Maddon reacts to Granderson going to Yankees

Posted Dec 8, 2009 by Roger Mooney

Updated Dec 8, 2009 at 04:12 PM

The Yankees acquired center fielder Curtis Granderson from the Tigers in a three-team deal, and because everything the Yankees do impacts the Rays, Joe Maddon was asked for his reaction during his meeting with the media Tuesday at the Winter Meetings.

Here is what the Rays skipper had to say ...

“Of course he’s going to make them better. I mean, you look at him, you break him down, obviously I know they’re going to probably to do a lot of work. Left on left has been a concern for Granderson. He beats up righties with power, comes against the righties. He’s a pretty good outfielder, he plays with a lot of energy. He’s the kind of guy that fits into that landscape in New York where he’s going to thrive within that kind of a situation. Of course he makes them a better ball club.”

Granderson hit 30 home runs and drove in 71 RBIs for the Tigers last season. Two of those home runs came against left-handed pitching. He also batted just .183 against lefties.

“But they’re going to have to work on the left on left issues, and I know that’s something that they’re probably going to address right out of the chute,” Maddon said. “I got to know him a bit during the All-Star Game. This is a wonderful young man. He’s very bright, very motivated, and I would bet, knowing him just briefly, that going to New York under those circumstances is going to bring out the best in him, too. So of course he makes them better.”

- Roger Mooney