The two former Tigers center fielders have a lot more in common than just being former Tigers center fielders. Granderson was traded in 2009 as part of a deal that landed the Tigers a young Max Scherzer, who as you know, would go on to win the 2013 Cy Young. Jackson was dealt on Thursday for former Cy Young winner David Price.
Their careers in the Old English D were similar, too:
Curtis Granderson gave #Tigers 674 games; Austin Jackson 669. I felt Austin Jackson was just as good. WAR gives CG edge by 0.7.
— Detroit4lyfe (@Detroit4lyfe) August 1, 2014
@walkoffwoodward Funny, for both their 3rd full season was very good at the plate — Granderson’s being better. Jackson was better on D
— Detroit4lyfe (@Detroit4lyfe) August 1, 2014
They also both have unforgettable defensive plays in big moments vs. Cleveland (Yeah, screw Cleveland!):
Tigers fans reacted much more negatively to the Granderson trade in 2009, probably because Granderson was a fan favorite for his play and off-the-field charity work, and the Tigers acquired mostly unknown commodities whereas Jackson netted an already-big name. But in all reality, Jackson filled Granderson’s shoes quite nicely.
Tigers centerfield duties now belong to Rajai Davis and call up Ezequiel Carrera.
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