“Granderson Will Help Deliver Another Title”
By Mike Silva ~ December 15th, 2009. Filed under: Offseason Speculation.
That was the quote by Lynn Henning of the Detroit News.
Lynn joined me on the Sunday Hot Stove and had nothing but good things to say about the newest Yankees centerfielder. Not only did he point out that Granderson hit LHP decently in 2008 (.739 OPS and 10% above league average against lefties), but believes that 2009 might have been the exception, not the rule, for Granderson. He also pointed out that Granderson is at his best when he is not hitting home runs, but using the gaps for extra bases. In 2007 Granderson had 38 doubles, 23 triples, 23 homers, and an OPS of .913. That is a balanced stat sheet and could give the Yankees a blend of speed, power, and average they haven’t had in quite some time. Henning made a great point comparing how Granderson could fit into a loaded Yankees lineup and quietly put up big numbers ala Bernie Williams.
That begs the question about what Brian Cashman is doing with left field? Hideki Matsui has already signed with Anaheim, and reports indicate the Yankees will not pursue Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. If negotiations break down with Johnny Damon where will the Yankees go for another bat? Do they trust Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, or Jamie Hoffmann in left? As good as Granderson is you still need to replace Damon and Matsui’s production.
One option is Rick Ankiel. We have received reports in the past of the Yankees have interest in the former Cardinals outfielder. To date there is no indication he is on their radar this offseason. Some believe Ankiel will command a 3 year deal, but right now 2 years and $20 million is where the market appears headed. Coming off a poor season you probably could get Ankiel on a cheap one year deal. If Damon leaves perhaps Ankiel is an option.
Another option is Reed Johnson who might be a better fit since he bats right handed. He might not be an everyday solution, but Johnson hits lefties for his career with a batting average over .300 and OPS of .841.
Mark DeRosa has been reportedly on the Yankees radar. I don’t think he will come any cheaper than Damon and some fear his wrist injury is a major problem. He is kind of an “everywhere” player that hasn’t played the OF consistently since his Texas days.
Finally, here is a wild idea, what about Gary Sheffield? The issues that Sheff had were with Joe Torre, long since departed, and he showed in limited duty across town that he can still hit. Sheffield did an adequate job in the outfield last year and would benefit from the designated hitter. I know this is a long shot, but the guy could still hit and he fits so well in that Yankee lineup. He could be the right handed version of Matsui so to speak.
I realize none of the options, outside of Bay/Holliday, are as good as Johnny Damon. Ultimately I think Damon and the Yankees work out a deal, but you have to be prepared for a team overpaying for his services. If Brandon Lyon can get a 3 year deal than Damon sure might have a chance.
The Yankees have plenty of offense and could survive with a Gardner/Melky platoon in left, but you don’t lose a combined 52 homers and 170 RBI and not have some regression in your lineup – even with Curtis Granderson.
