Curtis Granderson Tracker

C'mpon Curtis! Drop the crabcakes and LET's BEAT 'EM!!!

Tigers give Cabrera, Polanco a break
Granderson gets rare opportunity as cleanup hitter

By Pete Kerzel / Special to MLB.com

05/31/09 6:33 PM ET

BALTIMORE -- Manager Jim Leyland's decision to give scuffling Miguel Cabrera a day off landed the Tigers a new cleanup hitter, and Curtis Granderson's introduction to the four-hole came with a morning full of playful ribbing from his manager and teammates.

"Cleanup hitter!" Leyland announced loudly while strolling by Granderson's locker.

Granderson started in the fourth spot in the batting order for the first time in his Major League career in Sunday's 3-0 victory against the Orioles. He was hard-pressed to remember the last time he occupied that spot.

"I honestly don't remember," said Granderson, who has hit fifth the past five games and leadoff in 165 of 179 games since the start of last season. "In college, I hit third. All through the Minors, I did everything but fourth. High school was first, second, third. I honestly don't know. I was never the biggest kid, and it seems like big kids batted fourth."

With Cabrera 1-for-12 in Baltimore entering Sunday and with just two homers in his past 16 games, Leyland took the opportunity to utilize Monday's scheduled off-day and turn the Sunday break into a two-day vacation for both Cabrera and second baseman Placido Polanco. Jeff Larish replaced Cabrera at first base and hit fifth, while Ramon Santiago got the nod at second, taking over Polanco's customary second spot in the batting order.

The moves paid off enough, as Granderson homered in the fourth off Orioles starter Jason Berken for his only hit and the only run Detroit would need. Larish had two hits, including an insurance RBI double in the eighth inning.

Sundays often present managers an opportunity to give their bench players a shot and tired regulars a break. But the significance of replacing the American League's third-leading hitter -- Cabrera's .355 mark trailed only injured Tampa Bay shortstop Jason Bartlett (.373) and Boston's Kevin Youkilis (.362) entering play Sunday -- wasn't lost on Granderson.

"It will be interesting, though, with Miguel not in there, kind of trying to fill that void," Granderson said. "The good thing about going to [the five-spot] was that I didn't look at it as I had to do anything [different]. Hopefully, the same process will go in there today. I've had the luxury to bat before Magglio [Ordonez], and now I'll be after him."

Then Granderson turned to Ordonez, a locker away, and joked, "Give you some protection behind you." Ordonez's reply: "A lot of pressure."

Perhaps so, but Granderson's .308 average on the road and 12 homers made him a logical choice to supplant Cabrera, even for a day.

"I'm just getting [Cabrera] away from it for a day or so," explained Leyland. "This will turn into a two-day sabbatical. That's what it's all about. That's what a team is for."

And it's not as if Cabrera is taking an early flight back to Detroit, Leyland pointed out.

"I'm not going to have [Cabrera] too far from the bat rack," the manager said.

Polanco certainly appreciates the break, especially after starting the series 1-for-13.

"You get a day to rest and it's giving your mind and body a day to rest. Two days is even better," Polanco said. "It can do a lot of good."

And while some players cringe when they arrive in the clubhouse and find the lineup posted without their name on it, Polanco takes a veteran's approach to the brief respite.

"Sometimes," Polanco smiled, "less is more. It's a long season."

Pete Kerzel is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Analysis
Curtis Granderson resembling a middle-of-the-order force these days
Tom Gage / The Detroit News

Detroit -- Is Curtis Granderson having a good season?

Those of you who believe he is are choosing to overlook a so-so .258 batting average.

Those of you who say he isn't aren't taking into account his 13 home runs.

But those of you who shrug your shoulders and say, "Dunno," welcome to the club -- because I don't know, either.

What's more, I don't think he's really sure. Or that manager Jim Leyland is sure. That's how un-Curtis this Granderson season has been so far.

What we saw in Baltimore was Granderson hitting fifth three games in a row, followed by him hitting fourth for the first time ever. When asked what the middle-of-the-lineup use signifies, Leyland said only that Granderson hasn't seen the last of leadoff.

The next day, he hit clean-up.

The next day, Granderson also hit his 13th home run, and the run held up as the only one of the game until the eighth. In other words, it looked like his power was going to win the game.

But is there some kind of transformation taking place with Granderson? He has one triple in 49 games. The year he hit 23 triples, he had six in his first 49 games. Six triples and 17 doubles.

This year, in addition to his one triple, he has only five doubles.

Granderson, 28, is doing a lot less gap hitting, even less down-the-line hitting -- and more long-ball hitting. His power has been impressive. At this rate, he would hit 42 home runs, but is that really him as a hitter?

Or is it what he's mutating into -- someone to hit in the heart of the batting order, as he has done the last five games?

It's one of the more fascinating-yet-unanswerable questions of the Tigers' season so far: Are we seeing Granderson as a slashing, exciting line-drive hitter, flying around the bases, being replaced by one who contributes in a far different way?

Until we see otherwise, it appears so.

