Notes: Stanton's laser HR; Gardy; Locastro

TAMPA, Fla. -- On an afternoon when Giancarlo Stanton crushed the Yankees’ loudest homer of the spring thus far, a rocket toward George M. Steinbrenner Field’s scoreboard that sizzled off his bat at 116.9 mph, the slugger said that he envisions a more dynamic offense this year in the Bronx.

Yes, Stanton is aware of the Yankees’ reputation for boom-or-bust performance, behemoths moving station-to-station as they wait for a three-run homer. Stanton believes that shifted last year, when the Yanks added balance to the lineup with Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo, both of whom are back now.

“I think getting some lefty bats in there at the [Trade Deadline] last year, that’s continued now, and it’s definitely what we needed,” Stanton said. “We’re very dynamic. We’re going to be great. But again, we’ve got to just put it together for a full season.”

Stanton, Rob Brantly and Miguel Andújar all homered for New York in Saturday’s 10-9 Grapefruit League loss to the Blue Jays. Could we see some cameos by the Bronx Burners this season? Aaron Judge echoed Stanton’s thoughts, saying that he believes the Yankees can benefit from sprinkling in speed.

“There’s definitely things we’re working on with baserunning,” Judge said. “I think some of the guys we’ve added will help us out to get things moving so we’re not station-to-station, hoping for a home run or a big hit. Maybe we can make something happen on the basepaths.”

Stanton said that his blast, a solo shot off Ryan Borucki that was calculated to travel 418 feet, tells him that his timing is nearly ready for Opening Day.

“It’s good; staying on heaters on time for 95-plus is always good at this time,” Stanton said. “I’ve got to continue to get the foot down.”

End of the Gardy Party?
Brett Gardner’s corner locker remains vacant at Steinbrenner Field this spring, with the team holding his No. 11 out of circulation, just in case the 38-year-old outfielder wanders back through the clubhouse doors before Opening Day.

With less than two weeks before the Bombers go north, it appears unlikely that Gardner will be joining the club for the exhibition slate. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that he has recently exchanged text messages with Gardner’s agent, Joe Bick.

“Right now, we’re focused on what we have, to be honest,” Cashman said. “But I’ve texted with Joe Bick recently, a few times since camp started. I have nothing more to say at this point.”

A published report indicated the Blue Jays showed interest in Gardner, who batted .222/.327/.362 with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs in 140 games last season. Gardner has played his entire 14-year big league career with the Yankees, having made his debut in 2008.

Cashman said that he remains in touch with the trade market, but is unsure if there will be any additions before Opening Day. The Yankees are among the clubs to have expressed interest in Athletics pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, though they are reluctant to part with top prospect Anthony Volpe.

“We’ve stayed in touch and engaged a lot of clubs about what our needs seem to be right now,” Cashman said. “If something comes out of any of those discussions, great. If not, we're prepared to go with what we have here.”

Unfinished business
Tim Locastro looked around Yankee Stadium from his left-field vantage point on the evening of July 17. He thought to himself how cool it all was -- wearing the pinstripes for a nationally-televised Yankees-Red Sox game, a boisterous crowd in the seats, playing behind ace Gerrit Cole.

Locastro instinctively gave chase when Alex Verdugo lifted a first-inning fly ball down the left-field line. The wind blew the ball back toward the playing field, and Locastro jumped, expecting to hit the wall in foul territory. He never did, instantly knowing that something was wrong when he grabbed for a right knee that had buckled underneath his weight.

Locastro tossed the ball back to the infield, then completed the rest of the inning before trotting off the field toward his season-ending diagnosis of a torn right ACL. Claimed off waivers by the Red Sox in November, only to be non-tendered later that month, the 29-year-old product of Auburn, N.Y., re-signed with the Yanks in March and is grateful for another chance.

“Getting hurt on the field wasn’t something that you ever anticipate happening, so I just wanted to come back and do what I set out to do when I was traded here -- help this team win baseball games,” Locastro said. “It felt tight, but I definitely didn’t think it was an ACL tear. When I found out, I was completely shocked. It’s great to be back in Spring Training, ready to go.”

Locastro is competing for a reserve spot behind outfielders Gallo, Judge, Stanton and Aaron Hicks. Estevan Florial, Marwin Gonzalez and Ender Inciarte are also in that mix.

“I’m ready for whatever role they give me,” Locastro said. “I’m ready to help us win. This is where I want to be.”

Bombers bits
• Jameson Taillon threw 56 pitches over 3 2/3 simulated innings Saturday at the Yankees’ Minor League complex. Florial hit a ball that struck the batter’s eye in center field. Clay Holmes tossed 21 pitches over a simulated inning.

• Saturday marked the first day of "sticky stuff" enforcement this spring, with each pitcher checked as they came off the mound. Boone said that pitchers are being provided with their choice of two tackier versions of rosin, which should help them get a better grip than last season.