Gardner gets first start of season against lefty

OAKLAND, Calif. - Brett Gardner hoped last night was the start of the rule rather than the exception.

The leftfielder started against Gio Gonzalez, Gardner's first this season against a lefty. "I'm obviously excited about playing against a lefty," Gardner said.

Gardner was 1-for-2 against Gonzalez last year, but said he also had extensive experience against him in the minor leagues with some success. Girardi said he wasn't aware of those at-bats but Gardner's fast start combined with Gonzalez having worse career numbers against lefties (.295) than righties (.271) made Gardner the choice.

The choice even though Marcus Thames has hit well in place of Gardner (5-for-10). Girardi has also tried to get Randy Winn more time.

"We like what he's doing a lot," Girardi said of Gardner. "He's caused a lot of havoc for other clubs. We love the way Gardy's playing . . . We consider Gardy to be an everyday player. We believe he can play everyday but we want to get Marcus in the mix and Randy in the mix. But Gardy's going well and we're going to play him."

Gardner came in hitting .333 with a .444 on base percentage. He has a team-best seven stolen bases. "You always hope that you're playing," Gardner said. "You have to come to the field expecting to play so you're mentally ready, so I'm definitely not surprised."