Curtis Granderson News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 18

SI.com

"Curtis Granderson, Edwin Jackson, Brandon Inge, other Tigers: All three of those Tigers have tradeable contracts. Granderson ($25.75 million over three years) makes sense for the Yankees, Cubs and others, Inge ($6.6 million) for the Phillies, Orioles or Angels and Jackson (arbitration eligible) for just about everyone."

Will Tigers trade Curtis Granderson? GM Dave Dombrowski says 'nothing is imminent'

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November 14

Michigan Live

"If you wear a Curtis Granderson jersey or are just a fan who really appreciates the Detroit Tigers All-Star center fielder , take a deep breath and settle down.

There is no concrete evidence suggesting the Tigers are in serious trade talks regarding Granderson.

That isn't to say Granderson won't be traded. He's not untouchable -- few players in the game are. It's just it's unlikely to happen. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski was asked if he had discussed a Granderson trade with the New York Yankees or Los Angeles Angels, which was reported this week by New York newspapers. "I would not go into any specifics on that," Dombrowski said. "But, hey, we have talked to every club out ..."

Yanks likely to target available Granderson

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November 12

New York Post

"In a cost-cutting frame of mind, the Tigers have let teams know Curtis Granderson could be had for the right package, an NL executive told The Post. The Yankees will almost certainly push to the front of the line when it comes to Granderson. He obviously would be an upgrade on the Melky Cabrera/Brett Gardner duo. In addition, the Yankees could quickly face a need to restore lefty power if Johnny Damon and/or Hideki Matsui leave to free agency. Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers last season, the fourth most by an AL lefty. Brian Cashman met with Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski at the GM Meetings, which concluded yesterday, but it is not believed the two did any more than discuss needs and ..."

Jim Hendry says Cubs now are in good position to make moves

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November 12

Chicago Tribune

"After talking to seven or eight teams about trade possibilities Wednesday, Jim Hendry felt optimistic about his offseason game plan. "It's kind of the way I anticipated," the Cubs general manager said upon leaving the GM meetings at the O'Hare Hilton. "You feel like there's some business that will be done in the next few weeks. Hopefully you can do something before you get to Indianapolis (for the Dec. 7-10 winter meetings). "We need a few moves. We don't need mega-moves. ... I had really good meetings. It was really a good environment after all." The Rangers' Marlon Byrd appears to be the Cubs' primary center field target, and sources said Hendry will be able to sign another outfielder ..."

Chicago Cubs must pursue Curtis Granderson

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November 12

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"On the third day of the general managers' meetings at the O'Hare Hilton, as executives were fleeing for flights home, something truly fascinating finally happened. The New York Post's Joel Sherman reported the Tigers' financial problems are so serious they are shopping center fielder Curtis Granderson, the Thornton Fractional South and Illinois-Chicago product. Hours later, there had not been a peep out of Detroit to knock down the report. Oh, really? Maybe Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski was too worn out from beating his head against a wall to slow the runaway speculation. But if the Tigers really are willing to trade the 28-year-old Granderson, a guy with old-school baseball skills and ..."

Tigers shopping Edwin Jackson, Curtis Granderson

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November 12

Detroit News

"The Tigers are shopping star right-handed starter Edwin Jackson on the trade market in attempt to reduce their payroll for 2010, sources have told FOXSports.com. Motivated by the same cost-cutting philosophy, the Tigers also would be willing to part with center fielder Curtis Granderson for the right package in return, according to the New York Post. The Yankees appear to be a suitable fit for Granderson, the newspaper reports, as outfielders Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui head to free agency. Granderson made $3.5 million in 2009 under the terms of his current contract, and he is due to make $5.5 million in 2010, $8.25 million in 2011 and $10 million in 2012. The Tigers have an option in ..."

Yankees could deal for Tigers' Granderson

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November 11

New York Post

"In a cost-cutting frame of mind, the Tigers have let teams know that Curtis Granderson could be had for the right package, an NL executive told The Post. Granderson would be attractive to many teams, with the Yankees near the top of the list. They have long searched for a premium solution in center since Bernie Williams left his prime, but now they also face the loss of the lefty power of free agents Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers last year. Brian Cashman met with Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski at the now-concluded GM Meetings, but it is not believed the two did any more than discuss needs and available players. However, the two have a good relationship ..."

