Grading 2012 And Looking Ahead – CF/RF
The 2012 outfield for the Yankees had somewhat of a different look when Brett Gardner went down with an elbow injury and Ichiro Suzuki came along to fill in for the last 2 months. However, the two (somewhat) constants in the outfield were Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher. With free agency coming up, the Yankees have some decisions to make and frankly, the Yankees could have a completely different outfield (aside from Brett Gardner) in 2013.
Center Field – Curtis Granderson
Curtis Granderson reminds everyone of Detroit Tiger’s Austin Jackson, at least in the speed and strikeout department. Granderson’s power numbers were good: 43 HR’s, 106 RBI’s, the home runs being a career high. However, the disappointing part was the strikeouts and the average. Curtis Granderson struck out 195 times in the regular season and ended the year with a .232 average, his worst since his rookie year in Detroit (.240). Granderson’s postseason was so horrific that fans could actually predict what he was going to do–strike out. He had a .158 AVG against Baltimore in the ALDS and a .000 AVG against the Tigers in the ALCS. How many strikeouts did Granderson have? Sixteen strikeouts in 30 at-bats. That’s counting both series. If it weren’t for Alex Rodriguez and his ridiculous contract, then Granderson would have been hearing a lot of boos from the crowd.
Regular Season Grade: C+
Postseason Grade: F
2013 Outlook: Granderson has an option for 2013, which the Yankees are almost certain to pick up, but 2013 could be Granderson’s last year in Yankee pinstripes. It wouldn’t be all bad. The Yankees have Brett Gardner who can be the CF should the Yankees pick up Granderson’s option and then trade him. The 43 HR’s are nice…but with Granderson’s average and strikeouts, it makes Granderson look like the all or nothing guy.
Right Field -Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher had a good regular year for the Yankees that it almost looked like the Yankees were sure to offer him a contract. I mean, why wouldn’t they? Swisher had a .272 AVG, 24 HR’s, 93 RBI’s, and he walked 77 times in the season. Unfortunately, Nick Swisher forgot that he is supposed to keep hitting in October–and he’s been forgetting that every year he’s been in the playoffs. Against the Orioles, Swisher had a .111 average and against the Tigers, he hit .250. The .250 average looks decent, right? He had three hits in 12 at-bats, and he was five for 30 in the whole postseason. Swisher has a good personality and he lightens up the clubhouse, but the Yankees are not paying him money just so he can smile. He is supposed to have a good bat all year, not become a postseason zombie like his fellow zombies Alex Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson.
Regular Season Grade: B
Postseason Grade: F
2013 Outlook: Nick Swisher will not be a Yankee next year. I can bet on that. Swisher has had too many flubs in the postseason for the Yankees to give him another chance. It is one thing to get into the postseason. It is another thing to go ice cold once you are in. The Yankees could re-sign Ichiro to take Swisher’s spot in right field but when you think about it, at 39 years old is Ichiro really the better choice? The Yankees would have to offer Swisher $13.3 Million when free agency season comes around (which is sometime next week or so) but if he wants Jayson Werth money–he’s going to have to go somewhere else.
Posted on October 28, 2012, in Analysis and tagged Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees, Nick Swisher. Bookmark the permalink. 29 Comments.
Brian D.
fishjam25
jimmytoucan
Matthew B
Delia E.
Dan H.
Matthew S.
Michael P.
Mike D.
how about trading arod back to seattle for king felix?
Good idea Jim. Sounds like a win-win for both teams.
only if the Mariners include Montero with Hernandez and agree to pick up some of Felix’ salary.
I really don’t see the reasoning behind so many people wanting Ichiro back. No doubt he was terrific for the Yanks down the stretch, but as you said Delia, he’s going to be 39. He had a horrible first half of the season before coming to New York, and remember he got a lot of rest in the second half in part to Joe G. not playing him as much as he should have been. As an everyday right fielder, the Yankees would be taking a big chance offering him a contract for next year. It’s a high-risk, high reward situation, and I loved seeing Ichiro in pinstripes, but I just don’t know what more you can expect out of him that any other younger and more importantly cheaper option ….
Brian – don’t worry , I don’t think they will bring back Ichy, and if they do it won’t be for a full time position.
If I could create a poll I would but I can’t so who sucks more? Mark Sanchez or Joe Girardi?
I’ll take Mark Sanchez for $500, Alex.
id this is about your personal fantasies, FreHank, maybe it’s best if we don’t ask and you don’t tell.
tebow can be the yankees 3rd baseman next season
G-Men all the way!
Hey guys would like to say good luck to you all getting through this storm. Be safe.
You too Matt
thanks T-man. This storm looks to be the real deal.
I hope there is no work tomorrow.
I gotta go in no matter what
Why? You could get hurt.
part of the job when you work in a hospital. ok i’m done for the night. take care all.
Hank…. Quick quiz…..who was stupid enough to bat Nicky bag o’ donuts Johnson second in 2010?
Terminix-Gun…why bring up Nick Johnson again? He was destined to be a star. Just some unlucky injuries did him in. And, Joseph A. Girardi, batted him second. Brilliant. Get over it.
Cashman and Girardi discussed this together and came up with this stupid idea. Who ever said two brains are better then one was a moron.
Yeah , many didn’t expect him to be batted second….do you remember losing a bet over it? Is it breakfast time yet?
Vaguely recall something of that nature…lol
JUST A HEADS UP…..some of you know, I work in horticulture, And several of the guys are from
Central America……..to a man, they agree with me that Jeter can learn to be a switch hitter…in spring training. Or, stay behind in Tampa, with Kevin Long….and learn to switch hit.
YFU bloggers. Be careful, god speed..in this storm. All of you. I hear the horn, and the curtain is coming down on patrick…..Mongo Jerry?…only Jim would know.
Then those guys played soccer and don’t know much about baseball.
Matthew…………They play soccer, but know baseball. Five guys from El Salvador, can’t be wrong.
And, one of them is named, Matthew.
Good morning Patrick,I have a feeling this Jeter switch/hitting concept is going to be your theme this winter, /Eric Byrnes.
Here’s a thought maybe the Yanks can dig up the Babes grave get his DNA and clone him,and if that works what the hell bring back the MICK.LOL
Ballpark….the great Ballpark. Good afternoon. Good to see you remember Eric Byrnes. He’s my choice to take Andruw Jones’ place, as back-up outfielder. Remember his nick name? I don’t understand what you mean,… when you say..’ the concept of Jeter switch hitting, being a theme?’ No theme here, a lot of people think it would work……..As far as digging up dead players…that’s for others to ponder. Not, patrick.
I think he was using a bit of sarcasm, Patrick!