The last time the New York Yankees drafted some guy named Gardner it really seemed to work out for them. I can only assume that this did not enter the minds of the people making the decisions during this year’s draft but if right-handed pitcher Austin Gardner, the Yankees 9th round selection of the of the University of Texas at Arlington, can be half as good and half as beloved as Brett Gardner then New York may have found a diamond in the rough here with Austin.
Gardner is yet another pitcher and yet another closer being
added to the Yankees system but unlike the others this righty does not have
experience at the collegiate level as a starting pitcher. Not to say that the
team cannot convert him to one and try it out later but as it stands now I am
highly doubtful that this is in the plans right now, and that’s ok. If Gardner
signs and pitches strictly out of the bullpen he could be one of the first
Yankees prospects out of this draft class to reach Triple-A and the Major
Leagues, if not the first. Gardner, Austin, like Gardner, Brett, has the term “fast
mover” written all over him in my opinion.
Gardner stands 6’2” and weighs in at 215 lbs. which makes
him an intimidating presence when on the mound at the end of games. Gardner
appeared in 29 games for UTA as their closer in 2017 posting a 2-1 record with
a 2.42 ERA and two saves. Gardner struck out 55 batters in 44.2 innings
allowing just 36 hits and 10 walks. Dominance at the collegiate level.
Gardner also has baseball coursing through his veins as his
father, Scott Gardner played baseball at Oklahoma before pitching inside the
Houston Astros organization from 1980-1983. There’s a good chance that Gardner
will sign so let me be the first to congratulate the right-hander and welcome him
to the family. Welcome, Austin!
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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)