Tigers' Curtis Granderson makes 'Best Dressed' list

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October 29

Michigan Live

"He was named to his first American League All-Star team this season. And now Detroit Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson has been recognized for the way he looks in something beside a baseball uniform. Granderson was named to the "16 Best-Dressed Detroiters" list by Hour Detroit magazine in its November issue. He was the lone athlete on the list compiled by the magazine's society writer, Chuck Bennett, who did not rank his choices in any order. He posed for the magazine wearing a custom-made suit, shirt and tie from Douglass Wayne of Atlanta."

Curtis Granderson left a lot to be desired

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October 12

Detroit Free Press

"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 ..."

Granderson: Road woes not alarming

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August 24

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers centerfielder Curtis Granderson said after Sunday's game that "more is being made on the outside" about the Tigers' road play than "among the 25 guys on the team ... we're not mentioning too much about it." The Tigers lost their 10th straight road series Sunday. They're 13 games under .500 on the road. "There are only two teams in the league with a winning record on the road: the Yankees and Angels," Granderson said. "A lot of teams are winning at home." Tonight, the Tigers open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. "Nobody is worried that we're on the road," Granderson said. "What's important is that we're playing a good team that's in first place. It ..."

Tigers give slumping Curtis Granderson two days off

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August 20

Detroit News

"Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson was given the day off for Thursday's afternoon game against Seattle at Comerica Park. Left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith was the Mariners' scheduled starter Thursday. Clete Thomas took Granderson's spot in center. Manager Jim Leyland also said Granderson would not start Friday in Oakland when another lefty, Gio Gonzalez, is scheduled to start."

Bachelor auction raises $40,000-plus for Curtis Granderson's charity

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July 24

Detroit News

"Tigers manager Jim Leyland showed his support for Curtis Granderson's charity event by doing more than just showing up. With help from Leyland and teammates Edwin Jackson, Ryan Perry and even Gerald Laird, Granderson raised thousands of dollars for his Grand Kids Foundation on Thursday night at his wine tasting event and bachelor auction at the Big Rock Chophouse. The evening was called "Passport to the Wines of the World" and featured more than 300 wines from all over the world, from as far away as South Africa and Australia to as close as some local Michigan vineyards. There also was a silent auction of sports memorabilia, wine and entertainment packages, including a Steve Yzerman ..."

All-star Curtis Granderson happy but seeks balance

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July 8

Detroit News

"In the words of batting coach Lloyd McClendon, "it's been a funny year" for Curtis Granderson. Sure, he's hitting .257 after going 2-for-5 on Tuesday night. Not bad, right? But consider that he was at least at .275 at this point of the season the past three years. And to his dismay, his doubles and triples have declined significantly as well. But what Granderson lacks in average and on-base percentage, he's made up for in power. At least that's what players around the American League think, naming the 28-year-old center fielder an All-Star for the first time in his career. "I'm more surprised than anything, I was not planning on getting that nod," said Granderson, who already had booked ..."

Cardinals' Khalil Greene out again due to anxiety relapse

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June 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Infielder Khalil Greene was absent from the lineup for a second straight game Saturday after experiencing what the club hopes is only a temporary setback in his battle against an anxiety-related disorder. Greene was hitless in 13 consecutive at-bats against the New York Mets last week; frustration over his performance apparently played a part Thursday in him again showing symptoms of the condition. Manager Tony La Russa said that he might start Greene today in the Cardinals' series finale against the Minnesota Twins. He also denied Greene's difficulty in New York prevented him from being used as a late-inning defensive replacement Saturday. Greene wasn't available for comment following ..."

Granderson and Thames pour it on

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June 20

Detroit Free Press

"One day, centerfielder Curtis Granderson may settle into a nice comfy spot in the middle of the Tigers' lineup. But he slugged his 17th homer of the season in the Tigers' 10-4, rain-shortened victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the first of a three-game interleague series Friday night, demonstrating that he's right at home in the leadoff spot. His homer in the bottom of the fourth came just in time, as thunderstorms descended on the area and caused the first of two rain delays. The homer gave the Tigers a 7-4 lead. "It's just a matter of time for everybody to get rolling on this team," Granderson said to deflect the attention. "Maybe we just needed to come off the road there. "Maybe we ..."

