Brett Gardner was caught off guard when the New York Yankees signed Jacoby Ellsbury earlier this offseason, but is excited to play alongside his new teammate.

"I was surprised at first. I didn't really see that coming," Gardner said. "But listen, he's a great player. You put him on our team and any other team across baseball, he makes them better. I look forward to playing beside him and really learning from him.

"I've got a feeling he knows a thing or two about some pitchers, especially in our division."