For one thing, there are the home runs. In all three of his seasons as a full-time player, Granderson hit eight in his first 49 games. He couldn't have been more consistent along those lines.

He has 13 at that point now, but only six other extra-base hits -- the first time he's ever had more homers than other extra-base hits combined at this point.

"He wants to get more consistent with his stroke, and I see it starting to come," Leyland said. "You get torn in between. Instant runs are huge, but I don't want him trying to hit home runs."

Granderson agrees he's still striving for consistency, but he's not ready to slot himself as a gap hitter-turned-power guy just yet. For one thing, he never projects the rest of a season according to how his first two months have gone.

"I've always been a bad starter," he said. "I'm not sure why. Even my high school coach says I was a slow starter for him. I don't know what it is. It takes me a while to get going."

Thirteen home runs at this point isn't a slow start if you're that kind of hitter, however. But there's that question again.

Has he become that kind of hitter? I go back to my original reply: Dunno.

tom.gage@detnews.com

Granderson's triple key in AL's triumph
Tigers prove quite valuable in whirlwind All-Star Game

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

07/15/09 1:55 AM ET

ST. LOUIS -- Of all the sights the Tigers enjoyed at this week's All-Star festivities, perhaps none were as welcome as the sight of Curtis Granderson tearing around second base and charging for third.

"Every time he even starts out of the box, I think he's got a chance at three [bases]," fellow All-Star Brandon Inge said. "The question is, 'Does he have a chance at four?'"

Three was plenty Tuesday night. In this case, it was the key to keeping the American League's dominance going in the All-Star Game.

Granderson's triples were a common sight the past two years, having led the league in them. He has just two for the Tigers so far this season, a casualty of his homer binge in the season's first half. Tuesday's triple couldn't have come at a much better time, setting up his go-ahead run in the eighth inning on Adam Jones' sacrifice fly for a 4-3 AL win at Busch Stadium.

It was a crucial hit, seemingly a perfect strategy to manufacture a run. Except Granderson wasn't thinking about it that way.

"I always try, no matter what," Granderson said. "I'm going to let the defense slow me down."

Granderson entered the game as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the sixth inning, replacing starting center fielder Josh Hamilton. Instead of batting sixth in Hamilton's spot, however, Granderson went in the third slot for Joe Mauer.

That difference came up huge when Granderson stepped to the plate with one out in the eighth. He took a first-pitch curveball outside from Padres closer Heath Bell before he got a fastball on the outside half of the plate. Granderson sent it to the fence and over the head of left fielder Justin Upton.

When Granderson put up 23 triples in 2007, the difference was his mentality out of the batter's box. He speeds up at the start, thinking about a triple until and unless he sees the ball fielded. Then he thinks his way down to two bases, then one.

Somehow, he hasn't had to do that often this season. This was an exception.

"Right away when I hit it, I thought, 'Oh yeah, I hit it pretty good -- let's see what's going to happen,'" Granderson said. "And sure enough, it kicked off the wall, and I thought I'm going to try my best to get there."

The fact that Upton was seemingly playing Granderson shallow might've made a difference. Zack Greinke, who gave up one of Granderson's triples in 2007, noticed it from the dugout.

"[Justin] Verlander called a home run," Greinke said, "and I was like, 'If he hits the ball, it's going to be an extra-base hit for sure.' That's all he ever does. ...

"I've never seen him to do it to that side [of the field], though. He always pulls the ball. That was kind of weird to see."

Granderson headed into second as center fielder Jayson Werth retrieved the ball, but he never stopped. His challenge on Werth turned out clutch once he slid safely into third.

"Curtis not being satisfied with a double was huge," AL All-Star manager Joe Maddon said afterwards. "It made them do something they didn't want to do. They had to come in, they walk [Victor] Martinez to try to get Jones to hit into a double play, and then he hits the sacrifice fly. All of that strategy changed because of Curtis going to third."

It was a critical extra base with one out, except Granderson didn't realize it.

"I honestly forgot it was one out," Granderson sheepishly admitted. "When I got to third base, I was like, 'Oh, that's a good possible mistake if I get there.' But the fact that the ball kicked away was my trigger to go."

Bell intentionally walked Martinez, but Jones' ensuing fly ball into the right-field corner allowed Granderson to jog home.

It gave Granderson quite a memory from his first Midsummer Classic. It also provided a topic for no shortage of conversation as Granderson and his parents made their way home to Chicago by car after the game.

He's hoping it also provides him with a spark going into the season's second half.

"Maybe this will be the kick start for the second half to go ahead and pick them back up," Granderson said. "They come in bunches. Hopefully this is the first of many."

The clutch hit capped a couple days of fun for the four Tigers All-Stars, three of whom experienced the Midsummer Classic for the first time. Edwin Jackson's perfect four-pitch fifth inning was part of a string of 18 straight batters retired by AL pitchers.

"I think it was just the time leading up to it that went slow," Jackson said. "The inning went pretty fast. I wish it could be like that all the time."

Together, they Before that, he was having fun competing with Ichiro Suzuki on trick catches in right field during batting practice. drew oohs and aahs from fans in the right-field seats, not to mention from Jackson.