Curtis Granderson resembling a middle-of-the-order force these days

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June 2

Detroit News

columnist Tom Gage

"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 ..."

Curtis Granderson cool with batting order switches

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May 7

Detroit Free Press

"Curtis Granderson's phone buzzed on Wednesday, as it customarily does when the Tigers and Chicago White Sox are about to begin a series at U.S. Cellular Field. Granderson grew up in nearby Lynwood, Ill., and his returns tend to create ripples of interest throughout Chicagoland. This time, though, the text messages weren't strictly about tickets. They wanted to know about the Tigers' lineup in Tuesday's win over Minnesota, the one in which Granderson batted fifth for the first time as a major leaguer. (Magglio Ordoñez moved from third to sixth in that game and was scheduled to bat fifth Wednesday before the series opener was postponed.) Granderson is tied for second in the American League ..."

Curtis Granderson off to strange start

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May 2

Detroit News

"Curtis Granderson admits he had a strange April. "But it seems I always do," he said. It wasn't a terrible month for him. After all, he hit seven home runs, the most he has hit in any month as a Tiger. He also had 15 RBIs. In only two other months (16 in May 2007 and 18 in May 2006) has he had more RBIs. But he hit just .241 with only one double. That's what made it strange. Consistency is not his strong suit early in the season. "It always seems to be similar," he said. "I start off great the first week, then boom. I don't know what it is. Last year, I didn't have many at-bats in April, (because he was hurt), but I've noticed I've always been a slow starter for some reason. "I felt ..."

Four of the top five Tigers hitters are below average for April

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May 1

Detroit Free Press

"Carlos Guillen hit .230, Magglio Ordoñez batted .241, Placido Polanco hit .256 and Granderson checked in at .241. Among the top five hitters in the Opening Day lineup, only Miguel Cabrera has met or exceeded expectations so far. Yet, entering Thursday's games, the Tigers ranked in the middle of the American League -- seventh among 14 teams -- with a .265 batting average. More important, they are within a half-game of first place in the AL Central. "Looking at numbers, I'm like, 'Man,' " Granderson said. "We're still hanging in. That's what you need to do. It's almost like an injury. When guys go down, you have to find a way to pull it up. So far, the top of the lineup hasn't been where we ..."

Granderson for commissioner

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April 7

Toronto Sun

columnist Bob Elliott

"These words usually are found on our editorial page a few days before an election. We are prepared to follow the lead of Chicago Tribune baseball columnist Phil Rogers and throw our full weight -- well OK, our lobbying weight -- behind Curtis Granderson for the office of Major League Baseball commissioner. Granderson, who plays centre and hits leadoff for the Detroit Tigers, says he does not want the job. No matter. Cito Gaston didn't want to manage the Blue Jays in 1989. That seemed to work out and still is working, judging from the cheers on opening night. Granderson, who homered in the fourth inning last night to end Roy Halladay's no-hit bid, is our man now that both Junior Felix ..."

Curtis Granderson's infectious enthusiasm great for World Baseball Classic

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March 11

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"The subject of Bud Selig's successor comes up from time to time around the batting cages. There never has been a good answer, at least not since George W. Bush had to be taken out of the running after the Florida recount. But I think I finally may have found the guy. He's playing center field for Team USA. Given all that Curtis Granderson has accomplished in his brief pro career, why not? He should be ready to move on to something else by 2020, at the end of a 15-year career. Selig might be ready to turn over the reins by then. Granderson, 27, was a complete unknown in 2002. He was such a suspect that he lasted 80 picks in the draft after hitting .483 for Illinois-Chicago. But it hasn't ..."

Curtis Granderson could be a great baseball commissioner

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March 11

Detroit Free Press

"The subject of Bud Selig's successor comes up from time to time around the batting cages. There never has been a good answer, at least not since George W. Bush had to be taken out of the running after the Florida recount. But I think I finally may have found the guy. He's playing centerfield for Team USA. Given all that Curtis Granderson has accomplished in his brief pro career, why not? He should be ready to move on to something else by 2020, at the end of a 15-year career. Selig might be ready to turn over the reins by then. Granderson, 27, was a complete unknown in 2002. He was such a suspect that he lasted 80 picks in the draft after hitting .483 for Illinois-Chicago. But it hasn't ..."

