Showing posts with label Curtis Granderson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Curtis Granderson. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Granderson Trade
I am distraught. The more I think about this trade, the better I feel about the player-for-player end of things. Coming out of this deal, the Tigers will control Max Scherzer and Phil Coke for 5 years each, and Austin Jackson and Daniel Schlereth for 6 years each. Curtis Granderson is 29. He has peaked. He is not going to get appreciably better than he is right now. In Yankee Stadium, he will be a 35-homer guy who hits .275 and struggles against lefties. He is a gold-glove caliber centerfielder and has good, but not great, base-stealing ability. I liked Edwin Jackson, but I think I like Max Scherzer just as much. I need to think about this more, but right now, I am depressed that we are losing Curtis, but I feel good about the direction of the team moving forward.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Please Keep Curtis
I am very worried. Scratch that, I am downright depressed. If the Tigers trade Curtis Granderson, I don't know what I'm going to do. Just reading about the possibility today, it got a bit dusty in my cube at work...
I understand that financial implications, I really do, but I just can't fathom how you can trade a guy who has made a connection to a community that craves interaction with its sports stars. It has been such a long time since Detroit had an elite player (truthfully, that might be a slight overstatement for Grandy) that actually had the desire to be in the public spotlight. Nothing against Barry Sanders or Steve Yzerman, but the last two great athletes that played in Detroit tended to shy away from the public eye. Granderson provides the Tigers with a unique opportunity to build a relationship with the city on a whole new level. Anybody who saw a game at Comerica Park this summer can vouch, there was a special connection between the team and its fans, and much of that is built because of Granderson's role and the face and voice of the organization. There is not a better ambassador for baseball playing in MLB today, and it would be a terrible shame for the Tigers to lose that. For baseball reasons, I don't want to see the Tigers trade away any of their promising young players, Jackson, Verlander, et. al., but losing Granderson would be an even more crippling hit to the PR side of things, something that is of paramount importance for a team battling for its chunk of Detroit's waning disposable income.
Most importantly, it would spell the end for "The Rio Granderson", the only fantasy baseball team name that I have ever known.
I understand that financial implications, I really do, but I just can't fathom how you can trade a guy who has made a connection to a community that craves interaction with its sports stars. It has been such a long time since Detroit had an elite player (truthfully, that might be a slight overstatement for Grandy) that actually had the desire to be in the public spotlight. Nothing against Barry Sanders or Steve Yzerman, but the last two great athletes that played in Detroit tended to shy away from the public eye. Granderson provides the Tigers with a unique opportunity to build a relationship with the city on a whole new level. Anybody who saw a game at Comerica Park this summer can vouch, there was a special connection between the team and its fans, and much of that is built because of Granderson's role and the face and voice of the organization. There is not a better ambassador for baseball playing in MLB today, and it would be a terrible shame for the Tigers to lose that. For baseball reasons, I don't want to see the Tigers trade away any of their promising young players, Jackson, Verlander, et. al., but losing Granderson would be an even more crippling hit to the PR side of things, something that is of paramount importance for a team battling for its chunk of Detroit's waning disposable income.
Most importantly, it would spell the end for "The Rio Granderson", the only fantasy baseball team name that I have ever known.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
AL Gold Gloves
Mark it down, at 3:13 PM Central Standard Time on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009, I have officially given up on the Gold Glove. It has now joined the Grammys, Emmys, and every other non-Oscars entertainment award in the "Promise Ring Memorial Home for Irrelevant Awards". It's shiny and it's a nice gesture, but when that hot girl across the party winks at you, that ring doesn't mean shit. After hearing the AL winners today, that's how I feel about the Gold Glove. Derek Jeter won? Seriously? The guy plays three steps on to the outfield grass, and still has no chance on anything in the hole. He is bailed out by having a former shortstop with fantastic range at third, and a tremendous defensive first baseman across the diamond. Jeter's defense is the equivalent of Adrian Grenier's acting in Entourage; he sucks, but you don't notice how crappy he is because of the talent surrounding him.
