The first big deal of the 2009 Winter Meetings was quite the earth-shaker. The traded fan-favorite outfielder to the in a three team deal.
The Tigers received SP and RP Daniel Schlereth from the and OF and RP Phil Coke from the Yankees.
The Diamondbacks acquired SP from the Tigers and SP from the Yankees.
Granderson to the Yankees is the most exciting part of the blockbuster. Coming off his most disappointing season to date, Granderson will likely be in a platoon roll against left-handed starters. His .183 AVG and .484 OPS against lefties in 2009 was not serviceable.
Though most of Granderson's offensive numbers declined over the last two seasons, look for his run and RBI totals to increase next season. I'm not buying his 30 home runs in 2009 and look for him to hit in the neighborhood of 25 next year with 15 stolen bases.
The Tigers grabbed a bunch of young, solid players from the two other teams. Outfielder Austin Jackson is the most exciting addition for Detroit and will likely start in centerfield out of spring training. Jackson has a career .287 AVG in the minors with solid speed and serviceable power potential. The biggest question mark surrounding Jackson for fantasy owners should be his his age (22 years) and strikeout to walk ratios (123:40 in 2009.)
Max Scherzer is obviously a prize for the Tigers and should see his 2010 numbers end around his 2009 figures. Look for 14 wins, 190 Ks, 3.70 ERA, and 1.30 WHIP. He's an exciting pitcher who could outperform his draft position.
Phil Coke and Daniel Schlereth are solid RPs but should be of little significance in leagues without holds or extra RP roster spots.
The Diamondbacks get two solid starting pitchers from the deal. Edwin Jackson is coming off his finest performance of of his career. Moving to the desert should not affect his numbers too much and, with the move from the AL to the NL, could net a better ERA and WHIP. Expect 15 wins, 150 Ks, 3.50 ERA, and 1.25 WHIP.
Ian Kennedy has been a top pitching prospect for the last few seasons but missed most of 2009 after undergoing surgery for and aneurysm in his pitching arm. Kennedy's career 1.96 ERA in the minors signals he's ready for the prime time. If he can stay healthy during the spring expect him to sneak into the Diamondbacks starting rotation.