Granderson homers, exits

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March 2

Detroit Free Press

"Good-bye. In his final Tigers game for a while, Curtis Granderson homered to center in the fifth inning Sunday off Pittsburgh left-hander Sean Burnett. Today, Granderson reports to Team USA as it assembles for the World Baseball Classic. "I'm really looking forward to it," Granderson said. "It's the first USA team I've played on." Team USA plays its first WBC game against Canada in Toronto on Saturday. Without inundating you with WBC bracketology, if Team USA goes out in the first round, Granderson will be back with the Tigers next week; if Team USA reaches the championship game of the three-round tourney, he'd be gone from camp more than three weeks. (Almost two weeks of spring training ..."

Granderson happy he'll play for Team USA

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February 26

Detroit Free Press

"Curtis Granderson doesn't know where he will play in Team USA's outfield during the World Baseball Classic, since Grady Sizemore is slated to start in centerfield. But he is certain of this: When the tournament is over, win or lose, his No. 28 jersey will go up on a wall in his parents' home. "I took a photo a couple days ago with the USA jersey and hat on -- that was cool," Granderson said Wednesday, one day after he was named to the active roster for next month's event. "I still haven't had the chance to look into the mirror at it. I'm really looking forward to that." Granderson has experience at both corner outfield positions -- including 22 games as a leftfielder in the majors -- which ..."

Granderson growing as an outfielder

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February 25

Detroit News

"The Tigers opened their exhibition season here Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, and during pregame warmups, Curtis Granderson's arm looked stronger than ever. "He's gotten to the point where he charges the ball well and has some confidence," manager Jim Leyland said. "He's become an aggressive outfielder." Granderson had five outfield assists last season. He had just four errors in 1,188 innings and a .989 fielding percentage. Quick Hits Gary Sheffield's left arm is still swollen from the Chris Lambert pitch that hit him Wednesday, so the Tigers are being careful about it -- and not playing him. No big deal. He didn't sit out during the pregame workout. "If we had pushed it and ..."

Granderson, Verlander on USA roster for WBC

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January 20

Detroit Free Press

"Imagine the following scenario unfolding on a March night at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Team USA leads Team Venezuela by one run. Joe Nathan is warming up for the ninth. Due to bat: Magglio Ordoñez, Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen. Before his team leaves the dugout, manager Davey Johnson turns to Curtis Granderson and asks for one last bit of advice. How do you think we should pitch these guys? On most other nights of the year, Granderson would be in the Tigers dugout alongside Ordoñez, Cabrera and Guillen. They provide the doubles and home runs that drive him home. During the World Baseball Classic, everything will be different. At that moment, would Granderson suggest a way to get his ..."

Granderson's shootout a success

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January 18

MLB.com

"Curtis Granderson isn't one of those athletes who looks back and believes he could be playing another sport for a living. He's quite happy with his job as Detroit Tigers center fielder, thank you. Still, if he's going to hit the basketball court, he wants to have a good time. And even though he was a referee, rather than a player, in his Celebrity Shootout, he was going to have fun with it. He wasn't going to be whistle-happy, but he was going to be happy about blowing the whistle. So when Cleveland Browns All-Pro wide receiver Braylon Edwards lost the handle on one of his acrobatic dunk attempts, a wide-open breakaway after slamming one just seconds earlier, Granderson was going to let ..."

Tigers center fielder tackles great responsibilities, even in offseason

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January 10

Detroit News

"Curtis Granderson closed the front door of his new downtown condominium and welcomed the solitude after three days entertaining house guests over New Year's. White shades were drawn shut, giving a cozy feel to the sparsely furnished home tucked a line drive away from a busy freeway. An inflated air mattress and empty pizza box were visible remnants of the holiday celebration among friends -- from Granderson's old South Side neighborhood, from his days at nearby University of Illinois-Chicago, from Detroit and from baseball. Now he was alone with time to kick back and maybe watch a ballgame on the flat-screen television hung over a fireplace. Except, Granderson rarely kicks back. A ..."

