New York Yankee notes: Why is Curtis Granderson a Yankee?
by Ed Valentine on Feb 18, 2010 9:08 AM EST
in New York Yankees News
Email
PrintTry and figure this one out. The Detroit Tigers are the team that seems most likely to sign former New York Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon. To a contract, according to the rumor mill, that will pay him more than the $5.5 million Curtis Granderson will make this season in pinstripes.
What in the world were the Tigers thinking? It's a good question, and it's one Tiger fans and beat reporters are still asking. Fairly.
The question will not go away unless Granderson stumbles with the Yankees (unlikely) or Austin Jackson emerges as a legitimate, immediate replacement for him in center field (even more unlikely).
If the trade was just about money -- and certainly finances were part of it -- then fine, the Tigers were forced to play a bad hand.
The Tigers likely would pay Damon more this season than the $5.5 million that they would have paid Granderson, prompting several rival executives to speculate on a more fundamental motivation for the trade: The Tigers had soured on Granderson as a player.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland said in a telephone interview Tuesday that such a conclusion is "absolutely not true," but why wouldn't it be, at least to a degree?
Several parts of Granderson's game regressed last season: His routes in center field; his ability to make contact; his performance against left-handed pitching.
All that surely was enough for Tigers officials to rationalize the deal, particularly when Granderson and pitcher Edwin Jackson were their only attractive trade chips.
Still, Granderson did not need to go...
No one argues that Granderson is a perfect player -- he struck out 141 times last season, 21 of his 30 homers were solo, his misplays in the outfield cost the Tigers in a pennant race. But really, how many perfect players are there?
For $23.75 million over the next three years, Granderson should have easily fit in Detroit, particularly when the team's payroll will become far more flexible after this season.
Whatever the Tigers were thinking, they will regret trading him.
I don't know what the Tigers were thinking, either. No way Jackson replaces Granderson's production, at least not this season. As a Yankee fan, though, all I can say to Tiger managemment is this.
Thank you very much.
- Speaking of Granderson, New York Baseball Digest thinks he might be the most important player in the Yankee lineup this season. Why? Because when Manager Joe Girardi figures out his lineup, Granderson is likely to end up in the No. 5 hole trying to protect Alex Rodriguez.
- Hate Jonathan Papelbon of the Red Sox all you want, but give him a little credit for humbly recognizing the greatness of Mariano Rivera.
"Mo is one of those guys who I’ve idolized in the role, and what he’s done for the role, what he’s done himself as a closer. He’s got five rings. That speaks for itself. Everybody else that’s a closer out there is pretty much chasing him. I think he’s set the tone for what it is to be a closer, and I think he’s bridged that gap, from closers 10 years ago to closers now. He’s been able to do both and to bridge that gap. It’s fun to watch him. It’s fun to see how he goes about it, and it’s fun to kind of compete with him on a level of kind of staying up with him. If you can stay on the same field with him, you’re doing something right." - MLB Fanhouse writes about how GM Brian Cashman did not allow sentimentality to sway his off-season decisions.
- Girardi is ready to turn the page on 2009.
The winter is much more enjoyable when you're a champion than when you're not," Girardi said. "As soon as [Thursday] starts, my mind-set is, 'Let's get ready for 2010.' You can't really say that we're going to show up and win the World Series because we were there in 2009. It doesn't happen that way."
"I don't ever look at favorites or expectations of what a team is supposed to do," Girardi said. "The only thing that I think about is I want this team to be the best that they can be.
"If it's good enough, that's great, and if it's not, then we'll have to continue to work on it. We do have a lot of experience in that room and we do have a lot of talent, but talent alone doesn't win you championships. It takes a lot more."
50 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Not to steal too much thunder from a future post
But the difference between Granderson’s BA against lefties in 2008 vs 2009 is the same as his difference (about a 70 point drop) in his BABIP.
There could be structural changes to account for this: he pulled the ball more, which could have resulted in Matsui-esque grounders to the 2B, or allowed the defense to shift towards right field.
But the simplest explanation is usually right, and the simplest explanation is bad luck. Regression to the mean could mean a big bounce back for Grand Central.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
Thanks Detroit
and on JD, if Damon signs for anything less than 2 years, 14 million, then it is a bad offseason for him. Because he said all year that he wanted to stay with the Yankees, and that he wanted as much money as possible. Well, 2 years, 14 million is the biggest offer he’s gotten, from the team he wanted to stay with. I’m rooting for him to get more than that and I’’ll feel bad if he doesn’t. Because that means he could have been a Yankee this entire time, it just took him and Boras a while to figure out where he ranked financially.
Damon will regret not taking that deal. And he’ll wake up one day in June on his 1 year 5 million dollar contract with a team that has to fight to stay in a race- and he’ll think, “why the hell am I here”? I guarantee that.
