Just a thought but how much of Melky’s bad season could be because of something between him and Girardi? Seems odd that both Melky and Cano who are good friends both had their worst seasons now that Girardi is the manager. Is their something behind the scenes we don’t know about? I’m not trying to make excuses for either one but it does seem interesting.

“You think THAT’S the reason Cabrera was sent down?”

No, he was demoted because of abysmal offense and deserved to be sent down. His first 2 seasons show he can be an asset. I’m suggesting he’s not getting a 2nd chance because his demeanor doesn’t mesh with the manager (“Melky plays like he’s in the park”–Torre.) Gardner’s scouting report is of a 4TH outfielder with 0 power (Baseball Prosp. 2008 guide)Cashman was asked to predict the 1 young position player in the system who would have an impact this season his answer–Gardner.

Also, it seems that Girardi likes Gardner, so I’d expect him to get every chance to win the CF job next year.

But I’d say that 2.5 full seasons was a long-enough leash for Melky, no?
————-
Yes, but this was the only season where he seemed to be completely lost at the plate. IIRC, he was the worst hitting regular in the league, if not in the bigs.

Yes, it’s almost half as good as when commenters have nothing to add other than to take a swipe at the blogger.

YES!!! I love it when bloggers continue to beat a dead horse.

Gardner will get a longer leash than Cabrera, probably because of his speed.
———————-
Perhaps. But I’d say that 2.5 full seasons was a long-enough leash for Melky, no? I don’t think Gardner will be our everyday CF 2.5 years from now so I’m not sure your prediction will come true.

I agree that it doesn’t make sense to interpret “lighthearted demeanor” as not caring but obviously people do that. Especially when those players are Latin American who already come into the game with an unfounded but very real reputation for being lazy.

I love Melky but he wasn’t cutting it anymore. I truly don’t believe he was sent down for anything beyond poor performance, not this personality stuff.

Isn’t it fair to say that his 68 OPS+ might’ve contributed just a wee bit more than any “personality clash”?
———–
Yes, but a “lighthearted demeanor” shows that a player doesn’t care. Yes, I know it doesn’t make any sense, but I’ve seen people interpret it as such.

Melky is a better player than Gardner (.291/.774; similar production, but Melky has done it at a younger age), but I’d be willing to wager that Gardner will get a longer leash than Cabrera, probably because of his speed.

Melky’s lighthearted demeanor doesn’t fit with Girardi’s approach.
————————–
You think THAT’S the reason Cabrera was sent down? Isn’t it fair to say that his 68 OPS+ might’ve contributed just a wee bit more than any “personality clash”?