Ok, I'm getting too riled up. I should lay off Jeter, he did have a very good all-around year and I really shouldn't be surprised that his defense continues to be overrated. That rant was probably a bit uncalled for, and I apologize to any Jeter-lovers out there (especially you, Lyla Garrity). The real reason that I am bringing this up is that multiple Tigers were wronged here.
First off, just to show that there is no homerism in this post, I will admit that Placido Polanco probably stole one. His defense was solid this year, but he was not the best second baseman in the league. Polanco is exceptionally steady, and makes all of the plays that he is supposed to make, but at this point in his career, he doesn't make enough spectacular defensive plays to warrant the Gold Glove. I'm glad that he was recognized, but this award is a bit questionable.
Homer time: Curtis Granderson and Gerald Laird got screwed! Granderson has more ground to cover than any centerfielder in the AL and in addition, is almost always flanked by at least one crappy corner outfielder that needs a bit of extra help. Watching other centerfielders struggle with the wide expanses of Comerica Park's outfield is a daily reminder of how important Granderson is to the Tigers' defense. There is no way that Torii Hunter is a better defensive outfielder at this point in his career. Laird's gripe is even more warranted. What more could he have done? He completely shut down the running game, throwing out well over 40% of opposing base-stealers, he was a rock behind the plate, routinely blocking errant balls in the dirt, and he brilliantly handled a very young pitching staff, coaxing double-digit wins out of both Edwin Jackson and Rick Porcello. The fact that his average didn't top .250 for the season has no bearing on his defense. The Gold Glove award is a DEFENSIVE award, although the fact that it went to AL batting champ Joe Mauer seems to indicate otherwise...
Ok, I'm getting too riled up. I should lay off Jeter, he did have a very good all-around year and I really shouldn't be surprised that his defense continues to be overrated. That rant was probably a bit uncalled for, and I apologize to any Jeter-lovers out there (especially you, Lyla Garrity). The real reason that I am bringing this up is that multiple Tigers were wronged here.
First off, just to show that there is no homerism in this post, I will admit that Placido Polanco probably stole one. His defense was solid this year, but he was not the best second baseman in the league. Polanco is exceptionally steady, and makes all of the plays that he is supposed to make, but at this point in his career, he doesn't make enough spectacular defensive plays to warrant the Gold Glove. I'm glad that he was recognized, but this award is a bit questionable.
Homer time: Curtis Granderson and Gerald Laird got screwed! Granderson has more ground to cover than any centerfielder in the AL and in addition, is almost always flanked by at least one crappy corner outfielder that needs a bit of extra help. Watching other centerfielders struggle with the wide expanses of Comerica Park's outfield is a daily reminder of how important Granderson is to the Tigers' defense. There is no way that Torii Hunter is a better defensive outfielder at this point in his career. Laird's gripe is even more warranted. What more could he have done? He completely shut down the running game, throwing out well over 40% of opposing base-stealers, he was a rock behind the plate, routinely blocking errant balls in the dirt, and he brilliantly handled a very young pitching staff, coaxing double-digit wins out of both Edwin Jackson and Rick Porcello. The fact that his average didn't top .250 for the season has no bearing on his defense. The Gold Glove award is a DEFENSIVE award, although the fact that it went to AL batting champ Joe Mauer seems to indicate otherwise...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Jumpshooting Hockey Team
Here comes a game seven folks, and I must admit I am a little nervous. Afterall, my job as a bartender at Detroit's Anchor Bar kindof depends on the Wings. Here are my thoughts on the last game and the game 7 coming up.
First - A lot of complaints in regards to the officiating this series have been voiced on Valenti and Foster. Certainly there were some missed calls, and the officiating could be more consistent. I was not thrilled with a lot of calls and more importantly a lot of non calls. However, in regards to the game last night, I don't think the officiating really cost the Wings the game.
