The deal first talked about yesterday looks like is coming to fruition. While it changed a bit, the major players remain the same: Curtis Granderson is coming to the Yankees, Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy go to Arizona, and Detroit gets Austin Jackson, Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, and Phil Coke. All three teams do pretty well here.
First off, the Yankees get a proven center fielder just entering his prime. Sure, they give up a player that could've been that guy, but the difference between "could've been" and "proven" are huge. They also give up Ian Kennedy, who may not of had a chance to make the Yankee rotation anyway, but is a decent pitcher, and Phil Coke, a lefty reliever who faltered down the stretch this year. This is also gives the team great leverage with Johnny Damon. They can now give him a take it or leave it contract, and just use Melky and Gardner in left if Damon moves away. Getting back to Granderson, though, this guy gives you extra base hit/home run power, some speed, and decent-to-pretty-good ability in the field. His attitude and personality is also perfect for New York.
Arizona gets a possible upgrade over Scherzer in Edwin Jackson, plus another young starter in Ian Kennedy. Jackson has blossomed in the last two years, but oddly has been traded twice now, however he could be a star. Kennedy was terrible for the Yanks in early '08, but seemed to get it back together this past season before having serious surgery for an aneurysm under his armpit. He still has a lot of potential, and may be a lot better in the NL.
Detroit gets a good young starting pitcher in Scherzer; one that may end up being better than Jackson. Even better, they get a center fielder that's on the cusp of being major league ready in Austin Jackson. This is the hugest pick-up for them as he's one of the top prospects in the Yankee system, and did very well in Triple A this year. I can see Detroit starting him right away. They also get two relievers, a lefty and righty, from each team, both who have great upside, and with the Tigers losing both Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon to free agency, those are big pick-ups.
All in all, a huge blockbuster trade that may work for everyone involved. We'll be watching this coming season to see who ends up as the winner and loser here.
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3 comments:
Sal, I can't figure out why Arizona would do this deal. Scherzer is younger & cheaper, while Edwin Jackson's resume looks way too much like Carl Pavano's after his one breakout year.
Jackson's last two years have been decent to very good, so I'm thinking their train of thought is that with even more maturity and a league switch the guy might turn into an ace. Also, remember, while Kennedy kind of wore out his welcome in the Yankee system, he is still considered a decent prospect.
Love the handle BTW!
Of the players mentioned in the deal, I do like Scherzer the best as well. It's probably because he has different colored eyes (heterochromia). His 98 mph heater and impressive k/9 are a great bonus as well :). So if Jackson can produce at Dejesus like levels (i.e. average), they win this trade.
I don't think the Yankees did anything crazy on their part to do this deal, as they gave up a few potentials to get a solid player. Granderson didn't have the best average last year, but he has power, speed and can actually take a few walks (as many as Jeter!). The Yankees should bat him second, but Jeter's better bat control and Granderson's flashy speed will probably have him batting leadoff for now.
Arizona. . .well. . . they gave up alot of potential for a decent starter (I agree that he hasn't proven himself yet. His 2008 numbers are pretty gross if you look at the peripherals) and a decent prospect (I have hope for Kennedy). If what they get out of this trade is two middle of the rotation (or one middle and one bottom) starters to follow Webb and Haren, they do very well also.
Yes, Sal, all teams do pretty well here.
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