Granderson finds much to absorb

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October 23

Detroit News

"My flight from Chicago to Shanghai was a 14-hour trip. This was the first time my mom, dad and I have been on a plane for this long, so we weren't too sure how we would be. I'm one of those guys that can sleep on any plane as long as I have a window seat and it's not hot on the plane. Sure enough, I fell asleep right away once we got into the air. When we arrived at the Shanghai airport, we had to find our group from MLB International to get our ride to the hotel, but none of us had ever seen each other, so it was going to be a little bit difficult. The good thing was that they were American and everyone else waiting with their signs for their guest were Chinese. You would assume that ..."

Tigers' Granderson to promote baseball in China

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October 20

Detroit News

"Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson will become the first active player in major league history to tour in China to promote baseball. He is scheduled to travel to Shanghai and then to Beijing from Oct. 19-26. This is part of his itinerary: Oct. 22: Appearance with Shanghai Eagles of China Baseball Association, the country's six-team professional league; clinics for school children who are involved in the MLB International Play Ball! program. Oct. 23: In-game interview with Shanghai Media Group during second game of the World Series; instructional clinic with the Fudan University baseball team. Oct. 24-25: In Beijing, Granderson will be the featured instructor at two Play Ball! ..."

Granderson gives max effort

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August 31

Detroit Free Press

"For the first time in Curtis Granderson's three full seasons with the Tigers, he hasn't had a playoff race to inspire him in late August. Granderson recently described how he keeps playing at a high level at this time of year without the whiff of the post-season. He talked about how he focuses on going as hard as he can in the game -- three hours a day. Then he talked about the fans. "We still have 30,000 to 40,000 people coming out to see us at home," Granderson said. "This may be some people's first and only game they get a chance to see me. "One thing I was always told was, 'How would you like that one fan who might never see you again to remember you?' Of course you can't get four ..."

Curtis Granderson responds to S.F. Chronicle writer's 'scrub' blast

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June 23

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers centerfielder Curtis Granderson responded to San Francisco Chronicle writer Henry Schulman's game story from the June 16 game between the Tigers and the Giants that Detroit won. Schulman called Tigers utility man Ryan Raburn a "scrub" and leftfielder Marcus Thames an "all-or-nothing" guy in his story. Both Tigers homered in the game."

Granderson, Polanco lead Tigers past Indians

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June 9

Detroit News

"Those folks trying to figure out the Tigers can probably begin with their bullpen. It hasn't made a lot of sense, either, as a once-scorned crew that has become the Tigers' godsend showed again Sunday in a 5-2 Tigers victory over the Indians at steamy Comerica Park. The triumph gave manager Jim Leyland's team its first-back-to-back victories since May 21-22. It came on a miserably hot day when the mercury topped 90 degrees and the humidity was worse. Most of 39,941 who bought tickets Sunday put up with a 304-pitch, 3-hour, 8-minute game that was at least as excruciating as the heat index."

Granderson, Thames will get more starts

May 29

Detroit Free Press

"Jim Leyland says if the Tigers' big hitters don't hit, the team can't win. Yet Leyland knows he has to keep tweaking his lineup, hoping that somehow he can make the offense look more like it's supposed to. When the Tigers manager was in his hotel room after Tuesday night's latest fizzled effort by his offense, he decided on two lineup adjustments. Curtis Granderson will play against left-handers. Marcus Thames, so powerful in his part-time role, will get a full-time chance. He will play leftfield every day. Leyland didn't say how long he might stay with Thames as a regular player."

Lefties, righties, it matters no more

May 29

Detroit News

"The need to get Curtis Granderson hitting again actually has increased his playing time. As of Wednesday night, when Granderson was in the lineup against Angels left-hander Joe Saunders, manager Jim Leyland said he plans to play him against both right-handers and lefties. Unless, of course, the left-hander is known to be extremely tough on all left-handed hitters. But the Tigers need Granderson to be the consistent offensive catalyst he's been the last two years. So far this season, which he began on the DL with a broken hand suffered in spring training, he's not been."