Second - Last night, one team clearly wanted it more than the other. Once team clearly had more jump in their step. Once team clearly beared (did I spell that right?) down and won the little battles. And that team was the Ducks. The Wings looked sluggish, tired, and listless. Their passes were not crisp, and their shots missed the net. I don't know if it was laziness, arrogance, or if it just was one of those nights, but they sure did not look good. Most troubling to me was how little they crashed the net. Once again, they peppered Hiller with shots, but they were easy shots to stop. Instead if creating traffic, blocking his vision, and getting garbage goals, they're shooting the hockey equivelant of jump shots. Just like how if you don't get to the line in basketball you're not going to get far, the same goes with hockey.
Third - the Wings two homegrown horses have got to pick it up. Hank and Pavel have been noticebly quiet this series, and that has to change. I know the Mule has played great, but theres a reason your big guns are your big guns. For Stanley to to come back to Detroit this year, our two best players must start playing like they're our best players. The Defense is handling its business. Two goals is not an insurmountable amount, but you can't win if you start scoring and getting pressure on with 5 minutes left in the third period. I think the first period of game 7 will be key to deciding which Red Wings team shows up, and who advances to the next round.
Quick Hits - Just watched Curtis Granderson hit a triple then induce Twins pitcher Jesse Crain into a BALK. Curtis Granderslam (I think that should be his nickname, its punchy and is a good play on words) is my Tiger, and has come through in the clutch twice the past couple weeks. While I was in a really good mood after seeing that, I had to watch one of those stupid Lady Janes commercials right afterwards. Not wicked awesome at all.
First - A lot of complaints in regards to the officiating this series have been voiced on Valenti and Foster. Certainly there were some missed calls, and the officiating could be more consistent. I was not thrilled with a lot of calls and more importantly a lot of non calls. However, in regards to the game last night, I don't think the officiating really cost the Wings the game.
Second - Last night, one team clearly wanted it more than the other. Once team clearly had more jump in their step. Once team clearly beared (did I spell that right?) down and won the little battles. And that team was the Ducks. The Wings looked sluggish, tired, and listless. Their passes were not crisp, and their shots missed the net. I don't know if it was laziness, arrogance, or if it just was one of those nights, but they sure did not look good. Most troubling to me was how little they crashed the net. Once again, they peppered Hiller with shots, but they were easy shots to stop. Instead if creating traffic, blocking his vision, and getting garbage goals, they're shooting the hockey equivelant of jump shots. Just like how if you don't get to the line in basketball you're not going to get far, the same goes with hockey.
Third - the Wings two homegrown horses have got to pick it up. Hank and Pavel have been noticebly quiet this series, and that has to change. I know the Mule has played great, but theres a reason your big guns are your big guns. For Stanley to to come back to Detroit this year, our two best players must start playing like they're our best players. The Defense is handling its business. Two goals is not an insurmountable amount, but you can't win if you start scoring and getting pressure on with 5 minutes left in the third period. I think the first period of game 7 will be key to deciding which Red Wings team shows up, and who advances to the next round.
Quick Hits - Just watched Curtis Granderson hit a triple then induce Twins pitcher Jesse Crain into a BALK. Curtis Granderslam (I think that should be his nickname, its punchy and is a good play on words) is my Tiger, and has come through in the clutch twice the past couple weeks. While I was in a really good mood after seeing that, I had to watch one of those stupid Lady Janes commercials right afterwards. Not wicked awesome at all.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Detroit Tigers 2009 Wish List: Part 3
Another edition of the Tigers' wish list for 2009:
Left Field
Gary Sheffield, Jacque Jones, Marcus Thames, Clete Thomas, Matt Joyce...The Tigs tried quite a few options in left field in 2008, but no player really took ownership of the position. The one trait that was overlooked in most of these players was defense. Curtis Granderson is a great centerfielder; he is fantastic at covering up the mistakes of his corner outfielders, but he can't cover up for both sides. Magglio Ordonez is serviceable as a rightfielder, but having Granderson to his right certainly cuts down on Ordonez's defensive responsibilities. Since Ordonez probably isn't going anywhere soon (quick note: I do not advocate trading him this winter), the Tigers need a leftfielder who is not a liability in the cavernous confines of Comerica Park. A gold glove is certainly not a prerequisite, but Manny Ramirez-like defense isn't going to cut it. Much like shortstop, the Tigers should eschew the glamour stats in their search for a leftfielder and instead look for a solid all-around player.
