gardner has a few more walks and therefore a higher OBP - .290 to .235 - but since he has exactly zero power, Melky ends up with the better OPS at .538 to .482.

Of course, it is worth it to mention Brett’s game-winning hit as well as his five stolen bases without being caught once. Also, he has historically been a slow starter after each promotion.

All that said, it seems that the consensus is that, while neither have great stats over the last couple weeks, with Melky it’s more concerning since it is part of a long-term trend. Since May 1st, he’s batting .220/.275/.292. Gardner, on the other hand, is doing this in his adjustment period.

With Damon and Matsui still out, and with Gardner failing to catch fire yet, it appears Melky’s job is safe for right now. However, once Gardner gets more comfortable at the major league level, it’s going to be hard for Melky to hold onto it if he doesn’t snap out of his slump soon.

Our next poll concerns the recent signing of Richie Sexson. Sexson was awful in Seattle, but the Yankees got him practically for free. So what do you think, was it a good signing?

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6 Responses to “Poll Results: Center Field”

jose says:

July 18th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

Nothing to lose with Sexon…prospects nor money. The only negative is that it takes away the roster spot that perhaps could have been used to give a young player some AB’s.
As to Melky I do not think we should be surprised. I think he is what he always was envisioned to be a 4th/5th outfielder on a big league club.
He can be used as a “defensive” replacement in late innings mainly due to his arm although he is improving on his reads.
He can steal a base and a good PH’er being able to swing from both sides of the plate. I think he will develop 20 HR power, prorated down based on 300-350 AB’s as a spare part.
Pete c. says:

July 18th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Does anyone think Gardner is any better on the whole. He has some tools better than Melky in some respects, particularly speed, but Melky has a better arm. Give Gardner another month and everyone will have a realistic idea of how capable the rest of his game is. But I’m thinking the two of them will be about equal over the long term, as jose said, spare part.
Steve says:

July 18th, 2008 at 7:31 pm

“He has some tools better than Melky in some respects, particularly speed, but Melky has a better arm.”

In CF speed and range is FAR more important than arm. You typically put your fastest fielder in CF and your best arm in RF. So while the arm is nice, its unnecessary given his position. All that weak arm generally means is that the SS has to go out a few more steps to take relay throws. Bernie had an AWFUL arm in CF, and we won 4 WS with him. Damon has an awful arm and the BoSox won a WS with him. Its not important.
Steve says:

July 18th, 2008 at 7:40 pm

Also, while its too soon to look at numbers with Gardner, something interesting is happening. He has 4 BB, 6 H and has scored SIX runs. I know that he’s reached base other times on fielder’s choice plays and maybe an error or two, but thats a remarkably efficient rate of run scoring to BB/H. Its the same thing that happens with super fast players like Ichiro or Jose Reyes, they seem to score all the time when they get on base.

Gardner is also a player who can be a valuable weapon if we get into the playoffs. He’s the kind of player that can score a run without the benefit of a base hit. BB, SB, FC, SF. That could be crucial in a playoff game vs a tough pitcher and it makes our attack more versatile. I’d like to see him get a chance to play everyday and get adjusted to the bigs by the time the playoffs roll around. You could easily see him winning us a nail biting 1-0 or 2-1 game.
pverne says:

July 18th, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Let’s hold off on the bandwagon of replacing Melky with Brett Gardner. He may earn that chance, but he hasn’t yet. I am disappointed with Melky’s bat this year so we’ll see.
Further, suggesting arm strength doesn’t matter in center field is silly. Speed and range may be more important, but suggesting that a good arm doesn’t matter is wrong and shows that you’re overselling your point. If Brett earns the spot, fine. In the meantime, let this thing play out!
tjo161 says:

July 19th, 2008 at 11:08 am

What isn’t reflected in the poll is the unavoidable conclusion that Cabrera is the single dopiest player on earth. Despite having watched almost every at bat over the last several years from the unique vantage point of a center fielder, nothing about situational hitting or bringing your brain into the batter’s box with your bat has sunk in. His game, such as it is, is absolutely unwatchable.