Curtis Granderson: Still a good guy
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 09, 2010 
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Here’s the latest press release.
Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson today joined Major League Baseball in supporting the new White House Anti-Obesity Campaign, which was introduced today in Washington by First Lady Michelle Obama. The nationwide campaign, which will address the serious epidemic of childhood obesity, for the first time ever will set a national goal of solving the obesity challenge within a generation, so that America’s youngest children reach adulthood at a healthy weight, it was announced today at The White House. This campaign will be designed to unite and inspire families to take real and sustained actions to eat better, be more active, and make a commitment to embracing healthier lifestyles.
Building on its commitment to the cause, Major League Baseball also announced today an expansion of its “Wanna Play?” initiative, a program dedicated to youth fitness. The MLB “Wanna Play?” program debuted last year with events in Cincinnati, Houston, and Philadelphia. In 2010, the program will be administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Official Charity of Major League Baseball, with the goal of reaching 175,000 Club members. “Wanna Play?” encourages boys and girls ages 6 to 12 to increase their physical fitness by focusing on agility, coordination and balance while infusing baseball and softball elements throughout the program. “Wanna Play?” features a variety of fun and engaging activities and games to help young people improve their fitness, increase awareness of good nutrition and hydration, and learn basic baseball and softball skills.
“Major League Baseball takes its responsibility to be a positive influence in the lives of young people very seriously,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “We are proud to expand the ‘Wanna Play?’ program’s emphasis on physical fitness and good nutrition as part of MLB’s support of the First Lady’s new initiative. I can think of no better MLB representative to stand alongside the First Lady today than Curtis Granderson, a role model and ambassador for baseball who has demonstrated a passion and dedication for all issues relating to enriching young people’s lives.”
“As a member of the Major League Baseball family, I hope that we can educate young people on a variety of topics to help them in their development and communicating the importance of physical fitness and living a healthy lifestyle is critical,” said Granderson. “I’m proud and honored to be invited by the First Lady to take part in this special event, and I pledge to do my part to continue stressing the importance of staying active to today’s youth.”
Granderson, an All-Star centerfielder who joined the New York Yankees this off-season and known for his strong community work, was the Detroit Tigers Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy nominee and was voted by his peers as the 2009 Marvin Miller Man of the Year. He established the not-for-profit Grand Kids Foundation in 2008, focusing on improving opportunities for inner city youth in the areas of education and youth baseball. As a Major League Baseball Ambassador, he has visited Europe, South Africa and China to promote the game of baseball to thousands of fans overseas.
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By the way, looks like our friend Bryan Hoch actually made the trip to D.C. for the Granderson event. He has a story with some comments from Granderson over on mlb.com.
It’s laudable, but I really don’t care what players do off the field as long as they aren’t breaking any laws. I just want them to kick butt on the field.
Good for Granderson!! I’m so glad he’s a Yankee
Erin, that looks like a great potential teaming with the Boys And Girls Clubs with Curtis Granderson and Alex Rodriguez, especially around the Flordia area, Chicago and NY. That’s a lot of pull.
I was going thru some magazines this weekend and came across a mlb magazine that had a feature article on Granderson. He seems like a real down to earth guy, with some good values.
If Granderson gets off to a great start this year, the sky is the limit for him in New York.
GB7
hmmm…interesting…snake is ok, but not seafood or avocado?
They should ask Granderson to do some shirtless posters.
The guy is diamond cut diesel.
It makes me sick.
Kate, much like Jeter’s parents Granderson’s parents are both professional, teachers, so, I imagine the kept pretty close tabs on him and taught him well.
Sorry, Kate…I’m finicky about what I eat. Seafod in water…I don’t like soggy food.
***Seafood*** in water
GB, thanks for the background on the Red Wings/octopus bond.
Champ, I am a subscriber and I do periodically visit the forums and read some of the interviews on PP. They do a good job…I agree
Granderson is going to be fantastic in NY and he’s going to fit in with our wonderful clubhouse.
GreenBeret7
February 9th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Do you think they will trade Hoffmann? I kinda thought he would be playing LF in 2010 for NYY. What do you think?
champ809
February 9th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
GB
I think the Yanks genuinely want to take a good look at Hoffman. The word is that he has good tools and a hard nosed approach to playing the game. Bowa thinks that he is on the verge of being a Erstad/Trot Nixon type of player. he actually said Hoffman reminds him a lot of Hunter Pence. I wouldn’t be so quick to move that out if I’m the Yanks. The real potential impact OF bats in the system are a 2-3yrs away and I’ve got a feeling that if Swish has another year like he had last yr Cash is gonna sell high on him and look to move his contract so RF may be open.
