Granderson’s work in progress
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Podcast on Aug 13, 2010 
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Curtis Granderson just might be the most important player on the Yankees roster. Actually, he might be the most important player on any roster. That’s what this stat suggests, anyway:
The Yankees are 24-2 when Granderson drives in a run.
According to Elias, the record of 23-2 heading into last night’s game was the best record of any major league team in games in which one particular player had an RBI. I have to assume that was still the best such record after last night’s win.
Truth is, I doubt that stat proves anything other than the fact RBIs are good and some stats are strange, but a productive Granderson is clearly good for the Yankees. Until the ninth inning, Granderson’s at-bats were by far the most interesting thing about last night’s game. It was his first test with altered mechanics, and he was terrific.
“If we didn’t get anything going good today, I would continue working on it tomorrow one way or another,” he said after the game. “It’s still a work in progress.”
Here’s Granderson speaking after the game. He seems to think most of this is not a big deal, and that’s probably a good thing, but I think a big-name player trying to alter his mechanics – beyond the normal tweaks and adjustments – this late into the season is kind of fascinating.
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Chad-
I don’t think what we’ve seen so far is anything more than just tweaks.
The results were positive so far but the actual changes appeared to be small.
JMO
This is true. The Yankee offense is good without Granderson who has largely been a black hole at the bottom of the lineup for much of the season. When he isn’t and contributes then it makes a difference and sometimes that difference wins the game. That’s why getting him on track would be a huge lift for this team. Good first step and good for Curtis for being willing to so it midseason.
The tweaks were very minor. Let’s see how he does against a top of the line lefty.
Blake-
How you this fine morning ?
The previous thread was for pistols at 50 paces.
I’ve already traded Granderson and Posada on MLB2K10 therefore his changes mean nothing to me.
/Bumknee’d
I thought it was a good first step for Granderson last night.
laura-
Personally. I’m not knocking that, or diminishing it either. Just pointing it out. “From a tiny spark a mighty flame doth follow” is what I’m thinking.
MTU -
A new career as poet?
MTU,
Fantastic and you?
the fact that Bum quotes fantasy stats as his bible for evaluating players tells you all you need to know about his comments. That same site (I just checked) has Teix ranked 8th among 1st baseman, how many Yankees fans would prefer Cabrera or any of the other players above him for the next 7 years? I’m guessing that answer is very close to zero.
Big Al-
How the heck am I going to take credit for something that was written thousands of years ago ?
Great line though. Lot’s of applications.
Flaherty is the worst announcer I have ever heard. Puts you right to sleep.
Blake-
As long as things keep goin’ in the direction they have for my loved one I kiss the ground feel very grateful,humbled and happy.
Am I keepin’ it the road, and on the beam ?
Blake-
Now that I have told you why I’m feelin’ fantastic. What’s your reason ?
Hint: You better make it good.
It had been nearing the point where Granderson was virtually yuseless offensively. I think Girardi, Long, and even Granderson realized that, and they decided they had little to lose by this reconfiguring of Granderson’s mechanics in season.
I stand by my original point which was that I was happy to see Granderson was willing to work on his lack of success against lefties. Too small a sample size to say he has it all figured out, but give him credit for trying, especially during the season. As Betsy said “baby steps”.
I prefer to give a player credit for trying, then to rip him for lack of success.
“useless” heh
Temp in texas will be 106, if you think the Sox had a “Melt down” yesterday, this will be even more fun. Now I can pull for the Rangers.
O’s playing much better, Guthrie pitching better, let’s hope they do well against Tampa, and the Yankees reel off more wins.
Rich-
You’ll NEVER break my Lo Hud typo record. Never. So don’t even try.
I’ve made at least one typo for 58 or more consecutive days and have pulled ahead of Joe D all time. It’s untouchable. Not even GB stands a chance.
MG–Tex is ranked 4th behind, Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Votto, who are all having monster seasons. Try to be truthful.
Did you see the smile on Granderson’s face after his first hit, looked like a kid that just got the first hit of his career. Hope he continues to make progress, for both him and the Yankees sake.
With Granderson hitting, the line-up becomes longer.
I love Granderson interviews.
He makes Jeter sound like Redd Foxx.
