And the Trend Continues…
Coming on the heels of the Tulowitzki and Shields deals a week or two back, the Detroit Tigers have now locked up 26 year old center fielder Curtis Granderson. At 5 years and 30.25 million, Granderson will be paid a little more than 6 million a season—not too shabby, but also not very much for a player with well above-average power, speed, and defense at one of the more demanding defensive positions.
This looks like a good deal for the Tigers, and while I don’t expect Granderson to top or even match his amazing 2007 season, he should still be an excellent center fielder for the Tigers for the next several seasons, barring any catastrophe. Given his high .362 BABIP last season, I would expect his batting line to regress somewhat, probably somewhere in the .270/.335/.500 range. Still, a good signing for the Tigers, who look well positioned for a successful 2008 and beyond.
Two things:
The Tigers had to do this the minute they traded Cameron Maybin to the Marlins for Miguel Cabrera. It was only a matter of time.
Granderson is atrocious against left-handed pitchers, like Trot Nixon bad, so if I were the Tigers I would invest in a quality fourth outfielder who can play center on days when a southpaw is on the mound. Granderson has a .202 career average against lefties and a 52 OPS , and he’s not improving — hitting .160 with a 11 OPS in 2007.
Wow, that must mean he completely destroys right handed pitching…Your points are well-taken though.