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More thoughts on Granderson

No doubt by now you have probably devoured just about everything you can find about the New York Yankees acquisition of Curtis Granderson from Detroit via a three-team trade. Well, when it comes to trades you can never get enough opinions, so here is a little more.

I thought I would start by getting thoughts from the writers here at PA, so below are a variety of opinions from us -- and from some other sources.

Star-divide

Here is my take.

Initially, I thought the Yankees were nuts to give up so much for Granderson. I said as much Tuesday morning. In retrospect, I was hasty. I really don't think the Yankees are giving up that much at all.

Jackson could someday be what Granderson is now. But, I doubt it. He doesn't hit with any power, and I think it's hard to project him as a 20+ home run player in the big leagues. It's just as likely that Jackson will be Ricky Ledee, or not as good as Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner. We'll see.

Kennedy? Nothing more than pitching depth. He will never be a front-line guy. Coke? He's an average lefty, not really difficult to replace.

As for Granderson himself, I know all about the lefty/right splits. I don't care. He's a good player with a perfect Yankee Stadium swing, and he is younger and more cost-effective than Johnny Damon. If Damon comes back to the Yankees now, he will come back at a reduced rate.

So, all in all, from purely a Yankee perspective, I have no problem with this move. And if it saves them money and resources to go chase Roy Halladay, all the better.

From '3460Kuri.'

If Curtis Granderson was a free agent, he would probably rank #2 behind Matt Holliday on the list of best available position players. Admittedly, comparing him to Holliday or Jason Bay is comparing apples to oranges, but Granderson has been worth 14.4 WARP over the past three seasons, compared to 18.7 for Holliday and 6.5 for Bay. And let's not forget that he's signed for about half of Bay's price tag and a third of Holliday's pipe dream/asking price.  

For the Yankees, it now frees up the Melky Cabrera/Brett Gardner combo for fourth outfielder duty, or trade bait, either of which makes sense. Neither hits well enough to start in any outfield position but center, but would make for a useful bench player.  

It's hard to say how good Austin Jackson might become, but even if everything breaks right it's probably going to be a few years until we know for sure. Jackson's real value at the moment is that he's probably ready for a major league job but doesn't make much; money being a non-factor for the Yankees, it's a stretch to project anybody to develop into a top-5 center fielder like Granderson. So they've essentially swapped the long-term future for the near-term future. I don't mind it.  

I hate to see Kennedy go as well, but it was probably going to take two significant injuries to better pitchers for him to see significant action out of the rotation this year, so perhaps this change of scenery will give him the opportunity to reach the majors, for good, faster. 

Overall I think the Yankees came out on top in this deal, and I'm also really not sure what the Diamondbacks were thinking.

From 'Travis', adding to the thoughts he posted last night.

I was surprised, because the Yanks seemed to think very highly of Kennedy and Jackson. But overall, I liked the deal. They got a very good centerfielder (with a reasonable contract) without giving up Joba, Hughes or Montero, and for that, we should be happy.

Jackson was rightfully a highly-touted prospect, but his ceiling essentially is Granderson. 

Kennedy has lost a lot of luster in the past couple years, but his minor league stats show a dominant pitcher. If he ever translates that to the majors, he could be a very good starter (especially in the NL West). What we'll miss more in the immediate future is his addition to the bullpen, where I feel he would've been an asset in 2010. But in the long term, it's not a big loss. There are several other pitchers in the minors with higher ceilings (Banuelos, Brackman, Betances, Heredia), and it would've been tough for Kennedy to crack the rotation of an elite team like the Yankees who can sign a CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett in the same off-season.

It's actually hard to get a read on what we'll get from Granderson. He had his worst full season ever in 2009, so are the Yanks getting a declining player or merely 'buying low'? Considering an inordinately low BABIP and a very solid line-drive rate (right in line with his career average) makes me think Cashman is buying low. Throw in Yankee Stadium's 'friendliness' to left-handed hitters, and it makes the trade look even better. 

The real question is what position he'll play. Unless he plays a markedly better centerfield than Melky/Gardner in spring training, I believe he should be the leftfielder. His defensive stats from the last couple years have been average at best, while Melky and Gardner have been solidly above average. Another question is whether he'll play against lefty pitchers. Melky has better career numbers against lefties, so will Granderson ride the bench on those days?

From 'jscape.'

All things considered, I dislike the deal.  Austin Jackson and IPK represented two of our biggest trade chips; to deal them both and bring back only a position player in return seems like selling low to me, especially because the position player has questionable platoon splits.

Here's my take on it, giving as much credit to Cash and crew as possible:
Just like Cashman overspent on starting pitch last season because he saw the lack of options in the '09 offseason, Cash has looked at next offseason and he sees what its strengths and weaknesses will be.  The top players who could be on the market include Mauer, Crawford, Beckett, Halladay, Webb, Lee, plus Jeter and Rivera.  No centerfielders in the batch, and cost controlling now could leave more flexibility later
.

The folks at SB Nation HQ, or SBNation.com, think the Yankees are the clear winners in this trade. Oh, and they think the Diamondbacks got hosed!

