Curtis Granderson makes sense for the Yankees
November 11, 2009, 3:11 pm by iYankees · 6 Comments
From Joel Sherman (NY Post):
In a cost-cutting frame of mind, the Tigers have let teams now that Curtis Granderson could be had for the right package, an NL executive told The Post.Granderson would be attractive to many teams, with the Yankees near the top of the list. They have long searched for a premium solution in center since Bernie Williams left his prime, but now they also face the loss of the lefty power of free agents Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers last year.
Brian Cashman met with Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski at the now-concluded GM Meetings, but it is not believed the two did any more than discuss needs and available players. However, the two have a good relationship and have done significant trades before, going back to when Dombrowski was in Florida and obtained Mike Lowell from the Yanks to the more recent Gary Sheffield deal and the swap of Kyle Farnsworth for Ivan Rodriguez.
The Yankees have a touted center field prospect in Austin Jackson, who could be the centerpiece for a deal, though Detroit would have a market outside of just The Bronx.
Granderson would be a nice fit for the Yankees. He had somewhat of a down year in 2009, despite hitting 30 home runs, but he wields a powerful bat, has a good glove, and possesses speed, stealing 20 bases. He’s also a media-friendly character, which would work well in New York. If the Yankees traded for him, I assume he would play center field with Melky Cabrera shifting over to left—this would be a significant defensive upgrade—to replace Johnny Damon (if he doesn’t return), although I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees then traded Melky and signed a new left fielder.
This season, Granderson hit .249/.327/.453 yet his BABIP was low at .276 (his career BABIP is .323). He’s owed $3.5 million in 2009, $5.5 million in 2010, $8.25 million in 2011, $10 million in 2012, and, in 2013, he has a $13 million club option with a $2 million buyout.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Granderson would be a huge addition. I would be okay with the Yankees trading A-Jax for Granderson if Granderson will play center field. It would be a tough loss, but I think Granderson is worth it.
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I would love to see the Yanks add Granderson for CF. If the Yankees can pull this off and shift Melky to left it would be a HUGE upgrade defensively. Imagine going from Damon’s arm to Melky’s in left, just wow! Those 2 could really cover some ground in left and center as well. Absolutely perfect fit for the Yankees. I would take the money saved with Damon and sign John Lackey and away we go!
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I agree with both of you. It would be a very nice move for the Yankees. Granderson is a very talented player. He fits the young (29) and athletic philosophy that the Yankees have adopted.
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I’m a little hesitant to move Austin Jackson in any deal. He may not have the power that Granderson possesses, but he might be as good with the glove and as fast (that’s certainly debatable, however). Instead of giving up prospects, why not sign Mike Cameron, who can put up similar numbers and plays better defense. At least then you’re not giving up prospects.
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I think if all it took was a deal featuring AJax and a couple lesser prospects, the Yankees would HAVE to do this. The ceiling for AJax within the next 4 years is Granderson’s current ability, and it’s far more likely AJax isn’t even ready to be called up til late next season or early 2011, and doesn’t get close to Granderson’s level before he gets to his late 20s.
Granderson’s contract isn’t bad at all and has him under control through his prime. I would be on board with the plan of trading for him, going Melky/Granderson/Swisher in the OF with Gardner and one other OF on the bench (buy low on a non-tender guy, or retain Nady if they are convinced he will be healthy).
Also, Granderson’s HR totals the last 4 seasons – 19, 23, 22, 30. All while playing his home games in a pitchers park. Imagine what he could do as a lefty playing his home games in a launching pad with a short RF porch.
The only downside on see on Granderson is he career splits against LHP are not good at all, but he destroys RHP.
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