"He was showing me his special little catch that he does," Jackson said, mimicking the way Ichiro can catch a ball behind and over his back. "I didn't do it. I didn't want to get hit in the head."

A day after Inge went scoreless in the State Farm Home Run Derby and loved it, Inge was still having a blast. He entered the game in the eighth inning as a defensive replacement. He grounded out leading off the ninth.

"I loved it all -- I liked everything about it," Inge said. "In my mind, I know I can play well enough to get back here. On the other hand, it's like any game I play: I approach it as if it could be my last."

Verlander was the one Tigers All-Star who didn't get into the game, but he expected that, having pitched on Sunday. This year, he made it a goal to enjoy himself, partly because he knew was unlikely to pitch. That wasn't a problem.

"It's been a lot more relaxed this time," Verlander said. "What I wanted it to be, it's pretty much been. It's been a little more slow motion for me, able to just take it in and have a good time."

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Tigers' Curtis Granderson all smiles in return to St. Louis

BY JOHN LOWE • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • July 16, 2009

ST. LOUIS -- Curtis Granderson stood at his locker Tuesday night and talked with one reporter after another about his evening -- about how he'd met President Barack Obama, and how he'd tripled and scored the winning run in the All-Star Game.

At one point in the questioning, for just a moment, Granderson thought about how three years ago another slew of reporters had come to talk to him in this same visitors' clubhouse in Busch Stadium.

The Tigers' centerfielder thought about how those World Series circumstances differed drastically from these All-Star circumstances. And he almost said something.

"At one point, I wanted to say, 'This time we leave out of here on a positive note,' " Granderson said. "But that's not what I really felt. It just entered my head for a minute."

In Game 4 of the 2006 World Series, the Tigers took a 3-2 lead to the bottom of the seventh. With a win, they would tie the Series and ensure that it returned to Detroit.

David Eckstein led off the seventh with a routine fly to center. Granderson slipped. The ball landed safely. It was the start of a two-run rally that helped the Cardinals to a win. The Cardinals won the World Series at home the next night.

At the All-Star Game, Granderson was amazed at how many St. Louis fans, young and old, reminded him of his World Series fall.

The ever-cordial Granderson said he gave those taunting fans this reply: "Hey, it's 2009. That's one of the farthest things from my mind. If you guys say that, great. But I'm out here enjoying this."

Granderson believes he learned a lot from facing all those reporters at the '06 World Series.

"You look at the biggest stage possible to have that (the slip) happen -- nothing from that point on could be any worse," Granderson said. "I think that's a good thing. There's always going to be a high and a bottom, and that's one of the bottoms I've had. So that, in a good way, has helped me out."

Granderson's eloquence and steadiness during all kinds of interviews and circumstances seems so natural that it's hard to believe he had to learn and develop those skills. But he says that night of the World Series slip taught him a lot about how to answer reporters' questions.

"I had interviews prior to that, but nothing of that magnitude, with all the (TV) lights and the most difficult questions I'd had to that point," he said this week. "I was just trying to stay composed. I knew everyone was at my locker (to ask about the slip). For a split-second, I thought, 'Do I take a shower or eat to let them disperse? Or do I handle them right now?' I decided that I would have to answer these questions regardless, so go to the locker.

"I remember there were a few questions that tried to get me to put blame on the grounds crew. It was my mistake. Why would I put it on someone else? I thought later about some of the questions they asked me, and I just moved forward from there."

He has done a lot of moving forward. After Tuesday night's game, he listened to a recitation of what he has packed into the four years since he came to the big leagues to stay:

World Series. All-Star Game. World Baseball Classic. As many triples (23) in one season as anyone in about 80 years. His current TV ad for teaching. His international travels on behalf of baseball. The letter in which commissioner Bud Selig told him he's as well suited as any current player to represent the sport.

"I've accomplished a lot," said Granderson, "and there's still a lot more to accomplish."

The Real MVP of the All Star Game if you ask me

gs78 wrote:

The Real MVP of the All Star Game if you ask me

I totally agree!

definitely. Pena made a contribution, but not as huge as Curtis'!

Granderson to hold wine-tasting event
All-Star's upcoming charity endeavor to be held Thursday

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

07/19/09 2:52 PM ET

DETROIT -- Curtis Granderson has given plenty of his time to charitable causes over his four years with the Tigers. His next fundraising effort will include a night out.

Detroit's All-Star outfielder, who scored the winning run in last week's All-Star Game, will become a wine taster for the evening, welcoming teammates Edwin Jackson and Ryan Perry for a Passport to the Wines of the World this Thursday at Big Rock Chophouse/The Reserve in Birmingham.

The event will feature over 300 wines from five continents, including local wines from the Detroit area and the state of Michigan, as well as a silent auction of sports memorabilia, wine and entertainment package. The evening includes a bachelor auction, where the highest bid will win an elegant dinner for two with Granderson, Jackson or Perry.