What does Damon think of the deal, since it might have knocked him out of New York? He still thinks he could be a Yankee in 2010.

"I think there’s still a window for me to come back," Damon said. "I don’t know why certain people say certain things about me. The bottom line is, I’ve been one of the best players in the league for a long time, and I’ve shown it the past couple of years. I think early on last season my defense was a little bit erratic, but once I figured out the ballpark and figured a few things out, I got better and I actually was a positive for us. That’s the thing I kind of don’t understand. I think our coaches liked the way I play defense. I know that I can do a lot of cool things."

Damon has to know, though, that the window is now a lot smaller. And it will put a lot less greenbacks in his bank account.

You guys also seem to have a mixed reaction, though the majority who have voted in our poll say they either like it or love it. If you haven't voted yet, be sure you do.

Other opinions

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Granderson

Great move! He’s young, fast, hits for power, steals bases. WOW ! Granderson is 28, I thinks thats the key here. He’s a yankee for many great years. Plus He’s under contract till 2012-with option for 2013. Great move.

Steve Lovergine

by Rangers94 on Dec 9, 2009 6:50 AM EST reply actions  

I dunno why people are thinking the D-Backs got hosed.

Yea, Scherzer throws hard. So does Jose Veras.

And guess what, so does Edwin Jackson. He’s also only one year older than Scherzer and had a great year last year..in the AL. Scherzer had a Joba-like year…in the NL West.

Webb (if he is alive…) Haren and Jackson? THat’s about as dynamite a 1-2-3 as it gets.

And has anyone actually taken a gander at how horrible Daniel Schlereth was in his MLB cup of coffee? Yea..he throws 96…but he also can’t throw it over the plate.

Yanks came out on top here…yea. Granderson is like kuri says, right up there with the 2 best FA OF this year.

I don’t understand how ARZ got the worst of this deal. Edwin Jackson is the 2nd best player in this deal.

"It ain't over till its over"---

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 9, 2009 7:06 AM EST reply actions  

I also don't believe the DBacks got hosed

That organization has a good history of evaluating pitchers. Edwin Jackson is young and IPK has excellent credentials. Now that the aneurysm is behind him, I would not be surprised if IPK had a breakout season. In fact, I expect it. Arizona also decided Scherzer and Schlereth were expendable. Because of their reputation, I have to trust that decision, at least for now.
Detroit got a bunch of unproven prospects. It looks pretty good on paper but maybe none of them pan out. It’s almost certain some of them will fail.
The Yanks put all their eggs in one basket with one guy that could get hurt or continue to decline.
Also, the media and experts are wrong more often than not.
All that said, I like the trade. Granderson is a young All-Star CF. Nuff said. Lefty splits are a very minor issue and most leftys get better with age. They just don’t see many LHP’s as they grow up and very few good ones until they reach the majors. If you look at various lefty hitter stats this is apparent. I don’t believe he is in decline, I think he’ll get better. The NY fans are a wildcard in this. Curtis is a good guy that has been rarely criticized. I will never boo him (or any Yankee).

by Peter Lacock on Dec 9, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions  

I also think this deal benefits all 3 teams

Detroit got rid of payroll in 1 trade & got some good players in return. Scherzer is a good pitcher, Schlereth is an ok bullpen guy (Rodney & Zumaya aren’t exactly lights-out). AJax will be a great CF for them & same about Coke as about Schlereth (since Brandon Lyon might be going too).
We got an all-star CF since that position, while wasn’t a weakness, definitely could use some improvement. He’s young & pretty cheap.
AZ gets rid of an injury prone Scherzer & sold high. The Verducci effect expects him to have an off season after pitching so many more innings this year. Couple that with the fact that his delivery is erratic & was injured parts of 06/07/08, you’ve got a reason to deal him. They get back a solid #3 in Jackson (Now they have a sick 1-2-3 combo) & another possible #4/5 in Kennedy.

by BriGuy27 on Dec 9, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions  

exactly on IPK

If Doug Davis can be a major league pitcher….IPK could be a solid #4 starter for them.

"It ain't over till its over"---

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 9, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions  

Matsui.......Matsui...

-Announcemen Forwarded To The Following: Boston Blowsox, New York Pets, Philadelphia Phonies, And Any Other Team Who Ain't The With The Empire.................

Getcha' Fuccin Rings Up........

by NYYWinsRings27 on Dec 9, 2009 7:12 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

Grand on Granderson

I love this deal. I too am aware of the lefty/righty splits, but I recall Paul O’Neill struggled against lefties. Given his personality, charisma, I suspect Granderson will shine in NYC—taking his game to a new level.

As for Jscape suggesting IPK, Jackson were two of our biggest chips, I would say you are two years too late. IPK was never going to make it in the Big Apple. He may turn into a good, serviceable #4 guy ala Ted Lilly, but stardom will never beckon. Jackson has the tools to be a great player, but in the Yankee Empire it’s all about now—especially when you can land a blue-chip player.

This is a good deal. We got younger and more athletic … But what does this do to Damon and Matsui? Do we let Damon go and keep Matsui at DH?

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Dec 9, 2009 9:24 AM EST reply actions  

yup.

.700 career OPS vs. Lefties.

