I've found myself scratching my head over the amount of playing time Brett Gardiner has been getting this year.  I've thought for awhile he was another Bubba Crosby who could be a decent late inning pinch runner/defensive replacement.

That said, the past week might lead me to re-assess my opinion of him.  His average has shot up, and while he doesn't walk enough for a guy with his speed, if he can get on base consistently he can drive other teams nuts at the top of the order.

Obviously, it's too early to give Gardner this much responsibily, but Damon's contract is up after this season and 35 year olds typically don't get better as they age.  Might Gardiner be a viable everyday centerfieilder (move Melky to left) next year and for many more to come.

I don't know; I think the rest of this year will tell us everything we need to know.  That said, I don't find that possibility nearly as laughabe as I did a week ago.