RE: O’s
Did the Mets even think about Buck Showalter; or is there a Yankee issue there ?
MTU,
1. I don’t have to work today.
2. Its a beautiful day and I’m hanging out with my son this AM.
3. The Yanks have won 2 in a row.
4. Granderson got 2 hits last night.
There is 4…I could rattle off more though
Flaherty is a great announcer. He has great insight and not afraid to call players out when they do not perform. He was quick to do it with Gardner’s hesitancy to steal, with Joba’s fear to throw a 3-2 fastball, with Granderson’s deficiency to get a good jump on a ball hit in front of him, and with Posada’s game calling.
Jeers-
One of my all time favorite Red Foxx skits was the one where talks about having “funk in his can”. Ever hear it ?
Blake-
#2 is the only one that really matters. I knew you’d get it right.
Careful, a guy spending time with his kid could get you ripped on this blog.
Al-
That only applies to newborns.
Sorry – I forgot. When their that young they don’t need parents.
Repost regarding Posada and the catcher’s position:
“A catcher with an OPS of .812 is a ‘marginal’ player? Interesting.”
What makes him a little more marginal is that he doesn’t catch enough. Only 50 games started this year. If he’s not catching, the long time offenisve advantage at that position the Yankees have enjoyed over other teams is greatly diminished…for a year or so, anyway
.
That said, the Yankees do rank 4th in the AL (tied with the Halos) at OPS from the catching position at .723, trailing only Minnesota (duh!), Boston and Toronto. Yankees have the 2nd best OBP from the catcher’s spot and are tied to 4th in RBI. It hasn’t been a black hole or anything.
My favorite band has a great song that is really relevant Al.
The title. “Love over Gold”. The group. “Dire Straits”. Says it all as far as I’m concerned.
MTU,
Never hear it but it I can just imagine what Redd is implying there.
“That same site (I just checked) has Teix ranked 8th among 1st baseman, how many Yankees fans would prefer Cabrera or any of the other players above him for the next 7 years?”
I’d take Cabrera’s bat and Teixeira’s glove if I could.
Bill D -
There you go, screwing up everything with facts, how dare you.
MTU
How do we get an edit function here?
Bill D,
His bat still has been better than marginal at the DH spot as well. He’s been injured more this year but he’s still a very useful player IMO.
http://www.baseball-reference......hives/7788
“Love over Gold, mind over matter”
Big Al-
It’s yours to run with.
Keep those AA reports coming.
Rich-
You mean for me ?
Jeff Marx.
Offer him an autographed ball if he’ll do it.
He’ll be pitching in Trenton, if all goes well, we might see him when the Yankees return home – Here’s hoping. He felt great after his stint in SWB.
Kenny and Flash are one of my favorite combos. I like Leiter also. O’Neill is entertaining, but a distraction. Kay has become more annoying lately. He forgets he isn’t on his radio show…he kept going on and on about Tex missing the TX games.
MTU-
Are you going the sign the ball?
Tex is still ranked 4th no matter what you guys report. I just looked at it again.
Regarding Posada–he has historically been a great offensive force and a clutch hitter. Curiously, his overall post-season numbers are pedestrian at best.
defensively—he has always been a liability and within the last few years and especially now–he is a huge defensive liability. He is likely the worst defensive catcher in baseball. He has 7 errors this year, which ties him for the team high along with….. Cervelli. That’s ridiculous.
BumKnee -
How many WS rings does your catcher have?
To: Jeff Marx
From: Typing-challenged posters
If you add an edit function, you will win an autographed baseball filled with misspelled names.
That’s an offer no one can refuse.
Al-
It’s always good to take the conservative approach to treatment, especially with the back, as far as it will tak you.
Sorry to say. I do think he will require surgery in the OS but the good news is that he will have plenty of time to heal and he should be 100% after that.
How do I know this ?
Because I know people who have had disc lamenectomies that were
extremely successful. It will probably be done arthroscopically which is minimally invasive and reduces the healing time.
It’s all gonna be good.
Rich -
Maybe Jeff can add spell check too.
My Yankees/Braves WS prediction took a big hit yesterday…not sure the Bravos can get it done without Larry.
Varitek has 2 WS rings.
