TRADE ANALYSIS
USA TODAY
A closer look at the proposed three-team deal between the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks:
•Impact on the Yankees: In Curtis Granderson, 28, the Yankees will get a center fielder for at least the next three years, the period remaining on his contract. They also will have the luxury of playing the rest of the offseason several ways.
They will no longer be compelled to bring back left fielder Johnny Damon or designated hitter Hideki Matsui. They can slide Melky Cabrera to left field from center with Nick Swisher in right and Brett Gardner as the No. 4 outfielder. They also could sign a free-agent outfielder from another team, such as Mike Cameron, to a one-year deal. The point is that general manager Brian Cashman can deal with this issue on his terms. Plus, the outfield defense is sure to be improved and more athletic.
Granderson struggled against left-handed pitchers last season, hitting .183, but he should enjoy batting with the short right field porch at Yankee Stadium. As for the loss of left-handed relief pitcher Phil Coke, the Yankees can turn to Michael Dunn, a 24-year-old who spent most of last season in the minor leagues.
•Impact on the Tigers: They might end up the winner of this deal, gaining four talented players and payroll relief.
GM Dave Dombrowski stands to shed nearly $30 million in guaranteed salaries and score two prized young pitchers (Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth), a top outfield prospect (Austin Jackson) and a reliable left-handed reliever (Coke).
Scherzer, 25, was the Diamondbacks' No. 1 pick three years ago. He has an electric arm and will slide into the rotation. He was 9-11 with a 4.12 ERA last season, striking out 174 in 170⅓ innings. Schlereth, 23, a left-handed power pitcher, could fit into the bullpen and become a closer down the road. Jackson, 22, who hit .300 at Class AAA last season, could challenge for the center field job in spring training. Coke will be a setup man.
•Impact on the Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks, believing their opportunity to win the NL West is now, hope that right-handed starter Edwin Jackson will give them one of the best 1-2-3 punches in the league along with Brandon Webb and Dan Haren.