The Yankees will probably knock on Carl Crawford’s door as soon as the season ends to offer him a chance of wearing pinstripes for the 2011 season. If that happens, Yankees current left fielder Brett Gardner might end up without an everyday role.

If the Yankees end up signing Crawford, Gardner could become available for the Reds. MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon thinks that Gardner might be a great lead off hitter if Cincinnati is looking for one.

Gardner, shares the Yankees outfield with Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher. Of those three, Gardner appears to be the weakest link in the Yankees outfield, offense-wise.

This season, Granderson hit for .247 BA with 24 HR and 67 RBI’s, Swisher hit for .288 BA with 29 HR and 89 RBI’s and Gardner hit for .277 with 5 HR and 47 RBI’s. Crawford on the other hand hit for .307 with 19 HR and 90 RBI’s.