In House:
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, the Tigers already have quite a few options available in left field. First off, Gary Sheffield is not one of those options. At this point in his career, Sheff is simply not capable of playing anywhere in the outfield. Quite frankly, I don't believe he is capable of doing anything at the major league level. This is not likely to happen, but I would like to see Dave Dombrowski bite the financial bullet and just cut Sheffield loose. At this point, his presence is going to hurt the team more than it will help it, both in the clubhouse and on the field. As for the more likely in-house options, Marcus Thames is a name that tends to come up pretty often, but as much as people want to give Thames the opportunity to prove himself, I believe he has already proven exactly what kind of player he is. Thames has great power, but is not consistent enough at the plate or in the field to be an everyday player. I would love to see the Tigers ship Thames to the National League, where he would be perfect as a source of power off the bench. The Padres come to mind as a perfect partner, with their deep bullpen and lack of power hitting. I think the ideal result for both parties would be for the Tigers to send Thames to the Padres for a reliever, maybe Cla Meredith or Clay Hensley, but regardless of whether Thames can be traded, I do not see him as a viable option in left. Perhaps the most intriguing in-house option is Carlos Guillen. There has been talk of Guillen moving out to left field, with Sheffield staying at DH. I have already stated by views about Mr. Sheffield, so no need to rehash that. Needless to say, I think that Guillen would be a much better option at DH. Truth be told, I think that Guillen would be a devastating force as a designated hitter. DHing would preserve Guillen's knees and maybe even allow him to flash a bit of speed on the basepaths. As a hitter, Carlos is perfectly suited for Comerica Park, but as a defender, Guillen has become a liability and a move to leftfield would only amplify Guillen's struggles. Beyond those veteran options, there are a few youngsters that have shown some real promise for Detroit. The oldest of the young guns is Ryan Raburn. He has proven himself to be a solid major leaguer, but he has been so effective as a utilityman that I would be hesitant to move him out of that role. Matt Joyce showed prodigious power after a mid-summer call-up, doing his best Magglio Ordonez impression while patrolling right field. With Ordonez cemented into the lineup, Joyce moved over to left on many nights, showing decent skills in the outfield and continuing to showcase his pop at the plate. Clete Thomas, another youngster, came out of nowhere to make the team out of Spring Training and filled in admirably for Granderson in centerfield, so admirably in fact, that he gained some additional playing time in left as the season went on. Thomas plays great defense and is a scrappy hitter with a little bit of speed. All told, there are plenty of in-house options to fill the void in left field, but no player has really separated himself from the pack at this point.
On the Market:
Obviously, Manny Ramirez is the star of the 2009 free agent class, but he is not a fit for the Tigers, nor are the Tigers a fit for him. Adam Dunn, the next biggest name in left, is an even worse fit for the Tigers. Moving on down the list, there are even more slugging leftfielders that aren't exactly famous for flashing the leather. Pat Burrell, Luis Gonzalez and Wily Mo Pena are not viable options here. The only available player that really entices me is Juan Rivera. The odd man out in a crowded Angels outfield, Rivera will almost certainly be testing the waters in free agency. Like Thames, Rivera has never proved himself over an entire season, but in the two seasons in which he played more than 125 games, he posted OPS's of .829 and .887, respectively, the highest of his career. Rivera has some power, but is more of a gap-to-gap hitter, perfect for the capacious outfield of Comerica Park. A solid defender and a good contact hitter, Rivera would be a perfect fit for the Tigers.