We’re all spoiled with Cano, Damon and Matsui. Its very rare for a lefty to even be as equal as these guys are against any kind of pitcher.

So…he can’t hit lefties. Do we sit him vs. lefties? Hell no. maybe every now and then, but you gotta keep him in the lineup, maybe pinch hit later on (or may you do sit him and pinch hit later)

"It ain't over till its over"---

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 9, 2009 9:29 AM EST up reply actions  

I didn't like the deal at first...

I hate to lose AJAX, I was really looking forward to seeing him in spring training and in the September callups. However, it’s probably true that his upside is about what Granderson is now, but with less power. I don’t really mind losing IPK because I think we all knew he was just going to be a trade chip anyway. Granderson is also a great person who is the epitome of what the Yankees are all about, so I think he’ll be a great fit.

by Wraithpk on Dec 9, 2009 9:32 AM EST reply actions  

I was sold on him a few years ago when he was doing TBS? postseason commentary. Very articulate and intelligent. Even if he struggles for a bit, he should be able to handle the NY media well.

by Scooby Snacks on Dec 9, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

Plenty of booes

If Damon and/or Matsui leaves………..and Granderson strikes out, leaving men on base, he will be booed out of New York. Batting .183 against left-handers and striking out 140+ times last year is terrible. This move also means that one or two of the present Yankee outfielders will go elsewhere. I really have my doubts about this movement.

by ndirish on Dec 9, 2009 9:46 AM EST reply actions  

They could very well start Melky/Gardner in LF. They’re both not prizes so why not trade them for some value in return.

by Scooby Snacks on Dec 9, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions  

I was raised to only boo the enemy

Never a Yankee.
Ever.
I wouldn’t boo a good guy like Granderson even if he was still a Tiger.
The OF might be set but more trades are almost certain. Maybe some of them will return prospects. Someone will be coming tomorrow for sure.

by Peter Lacock on Dec 9, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions  

who in the Yankee OF is going anywhere?

If Damon is re-signed, he’s gonna be the LF/DH platoon (LF when someone else needs to DH).

Melky has been just fine in LF….and I dunno how moving him is such a big deal, he’s not good enough to lock down CF.

Keep harping on the LH splits and the K’s.

Don’t harp on the 30HR and the 30/30/30/30 potential of this guy (That’s HR/2B/3B/SB…BTW)

..and don’t harp on the 71 RBI;s either….cuz he batted leadoff in a lineup that didn’t even have a Melky in the 9 hole.

"It ain't over till its over"---

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 9, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Plenty of Booes

he grounded into one double play last year. what is that worth?

by Balistes on Dec 10, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Granderson is a damn good player and good teammate

I have no problem with this deal. BUT where does everyone go? RF is obviously Swisher, the Yankees are not going to let the lucky rabbit foot go. CF is currently Grandy/Melky/Gardner? If Johnny D walks who plays LF? Melky?

I hope either Matsui (who I believe should get resigned) or Johnny gets signed for a 2 year deal.

Halladay is a phenom BUT he is getting old and last season his numbers were not the same the last 2 months of the season. A 28 year old Halladay? Joba AND Hughes NO question. But at his age I wouldn’t offer anything more than Hughes+Gardner or Joba+Gardner and that will NOT get it done. Plus I still have faith that either Joba or Hughes will be our 4th or 5th man and Wang will comeback mid-season.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 9, 2009 9:54 AM EST reply actions  

Halladay's pricetag is falling quick

Red Sox are unwilling to give up either Clay Buchholz or Case Kelly.

by Scooby Snacks on Dec 9, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions  

Ideally an OF is made up of all CF's

That’s the best D there is. That’s what the Yanks have. All 4 guys can play anywhere. I-frakin-deal.

by Peter Lacock on Dec 9, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Imagine...

an outfield of Granderson, Melky, and Gardner for defensive purposes late in ball games. No balls would drop out there.

by Wraithpk on Dec 9, 2009 7:52 PM EST up reply actions  

good point.

That would be very favorable in late game situ’s.

MO and his broken battedness…yet, not even the bloop, Luis Gonzalez bullcrap would fall.

"It ain't over till its over"---

When in doubt...throw it to Steve Smith.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 9, 2009 9:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Here's one thing you people saying Get Halladay before he ends up with the Red Jocks...

Is Halladay a RH pitcher?

What does Grandy eat? RH pitchers.

"It ain't over till its over"---

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 9, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions  

I would rather let the Red Sox have him

especially if it means they lose Buchholtz to get it done. I get so tired of hearing Peter Gammons and Buster Olney fapping to a picture of him on Sportscenter. It would be awesome if he was dealt.

by Wraithpk on Dec 9, 2009 8:00 PM EST up reply actions  

exactly.

Anyone who has seen Buccholz toward the end of the year…would be hella happy to see that guy off the Red Sox.

He’s the real deal and a dynamite young pitcher.

I mean, yea, Halladay is one of the top 5 pitchers in the game….but Buchholz is on his way to that, no doubt.

"It ain't over till its over"---

When in doubt...throw it to Steve Smith.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 9, 2009 9:05 PM EST up reply actions  

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