Angels allegedly in talks to acquire Tigers’ outfielder
In the last three years Curtis Granderson has averaged 25 HR and just under 20 stolen bases a season. Bobby Abreu has averaged 17 HR and just over 25 stolen bases during that same three-year span. With Granderson on the trading block and Abreu already signed, there is a chance the two could be patrolling the same outfield in 2010 and beyond.
Abreu’s bat and leadership led the Halos to the playoffs last season while many of the other leaders spent considerable time on the Disabled List. Granderson also matches Abreu in durability; both averaging over 155 games played a season over the last 4. While his eye is not as established as Abreu he is a much better defender and is only 28.
The real comparison should be with the current left fielder on the Angels, Juan Rivera. Although Rivera did have a repeat of his breakout season of 2006 last year, his horrendous defense and lack of speed have hurt the Angels in the past. Torii Hunter is getting older and cannot continue to have to worry about below average defenders on both sides of him. The addition of Granderson would move Rivera to DH or make him available in trade for a starter or reliever.
Talks have allegedly included Brandon Wood and Mike Napoli. If it takes one of those plus a prospect to get Granderson, Tony Reagins should pull the trigger. Wood is blocked by Figgins (hopefully) at third and Aybar at Short. Plus Matt Brown and others can fill the void of a top prospect that never gets to play in the Majors. Jeff Mathis proved in the playoffs that he can be a regular and Bobby Wilson or a veteran free agent can be a backup.
Some teams have been criticized for having too many of the same type of player. There is no problem with having too many Bobby Abreus. It’s all conjecture at this point but it would be great to see Bobby and “Bobby- Light”.
Loading ...
I don’t know if I like this deal. Also Detroit will be needing a second baseman so I am sure Howie will be brought up in the conversations. Plus you still have Matthews to get rid of and since his contract is similar to Granderson’s you would have to take on most of his salary if you trade him. Granderson strikes out a lot so he doesn’t fit as well at the top of the order and definitely not lead off if Figgins doesn’t stay..
I would rather wait a year and try to get Carl Crawford. He is a better hitter and fits more into the Angels play style.
The other thing is that Granderson really struggles against left handed pitching. Considering how much the Angels struggled against good left handed pitching last year I don’t feel like it’s a good move.
I think Granderson would bat sixth or so. Maybe Matt Brown and Mike Napoli would be enough as Brown has played some second base. Crawford will be looking for a huge contract whereas Granderson has a reasonable one.
Great move, but the deal needs to be expanded. The Tigers are trying to unload payroll…why not include Miguel Cabrera and Brandon Inge in the deal?
If so, great insurance against Figgins leaving for greener pastures ($) and Inge plays a solid third base.
Curtis Granderson is a dynamic player and a great human being. I would love to see him on the Angels, but only if we don’t give up the farm. I’d be ok in dealing Napoli (I’ll miss him greatly), but why would we give up Wood UNLESS we will have Figgins re-signed? Wood could also be a big trade chip for Roy Halladay or other yet unknown big deals.
I say trade Izturis, Napoli, Matthews, and a mid level prospect for Granderson and a pitcher. If we can make that pitcher Edwin Jackson, then upgrade that prospect sent to Det. We’d pick up the majority of Matthews’ contract and we’d trade talented players, but we have depth in the infield and at catcher.
Just my opinion and I’m sticking to it.
I was wrong about Granderson’s contract. I thought he made more. I just worry about his hitting against lefties. Especially if you are talking about replacing Rivera with him since Rivera is one of the guys that hit left handed pitching well, even if he did struggle down the stretch.
I would never take on Miguel Cabrera’s contract hes due 7 more years of his 8 year 153 million dollar contract and he is sub par at best on defense and guys never perform the same at the bottom end of those types of contracts.
Inge is a career .230 hitter. Another great guy but he would not be an improvement over Wood.
I think to get Granderson and Jackson (by the way another #2 starter at best) you would have to give up Reckling and possibly someone like Arredondo as well as probably Wood/Kendrick plus either Napoli or Mathis. Most likely Napoli.