And I’d rather have Posada protecting A-Rod than Granderson. Posada is a switch hitter, which would be a much better fit. If Granderson is there, I could see this happening COUNTLESS times during a season. Close game, late, A-Rod comes up with a runner on third and two outs. They walk him and bring in the lefty to face Granderson. And unless he improves his #s against lefties, then it’s inning over. Maybe Granderson can earn the spot later in the season, but I think Posada is the better fit.
Say what you will
But you should hear the White Sox and Tigers fans.And I quote,Damon is worthless.Pretty strong words for two teams who watched Damon have clutch hit after hit in the postseason.Basically what there saying is that all 9 players on there team are better then Damon but yet they somehow missed the playoffs.I wonder how the hell they sat at home if everyone on the roster is so good that we really do not want a proven playoff contributer.Don’t get me wrong i’m glad those idiots traded Grandy to us but cmon,really?Damon can’t help your unbeatable Sox or Tigers team?Yeah i’d be mad if my team traded Grandy for cash reasons and then spent on Damon but to think he is worthless or can’t help just goes to show how stupid most fans are.Hitting around two eighty and getting on base and hitting lefties and getting big hits is just not good enough for these perrenial powerhouses I guess.Yahoo sports is just like the stupid kids room in high school.I always wondered what happened to those idiots.I know now,there enlightening people with all there salary cap and everyone is a loser talk on yahoo.It’s hilarious how they all can speak and read in chimpanze.I sure as hell don’t understand there caveman type communication.Sorry about the rant but this country is turning into a whole lot of stupid.No more no child left behind.Make them go back to school please.Most of them will start in the 3rd grade and hope like hell the 8 yr old next to them will let them copy homework and tests.
I wish I were an Oscar Myer wiener.I farted in the bathtub and the bubbles messaged my pee pee.There was an old man from cass whose balls were made of brass he'd clang them together in stormy weather and lightning shot out of his ass.
by cashman bashman on Feb 19, 2010 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
It's his arm and where he played last year
those are the only two reasons- and they are not strong reasons, why people think Damon is overrated. Who knows. They may be right. But the people who think he is worthless don’t have a clue what they are talking about. They see the bad arm, and the 17 of his 24 home runs at Yankee Stadium last year, and they think he’s worthless.
It won’t be hard for him to exceed those fans expectations though- he’s still a great offensive player that will almost certainly help any team he signs.
Check today's NY Times
Joe Girardi is quoted as saying that Johnson/ Granderson will likely hit 2nd and 7th, although he hasn’t determined which one will hit where. That suggests, to me at least, that Posada will hit 5th, and probably Cano 6th.
by designatedquitter on Feb 18, 2010 10:46 AM EST reply actions
Probably
But, Jorge can’t play every day. So, who hits 5th if Jorge doesn’t?
by Ed Valentine on Feb 18, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
HAHAHAHAHAH. "21 of his 30 homers were solo shots"
Because it’s his fault nobody was on base when he hit a homerun. What a crock of shit. Yeah he struck out a lot, but he absolutely murdered RHP. In the AL East he’ll have to worry about Jon Lester and maybe David Price. and Ricky Romero,that’s about it.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Feb 18, 2010 11:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I'm growing on Grandy hitting i nthe 2 hole
I think NJ in the 5 hole actually wouldn’t be bad. I see 15 hrs from him. His OBP will set up plenty of opportunities for Posada.
here we go.
Jeter
Granderson
Teix
Arod
NJ
Posada
Cano
Swish
Gardner
that way we can essintially have a triple leadoff.
Section 203 Row 15 Seat 1
Teams will have to throw to Granderson. They don't want to have to face Teix and Arod with men on.
NJ dosen’t have enough speed to hit the 2 hole. Between him and Teix, Arod might lap them.
Section 203 Row 15 Seat 1
You want your 2-hole guy to have a high OBP, so there will be runners on base in front of Tex and ARod. Johnson has put up spectacular OBP numbers through his career, he will be perfect for that role. And his speed doesn’t matter when he’s jogging around the bases after Tex or ARod blast their HR’s.
Agreed.
I don’t really want my 2 hole guy risking being thrown out stealing second, knowing that Tex or Arod are coming to the play. I wish Johnson was faster, more able to go first to third or score from first on a long double, but I’ll accept the tradeoff.
If Granderson hits 5 or 6, I’ll give him the green light more often.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
Kind of a moot point with NJ
I imagine either Grandy or possibly Cano will bat #2 once Johnson inevitably gets hurt.