Ray, unless he totally outshine Gardner and the other options, I look for Hoffmann to get traded rather than giving him back to LA. Even if it’s for future considerations or a minor leaguer. I’d think that adding a Mitre and a player like Corona to a deal might bring back something more useful. Those guys have better replacements almost ready.
They can’t trade Hoffman because he’s a Rule 5 guy.
He either makes the team or he must be returned to the Dodgers, per Rule 5 rules.
I agree that Hoffman will get a big look in the spring.
If he shows enough, he will make the team.
If not, he goes back to the Dodgers.
Could Hoffman, Winn and Thames all make the team? Unlikely.
SJ, they can trade Hoffman, but he must remain on the receiving team’s roster all year. After all, the Nationals picked him in the Rule 5 and traded him to the Yankees.
NYY can still trade him, SJ. That’s how NYY got him to begin with. He was drafted by the Nationals and traded to the yankees.
11 pitchers and 13 position players: Posada, Cervelli, Jeter, Pena, Arod, Cano, Tex, Nick Johnson, Gardner, Granderson, Swisher, Thames and Winn.
That’s 24 players. The final roster spot could go to a pitcher (I think they can go with 11 pitchers in the early months of the season, given the schedule), another infielder (someone who can play third to give Arod a day), or another OF.
I think having the final roster spot go to another OF is unlikely.
Ah, ok, I stand corrected.
If he does get traded though, if it would mean he would have to stay on his new teams roster all year, I would contend why trade him?
Its not like the organization is filled with 25 and under, major league ready OF’s, if he is indeed ready for the majors.
SJ44
February 9th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Ah, ok, I stand corrected.
If he does get traded though, if it would mean he would have to stay on his new teams roster all year, I would contend why trade him?
Its not like the organization is filled with 25 and under, major league ready OF’s, if he is indeed ready for the majors.
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The Astros and Cubs all come to mind in need of outfielders, infielders and starters….all cheap.
I like what I’ve heard about Hoffmann. I believe he will be given a real chance to compete for starting LF position.
I’m sure the Yanks hope Hoffman is ready to play a role. If he’s not, Thames makes the team. I really think the final spot will come down to those two.
Why they would ever have 12 pitchers is beyond me. The 12th guy just rots in the corner unless your starting pitching is garbage. The Yanks should get 800+ innings out of the top four guys.
I’d love to see them trade for Wigginton as a bench guy who can do almost anything 1B/3B/DH/Util.
in april, the yankees will likely go with 14 players and less pitching because of how the schedule starts. but they do need a second utility IF type. i see hoffman over thames to start the year, but thames will get his time as well.
Wow on this you have got to be kidding me. First that Boras actually believes this stuff and 2 that a newspaper actually believes him to print it
http://thebiglead.com/index.ph.....s-pr-firm/
Thames and Hoffman will compete for the final OF spot. Winn has a ML contract.
Thames needs to show he can play the field some and hit a few long balls in ST.
Hoffman is a long shot to remain with the big league club.
11 pitchers and 13 position players: Posada, Cervelli, Jeter, Pena, Arod, Cano, Tex, Nick Johnson, Gardner, Granderson, Swisher, Thames and Winn.
That’s 24 players. The final roster spot could go to a pitcher (I think they can go with 11 pitchers in the early months of the season, given the schedule), another infielder (someone who can play third to give Arod a day), or another OF.
I think having the final roster spot go to another OF is unlikely.
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Pena can play 3B, he just doesn’t hit anything like your typical 3B. However, of the players you listed, of course he is the *only* guy that can back up 2B, SS and 3B.
Pena also doesn’t field like a third baseman….His defense is pretty weak there.
Gotta go, kiddies. Flight time in 20 minutes….Miami to Tampa. Enjoy…
Who is everybody’s 11th pitcher?
Logan?
Sergio?
Gaudin?
Other???
gayle
February 9th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Wow on this you have got to be kidding me. First that Boras actually believes this stuff and 2 that a newspaper actually believes him to print it
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This is hilarious:
“I will extol Detroit’s virtues to anyone. But, no person in the history of humanity who lives in a posh part of Florida has said, “You know what? I want to spend more than half the year in Detroit.”
