The guys at NoMass brought up an interesting point last week: How about Curtis Granderson in Left Field?

Let’s assume (big assumption) that Brett Gardner is going to be one of the three everyday outfielders. Should he patrol center while Curtis Granderson moves over to the corner in left? If you base it on UZR the answer is yes. Granderson has significantly declined defensively over the last two seasons, while Brett Gardner, if he qualified, would have been the second best defensive centerfielder in baseball.

The experts point out that you need about three seasons of defensive data to make a valued judgment on a player. Gardner has yet to fully play one so that pretty much disqualifies using advanced fielding metrics to make a point. However there are two sides to this argument:

Why Granderson Should Play Left

It was well documented he struggled in the outfield late in the 2009 season. Jim Leyland called it an outlier, and Lynn Henning of the Detroit News downplayed his issues when he appeared on my show. The fact remains that Granderson has struggled at the position. Coming to New York brings enough pressure and expectation that he doesn’t need a slow start in the field to boot. Imagine Granderson blowing a game because of defense? Not the best way to embrace the tough Yankee Stadium crowd. Put him in the corner and let him do what he was brought here for: hit homers, steal bases, and drive in runs.

Why Granderson Should Stay in Center

Great players have an ego and shifting him over is admitting that he is incapable of handling the position. This wouldn’t be A-Rod shifting because of a Hall of Fame shortstop, but rather an All Star moving for a rookie fourth outfielder. Perhaps if Mike Cameron were signed this would be a different argument, but I can’t see the Yankees moving their new centerfielder for a suspect offensive player like Gardner.

In the end this is a fun debate on a slow offseason day, but I doubt Granderson will play anywhere but centerfield. There is very little chance the Yankees allow Gardner to be anything but a fourth outfielder since their history indicates they want power at all three positions. If not for the huge seasons of Damon and Matsui, Melky Cabrera would not have lasted as long as he did in center. When you have an entire lineup comprised of players with a 120 and above OPS+, it makes carrying Cabrera palatable. With Damon and Matsui gone there is little chance, in my opinion, Gardner is afforded the same luxury.

Tags: Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees, Should Curtis Granderson Play Left Field, UZR Rating