Let's Make a Deal:
Similar to the situation at shortstop, there aren't a whole lot of options on the trade market, given the Tigers' depleted farm system. But one player that I would like to see the Tigers make a run at is Endy Chavez. The Mets might be willing to move him, with the late-season emergence of Daniel Murphy, and Chavez would bring some much needed speed to the Tigers lineup, as well as terrific defense in left field. Although I am not in a hurry to see this particular player traded, Zach Miner could be enough to pry Chavez away from the Mets. Along the same lines, Juan Pierre could be on his way out of Los Angeles if the Dodgers are able to re-sign Manny, but he would likely command a higher price than the Tiger would be willing to pay (rightfully so). Overall, a trade here is not likely, but if it does happen, Chavez would be a great fit.
Pie in the Sky:
Clete Thomas turns in a Dustin Pedroia-like season and becomes the glue guy that the Tigers need in left. The Tigers trade Marcus Thames to the Padres for a reliever named Cla(y).
Down to Earth:
The Tigers refuse to part with Gary Sheffield and move Carlos Guillen out to left field, platooning him with Thames and Sheffield between the leftifeld and DH roles.
Final Word:
I would love to see either Thomas or Joyce take this job and run with it, but I think the safer bet would be to go after Rivera in free agency. There is a strong possibility that Rivera will be a forgotten man this winter, lost in a good crop of big name free agent outfielders. This should help the Tigers to get him a a fair price and lock him in long-term. Given their depth with the youngsters in the outfield, I think trading Thames would be a great complement to signing Rivera.
On Deck: The Rotation
Left Field
Gary Sheffield, Jacque Jones, Marcus Thames, Clete Thomas, Matt Joyce...The Tigs tried quite a few options in left field in 2008, but no player really took ownership of the position. The one trait that was overlooked in most of these players was defense. Curtis Granderson is a great centerfielder; he is fantastic at covering up the mistakes of his corner outfielders, but he can't cover up for both sides. Magglio Ordonez is serviceable as a rightfielder, but having Granderson to his right certainly cuts down on Ordonez's defensive responsibilities. Since Ordonez probably isn't going anywhere soon (quick note: I do not advocate trading him this winter), the Tigers need a leftfielder who is not a liability in the cavernous confines of Comerica Park. A gold glove is certainly not a prerequisite, but Manny Ramirez-like defense isn't going to cut it. Much like shortstop, the Tigers should eschew the glamour stats in their search for a leftfielder and instead look for a solid all-around player.