GreenBeret7
February 9th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Gotta go, kiddies. Flight time in 20 minutes….Miami to Tampa. Enjoy…
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Have a safe flight GB
GB
Actually the ‘Stros and the Cubs both have too many OF’ers on the rosters.
The fact that Thames is signed to a minor league deal means he can be stashed in SWB if the Yanks so choose although he may not like that.
The fact of the matter is his value to the team is rh bench bat and such he may be better off to start the season DH-ing in Scranton than rusting away on the ML bench.
I guess I’d like the potential of Hoffman being 25 yrs old with some speed/power and a excellent glove who can cover all 3 of positions being in the fold.
god luck w/ Nurse karloff GB
that should be ***good***
Have a good trip down here GB!
Did you all know that Cliff Lee had surgery to remove a spur on his foot?
8 days?!!
Doreen
do you know what Lee’s expected recovery time is?
Doreen
February 9th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Did you all know that Cliff Lee had surgery to remove a spur on his foot?
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A guy I work with was saying something about that this morning, but I was only half listening. My coffee hadn’t kicked in yet.
MLB Network just said the Mariners thought it would be better to have it done now so he’d be ready for the start of the season.
SJ, I had breakfast with a few baseball buddies, one of which was B. Mayne…..He in an indierct way told me that they’ll be several clubs watching Tony’s development this season…He also said he believed that within 2 years Tony will be on many club’s radar for 2013 and beyond……
“I’d love to see them trade for Wigginton as a bench guy who can do almost anything 1B/3B/DH/Util.”
He’s going to make $3.5M, and he’s coming off an 87 OPS+. Plus the Yankees can’t make fair deals with the O’s.
“Yankees pitching coach sees competition for fifth spot”
Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are considered front-runners for the No. 5 job, but Eiland said Alfredo Aceves, Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin also are in the mix.
“We want 200 innings in all five of our guys,” Eiland said.
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/.....um=twitter
Thames is the platoon to hit lefties. Gardner and Winn are fighting for the spot to hit righthanders. Anyone who doesn’t see that should be a met fan.
that said, what a sham situation of LF. What a joke. I don’t need an allstar in left, but how about something that will appraoch league average.
this blog continues to disapoint following the departure of Pete Abe. These guys are basically just linking to yankee.com press releases. Do I need lohud for that?
Wow, the Mets slogan for 2010 is “We Believe in Comebacks!”
If he’s not good, how/why?!?!?!?! would they take him for Wiggington… who is also not good?
“We want 200 innings in all five of our guys,” Eiland said.
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Interesting quote. That tells me Joba is the frontrunner because there is no way Hughes throws 200 innings in 2010.
I don’t think the Yankees will throw away all the time they spent messing with the Joba rules to just put him back in the pen. He will at the very least win the starting job out of spring training unless he totally bombs in spring training. What happens beyond that is up to him.
GreenBeret7 February 9th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Pena also doesn’t field like a third baseman….His defense is pretty weak there.
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Looked fine to me. I’m not even going to look at stats as I know he didn’t play there enough for them to mean anything.
If he can play SS, he can play third. obviously he looks uncomfortable there because he weighs 100 pounds and line drives could take him off his feet… but he can field the position with no problem.
people just make stuff up, post it as fact, and wonder when we question them. :p
Al Czervick
February 9th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Thames is the platoon to hit lefties. Gardner and Winn are fighting for the spot to hit righthanders. Anyone who doesn’t see that should be a met fan.
LOL! I’m not a Met fan & I not only don’t see that but I even disagree. I believe if Hoffmann shows he can hit he will start in LF. Yanks have signed a bunch of Gardner types that he is replaceable especially since he can’t hit. His defense lacks an arm and he really leaves a lot to be desired as a starter in LF. Hoffmann is a better fielder, better arm, can play all 3 OF positions and is thought to be a hitter too. Dodgers are/were really deep in OF so he was somewhat expendable, and he was claimed last year too when they tried to send him down. So basically he was out of options there. If he can hit he is a major upgrade over Gardner in LF.
“We want 200 innings in all five of our guys,” Eiland said.
Well Phil only pitched about 90 total last season. Aceves was about the same.
I don’t see them pitching 200.
Sergio only pitched 100+ but has pitched as many as 150 before he had surgery.
Joba pitched around 160. Gaudin about 150
Honestly, I just can’t see the yanks giving that 5th spot to anyone other than Joba or Phil.
And it’s going to be a real setback for whichever one gets put in the pen assuming the goal is still to be a starter.