Noted young comic Jeff Dye, third-place finisher in last year's edition of NBC's Last Comic Standing, will perform a standup set and serve as the auctioneer. The Seattle native won the 10th annual Giggles Laff Off in his hometown last year and has performed in the Just for Laughs Festival the last two years, including this year in Chicago. His comedy is clean but has been described as charmingly twisted.

"I am really excited to have Jeff come out and perform at this event," Granderson said last week. "I am positive that all in attendance will enjoy Jeff's comedic style and he will add a great energy to the evening. Plus, he is a big baseball fan, albeit for the Mariners."

The festivities begin with a VIP reception hosted by Granderson, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. A 7 p.m. champagne toast precedes the main event at 7:30 p.m. The bachelor auction will start at 8:45 p.m.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Grand Kids Foundation, which helps students and schools in Michigan's inner cities by purchasing school supplies and books, establishing baseball programs, providing equipment and helping improve facilities.

Tickets for Passport to the Wines of the World run $85 for general admission and $135 for a VIP package, which includes admission to the VIP reception as well as special VIP wines and a souvenir wine glass. Members of the Detroit Wine Organization receive a $10 discount on both VIP and general admission tickets. Membership is free at detroitwine.org.

For more information or to purchase tickets, log onto www.curtisgranderson.com/passport.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Brother of Jermaine Dye?

I don't think so

Magic 8 Ball says it isn't

nope..I just saw a pic of him!

laprimamirala wrote:

nope..I just saw a pic of him!

Hail the power of Magic 8 Ball.

gs78 wrote:

laprimamirala wrote:

nope..I just saw a pic of him!

Hail the power of Magic 8 Ball.

20-20 vision: Granderson hits milestone
Center fielder reaches 20 homers, SBs for second time

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

08/10/09 8:21 PM ET

DETROIT -- A 30-30 season isn't out of the question for Curtis Granderson, but it's out of his mind.

Granderson's stolen base Sunday earned him his second 20-homer, 20-steal season in three years. Unlike 2007, he got there with enough time that he has at least an outside chance to go above and beyond that.

No player in Tigers history has had a 30-30 season. But to Detroit's current leadoff man and center fielder, though he's just eight homers and 10 stolen bases away, it's more of a statistical anomaly than a personal goal. It's a feat that, to Granderson, depends as much on good fortune and opportunities as it does on skill.

"It's one of those things that if it happens, great, because I really just can't do anything about it," Granderson said. "I can't necessarily swing for the fences, because I'm not that type of hitter. I haven't hit enough home runs to learn a home run swing. The stolen bases don't always present themselves."

Sunday's 8-7 win was one such example. Though Twins reliever Matt Guerrier intentionally walked Granderson in the eighth inning to set up a potential double play with the go-ahead run on third and Placido Polanco at the plate, the situation wasn't automatic for Granderson to steal.

"If I go and I get thrown out, that's not good," Granderson said. "The third-to-first [pickoff], that's not good. Or if I get doubled up, that's not good."

Instead, those were enough concerns -- especially being doubled off -- that manager Jim Leyland put a stop sign on Granderson.

The way games go and the way Granderson analyzes various situations, he usually has more opportunities to take extra bases on hits, especially his own, than he does to steal. That's what makes the homer-steal combination rather unexpected for him.

"I can't run to run," he said. "A lot of stuff has to happen."

If he doesn't get it, he's still in pretty select company. He's one of just three players in club history to post multiple 20-20 seasons, and the other two coached him. Kirk Gibson did it four times, and Alan Trammell accomplished it twice.

Gibson is the only Tiger to have 25 homers and 25 steals in the same year, doing it three times. He came one homer short of 30-30 in 1985, and two homers shy the next year.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Leyland gives Granderson a breather
Tigers outfielder struggling in recent trips to the plate

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

08/20/09 1:42 PM ET

DETROIT -- Curtis Granderson is putting in the extra swings, manager Jim Leyland said, but he isn't getting the hits to go with them. So Leyland is getting the Tigers' leadoff man out of the lineup for a couple days.

With the Tigers facing left-handed starters Thursday and Friday, Leyland is giving Granderson an extended rest, hoping to get him away from a struggling stretch that has him hitless in his past 13 at-bats with seven strikeouts, and batting .226 since July 28. It isn't easy filling his place, but Leyland wants to make the sacrifice now to try to get Granderson ready for the stretch run.

Clete Thomas started in center field Friday, earning a rare start against a lefty. It marked his first start in center since April of last year, when Granderson opened the season on the disabled list. Placido Polanco started in Detroit's leadoff spot for the first time since the 2007 season finale.

Though Granderson has had peaks and valleys for much of the season, this stretch has been particularly difficult. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Wednesday, leading off two innings and becoming the third out in two others, though there was no one on base in either case. He led off three different innings with strikeouts Tuesday.

As Leyland has admitted many times this year, Granderson ignites the offense from atop the batting order, and they've been lacking that the last few games.

"I think Grandy's always been a little bit of a streaky player," Leyland said, "and I think some of the streaks are lasting a little bit longer. When he gets rolling, he can really get rolling. And when he struggles, he can really struggle."