Big Al-
Why would anyone want a baseball autographed by “Clarabell” ?
blake August 13th, 2010 at 9:57 am
My Yankees/Braves WS prediction took a big hit yesterday?not sure the Bravos can get it done without Larry.
************
I am actually starting to wonder if it could be a Yankees/Padres 1998 grudge re-match
Btw- New York Yankees…. 2 Game lead. Woohoo!!!
First Base Ranking as of today–8/13/10–for those of you who failed reading comprehension
1) Albert Pujols 100.95
2)Miguel Cabrera 100.07
3)Joey Votto 96.17
4) Mark Teixeira 91.60
5)Aubrey Huff 86.09
6) Paul Konerko 85.97
Blake-
It would have been nice to get it done for Bobby’s farwell.
Sorry.
MTU -
From your mouth to God’s ears. I pray this will be the case. I love the guy, he and Arley are such sweet people, with their feet planted well on the ground, enjoying what life has brought them.
On a sad note, Arley called to tell me their neighbor at home got angry at their German Shepard for barking, and poisoned the poor dog, only 14 months old. They are heart broken. They called the dog their baby.
Impressed with Kevin Long. It is also great that the players are willing to let him really tweak their swing. His success with Swish, Cano and others is amazing. I hope he is rewarded accordingly.
Big Al–just as many as yours–and I don’t count 1996 like everyone else does.
GB-
I’ve got the typo record sewn up, so to speak, GB is the spelling champ. NOT.
And he cheats too by using an advanced spell checker. Even that doesn’t help him.
A-Rod is putting up good numbers, as far as RBI’s, but, his AVG is getting much lower than I can ever remember at this point in the season. Could his hip be the cause of his swing being off?
Erica,
Could be…if so hopefully the outcome will be the same.
MTU,
There aren’t done yet but they need to acquire a bat somehow.
Braves still have the pitching to win in the NL but their offense was being carried by Larry Wayne when he went down. McCann is their best hitter but he can’t be in the lineup every day, so that doesn’t help them. Phillies are getting healthier, Braves are getting worse makes for a bad combination. I still can’t believe the Padres have been this good, Latos is an unbelievable young pitcher.
Al-
That’s effin awful.
That SOB.
I don’t what I would do if someone did that to one of my pups but I’m pretty sure the result wouldn’t be pretty.
It needs to be taken care of. One way or another.
That you come on this site and do nothing but bring up negative topics regarding the Yankees and their players is one issue.
Your cute handle referring to Berkman’s injury.
But then expect to anyone here to believe that you are in fact a Yankee fan helping the rest of see the light is an indication of how beyond stupid you really are.
Blake-
If you say so. I know you want it so I hope you’re right.
Just don’t get your loyalties confused.
With A-Rod it’s the “he only plays well during odd-numbered years” theory/omen at work.
2004 – Mediocre (in terms of A-Rod)
2005 – MVP
2006 – While not a terrible year, he was getting booed in NY all the time.
2007 – God-like, MVP
2008 – Mediocre
2009 – Although missing over a month of the season, still put up 30/100, was clutch, and had a monster post season.
2010 – RBI’s are there, everything else isn’t.
CONSPIRACY.
“His bat still has been better than marginal at the DH spot as well. He’s been injured more this year but he’s still a very useful player IMO”
Sure, but the beauty of Posada has always been the offensive edge he gave you at catcher over most everyone else. He doesn’t necessarily give you that edge at DH. Being a catcher is what makes Posada, Posada. He may get into the HOF because of the position he played and the offensive success he enjoyed relative to others who have played it. If he were a 1st baseman or a DH all his career, he’d probably comp out about John Olerud level, which is quite good, but considerably beneath HOF level.
Doesn’t mean he isn’t a useful player. He is. He’s never really got going since being injured in May (.218, .704 OPS since coming off the DL in early June), but he’s still not a guy I’d want to face in a big spot, if I’m an opposing pitcher.
MTU -
The dog was staying with Alfredo’s Dad, his dog was also killed. Alfredo’s Dad and brother are trying to decide the course of action, but, that’s all I’ll say on that.
None of that matters.
