'Big brother' Gardner paved way for Frazier

TAMPA, Fla. -- It was one year ago that Clint Frazier voiced a desire to take Brett Gardner’s job as the Yankees’ starting left fielder, a comment that raised some eyebrows outside of the home clubhouse at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Yet within those walls, everyone understood exactly what was meant.

Gardner nodded knowingly at the time, saying that he wouldn’t have wanted the young outfielder to alter that mindset -- he’d once had similar thoughts about the veterans in his way. As Gardner acknowledges he sees fewer baseball tomorrows than yesterdays, Frazier is thrilled to finally accept that torch.

“I think it starts with how Brett handled a young guy coming in that plays the same position as him and was vocal about wanting to win that job,” Frazier said. “Just how he treated me, he went about it in such a positive way that I felt like it was a big brother-little brother relationship. He’s such a good teammate.”

Over the past several springs, Frazier has tailed Gardner, frequently picking the veteran’s brain during drills and swapping good-natured smack talk. Those exchanges reminded Gardner of his own path toward playing time; he similarly chased Johnny Damon around Bombers camp beginning with his first spring in 2007.

By 2010, Gardner owned a World Series ring and a starting place in the Yankees’ outfield.

“I've always gone into it with the mindset of having to fight for playing time,” Gardner said. “As a young guy, I was trying to beat out a guy like Melky Cabrera or Johnny Damon, Nick Swisher or Bobby Abreu -- all veteran players. Now the tables have turned.”

And 2021 will present Frazier’s opportunity to shine, with manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman both saying that they anticipate Frazier will garner most of the reps in left field -- developments that Boone said were well-deserved, even though Frazier said he learned about those decisions via Twitter.

“I think he had to shed the narrative that was probably a little unfair about him,” Boone said. “He’s always worked his tail off, and I think having a concussion really set him back [in 2018]. I think his confidence has really taken off, and this is a guy that hasn't had anything handed to him.”

Gardner, who once walked onto the College of Charleston team as a freshman, can relate. The veteran is content to come into 2021 as a reserve; he entertained his options with other clubs and even considered staying at his home in South Carolina. Gardner was pleased to strike a deal with the Yankees on Monday, continuing his run as the franchise’s longest-tenured player.

“I didn't want my career to end the way the season ended last year against the Rays,” Gardner said. “I wasn't able to play in front of any fans all year for the most part, and my family wanted to see me play again. I went into the offseason fully expecting to be playing this season and expected it to be back here. This is where I want to be.”

That pact will pay Gardner at least $4 million and contains options for the 2022 season. Gardner, who will turn 38 in August, said that he would like to take it one year at a time.

“There’s no guarantees,” Gardner said. “I think that's one of the things that I learned last year -- you never know what's around the corner and you never know what to expect.”

Frazier said that he was thrilled when Gardner re-signed with the Yankees, seeing him less as a challenger for playing time than a trusted mentor -- one who has helped to steel him for this opportunity ever since his first days in the organization.

“Coming over to a new team [in 2017], it just took him a minute to get comfortable and to be himself,” Gardner said. “The work ethic has always been there. Clint is willing to work, he's willing to learn, he's willing to listen. It's been a lot of fun for me to watch him grow -- not just as a player, but as a person.”

Not that Frazier won’t still have to keep his guard up for a well-tuned barb or a practical joke. Gardner has been known to dump an entire salt shaker or a few habanero peppers in Frazier’s food, for example. Big brother-little brother. They wouldn’t want it any other way.

“He’s such a jokester; he’s a little kid,” Frazier said. “I swear, he’s more immature than I am. He’s been a light that is shining really bright for me. I’d selfishly like to have this guy around until he’s like 50, just so I could finish my career with him.”