Matt Way is the creator and author of Third and Blog, a sports website dedicated to everything sports.

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The rich get richer.  ESPN is reporting that the Yankees acquired Curtis Granderson in a three team deal involving the Tigers and Diamondbacks.  When I first heard the Tigers were trading Granderson, I was upset.  With Stevie Y and Chauncey Billups gone, Curtis Granderson was probably the most popular player in Detroit sports.  But, like the Chauncey era last year, Granderson’s time in Detroit came to an end via trade.

Granderson has been a building block of the Detroit Tigers’ recent resurgence.  He’s a good baseball player and a likable person on and off the field.  He always seems to have fun whenever he steps onto the field.  And, as hard as it is to let go, the Tigers got better today.

Along with Granderson, the Tigers give up young starting pitcher Edwin Jackson.  But, they receive Max Scherzer from the Diamondbacks, who is arguably better and is definitively younger.  Verlander, Porcello, Scherzer makes a great 1-2-3 punch for the future.

Additionally, the Tigers’ bullpen becomes a lot better with the additions of Phil Coke and Daniel Schlereth (yes, Mark’s son).  The bullpen was part of the Tigers problems in 2009, so an improved bullpen will definitely help in the 2010 season.

The Tigers received a fourth player in outfield prospect Austin Jackson.  Jackson has shown solid ability in AAA, and can play center field in place of Granderson. Jackson won’t be a total liability against left-handed pitching, like Granderson, who, for as good as he was in Detroit, couldn’t consistently hit southpaws.

The youth movement is in place in Detroit.  Polanco is out, Scott Sizemore is in.  Alex Avila should see starting duty in 2010, as should Wilkin Ramirez.  A Ramirez/Jackson/??? outfield is the future in Detroit.  Most importantly, Detroit cut payroll, which they were looking to do.

All in all, the trade is a huge win for the Tigers. But, Curtis Granderson will be sincerely missed. He should have an awesome time with right field at Yankee Stadium.  And, he’ll be the only Yankee I have ever cheered for.  Good luck Curtis… you will be missed.

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