Here’s the list that does:
NYY: 71-43
TBR: 69-45
BOS: 66-50
TOR: 60-54
BAL: 40-75
Big Al
Poor Ace…that is just horrible…now that person deserves to be called garbage.
even if you don’t count 96 Jorge still has twice as many rings as Varitek…
MTU,
Yanks always first
Actually his 2008 was decent, but i guess just mediocre in terms of odd numbered years. He really doesn’t have ‘awful years’, just some are so great it makes good years look mediocre.
Al-
I’m very sorry that happened. Crazy things sometimes happen in Urban environments. That person is just sick, and they need to be punished for it.
upstate kate -
Not called garbage, put out with the garbage, if you know what I mean.
Blake-
The Braves, if they can make the playoffs, have the pitching to contend, but so do the Cardinals , Giants, and Padres. Chipper wasn’t contributing much this year due to injuries, and it looks like he’ll retire.
The Phillies will win the NL East. Their top 3 starters are great and the bats are starting to wake up (and get healthy). The pen is still weak. But overall they have enough to pull it out. I still think it will be a rematch of last year’s Series when everything is said and done.
MTU -
If I had your E-mail, I’d send you some crazy pictures of Ace. If you saw him with his dog, you’d realize why they called him their baby.
Lol interesting… Does that mean that if we can get him to drive in 150 runs next year, we will only lose about 15-20 games?
George Gershwin—Whew!!! You must feel so much better, getting all that hostility and pent up anger released into the stratosphere. And to think—-such a trivial way you’ve selected to aggravate yourself. I’m happy for you.
Al-
Your wish is my command.
cybermrb03@gmail.com
Thanks.
Y. Trader,
Eh, they do have the pitching to contend but I really think they needed chipper’s leadership and for him to not only play but turn back the clock a bit down the stretch in order for them to have enough offense to get it done. If they can make the post season then you never know but as you said there are a few teams that can match their pitching in a playoff series.
Al-
Here’s a photo of our little lovers.
http://picasaweb.google.com/cybermrb03/ThePups#
Some around here think they look like dustmops but they just don’t have any taste.
but Blake, they picked up Krazy Karl…surely he is a difference maker
Nothing delights me more then knowing that your boys will be at least 8 games out before departing Texas.
Watching Beckett labor tonight PIP next to my Yankees a reason today to be in a great frame of mind.
And speaking of the “dustmops” I out to walk them.
Rangers should take 2 of 3 this weekend. The Red Sox have had all kinds of issues with Texas the last couple of years.
MTU -
You should have them. See what I mean. They are both nuts any way.
Let’s be careful before we anoint Granderson as “fixed.”
Bruce Chen is probably one of the worst LHP in the league.
MTU – They are precious! I’ll send you a picture of my babies, they’re twins.
kate,
That is a very good point and the also have Hinske and super duper clutch melky so…..;)
# YankeeBlue222 August 13th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Let’s be careful before we anoint Granderson as “fixed.”
Bruce Chen is probably one of the worst LHP in the league.
———–
Has anyone said Granderson is “fixed”? Anyone at all?
Nobody has said that. The general feeling is that he’s headed in the right direction and there’s nothing wrong with that.
“Could his hip be the cause of his swing being off?”
I think his right hip is collapsing on him sometimes.
Michael Kay calls it a Reggie Swing to be dramatic when he swings hard but you can even see a small buckle sometimes even when he doesn’t swing at max effort.
“Let?s be careful before we anoint Granderson as ?fixed.?
Kill joy!
pat -
I wonder if A-Rod needs that second surgery, or is this how he’ll be the remainder of his career. If so, that would be a shame, such a great talent.
We just lost power in my office for about a half hour. I thought it was very appropriate, considering it’s Friday the 13th.
MTU -
Did you get the pictures?
AL
Any news on Ace?
mick -
He felt great after pitching in SWB. Will be pitching in trenton, after which, if all goes well, could be back when the team returns from the road trip.
Watching Beckett labor tonight PIP next to my Yankees a reason today to be in a great frame of mind.
===========================
How do you watch them? Can only seriously watch the Yanks, all else is nonsense.
MTU -
Did you take them for a walk, or did they take you. That’s a long walk for guys with such short legs, like my two.
AL
I love the pen now but if Ace and Marte come back, prob Gaudin and Mitre will go , at least in the post-season.
