This is Granderson Land | 
The deal appeared dead Monday night, but a three way deal was agreed to Tuesday that brought All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson to the Yankees. In getting the 6-yr veteran, the Yankees gave up prized prospect Austin Jackson (Detroit) and pitchers Ian Kennedy (Arizona) and Phil Coke (Detroit).
The Tigers received pitchers Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth (son of former NFLer/current ESPN analyst Mark) from the Diamondbacks, who get hard throwing right-hander Edwin Jackson from the Tigers in addition to Kennedy.
The majority of Yankees fan don’t like the idea of giving up Jackson in the deal, but aren’t concerned with losing the inconsistent Coke or the ego-maniacal Kennedy. But in giving up Jackson, the Yankees received a bona fide, long term center fielder, one who has gold glove ability on defense, can hit for power (avg 25 HR the last 3 seasons, 30 last year alone), and adds speed (20 steals) to the lineup. He’s also said to be a good guy in the clubhouse, which is important with the possible departure of Johnny Damon.
Granderson comes cheaply too- he’s under contract thru 2012 (with an option for 2013) at just over $6 million per year.
Granderson’s game is not without it’s holes, however. He’s been unable to hit left-handed pitching (just .190 last season) and has a penchant for striking out (141 times in two of the last three years) too much. The Yankees hope hitting instructor Kevin Long can make a difference in those two departments.
Jackson has hit at every level, but has yet to display much power in the minor leagues. It’s possible that was one of the contributing factors in the Yankees’ decision to move him.
Topics: Center Fielder, Clubhouse, Coke, Daniel Schlereth, Diamondbacks, Edwin Jackson, Ego, ESPN, Gold Glove, Johnny Damon, Max Scherzer, Minors, Monday Night, Penchant, Pitchers, Right Hander, Star Center, Tigers, Yankees Fan, Yr Veteran
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I think it was a good trade by the Yankees, but Jackson not showing power in the minors probably wasn’t a deciding factor. A great many prospects do not develop their power until several seasons into their MLB career. The Yanks had to send Jackson; who else could have gone that has such great upside? He was easily in the list of top 10 prospects in their organization. Two years from now, he could be an great everyday player for the Tigers.