Yankees tinker with Gardner as leadoff hitter

[March 21, 2011]  CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) -- The New York Yankees keep tinkering with their leadoff hitter.

Brett Gardner hit first, with Derek Jeter No. 2, for the second time during spring training in Sunday's road game against Philadelphia.

Jeter was the leadoff hitter 137 times last season, and the Yankees captain hit second on 18 occasions.

Gardner was first in the lineup in 25 games during 2010. The outfielder got most appearances (56) in the ninth position.

Moving Gardner to the top spot could mean 50 or more additional at-bats for the left fielder. Yankees manager Joe Girardi is also looking at Nick Swisher as a possible No. 2 hitter for opening day.

Girardi expects no changes when it comes to Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano hitting in the 3-4-5 spots.

[Associated Press]

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