That’s a long way off , so we will see what happens in Sept.
Personally, I can see Javy being left off the roster with Phil getting his game.
The pen, one way or another , should be strong even w/out Phil.
Javy as a long man is unnecessary with the like s of Mosely and Ace around.
Granderson is trying what very few players would dare try…..make dramatic swing changes this late in the season.
Tells me he CARES.
Most of the daily whine brigade on here complain this team “mails it in” and “doesn’t care”.
This guy shows he does and he gets ripped for it?
There hasn’t been a single post on here declaring him “fixed”.
There have been posts commending him for taking a positive first step.
What is the problem with that?
As far as Posada, you have to evaluate him different this year.
Much like the Yankees did with Munson in 1978, it’s not evaluating his regular season. Too many nagging injuries (as was the case with Munson in ’78) has short circuited his season.
It’s about keeping him healthy for the post-season and making sure he can answer the bell for each of the post-season games.
If he can, and helps the team win again, his season, as well as the team’s, is a success.
mick -
Even with Alfredo back soon, I’m thinking it’ll be a few games back until he gets his legs under him. Pitching rehab games not like the real thing. I hope if he gets beat up a little, people don’t jump on him. Ace is smart and talented, I know he’ll be there when it counts.
Mick,
I have a 56″ HD screen from which I watch the Yankee game with a smaller picture in a picture window that I watch the second game. Jump back and forth during commercials.
I have the MLB package with my cable. My cable service rovides the PIP feature.
BIG AL
I don’t know if the second surgery is the answer or not but I never remember Alex going to a knee on a swing until a few weeks ago so something is up.
Alex has said little about it other than it’s fine or getting stronger everyday but Mike Lowell has spoken about his hip. Lowell’s hip surgery was more extensive but he says some days you feel you can climb mountains and other days it’s tough to get out of bed.
SJ44 -
Good comparison. Both Posada and Munson are tough guys. I still believe Munson one of the best catchers the Yanks ever had, maybe a generation thing with me. Jorge not having his best year, age and injuries take it’s toll. Right now he’s our best chance behind the plate at winning again.
Lets get real about this Granderson stat. Its not a good thing, its because he has only hit in blowouts.
pat -
Didn’t Lowell have the full surgery, the type A-Rod was to have originally?
Sox miss Lee which leaves him for the Rays I believe.
Lets get real about this Granderson stat. Its not a good thing, its because he has only hit in blowouts.
——————-
You mean like his go-ahead HR’s in Boston and Arizona? Or Cleveland?
fleckfleckman August 13th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Lets get real about this Granderson stat. Its not a good thing, its because he has only hit in blowouts.
…………………………………………………………………….
I guess I missed last nights “Blowout”
Give the guy a break, he’s trying to turn things around, not too proud to ask for and accept help, even changing his approach at the plate this late in the season. Try being a fan, and support the players, not just the favorites.
I’m quite sure Granderson does not want to be “fixed” at his age. But maybe those little hair ball masquerading as dogs ought to be.
Just kiddin, I’m sure they are adorable
When Alex’ back knee touches it’s because he’s out of balance from overstriding. It has nothing to do with the hip. I don’t proclaim to know whether or not he might need that full repair done, but I suspect he does.
Still I got a feeling there’s a HR surge coming from him.
# RhapsodyInBlue August 13th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Mick,
I have a 56? HD screen from which I watch the Yankee game with a smaller picture in a picture window that I watch the second game. Jump back and forth during commercials.
I have the MLB package with my cable. My cable service rovides the PIP feature.
=====================================================
I understand the technology. Just can’t watch any team other than the Yanks was my point.
Is it just me or does the air seem a little fresher, the morning dew smell a little sweeter, and the coffee taste a little better now that Curtis Granderson’s swing has been fixed?
Big Al-
Not sure what Lowell’s surgery entailed only that people refer to it as more extensive.
Sox miss Lee which leaves him for the Rays I believe.
—————————-
you’re correct, pat. Lee goes Tuesday against Price in TB.
that s/b a hell of a game.
Mick
I’ve been a Yankee fan for about 55 years watching them win never gets old nor does watching the Sox lose.
