In looking for a solution during the Hot Stove season, there are many possible paths to success.
You can be brave and daring, seeking out an unproven commodity in hopes that the right opportunity will unleash all of the brimming potential underneath.
You can be safe, shelling out the most money for the biggest name, bludgeoning the competition with an endless slew of zeros in your checkbook.
Or you can find a middle ground. Grab that proven veteran on the back nine of his career. He’s not cheap, but he won’t break the bank. He’s a shiny name, but the star has faded a bit since you last saw him. He’s an old friend.
The Detroit Tigers have holes to fill in their outfield. Curtis Granderson is a free agent looking for a new home. Is he the missing puzzle piece for a franchise looking to complete its first jigsaw in 30 years?
Outfield Needs a Little Makover
It is no secret that the Tigers outfield is in need of a mini-makeover.
Left field has been looking for a permanent homeowner for years now. In the postseason, it was a merry-go-round of Jhonny Peralta, Andy Dirks, and Don Kelly. Matt Tuiasosopo was a large part of the regular season rotation, but his second half was historically awful, and he went back to being a career journeyman.
Center field has belonged to Austin Jackson ever since Granderson was traded. His glove work is an asset, but he has remained unable to convert his natural speed and athleticism into success on offense. These weaknesses were put under the microscope during the playoffs, where he struck out with alarming frequency; it was as if his 33 ounce Louisville Slugger had been replaced by a toothpick.
Then There's Torii Hunter
Right field was the terrain of Torii Hunter in 2012. At 38 years old, he still managed to have a very productive summer; swatted 17 homers, batted over .300, finished top-20 in the MVP voting. But as the calendar flipped to October, he turned into a pumpkin, looking every bit of his advanced age. He went homerless in the two series and became a national punchline when he did a Bump Bailey over the right field wall in Fenway Park.
It is likely that the Tigers are just looking for one new outfielder, but it wouldn’t be unrealistic to expect more.
Granderson's Question Marks
Curtis Granderson is an intriguing possibility, but one that doesn’t come with a couple question marks. After back-to-back 40+ home run campaigns, Grandy spent more than half of last year on the disabled list. The time he did spend on the field was forgettable, lacking the usual power; he drove in just 15 runs in 61 games. The power surge of 2011-12 also came at a price; the suddenly Ruthian slugger whiffed a whopping 364 times over those two seasons.
But the track record would suggest there is still plenty left in Granderson’s tank. His unique blend of speed and power make him an attractive free agent option for several teams. Rumors have swirled that the Mets are driving hard for Granderson, and there is similar interest from both hometown clubs in Chicago.
The best fit might be right back in Detroit. Granderson says his main priority at this point in his career is to compete for a championship. Joining the Tigers, winners of three consecutive division titles, would fit such a criteria.
Fairly Big Price Tag
Of course, nothing in sports is free, and Granderson would come at a fairly healthy price. But this franchise has shown a willingness to spend when necessary, and after the power outages in the last few Octobers, I would say such a time is upon us.
There are other outfielders on the market. Jacoby Ellsbury is still unsigned. Nelson Cruz and Carlos Beltran are out there. Juan Pierre is always waiting for a call.
But bringing back Curtis Granderson might make the most sense of all.
The Tigers are slow -- Granderson is fast.
The Tigers lack pop in the outfield -- Granderson hits plenty of home runs and started games at all three outfield positions last year.
The Tigers are hungry for that elusive fifth championship; Granderson is salivating looking for his first.
There are talks of trading Max Scherzer, or dealing Rick Porcello; add an outfield bat that way. But starting pitching has always been the backbone of this team, and cutting into that strength could be a very dangerous proposition.
The Tigers looked stale at the end of their playoff run, like they could have used a collective jolt of electricity.
A return from one of the most popular Tigers in recent memory could provide just that.
