The Yankees acquisition of Curtis Granderson doesn’t come without risk. They gave up prized prospect Austin Jackson, Phil Coke, and Ian Kennedy. The absence of Phil Hughes and the removal of Michael Dunn make the deal far more palatable, but some feel that Austin Jackson was going to be the next great Yankees centerfielder. Rather than get into the qualms I have with the deal, which I have already outlined, let’s look at what Granderson means for the Yankees.

Granderson is a true leadoff hitter, outstanding centerfielder, and will use the short Yankee Stadium porch to his advantage. In an outfield that saw Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher man the corners his presence in CF will be certainly welcome. From a financial perspective Granderson is a far better deal over the next three years than Johnny Damon would be. Will Damon get his 3 year deal now? Highly unlikely, but even a two year $20 million dollar offer doesn’t provide the same financial value as $24 million for Granderson over the next three years. The Yankees also know they are receiving an outstanding individual who is media friendly and does great work off the field with his charity.

The biggest aspect of this deal is whether the savings on Granderson will lead to the Yankees having more money to pursue Roy Halladay. Those that we have talked to in the organization believe that Brian Cashman will do more than just kick the tires on Halladay. With Austin Jackson gone it’s a certainty that Jesus Montero would have to be part of any deal. Would Chamberlain/Hughes, Montero, Austin Jackson, Coke, and Ian Kennedy be worth the price of Granderson and Halladay? It’s all speculation at this point, but Brian Cashman was clear his priority this offseason was “pitching, pitching, and more pitching” so there is reason to believe he is far from done.

Curtis Granderson has his warts and, to quote our good friend Howard Megdal, his lefty/righty splits mean he is “neutralized late in games”. Some have pointed out that so was Paul O’Neill when he came over from Cincinnati and he turned out to be more than fine. Putting on Yankees pinstripes often brings out the “best case scenario” in a player and hopefully it will for Granderson. His speed and defense gives the powerful Yankees lineup something they didn’t even have at the top of the order during their nineties dynasty. Let’s hope the cost doesn’t preclude the Yankees from still acquiring a top notch starter like Roy Halladay.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Austin Jackson, Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers, Ian Kennedy, New York Yankees, Phil Coke