If he's in the 2 hole
it may be a blessing in disguise if he hits the DL. He’s WAY too slow to bat second. A-Rod and Tex hit lots of doubles and we don’t need Johnson’s legs on the basepaths. With Granderson hitting second, those doubles will score a run from first.
speed not an issue
NJ isn’t ever gonna get thrown out stealing, or trying to score from first on a double. Parks are too small, outfielders play deep vs. Tex and ARod, and they usually hit he ball to the wall quickly. Fact: Arod can run yet has only 5 triples in his Yankee career. Nick Johnson won’t be causing trouble by being on base over 40% of the time. I’d expect his HR production to increase dramatically much like Damon. Negatives are that NJ whiffs 1 in 5 and GIDPs 1 in 30. Granderson K’s a little more but rarely GIDP. The math is simple though: Johnson gets on base 8% more than Granderson, K’s a little bit less, but GIDP’s about 3% more…that make’s Jonson about 5% better in terms of outs made. Add that to the fact that he doesn’t need to be platooned and he becomes your #2 hitter. Let’s hope he doesn’t hurt himself playing DH….Do DH’s get to drink beer during the game? I love the sport but sitting through a whole game without a couple of cold ones is pretty tough to do.
by steelerwheeler on Feb 18, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Johnson actually strikes out less than everyone on our team except Cano and Jeter. Just an interesting tidbit, here’s the strikeout rates for all our starters over the past three years, 3-4-5 weighted, and the number is how many plate appearances per K.
Cano: 9.68
Jeter: 7.72
Johnson: 6.39
Teixeira: 6.32
Gardner: 6.03
A-Rod: 5.47
Granderson: 5.19
Posada: 5.02
Swisher: 4.72
I think it’s interesting how everyone picks on Granderson for his strikeout rate, but he’s not the worst on our team, and he’s not that much below A-Rod. Also, Cano’s K rate is spectacular. He had the 9th best K rate in the league last year.
I agree
With the lineup. All this talk of Johnson batting second is crazy. He’s too slow. Period. Yes, his OBP is high, that’s good in another place in the order too. Granderson’s BA/OBP WILL GO UP hitting in front of Tex and A-Rod. He’s gonna see a bunch of good pitches from either lefties or righties and his numbers will be good. Watch.
Sometimes
trades are made for the future. Maybe they are hedging their bets on Jackson becoming a star in the future, which could happen, we’ll just have to wait and see. So to me, signing Damon for what they were paying Granderson doesn’t seem strange at all. If Jackson DOES become a star all those scratching their heads now will eat crow later.
Maybe
But even to that rationale, I don’t think Jackson and Coke were enough of a return for Granderson. Too many holes in AJax game.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
But if they can sign Damon to replace granderson's
production while at the same time getting an outfielder who might be a star in the future then it would be a good job.
Crowds are won and lost and won again, but our hearts beat for the diehards.
by Edwantsacracker on Feb 18, 2010 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
But it’s not just about production, it’s about position scarcity, too.
Granderson’s numbers come from an All Star CF, Damon’s from LF.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
Not sure..
I think Johnson will be in the #2 hole, isn’t that why they signed him for his OBP?
I think after 1/4 of the season, if Granderson, starts showing he can be decent against
LH pitching, maybe they move him up…Or they could put him in that spot against
RH pitching, at the outset, NJ in #2 hole.
Johnny Damon OBP 2009: .365, Curtis Granderson OBP 2008: .365
If Klong can help him with lefties, I say hit him 2nd.
Section 203 Row 15 Seat 1
There are good oppurtunities for Teix and Arod to drive in runs
With NJ’s OBP Posada hopefully would excel and Cano hopefully will learn how to hit with runners on.
Section 203 Row 15 Seat 1
I think it would make more production out of the bottom of the lineup.
Between NJ and Swish’s OBP
Section 203 Row 15 Seat 1
Jeter – Keeps him out of GIDP
Johnson – 54th All-time in OBP (.402). Patience gives Jeter a chance to run. He doesn’t have to be fast on a Tex 2B or HR. Swisher is a good 2-hole hitter for the same reason.
Tex
Arod
Posada
Granderson – a 2nd leadoff man in the 6-hole.
Swish – His high OBP will let Granderson run more.
Cano – High BA. Will benefit (?) from having men on base for RBI oppotunities.
Gardner – Hitting ahead of Jeter, can SB or Hit and Run to avoid the DP.
pitch count
An 8 to 10 pitch walk can be worse than giving up a solo bomb on the first pitch. Pitcher works and works only to let that guy on before two of the best hitters in baseball are due up! Pitch count up, frustration up, confidence down, mistake waiting to happen.
I agree with Portland Yankee's lineup and i think Joe sees it the same way, at least against RH pitching. The 2 hole is traditionally for your best OBP guy.