Indeed, Granderson has had dominant stretches this season, including a three-homer, 7-for-12 April series against the Angels, whom the Tigers visit again next week. Most of those stretches, however, have come on the road, where Granderson is batting .270 with 17 homers, 28 RBIs and an .892 OPS. He's one of the few Tigers playing better away from home this year on a club that struggles mightily as a group away from Comerica Park.

Granderson is also batting just .178 against lefties this year, compared with .283 with a .904 OPS versus right-handers. So getting him away from lefty starters could also be a confidence boost for the moment.

The vast difference in the splits run counter to the consistency in the persona.

"He's a real bright young man," Leyland said, "and pretty smart about not getting too high or too low. He always handles things very sensibly, I think. I'm sure inside it probably bothers him a little bit."

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Granderson enjoying timely hot streak
Tigers outfielder shakes slump heading into crucial set

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

09/28/09 12:50 PM ET

DETROIT -- Curtis Granderson had tried just about every adjustment he and Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon could figure to help him out of his slump. He isn't sure which one might have helped lead to his hot-hitting weekend, but he's hoping he can carry it into October.

"I'm just trying to get a couple different things going," Granderson said after falling a triple shy of the cycle in Sunday's 8-4 loss to the White Sox. "Hopefully it's all working out."

With six hits in his past seven at-bats through Sunday, it certainly hasn't hurt.

Of all the perplexities about the Tigers' offense and its run toward a potential postseason berth, Granderson and his season at the plate is high on the list. The center fielder has obliterated his career high in home runs to go with 20-plus steals. Yet he enters the season's final week with a .250 average that would be his career low.

Granderson reached a personal milestone and broke a Tigers record Sunday with his 100th career home run and 24th to lead off a game, powering him past Lou Whitaker for the franchise leadoff homer record. Seven of those have come this year, accounting for nearly a quarter of the team's first-inning homers. He has six more home runs to lead off other innings, and his 24 homers from the top spot in the order stand tied for the Major League lead with Texas' Ian Kinsler.



"Cool thing that it happened," Granderson said, "but all the individual stuff right now gets put out the window."

Though Miguel Cabrera stands unquestioned as the heart of the Tigers' offense, manager Jim Leyland considers Granderson as the man who makes the offense go. Simply getting on base usually does that, but Granderson's home runs have been a different kind of offensive jolt. It doesn't put a runner on the basepaths, but it puts a run on the board.

The stats bear out Granderson's impact. When he reaches base safely to lead off an inning, the Tigers average better than a run per inning at 1.05, according to Bill James Online. When he doesn't, the Tigers average .30 runs per inning.

"That will be a big factor," Leyland said. "If we can get him going real good, that will certainly help."

When the Tigers face a left-handed starting pitcher, however, it's no longer a big factor. After showing strong signs he had lefties figured out last year, southpaws made adjustments to pitch him inside, then outside, and he has struggled to catch up. His .178 average against lefties is among the lowest in the Majors for players with at least 150 plate appearances against southpaws.

It's also a big reason for many of his tweaks at the plate.

"We've done a ton of different things all season," Granderson said. "We've raised the hands, lowered the hands, stood up tall, squatted down, opened up, closed up, all those different things. Change is sometimes a good thing, and hopefully this has been the right one."

Asked which change made the difference over the weekend, Granderson said, "Honestly, I really don't know. I couldn't tell you exactly what I've done different for the last couple games or the last at-bats. It's just been constant. Each day, we've been doing something different."

Granderson has settled into the seventh spot in Leyland's lineup against lefties, a twist after speculation that Granderson's future was as a run producer in the middle of the order. If the Tigers win the AL Central, they'll face the Yankees, who have two left-handed starters in CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte. Granderson is 3-for-26 combined against Sabathia and Pettitte for his career.

Granderson's two-game swing came entirely against right-handed pitching, but it showed some encouraging tweaks he could use off southpaws. He went to the opposite field for a triple down the left-field line off Scott Linebrink Saturday night after singling up the middle an inning earlier. All three of his hits Sunday were pulled to right, including the home run into the right-field bullpen.

"We've been trying different things all season long," Granderson said, "and who knows if this is the right one? It might be. Hopefully it is, and hopefully we keep it moving."

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Posted: Oct. 12, 2009
Curtis Granderson left a lot to be desired
Outfielder must improve his at-bats vs. southpaws

BY JOHN LOWE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Two years ago, in what seemed his breakthrough season, Curtis Granderson became one of four players in major league history to have at least 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 homers and 20 steals in the same year.


He did all that despite hitting under .200 against left-handed pitching.

Last season, Granderson improved so much against left-handers that at midseason manager Jim Leyland decided he'd remain at leadoff against all lefties. Granderson previously had hit either down in the order or not started against some lefties.

Now Granderson could for the first time be legitimately compared to Cleveland centerfielder Grady Sizemore, because now -- like the lefty-swinging Sizemore -- he would bat leadoff against all comers.

Granderson finished '08 with a .259 average against left-handers, a 99-point improvement from the previous season.

