TAMPA, Fla.  Brett Gardner envisions himself as the center fielder of the future for the Yankees. About a millisecond after Gardner was asked if he could see himself starting in center for a team that has a crowded, mostly well-paid outfield, he said, “Absolutely.”

Gardner does not know when that future might be. He does not know if he can unseat Melky Cabrera and squeeze into the position later this season. He does not know if he can do enough at Class AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre to snatch the precious position by 2009. He does not know if it will take longer.

But what Gardner, a cool, confident player, is sure of is that it will happen. Somehow, some way, Gardner, who batted .260 in 45 games at Class AAA last season, says he thinks he will get the chance to regularly play one of the most storied positions in baseball history.

“It’s not a knock against Melky Cabrera or Johnny Damon or whoever happens to be out there,” Gardner said. “Obviously, that’s their job now. But I know if it were my job, someone else would be behind me wanting my job, too. Ever since I got drafted, that’s been my goal.”