For months, analysts have figured that in addition to starting pitcher Cliff Lee the New York Yankees were positioning themselves to make a run at Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth, the two biggest-name free-agent outfielders available this offseason.
Well, it appears that will not be the case. The Yankees came away from their organizational meetings earlier this week saying they will not be pursuing either Tampa Bay's Crawford or Philadelphia's Werth.
This decision speaks volumes for what the Yankees think of their current starting outfield of Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher. It is particularly good news for Gardner and his legion of fans. The speedy, left-handed hitting left fielder hit .277 with five home runs, 47 RBI and 47 stolen bases. Gardner, 27, was playing regularly in the big leagues for the first time.
Crawford, 29, hit .307 with 19 home runs, 90 RBI and 47 stolen bases for Tampa Bay.