This season, however, Granderson fell back to where he had been against lefties two years ago. He hit .183 against them. As in '07, according to STATS LLC, Granderson had the lowest batting average against left-handed pitching for any AL player with at least 125 plate appearances against lefties.

Granderson played regularly against left-handed starters this season. As he continued to struggle against them, Leyland sometimes dropped him to seventh in the order.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski assessed what Granderson must do to hit better against left-handers. "He needs to go the opposite way more," Dombrowski said. "He knows that, but sometimes you get into a funk and you do things with your swing. In his case, he tried to pull the ball too often.

"I don't look for him to be quite as productive against lefties as righties, but I think he can be much better than he was this year."

Granderson finished the season with an overall average of .249, the lowest of his career. He hit a career-high 30 homers (two off lefties), but he matched his career high in strikeouts (141).

Contact JOHN LOWE: 313-223-4053 or jlowe@freepress.com.

Granderson named Miller Award winner
Tigers star selected for good work on and off the field

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

10/30/09 1:50 PM ET

DETROIT -- For the first time since Al Kaline, a Tigers player has won one of baseball's annual national awards for community work. Members of the MLB Players Association voted Detroit center fielder Curtis Granderson as this year's winner of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for on- and off-field performance.

The award, as voted on by Major League players in September, goes annually to the player whose passion to give back to the community inspires others. It includes a donation of $50,000 to the charity of the player's choice. Granderson plans to designate the funds for work that furthers the educational experience of kids in Michigan's inner cities.

"I am honored to not only be receiving such an award, but also humbled that this was voted on by other Major League Baseball players," Granderson said in an email Friday. "I am in a position to use my status as a professional baseball player to help others in need to rally others to help those in need.

"Working with the Detroit Tigers Foundation, the Detroit Action Team and the various other programs along with my own Grand Kids Foundation, I have seen first-hand impacts being made in Detroit and other inner cities throughout Michigan. I am excited at being able to continue to help enhance the educational experience for many of Michigan's students."

For Granderson, the award recognizes the community work that has long been a natural extension for him. He has been one of the most active members of the team in terms of community appearances around the city and region, whether it's for school visits, fundraising efforts or work with the Detroit Tigers Foundation.

"It kind of just happened over time," Granderson said of his work earlier this year. "I was always in different groups and organizations [as a kid], and in turn, those always had some kind of relationship with the neighborhood or the community, whether it was the ambassador program -- which is our Big Brother/Big Sister program in high school -- or Pep Club games. That's just kind of how it started. Then the idea came about 2 1/2 years ago: 'Hey, you know, you really should look into doing foundation-type work.'"

Granderson's own work through his Grand Kids Foundation helps students and schools in Michigan's inner cities by purchasing school supplies and books, establishing baseball programs, providing equipment and helping improve facilities. His fundraising efforts have included a charity basketball game last winter featuring local athletes and celebrities such as Kid Rock, and a wine-tasting event last month that included a bachelor auction with Granderson, Edwin Jackson and Ryan Perry.

Granderson's next big goal of the foundation is to establish a college scholarship for local students. But he also hopes to set an example for others.

"I want to help others realize that they do not have to be rich and famous to make a positive impact in their community," Granderson said Friday. "Volunteering just one hour a week at any community organization or school can make a difference."

Granderson became an author this year with the release of All You Can Be, a children's book which tells his story of growing up in Chicago and encourages kids to build and chase their own dreams. The book hit shelves this summer, and became a part of Michigan's library system earlier this month through a donation.

So much of Granderson's work focuses on education in part because of his background, having grown up in a family of teachers and educators in Chicago.

"Learning the importance just from being around it, education was actually something I liked," Granderson said. "It wasn't something that I dreaded. I never disliked going to school. My friends were there. I had fun there. School wasn't very hard for me. So I enjoyed it. And I saw a lot of kids that I grew up with, that I speak to today, that say, 'Man, I wish I would've done this or that differently, five, 10, 15 years ago.' Not necessarily get straight A's, but just the discipline aspect of it, not to get in trouble, do the right thing when it came to school to allow them opportunities to do those things that they wish they could do right now."

On the field, Granderson set a career high with 30 home runs to go with a .249 average, 23 doubles, eight triples, 71 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. His seven leadoff homers this season pushed him ahead of Lou Whitaker for the franchise record with 24 for his career.

Granderson's honor marks just the second time a Tiger has won a Players Choice award since they began in 1992. Justin Verlander was previously Detroit's lone winner, having been voted the American League's Outstanding Rookie of the Year in 2006. In terms of community work, Kaline was Detroit's last national winner when he received the Roberto Clemente Award in 1973.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Granderson donates book to schools
Tigers star wants to promote reading for Michigan youth

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

11/01/09 10:03 AM EST

When Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson set out to create a children's book, his goals had nothing to do with profit -- he simply wanted to get kids excited about learning.

His new book "All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It!" is being distributed free of charge to public elementary school libraries in Michigan, a recent article on the Michigan Department of Education Web site stated.

