James Cook: Tigers pay for past mistakes

James Cook

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December 8, 2009

Anonymous The Record Eagle Tue Dec 08, 2009, 11:15 PM EST

Looking for a reason why Curtis Granderson won't be on the Detroit Tigers roster next season?

Look the way of Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis and Jeremy Bonderman -- perhaps the most expensive trio of unproductive bullpen arms in the majors. Or at least at Dave Dombrowski's generosity in giving each overblown contracts, only to see each be an epic failure in his own way.

But face it, despite his popularity, Granderson isn't the complete player some think he is. He strikes out a lot (24 percent of the time), can't draw a walk (.327 on-base percentage) and wasn't good in the clutch (.242 with runners in scoring position; .187 with two outs last year).

With the Tigers in a cost-cutting mode because of bloated contracts, the four players Detroit acquired in the trade make a total of $1.8 million. Granderson alone is due $36.75 million over the next four years.

Max Scherzer, 25, isn't as good as Edwin Jackson in the starting rotation right now, but if he can cut down on the walks, his upside is higher. The same goes for 23-year-old lefty fireballer Daniel Schlereth.

Austin Jackson, 22, seems similar to Granderson, minus the power and with better base-stealing potential.

Seeing Granderson in pinstripes will be painful, but it appears it was the only way to pay for the Tigers' previous contractual mistakes.

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