tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Couldn’t Happen To A “Grander” Guy!!

Where would the Yankees be without Curtis Granderson?? He has been one of the few Yankees who has consistently contributed offensively. His two-run homer yesterday tied the game for the Yanks and put him as the league leader in runs scored and RBI's. Not bad for a guy who some criticized Brian Cashman for getting in exchange for Austin Jackson. For me, it was one of the better moves that Cashman has made and I felt that way when the deal was made over a year ago.

Granderson started off very slowly last year forcing Manager Joe Girardi to bat him as low as 8th. But mid-way through the 2010 season, Granderson went to work with hitting coach Kevin Long and he turned his 2010 season around finishing the year with 24 home runs and 67 RBI's. Hard work and dedication has paid off going into this year as Grandy is hitting .275 with 32 home runs, 93 RBI's, 103 runs scored and 22 stolen bases. It couldn't happen to a "grander" guy.

Curtis Granderson is what a professional athlete should be: a role model. This is a guy who goes out of his way to be involved in the community. He works with a number of charities and takes time especially for kids. You will not find a better ambassador for major league baseball. One thing has always stuck in my mind about Granderson going back to the 2006 playoffs. Granderson was playing for the Tigers and it was Game 2 at Yankee Stadium. Mike Mussina was warming up and Granderson was leading off for the Tigers and in the on deck circle. Two kids were sitting nearby and obviously were calling out to Granderson. Granderson took the time to go over and chat with the kids and gave them both a couple of baseballs. I thought this guy is special and as I learned more about him my initial impression was proven true.

With ARod coming back next week, it will be interesting to see how Joe Girardi constructs his lineup. In my mind, I can't see how Girardi can lower Granderson in the lineup. The Grandyman needs to stay in the 3 hole. I would move Teixiera to the 6 spot. While the focus has been on the starting rotation, how the lineup looks will be just as interesting. In the mean time, its great to see a "grand guy" having a "grand" season. Despite what Leo Durocher said, its nice to see a nice guy finsihing first. Keep it going Grandyman!!!!