Pena made a few rookie mistakes at 3B but he also made a few rookie mistakes at SS. He also made stellar plays at both positions. If called upon, Ramiro Pena would be a great fielding 3B.
SS and third base are two different positions. Its a reach to say if one can play one position, they can play the other.
First off, the throwing motion is completely different from third than it is to short. You have to come completely over the top to make the throw to first from third base. You are more 3/4 with your throw from short.
Its tough to ask a kid to play both short and third. Especially since if he is left at short, he is an above average defender at that position.
Of course the Yanks are going to say Aceves, Gaudin and Mitre have a shot for the fifth starter spot but that doesn’t mean we have to believe it.
Between Joba and Phil Joba has had two years to show what he can do as a starter and hasn’t won the job yet. That tells you something, I think.
Time to see what Phil the Starter can do.
Ray,
Hoffman is not going to start in LF. Its either going to be Gardner or Winn (most likely Gardner).
They wouldn’t have acquired Winn if they saw Hoffman as a potential starter in LF.
The Yankees have set it up that way and the best Hoffman can hope for is to be a RH bat off the bench.
LF is Gardner’s job to lose.
Cashman would like to see him win the everyday job, IMO.
Otherwise, I think Cashman would have negotiated harder with Damon, and maybe been willing to increase his offer. But he didn’t, because Cashman has confidence in GGBG.
I see Winn and Thames as back-up for CG not hitting lefties or for BG disappointing, but as back-up, not true competitors for the Opening Day job.
I see Hoffman back with LA.
It’s not the same position SJ44, but as someone that has played both for 20-plus years I can tell you that the difference is negligible. The throwing motion comes naturally from your footwork fielding the ball, it’s not like a SS “tries” to throw the ball 3/4(and they never, ever should anyway). It’s exactly like playing short except the ball gets to you a second faster, and you don’t have to range as far to your right.
It got way overblown when A-rod made the move, and I still don’t understand why.
Gardy’s gotta get on base ! Long will be busy
“this blog continues to disapoint following the departure of Pete Abe. These guys are basically just linking to yankee.com press releases. Do I need lohud for that?”
And yet you continue to come in here?
Please, allow us to be disappointed with YOUR departure.
Wave,
That’s kind of an unfair statement. Joba has started for 1.5 years. In the first half a year he was fantastic and went down with an injury. In the second year he was good at times and terrible at others. And I don’t think you can put too much stock into his starts when he was on absurd innings limits.
I don’t think the Yankees will abandon their plan for him after all the pain they went through with the Joba rules, etc. Especially when the pitching coach says he wants 200 innings out of all his starters.
Tom B,
I have to agree with you on this one. I played a ton of SS in little league up through high school but moved over to 3B in college. You need a great arm for both positions, more range for SS and better reactions for 3B. With Pena’s fielding ability he’ll be fine at either spot.
what’s the likelihood that granderson will be in left and gardner in center?
Why are some here pencilling in Pena as the utility guy. Isnt he batting like .230 in some winter league. Cant we get a better guy via trade or free agency? Mr. Hamm? There has to be someone more capable out there or in our minor league.
Erin,
Colts are the favorites for next year at 5 to 1
S.o.S.,
Pena is the frontrunner but there are other options in AAA. I don’t think you need a really good veteran infielder until the all-star break anyways. More options open up when teams fall out of playoff contention. Like last year when the Yanks needed someone they got Hairston and he was great. I think they can get by with Pena for a few months.
Patrick,
I just did not see enough progress from Joba last year to see why he should be favored over Hughes. Joba could take a step forward of course, but if you can only start one of them it seems to me Phil has the greater upside at this point.
Wave and SJ,
I would think left field is Winn’s to lose. He is the proven player here while the other has no real track record.
S.o.S.(COLTS = 90′S braves)
February 9th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Erin,
Colts are the favorites for next year at 5 to 1
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Nice.
I see the Yanks keeping Hoffman at the beginning of the season and putting Thames in the minors. That way they get to keep both of them, so it’s more flexible.
The challenge for Hoffman will be to show pretty quickly that he can perform at a major league level. I’m dubious that he will do so. First of all, I don’t know that he can hit at a major league level. Second, he may not get many at bats, playing behind Swisher, Gardy, Grandy and Winn.
Patrick,
Agreed. Too many folks freak out about the bench to start the year.
You need a bench from July on. You find those kind of players during the season.
Until then, you go with what you have unless a major injury takes place.
What they have right now is good enough to start the season with at least until the trade deadline.