Copies of the book are being donated by Granderson and Chicago-based publisher Triumph Books.

Illustrations in the book were contributed by fourth-grade students across the state. A contest was held to pick the artwork, as hundreds of children contributed drawings and Granderson selected 29. The theme for the illustrations was: How do you see yourself when you are in high school, and how is education important to helping you become that person?

Granderson, who grew up on the south side of Chicago, is the son of two schoolteachers and learned the importance of education at an early age. All of the net proceeds from the public sale of the books go to Granderson's foundation, Grand Kids Foundation.

"There was one simple thing I wanted to achieve with 'All You Can Be' -- to make learning fun for school children," Granderson was quoted as saying on the Web site. "My mother, Mary, co-author Terry Foster and I truly feel we have accomplished what we set out to do, which was to make learning fun through using creative and different ways to get Michigan's elementary school students thinking about their future."

Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

I gave his book to my favorite 9-year old for her birthday!

Granderson rumors talk of the town
Tigers not denying they'll listen to offers for star outfielder

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

11/12/09 3:30 PM EST

DETROIT -- What if the Tigers found a way to improve their team, to fill some of the holes they're hamstrung to fill because of payroll, but they had to give up their most popular player and arguably the face of the franchise to do it?

It's something Detroit appears ready to consider.

If the Tigers hoped to do their offseason business quietly, those chances flew out of the lobby at Chicago's O'Hare Airport Hilton like a late traveler with the mention of Curtis Granderson. He's an All-Star center fielder, the face of the franchise, and he's now the talk coming out of this week's GM Meetings.

At least publicly, the Tigers aren't discussing trade talks involving specific players. But they aren't denying anything on Granderson, either, like they did with trade rumors involving Magglio Ordonez last year or Miguel Cabrera this past season. That in itself speaks volumes.

The general theme coming out, the idea that came across from team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski in a phone interview, is that the Tigers will talk about a lot of different things if something can make their team better -- not just three years from now, but right now.

They're not in a fire sale, Dombrowski said, but it's clear the idea of an untouchable player on a large-payroll team that failed to hold onto the AL Central lead in a down year is a lot more loose than it was the past couple of years. Even if it means talking trades for the most popular player on the team, if not the most popular athlete in the city.

"We are always open to talking about players," Dombrowski told the Detroit News, "and we'll continue to talk and see if anything makes sense."

Dombrowski emphasized that discussions aren't deals, and that no deal is close to happening. In Granderson's case, few teams could've expected his availability going into the Meetings, so interested clubs will start looking at packages now. Now that the word is out, however, expect interest to roll in, not just from large-market teams, but maybe some unexpected suitors.

The Yankees, who have outfield openings with Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon as free agents, popped up in rumors almost immediately as a logical destination. Dombrowski and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met during the GM Meetings, according to the New York Post, but it was believed to be less formal and more a review of team needs.

The Yankees have the advantage of a center-field prospect in 22-year-old Austin Jackson, who batted .300 with four home runs, 65 RBIs and 24 stolen bases at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. During unsuccessful trade talks this past summer for Josh Anderson, the Tigers had a good look at the Yankees' farm system, including third baseman and hitting prospect Brandon Laird, younger brother of Tigers catcher Gerald Laird.

However, Detroit will likely require more than prospects for Granderson, and that could get tricky. So much of New York's young pitching has slotted into key roles that Major League-ready arms could be difficult to pry, and adding immediate offensive help out of the Bronx would appear unlikely, as appealing as Melky Cabrera might be.

The other logical rumored suitor is Granderson's hometown of Chicago, where he still lives during the offseason and where the Cubs would like a leadoff man, plus a move for Kosuke Fukudome from center field to right. Dombrowski and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry have pulled off several smaller trades over the past few years.

But while the Cubs have a gifted young closer in Carlos Marmol, who split ninth-inning duties with Kevin Gregg, they don't have much offensive depth to sell other than outfielder Milton Bradley, whose high contract and high maintenance wouldn't appeal to Detroit. Starlin Castro is a highly-touted shortstop prospect, but he has just 31 games above Class A ball, and doesn't turn 20 years old until March.

The White Sox already have a center fielder with Alex Rios. More important, Granderson isn't likely to be dealt within the division. The two trades Dombrowski made within the AL Central during his eight years in Detroit were deals for Anderson and Roman Colon. Colon went to Kansas City out of necessity in 2007 after being charged with assault in a clubhouse fight with a teammate at Triple-A Toledo; Anderson went to the Royals for cash considerations after being designated for assignment.

Expect inquiries from other teams looking for help in center field, but interest will likely carry over to clubs who have center fielders, but also have needs for power or leadoff needs. The Tigers considered whether to move Granderson to left field a few years ago when Cameron Maybin was rising quickly through their farm system, but Maybin's trade to Florida two years ago erased that possibility.

The Brewers, who had a need in center field at season's end, had a chance to discuss scenarios with the Tigers involving J.J. Hardy. However, Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin told the Detroit Free Press last week that he had no contact with the Tigers because they were looking for players who had low salaries and service time.