And you can’t get better than Johnson for that role.
the 5th spot
in the lineup should probably depend on who’s hot and/or individual matchups. it could be CG one day, then Posada, or Swisher or Cano the next.
the 5-8 hitters are pretty much interchangeable in my eyes.
hmmm
Austin Jackson DID NOT have the year at AAA the Yankees invisioned and Curtis Grand did decline in Detroit, but Curtis is a proven, dependable player who had a bad year. At one time AJax was supposed to be the next Bo Jax but I don’t think scouts liked what they saw last year. Playing in Comerica will probably be a killer for Damon and not much better for young AJ. A can’t see Damon hitting more than 10-15 homers next year and maybe hitting .280. Curtis will do much better at Yankee Stadium. Joe G. is a great manager and will play with the cards he has to provide the best lefty/righty matchups and outfield defense. It always takes some tinkering as the year goes on (which is one reason why the often shifting Yankees roster gets better as it goes). I will miss Phil Coke, he had a great second half after Joe started using him purely situational and I loved having two capable lefties in the pen. I think that is a key with homer happy right field. Marte was good, too, but like Coke may become erratic. I get worried about BALCO guys off the juice (one reason I’m worried about Alex injuries…) Having Joba/Hughes in the pen gives me a little personal relief. After the ’96 Yanks I have always maintained shutting down a game after the sixth inning with a good rotation is on of the best strategies of all. This deal was great for the Yankees, but imagine Damon, Jackson, and Coke for CurtisGrand.hmmm???
'DIE MUTHF*@&#^!!!' - Roger Clemens, juiced up and rampaging, while throwing a bat at Mike Piazza in 2000 W.S. (This is an actual quote, lol)
by SteveBalboniHOF on Feb 18, 2010 8:17 PM EST reply actions
The bullpen doesn't score runs
They hold the lead that the starting pitcher gives them. IF YOU DON’T HAVE GOOD STARTING PITCHERS A GOOD BULLPEN IS USELESS.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Feb 19, 2010 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
oh yah ROID corrections
(Marte and Alex are BOLI guys not BALCO guys and it was ‘a broken bat head’) lol
'DIE MUTHF*@&#^!!!' - Roger Clemens, juiced up and rampaging, while throwing a bat at Mike Piazza in 2000 W.S. (This is an actual quote, lol)
by SteveBalboniHOF on Feb 18, 2010 8:38 PM EST reply actions
When was Marte ever associated with steroids?
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on Feb 19, 2010 12:30 AM EST up reply actions
One favor...
Folks, one favor, to ask…I said this talking to other people about baseball.
Either accept or not, the 15 year period or so, as the the “the -—- era”
(you fill in the blank)…At this point it is so old news, if another superstar name comes out
would that surprise anyone (Nyet). I just think we all should all move on…Agree?
Gammons: Young guns to decide AL East
As the AL East welcomes pitchers and catchers to Spring Training up and down the west coast of Florida, where all five teams train….
Get that man a compass (to find Ft. Lauderdale)…Another BlowSox fan, at least he does try to hide the fact better than the other media types here in New England.
21/30 homeruns were solo shots?!
Hurry, we have a new Mr. Unclutch
Shouldn’t Tigers beat writers realize that he lead off the entire year and he had weak hitting (low OBP) 7,8, and 9 hitters hitting in front of him? Jeez… I mean they only follow the team for a living…
Clearing Marte...Maybe
OK, for some reason I was SURE Marte was suspended some years ago but I could be wrong, I researched quickly and found nothing. Main focus here is not on roids but on left handed bullpen vulnerability after losing Coke. I am willing to move on from that stuff too, but it still has to be looked at with player decline/injuries Anyway this is about the trade, not the WWEMLB. I really feel like a strong Lefty would win a lot of games. Hey- and Damon is going to help any team he is on offensively, expecially with his speed. Looking at Damon, Jackson, and Coke going to Detroit for CGrand, to me that looks a little + for the Tigers if Damon signs. The trade itself looks better for the Yanks. Do we get a draft pick for Damon?
by SteveBalboniHOF on Feb 19, 2010 10:25 AM EST reply actions
No pick for Damon,
he was not offered arbitration.
by Random_Task on Feb 19, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Probably cuz you confused him with Mitre
Mitre got a 50 game suspension a few years back.
This sticker is dangerous and inconvenient, but I do love Fig Newtons.
by Lord Duggan on Feb 19, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
posada
is going to be batting in the 5th hole. im not sure why people are assuming that granderson is the favorite for that spot. if posadas healthy the spot is his.
sorry Damasco
Okay it was Sergio Mitre- WOOPS! I don’t know if that makes me feel any more confortable with the roster… Posada will bat 5th
by SteveBalboniHOF on Feb 19, 2010 4:05 PM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Photo: Padres fan regrets letting mother capture moment with Trevor Hoffman
- Marlins agree to unretire No. 5 for Logan Morrison, who will honor his father’s favorite player
- Weatherman Derek Holland does Dallas TV
- Ask Alex: Will Julio Teheran or Matt Moore win rookie of the year?
- Ku Klux Klan, umpires and bowling: Why the minor leagues tossed out Jim Evans academy
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