2B throw 3/4 arm, because he has to throw across his body due to the direction he faces. SS typically do not throw 3/4 arm because they are positioned facing first, more or less, and so there’s no need to.
SJ
I believe you when you say that Hoffmann is last OF right now. But if he hits in ST, I believe he jumps all of them. He is the best defender of the group. Winn was added to be the safe bet if all else fails IMO. I just don’t believe Gardner is the guy.
The real question is, is Jobas velocity at 97/98 in the pen vs. 93/94 starting. Does he let loose knowing its one and done vs. having to pace himself the result being more hittable.
I did notice the prior year he had more gas on his fastball even when starting. That was prior to his injury.
Patrick,
You have a point as far as mid season. I just think with the market hurting this year, they can get someone now thats better at the plate.
No way Hoffman beats out any of Gardner, Winn or Thames.
Only way I see him sticking is if the Yanks break camp with 11 pitchers.
Winn isn’t the favorite for the job. Look at how his contract is structured. His incentives are based on how he hits righthanded.
That tells me they see him as a platoon/bench player.
LF is Gardner’s job to lose with Winn as the backup plan if he can’t hack it.
Wave,
I think Phil has been given as many opportunities as Joba, both have failed as starters thus far.
To me, if you want to maximize your pitching staff you stick Joba as the fifth starter simply because he’s (theoretically) capable of throwing 200 innings. I don’t think Phil can do that yet.
I still see them both as starters going forward but I don’t think the Yanks will ever chance having two unknowns in the rotation after 2008. Joba’s higher innings limit gives him an edge this year, I think.
How many teams in baseball could possibly have a conversation as dumb as this? Worrying about the bench, especially a backup infielder that will likely see less than 15 games of action seems petty to me.
How many teams in baseball have a utility infielder(not one of their starters that YOU consider a backup for us) that can hit better than .230? If they could hit, they would be starting for someone… and no longer qualify.
Tom B
February 9th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
How many teams in baseball could possibly have a conversation as dumb as this? Worrying about the bench, especially a backup infielder that will likely see less than 15 games of action seems petty to me.
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LOL The sip of water I just took is now all over my desk. Thanks a lot
New Post- State of the Yankees: First base
Most SS’s today throw sidearm/3/4 arm.
The only time you see them come over the top is when they are making plays in the hole.
Ray,
Even if he hits in ST, what does that mean really? Fans place more stock into hitting in ST (and pitching for that matter) than teams do.
ST is about getting ready for the season. All hitting is not created equal.
Does he hit major league pitching as they are getting ready for the season or minor league arms?
He would have to show an awful lot to jump the other guys.
I just don’t see that happening.
If Joba’s motion and body type allowed him to throw 97-98mph free and easy, then he would. 2 years ago he went out there and tried to throw the ball past everyone, so his velocity was up but ended up hurting himself in the process.
As a starter, you have to plan for longevity. You don’t go out there and “throw hard” every game or you wind up in one place… the DL. You have to go out there and throw what comes out easy, and learn to pitch around that. Joba just has to learn how to pitch now that he can’t rely on blasting the ball past people for 7-8innings per game. Most if not all of his struggles last year were due to this, add that on to the inconsistency of his workload at the end of the season and it was just about the worst possible scenario for him. Once he learns to pitch within himself for the length of a season, then you may see some of that velocity return as he gets stronger and more durable.
EMPIRE STATE STRIKES BACK!!!!…..
starring
Joba Chamberlain as the 5th starter…”I’ve got ‘ya 200 bullets right here Skip! Just turn me loose!!!!
Phil “Phranchise” Hughes as the stopper!…”it matter when you call me Joe…they ain’t gettin’ no more on us! I got this!!!
Ace Aceves the Silent Assassin….” I been waitin so long to get in Capitaine que no me importa, I’ll give you whatever you need! Meteme!
Chad “Soulja” Gaudin the Longman….” I’ve got 60 pitches good pitches in me General Joe and I plan to go hard or go home, sir!yes sir!”
Dave DRob Robertson the Sharpshooter…”strike one, strike two, I’m knocking ‘em out!”
Mark “Ice” Melancon the Young Gun….”I’m not going to say too much,soon,everybody gonna be talkin ’bout me!
Damaso “Lefty” Marte the Specialist….”my LH kung fu is better than your LH karate,Lefty!”
Mo Hierro Rivera El Jefe….nuff said!
Forgot to post it earlier, but there’s a new post up.