Lee/Price…may have to watch some of that one.
s it just me or does the air seem a little fresher, the morning dew smell a little sweeter, and the coffee taste a little better now that Curtis Granderson’s swing has been fixed?
=======================================================
It’s sublime. A beautiful day in the neighborhood, how’s the air by you , Nick?
Al-
I did thanks. I just got back. I replied via e-mail.
Magnificent animal. What a shame. Please tell AA and his wife I am sorry about the loss.
Trisha is a Lawyer and loves animals perhaps she can be of some service ?
I would ask for her counsel, and for any advice she may have on how to proceed.
“Lee/Price?may have to watch some of that one.”
The beauty of pip.
People are too obsessed with the RS.
Personally, I think it’s a fear factor, dating back to 04.
After all the heists we pulled on them, they got one back.
Time to get over it, TB is a better team.
Or two windows on MLB.TV…
Rhapsody-
Mine’s bigger than yours.
63 ” Mitsu.
Ok, now we’re bragging about TV’s.
Mine is bigger than yours.
How Freudian.
Yours might be bigger but I have a better picture, so there.
The air is a bit cool (approximately 55 degrees this morning) and heavy with fog. Yet even with a gray, overcast sky, the flowers seem a little brighter and the grass whispers “Curtis… Curtis… Curtis…”
MTU
Nice.
Roll away the dew…
…and the wind sighs, Mary.
MTU -
This happened in Mexico. They handle these matters differently there, not in court!
RhapsodyInBlue August 13th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Varitek has 2 WS rings.
…………………………………………………………….
Same with Wakefield and Phat Ortiz.
Jeter, Rivera, Posada, and Pettitte have enough for one hand.
Rhapsody-
You should come on over some time and watch a game.
P.S. It’s got a Bose sound system attached, and I keep the beer fridge fully stocked but please don’t tell anyone that.
mick August 13th, 2010 at 11:08 am
People are too obsessed with the RS.
Personally, I think it?s a fear factor, dating back to 04.
After all the heists we pulled on them, they got one back.
Time to get over it, TB is a better team.
*****************
Please mark this date on the calendar…. I agree with Mick
Ortiz won two rings but he only has one of them — the other fell into his blender.
Nick in SF -
Love your city. Wish it was 55 here. Yes, I did notice the birds were singing louder here in NC also. Oh, what a beautiful morning, I hear a song coming on.
Al-
I see. Didn’t realize that. The old fashioned way.
# Nick in SF August 13th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Is it just me or does the air seem a little fresher, the morning dew smell a little sweeter, and the coffee taste a little better now that Curtis Granderson’s swing has been fixed?
———————————————————————————
As I read this line the Grateful Dead channel on Sirius was playing “Morning Dew”, still are…
Mick-
I’ll leave you to believe that. I don’t think it’s fair to completely strip a Man of his pride.
Like the Japanese say, They must be allowed to save face.
Yes – Got to go take care of some business. Talk later – Play nice.
“…People are too obsessed with the RS…”
“…Time to get over it, TB is a better team….”
Maybe this season -yes.
But a great rivalry is simply that; a great rivalry – of which alot of us remember vividly.
Years & decades of Boston rivalry (all sports inclusive) will never be replaced by Tampa Bay or any other town.
2004 – fugettaboutit – a rip in time; a solar flare.
The “curse” was never lifted….a “curse” has to be broken with the person who put the curse there.
‘The Babe’ has passed away many years ago – thus he’s not here – thus the “curse” can’t be broken.
The “Curse” remains.
Yes – TB is better at this point of time.
New Post: Yankees same-day tickets going on sale at Modell’s
RS indeed are cursed.
What added to it were their pyrrhic victories of 04 and 07.
They have lost their charm, now expecting to win and all else is failure.
What? They have become us.
Or as Elaine once said, “I’ve become George, I’m George!”
MTU
Sounds like a good deal. Thanks for the offer.
I have a bose system too, but I watch the game using a Sony infared wireless headset system, muting the TV so no one else will be disturbed, so I’m able to walk all over the house, outside to the barbeque, to the fridge for beer, down in the basement to do laundry and still hear the broadcast.
Mr. Gershwin-
It sounds like you have a good life. Nothing blue about it.