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Poetic Justice For Granderson
Lost in the Brandon Inge-Mania that went into the All Star Game was it being Curtis Granderson’s first appearance, too.
Given how important Granderson has been to the Tigers the last few years, and what a standup person he is in every way, he deserved more recognition in this town for the achievement. And it probably should have happened sooner.
So I guess that it made poetic justice his triple provided the impetus for the American League’s victory Tuesday. I thought it should have made him the game’s MVP.
Maybe it will jumpstart Granderson’s second half. He had his moments before the All Star break. His brilliant game-saving catch in Cleveland was a classic - and may have been the key play of the Tigers’ season thus far. His home run numbers are up. But he hasn’t legged out as many other type of extra base hits, nor been quite the same threat on the bases. Granderson has been hitting under .200 against left-handers - and that must improve.
Still, he is a terrific player - which the nation saw Tuesday.
Random Thoughts
- What is it with the Pistons? First Doug Collins and now Ben Wallace? I don’t care if he comes cheap and is at a position of need. He can’t play anymore, has no reason to be motivated and didn’t leave town in the first place on good terms. Don’t see the point.
- The Tigers should be very good deep into the future because Rick Porcello, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Edwin Jackson and Granderson are all 28 or younger. That’s 20 percent of their current active roster. Now if Joel Zumaya can just get his act together - then it would be three starting pitchers, an infielder, an outfielder and a reliever. Quite a nucleus.
- The Phillies signing of Pedro Martinez might take them out of the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. I expect him to wind up with the Dodgers.
Given how important Granderson has been to the Tigers the last few years, and what a standup person he is in every way, he deserved more recognition in this town for the achievement. And it probably should have happened sooner.
So I guess that it made poetic justice his triple provided the impetus for the American League’s victory Tuesday. I thought it should have made him the game’s MVP.
Maybe it will jumpstart Granderson’s second half. He had his moments before the All Star break. His brilliant game-saving catch in Cleveland was a classic - and may have been the key play of the Tigers’ season thus far. His home run numbers are up. But he hasn’t legged out as many other type of extra base hits, nor been quite the same threat on the bases. Granderson has been hitting under .200 against left-handers - and that must improve.
Still, he is a terrific player - which the nation saw Tuesday.
Random Thoughts
- What is it with the Pistons? First Doug Collins and now Ben Wallace? I don’t care if he comes cheap and is at a position of need. He can’t play anymore, has no reason to be motivated and didn’t leave town in the first place on good terms. Don’t see the point.
- The Tigers should be very good deep into the future because Rick Porcello, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Edwin Jackson and Granderson are all 28 or younger. That’s 20 percent of their current active roster. Now if Joel Zumaya can just get his act together - then it would be three starting pitchers, an infielder, an outfielder and a reliever. Quite a nucleus.
- The Phillies signing of Pedro Martinez might take them out of the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. I expect him to wind up with the Dodgers.
posted by Pat Caputo at
4:08 AM
10 Comments:
When Granderson stepped to the plate - you knew the triple was coming before he hit it. That head-first slide as the ball reached third was the perfect all star game highlight clip.
Sorry Albert.
And Jackson shut the NL down after Halladay got semi-lit-up.
Did you notice that every time the Tigers were mentioned - it as as the "first place Tigers"?
Now all they have to do is to win the friggin division.
Our boys got some respect.
Our boys earned some respect.
Geeze I'm such a homer-slappy.
Pat, Tigers should make a run and to say the Tigers are a dark horse for Halladay is true. I think the Jays need a pitcher or two, catcher and maybe an outfielder if they trade Wells and Rios. The Tigers could dangle Perry, Ryan or Avila, Ramirez and French or Galarraga or Minor or Figaro. Tigers have ss and 1B depth but I think the Jays do too. Tigers do have prospects. Trades are won by getting the best player in the trade.
I agree with you in the fact that Granderson should have gotten the MVP. He came up with the big hit and then scored the winning run. i cannot understand for the life of me how he didnt get the nod. on espn, all i heard about was crawford's amazing catch, but i dont see what was so remarkable about it. you cannot argue that the play wasnt really nice, but it was nothing more than a catch made on the run with his glove over the wall. Tori Hunter's catch in the 02 game was far more athletic and remarkable. when i think of great grabs at the wall i think of griffey in his prime or a spectacular leaping catch that otis nixon made in the early 90s with the braves. i think the catch the Jayson Werth made on the run, late in the game was even more remarkable. then again, what do i know.
lil rob
Pat,
Another great point about Granderson. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought he earned the MVP award. I thought I was just being a homer.
Also, lost in the shuffle: what a solid All-Star debut for Edwin Jackson. How many pitches did he throw for that 1-2-3 inning? 5? 6? I loved it. Detroit was represented nicely this year by 2 of our fine young stars.
Travis
I thought for sure granderson was going to get the MVP for his triple. I mean he doesn't leg that out.. Adam jones fly ball means crap.. Though the way they kept going back to Crawfords catch it was obvious he was getting it. Really it don't matter to me.. It was just nice to see Edwin Jackson and Granderson perform well. Granderson though is one of those guys that need to step up this second half. Take better pitches and do more of what he did in teh All star game. Much like he has done in the past. He is the catalyst if he is up their whiffing 2 out of 4 at bats it don't help.
People are ripping Joe about his draft and things. I am surprised nobody is destroying him on the Kwame deal. You as well as I know joe wishes kwame would not have opted to come back. That 4 mil. would of been nice to have right now. Is getting Ben Wallace, Drew Gordon any worse then having him. My mind we have 2 front court guys Prince and Maxiell. Why not try a Ben Wallace and Drew Gooden. Neither are worth more then about 1.6 mill a peice. I think Ben with 15 min off the bench could provide some needed leadership if his heads right.
Bottom line is Joe needs to make a move.. Just like Dombrowski.. To me The Tigers are right there might as well go for it.. The league is very wide open in my mind.
Fred Brill,
I agree. The Tigers have earned respect. The All Star game only soldified it.
Caputo
Barry,
I don't see the Tigers taking on any long-term salary. They will likely be hesitant still after signing Willis, Robertson, Sheffield, etc.
Caputo
lll Rob,
Both plays were important, but Granderson's came at the plate. Isn't that were the nod usually comes from over defense? I mean, if a guy hits .200 but is a great fielder, is he going to be MVP. If a guy hits .340 with power, but can't field, he will still be MVP.
Caputo
Travis,
It was just another sign that Edwin Jackson is on more than just a hot streak, but has actually come into his own.
Caputo
Maddog52,
Not only that, but signing Hamilton to a contract extension and now it looking like he has to trade to him.
Caputo
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