The wild card in any talks -- and the one big financial factor -- could be the willingness of clubs to take on one of Detroit's otherwise untradeable contracts. Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis all will make $10 million or more this year, but they combined for three victories this year. All three contracts, however, expire next winter.

Carlos Guillen will make $13 million in each of the next two seasons and aired his unhappiness about his situation last month to MLB.com, but he has not demanded a trade. He can veto any trade as a 10-and-5 player -- 10 years in the Majors, the last five with the same club -- and it's unlikely he'll find the starting infield position he'd like with a contending team.

For his part, Granderson's $5.5 million salary for next season is fairly reasonable, even after a relatively down year at the plate. The big money in the five-year, $30.25 million contract he signed two winters ago doesn't kick in until the next two years, jumping to $8.25 million in 2011 and $10 million the following year. There's a $13 million club option for 2013.

Granderson's salary isn't the issue, and his ties to the payroll discussion could become moot if the Tigers trade someone else, such as All-Star right-hander Edwin Jackson. For now, though, the chance of him being dealt is an issue for plenty of teams to watch.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Nooooo! We NEED Grandy!

Wilkin Ramirez to replace Granderson? Probably not
BECK'S BLOG
Posted on November 30, 2009 at 5:40 PM

The continued trade interest in Curtis Granderson raises the question of who would replace him in center field. But contrary to published speculation, Wilkin Ramirez isn't the answer.

From a pure athletic standpoint, Ramirez might be the closest Detroit has to Granderson that's Major League ready. He was arguably Detroit's fastest player as a spot player over the summer and late-season pinch-runner. His power potential is big, to the point that he would project more for an RBI producer.

He is not, however, a center fielder. He never has been, save for two games in center at Triple-A Toledo this past season and some time there in winter ball for Licey this offseason. The Tigers considered moving him to center in the lower levels of the farm system once they determined he was not a third baseman, but team officials felt he was a better fit in left field, where he made 11 errors in 95 games this year. The physical tools are there, but his instincts are a work in progress.

So if not Ramirez, then who? Ryan Raburn was Granderson's backup in center for most of the year, and started there on a few occasions when Granderson had a game off, but that doesn't necessarily make him a full-time center fielder. Clete Thomas was a regular in center at Erie and Toledo in 2007 and '08, and maybe could fit in a platoon, but he was overmatched at the plate down the stretch this year. Prospect Casper Wells has the ability to play center field in the big leagues, according to some, and he definitely has the desire. Whether he could do it every day is another question; he would have to prove himself to the Tigers to do it.

Ideally, a Granderson trade would bring back a center-field prospect in return, but given the teams with reported interest, that doesn't appear likely.

The other option would be to add a veteran center fielder, maybe someone like Mike Cameron, with whom the Tigers were linked in trade talk last summer as someone to play CF against lefties. That, however, would beg the question: If a Granderson trade frees up money to fill other needs, what good is it if you have to spend money to replace Granderson?

Granderson even-keel amid trade buzz
Outfielder going about business as Tigers ponder his fate

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

12/02/09 10:30 PM EST

DETROIT -- Curtis Granderson has heard plenty of talk about his situation on the trade market, but he's staying out of it.

For now, as his status with the Tigers stands as one of the most intriguing questions in baseball heading into next week's Winter Meetings, Granderson is going about his business as he normally would.

When the question of his trade situation popped up on a media conference call Wednesday with MLB Players Association board members -- who were online to discuss their approval of Michael Weiner as executive director -- Granderson treated it cautiously.

"I'm still wearing the Old English 'D,'" Granderson said on the call, "and getting ready to go to Lakeland for Spring Training. That's the only clarification I have at this point."

In other words, Granderson knows about as much as his fans as to his future. The difference is that fans, friends and family ask him as if he knows.

Granderson has not spoken with Tigers officials since his name publicly hit the trading block a few weeks ago. Barring a deal, it's unlikely he'll be talking with team officials before the Winter Meetings, when trade discussions are expected to reach a fever pitch. The Cubs are expected to make a push for the Chicago native at the Meetings, while the Yankees and Angels have also been linked to Granderson interest in reports.

While Granderson is one of a few Tigers linked to the trade market, his situation is particularly telling. What happens with him, and what kind of return package Detroit receives if he is dealt, will say plenty about the team's situation heading into 2010 and beyond.

While his baseball fate possibly unfolds in Indianapolis, Granderson will have other things going on, such as preparing for next season, wherever he ends up for 2010. At this point, there isn't much he can do. He's under contract for at least three more seasons -- with a team option for a fourth -- and like most players at this stage of his career, he does not have a no-trade clause.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

He needs a no trade clause. You know he'd stay here if it were his choice.

He's on the block now. Just have to wait and see.

I wanna re-evaluate this situation a second:

OUR MOST LOYAL PLAYER AND THE ONE WITH THE BIGGEST HEART AND MOST CARING PERSONALITY, AND QUITE POSSIBLY THE MAIN TICKET-SELLER, is about to get dealt.

No. Deal off Laird, and maybe Jackson depending on the return.