In House:
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, the Tigers already have quite a few options available in left field. First off, Gary Sheffield is not one of those options. At this point in his career, Sheff is simply not capable of playing anywhere in the outfield. Quite frankly, I don't believe he is capable of doing anything at the major league level. This is not likely to happen, but I would like to see Dave Dombrowski bite the financial bullet and just cut Sheffield loose. At this point, his presence is going to hurt the team more than it will help it, both in the clubhouse and on the field. As for the more likely in-house options, Marcus Thames is a name that tends to come up pretty often, but as much as people want to give Thames the opportunity to prove himself, I believe he has already proven exactly what kind of player he is. Thames has great power, but is not consistent enough at the plate or in the field to be an everyday player. I would love to see the Tigers ship Thames to the National League, where he would be perfect as a source of power off the bench. The Padres come to mind as a perfect partner, with their deep bullpen and lack of power hitting. I think the ideal result for both parties would be for the Tigers to send Thames to the Padres for a reliever, maybe Cla Meredith or Clay Hensley, but regardless of whether Thames can be traded, I do not see him as a viable option in left. Perhaps the most intriguing in-house option is Carlos Guillen. There has been talk of Guillen moving out to left field, with Sheffield staying at DH. I have already stated by views about Mr. Sheffield, so no need to rehash that. Needless to say, I think that Guillen would be a much better option at DH. Truth be told, I think that Guillen would be a devastating force as a designated hitter. DHing would preserve Guillen's knees and maybe even allow him to flash a bit of speed on the basepaths. As a hitter, Carlos is perfectly suited for Comerica Park, but as a defender, Guillen has become a liability and a move to leftfield would only amplify Guillen's struggles. Beyond those veteran options, there are a few youngsters that have shown some real promise for Detroit. The oldest of the young guns is Ryan Raburn. He has proven himself to be a solid major leaguer, but he has been so effective as a utilityman that I would be hesitant to move him out of that role. Matt Joyce showed prodigious power after a mid-summer call-up, doing his best Magglio Ordonez impression while patrolling right field. With Ordonez cemented into the lineup, Joyce moved over to left on many nights, showing decent skills in the outfield and continuing to showcase his pop at the plate. Clete Thomas, another youngster, came out of nowhere to make the team out of Spring Training and filled in admirably for Granderson in centerfield, so admirably in fact, that he gained some additional playing time in left as the season went on. Thomas plays great defense and is a scrappy hitter with a little bit of speed. All told, there are plenty of in-house options to fill the void in left field, but no player has really separated himself from the pack at this point.
On the Market:
Obviously, Manny Ramirez is the star of the 2009 free agent class, but he is not a fit for the Tigers, nor are the Tigers a fit for him. Adam Dunn, the next biggest name in left, is an even worse fit for the Tigers. Moving on down the list, there are even more slugging leftfielders that aren't exactly famous for flashing the leather. Pat Burrell, Luis Gonzalez and Wily Mo Pena are not viable options here. The only available player that really entices me is Juan Rivera. The odd man out in a crowded Angels outfield, Rivera will almost certainly be testing the waters in free agency. Like Thames, Rivera has never proved himself over an entire season, but in the two seasons in which he played more than 125 games, he posted OPS's of .829 and .887, respectively, the highest of his career. Rivera has some power, but is more of a gap-to-gap hitter, perfect for the capacious outfield of Comerica Park. A solid defender and a good contact hitter, Rivera would be a perfect fit for the Tigers.
Let's Make a Deal:
Similar to the situation at shortstop, there aren't a whole lot of options on the trade market, given the Tigers' depleted farm system. But one player that I would like to see the Tigers make a run at is Endy Chavez. The Mets might be willing to move him, with the late-season emergence of Daniel Murphy, and Chavez would bring some much needed speed to the Tigers lineup, as well as terrific defense in left field. Although I am not in a hurry to see this particular player traded, Zach Miner could be enough to pry Chavez away from the Mets. Along the same lines, Juan Pierre could be on his way out of Los Angeles if the Dodgers are able to re-sign Manny, but he would likely command a higher price than the Tiger would be willing to pay (rightfully so). Overall, a trade here is not likely, but if it does happen, Chavez would be a great fit.
Pie in the Sky:
Clete Thomas turns in a Dustin Pedroia-like season and becomes the glue guy that the Tigers need in left. The Tigers trade Marcus Thames to the Padres for a reliever named Cla(y).
Down to Earth:
The Tigers refuse to part with Gary Sheffield and move Carlos Guillen out to left field, platooning him with Thames and Sheffield between the leftifeld and DH roles.
Final Word:
I would love to see either Thomas or Joyce take this job and run with it, but I think the safer bet would be to go after Rivera in free agency. There is a strong possibility that Rivera will be a forgotten man this winter, lost in a good crop of big name free agent outfielders. This should help the Tigers to get him a a fair price and lock him in long-term. Given their depth with the youngsters in the outfield, I think trading Thames would be a great complement to signing Rivera.
On Deck: The Rotation
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