Unless you intend on making Gardner the everyday CF'er, it makes no sense to even think about moving Granderson to LF. Even then, I wouldn't even consider it because Granderson could be a cornerstone piece going forward. With Winn and Thames on board, however, it becomes a no brainer. Put Granderson in CF and then figure out who is playing LF on a daily basis.
[2] I agree. But if Gardner proves his bat can handle 70-80% of the starts, then he starts to look very good in CF. You hate to cater to the lesser player, but Granderson is making it very easy to move him around, this Spring, this year, and even over the next few years if they don't feel the need to sign a LF.
Any way it goes, that's going to be a fun outfield to watch. And I can't wait to see Grandy mash.
This kid (he's younger than me, so I can call him that) is fitting in beautifully, isn't he? I predict he becomes an instant fan favorite, if he hasn't already.
As for where he plays, they'll work it out, and I'm not worried about it at all.
[8] yeah, I've always known Granderson's a solid player, but I was not aware what a good guy he is -- and as for where he plays, I totally agree. I feel the same way about the Hughes-Joba debate. It'll work itself out, and the team will benefit from having either guy in either role.
I saw on MLBN that Verducci says the reason why the Tigers traded him was not really the money aspect, but that his numbers had dropped considerably last year and that he was so bad against lefties; the fact that they gave Jose Valverde $7 mil and are willing to give Johnny another $7 mil says more about what they think of Grandy's diminished bat than his expected price. I really think that Verducci's being a douche, but I have been thinking all along that the Yanks are gambling on his bat being at least as good as last year and the stadium helping to inflate the power numbers a little more, plus whatever Kevin Long can do to help put him back on track to his numbers at least two seasons ago. I just hope he proves Verducci wrong; he's had Bill Madden's Disease for some time now and it irritates me.
Granderson's toughest adjustment will likely be communicating with the Centaur at 3b. At Jeter's recommendation, Grandy's brushing up on Sylvan, Elven, Gnome, and Halfling, just so all linguistical bases are covered.
My big issue with this is it assumes Gardner can handle playing everyday. If he's Take-Take Brett Gardner again and falls flat, Do you move Granderson back to Centerfield?
[9] yeah man, he's always been a great guy. he guested on a few baseball news programs [like bbtn, fox saturday, et al] and was always wonderful - articulate and fun. he used to have a personal blog on espn for a spell and it was always well written and informative. i've also always dug his power & speed combo. i'm really looking forward to his time in NY!
As a native NY'er living in MI, I've become a sometime (as in they are on TV here most every day and the Yanks are not) Tigers fan. The A-ball West MI Whitecaps play here in Grand Rapids too, and I got a chance to see Granderson from company box seats right behind home plate while he was rehabbing a hand injury a couple of years ago. The guy is a total class act, very active in the community and schools down in detroit, his parents are/were both teachers I believe.
one more day...
Unless you intend on making Gardner the everyday CF'er, it makes no sense to even think about moving Granderson to LF. Even then, I wouldn't even consider it because Granderson could be a cornerstone piece going forward. With Winn and Thames on board, however, it becomes a no brainer. Put Granderson in CF and then figure out who is playing LF on a daily basis.
[2] I think they, rightly or wrongly, have every intention of giving Gardner an opportunity to be the everyday CF
[2] I agree. But if Gardner proves his bat can handle 70-80% of the starts, then he starts to look very good in CF. You hate to cater to the lesser player, but Granderson is making it very easy to move him around, this Spring, this year, and even over the next few years if they don't feel the need to sign a LF.
Any way it goes, that's going to be a fun outfield to watch. And I can't wait to see Grandy mash.
I wonder what the injury risk is in YS3, comparing CF to LF (with its lack of foul territory and quickly narrowing angles).
[3] that's sure what it looks like.
[5] i don't think that severe, unless one of them plans on jumping for the wall 7 feet away from the wall
He's the new and improved Johnny Damon. Get used to it.
This kid (he's younger than me, so I can call him that) is fitting in beautifully, isn't he? I predict he becomes an instant fan favorite, if he hasn't already.
As for where he plays, they'll work it out, and I'm not worried about it at all.
[8] yeah, I've always known Granderson's a solid player, but I was not aware what a good guy he is -- and as for where he plays, I totally agree. I feel the same way about the Hughes-Joba debate. It'll work itself out, and the team will benefit from having either guy in either role.
I saw on MLBN that Verducci says the reason why the Tigers traded him was not really the money aspect, but that his numbers had dropped considerably last year and that he was so bad against lefties; the fact that they gave Jose Valverde $7 mil and are willing to give Johnny another $7 mil says more about what they think of Grandy's diminished bat than his expected price. I really think that Verducci's being a douche, but I have been thinking all along that the Yanks are gambling on his bat being at least as good as last year and the stadium helping to inflate the power numbers a little more, plus whatever Kevin Long can do to help put him back on track to his numbers at least two seasons ago. I just hope he proves Verducci wrong; he's had Bill Madden's Disease for some time now and it irritates me.
Granderson's toughest adjustment will likely be communicating with the Centaur at 3b. At Jeter's recommendation, Grandy's brushing up on Sylvan, Elven, Gnome, and Halfling, just so all linguistical bases are covered.
[11] I always wondered what they taught at the Sylvan Learning Center...
My big issue with this is it assumes Gardner can handle playing everyday. If he's Take-Take Brett Gardner again and falls flat, Do you move Granderson back to Centerfield?
Has anyone mentioned how the Yanks seem to acquire pretty decent "people" lately (beyond their athletic ability)?
[9] yeah man, he's always been a great guy. he guested on a few baseball news programs [like bbtn, fox saturday, et al] and was always wonderful - articulate and fun. he used to have a personal blog on espn for a spell and it was always well written and informative. i've also always dug his power & speed combo. i'm really looking forward to his time in NY!
plus, his name anagrams to:
DANCERS GROIN RUST
which is... : ~
[12] well played, sir. mid-season form.
[15] there's gotta be a topical cream for that.
[13] I'm not sure the plan is to move Granderson to LF, but to have him ready to play both positions, giving Girardi more lineup flexibility.
As a native NY'er living in MI, I've become a sometime (as in they are on TV here most every day and the Yanks are not) Tigers fan. The A-ball West MI Whitecaps play here in Grand Rapids too, and I got a chance to see Granderson from company box seats right behind home plate while he was rehabbing a hand injury a couple of years ago. The guy is a total class act, very active in the community and schools down in detroit, his parents are/were both teachers I believe.