The deal appeared dead last night, but a three way deal has been completed today that brings 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 the ESPN bozo) from the Diamondbacks, who get hard throwing right-hander Edwin Jackson in addition to Kennedy.
I didn't initially like the idea of giving up Jackson in this deal, but the more I've thought about it, the more I like this. Jackson making it big is not a given by any means (I could care less about Kennedy or Coke). In Granderson, the Yankees get a bonafide 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). 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 two shortcomings are his inability to hit left-handed pitching and a penchant for striking out (141 times in 2 of the last 3 years). 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.
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This is a nice level headed analysis of the deal. Granderson certainly has some shortcomings, but they can be worked on. Even if he doesn't improve he's still pretty damn good. Jackson is a much bigger project with no guarantee of success.
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