Random Yankee thoughts

Chuck Knoblauch seems to have had a lot of trouble adjusting to life after baseball. The former New York Yankees second basemen pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge, adding to the long list of players having financial or legal difficulties after retiring from the game. Knoblauch was once a key part of the Yankees dynasty. But things started to fall apart while he was still playing with the Yankees, starting with the head-scratching throwing troubles that forced him to move to left field/DH. After he retired, Knoblauch was outed as a user of performance-enhancing drugs. It was a stunningly swift and sad fall from grace for a guy once considered one of the best leadoff hitters in the game.

* The Yankees hired former San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers as a scout. It's a good move. After spending so much time with the budget-conscious Padres, he can help Brian Cashman find ways to stick to that new spending limit.

* The Bronx Bombers took full advantage of their off day Monday and their spring training home of Tampa, heading to nearby theme park Busch Gardens for a day of fun. Yankee newbies Curtis Granderson and Randy Winn were among those enjoying what looks like a day of fun and sun. I wish I had been there. Not because the Yankees were there. I just love roller coasters.

* Yankee single-game tickets go on sale Friday at noon. I'll be in Buffalo, playing tourist until Syracuse starts its quest for another national title at the HSBC arena that night, but I'll try to find an Internet cafe.

* Former Yankee favorite Ronan Tynan emerged in a Red Sox jersey with hints that he could start singing at Fenway Park. It's not like Boston is stealing Babe Ruth back. Red Sox Nation can have him. I was getting tired of watching him sing at the stadium.

Thanks to Staff Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth via Wikipedia for the photo.

Gardner deserves fair shot at starting spot

Days before baseball pitchers and catchers are due to report, Brett Gardner is already down in Tampa working in the batting cage and preparing for a tough battle for a starting job in the New York Yankees outfield.

Although Joe Girardi likes his speed and defense, Gardner is not a sure thing to win a spot in either center or left field. The Yankees proved that with the decision to bring in not just Randy Winn, but Marcus Thames late in the process. Typical Yankees mentality: they didn't want to spend the money necessary to retain Johnny Damon, but didn't quite trust Gardner to fill the spot so they brought in reinforcements.

Girardi said Winn will have a shot at winning the starting spot. But given his youth and skills, Gardner has to be given a legitimate shot to win and keep the starting spot. The Yankees have more than enough offense in that lineup and could use more balance on the defensive side. Plus, the speedy Gardner on base, hitting from presumably the 9th spot, ahead of Derek Jeter could turn the lineup over quite effectively.

Thanks to Keith Allison via Wikipedia for the photo.