Recap of the Tigers-Yankees-Diamondbacks deal
The first blockbuster trade of the offseason was being rumored before the winter meetings began. The rumblings were there that the Detroit Tigers were going to slash payroll and popular players were on the trading block. Unfortunately for Tigers fans, the face of the team (and the city of Detroit) was shipped off to the defending World Champion NY Yankees during the winter meetings. The third team to this deal was the Arizona Diamondbacks. Here’s how the deal went down:
To the NY Yankees: OF Curtis Granderson (from the Tigers)
To the Arizona Diamondbacks: P Edwin Jackson (from the Tigers)
P Ian Kennedy (from the Yankees)
To the Detroit Tigers: OF Austin Jackson (from the Yankees)
LHP Phil Coke (from the Yankees)
LHP Daniel Schlereth (from the Diamondbacks)
P Max Scherzer (from the Diamondbacks)

Edwin Jackson
The Tigers traded away two All-Star players who have their peak years ahead of them. However both struggled in 2009 despite their All-Star selections. Granderson had his lowest average in his career (.249), though he did hit for power (30 homeruns). His power numbers should go up with the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. His defense was not great in 2009, but hopefully he can rebound. As a big fan of Granderson’s, I could not imagine why the Tigers, whose attendance declined in 2009 due to the high unemployment rate in Detroit, would trade the fan favorite when big salaries come off after the 2010 season. It should be a special moment when he returns to Comerica Park in 2010. Edwin Jackson struggled in the second half for the Tigers (6-5 with a 5.07 ERA in 15 starts with 17 homeruns allowed and 35 BB/ 64 Ks) and helped in their collapse at the end of the year.
The Diamondbacks received Edwin Jackson and former Yankee top prospect Ian Kennedy. Kennedy missed most of the 2009 season due to an aneurysm (4 starts with a 1.59 ERA). A first round pick out of USC, he has yet to reach his potential, though a change of scenery could be good for him. This trade could turn out a successful one, but they gave up two young electric arms for two question marks when they are rebuilding.

Max Scherzer
Despite giving up two All-Stars, the Tigers may have made out the best. They received four young players, three of which are pitchers. Outfielder Austin Jackson was the top prospect in the Yankees system and could make Tigers fans forget about Granderson. The power has not developed yet for A-Jax but he has always hit (.300 in 132 games with just 4 homeruns and was named the International League’s Rookie of the Year and to the All-Star team). Lefty reliever Phil Coke was the go to left-hander in the young Yankee bullpen in 2009. Despite being a starter his whole career until late in 2008, Coke has thrived in the bullpen (4-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 72 games). He should solidify the back end of the Tigers bullpen. Starter Max Scherzer has electric stuff and though his mechanics seem to be all over the place, he can dominate (9-11 with a 4.12 ERA in 30 starts and 174 Ks). Scherzer should fit into the Tigers rotation behind ace Justin Verlander to form a flame-throwing duo. He could also move to the back end of the bullpen and team with Joel Zumaya. Lefty Daniel Schlereth struggled a bit in the big leagues in 2009 (1-4 with a 5.89 ERA in 21 games), but could get more seasoning with Triple-A Toledo. He should figure into the Tigers bullpen plans.
Who do you think the winner(s) of this deal is? To me, it looks like the Tigers because they got younger and cheaper, though they are unproven. It may take a few years to actually be able to name a winner in this deal.







Manager Mike Scioscia guided the LA Angels through a season of adversity, starting in early April with the loss of young pitcher Nick Adenhart, just a few hours after his dominant outing against Oakland. In keeping his players together through injuries and tragedy to make the playoffs, Scioscia was named American League Manager of the Year.



















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