It’s hard to look at Matt Carpenter right now and not automatically think of Brett Gardner.
Yes, that’s a big comparison. Carpenter hasn’t been with the Yankees for a full month. He wasn’t even with them in spring training. Carpenter was in the Rangers’ system and began the year at Triple-A Round Rock. Why compare him to a true Yankee lifer?
Well, because Carpenter has become what Gardner was in his 14 years in pinstripes: An absolute thorn in the other team’s side while energizing his clubhouse.
Even better, Carpenter has completely bought into being a Yankee.