LAKELAND, Fla. — There are voices in the Tigers’ organization who believe Curtis Granderson isn’t a true center fielder. Try telling that to Miguel Cabrera.
Granderson made a sensational back-to-the infield grab on Cabrera’s long drive to center in the fourth inning of yesterday’s 9-8 Yankees victory over the Tigers.
“Things have to happen, you have to have somebody hit and then you have to go back,” said Granderson, who went 2-for-3. “I got one today and I was able to haul it in.”
It was an emotional day for the former Tiger, who was acquired for Phil Coke and Austin Jackson.
“I am going to miss it, I had a good time here,” Granderson said. “On the bus ride I was wondering how it would go. It was a good day.”
MATTINGLY COULD TAKE OVER FROM TORRE
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According to industry sources the Yankees remain the favorites to sign Adeinis Hechavarria. However, they have company in chasing the 21-year-old shortstop who defected from Cuba last year.
“There are five teams that are interested,” the source said.
The Yankees have long been the favorites to land Hechavarria for two reasons: They have the money and have spent more time than any other team scouting him. They have seen him in open workouts in the Dominican Republic and he has been to their complex in the DR several times to work out. The most recent trip to the DR was last week.
“He has a body like [Alfonso] Soriano,” a talent evaluator said of Hechavarria. “And he can hit.”
Since the Red Sox gave Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias $8 million, it’s believed Hechavarria is looking for a similar figure.
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George Steinbrenner is down about losing long-time friend and employee Dick Kraft,who died Tuesday.
“Dick was — and always will be — a champion to me, and my loyal friend, who I will miss dearly,” The Boss said in a statement yesterday.
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Utility infielder Ramiro Pena had an ice wrap on his left knee after yesterday’s game but said there was nothing wrong with the hinge. … Alfredo Aceves, who had minor back stiffness Monday, threw a bullpen session yesterday. So, too, did Mariano Rivera, Javier Vazquez and Andy Pettitte. … Brett Gardner had his second bunt single in three days yesterday as he continues to work on making other teams aware of it. … Mike Rivera, who will catch at Triple-A, took a foul tip off the mask near the chin area but stayed in the game.
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Austin Jackson, who was dealt from the Yankees to Tigers in the Curtis Granderson deal, dreamed of playing center field for the Yankees.
“I’d be lying to you if I told you I didn’t think about that. But I definitely moved on the day I got traded, I knew that if I kept thinking about it I wouldn’t be giving my all to this team,” Jackson said. “I think it happened for a reason, and right now I’m glad it happened.”
Johnny Damon on Jackson: “I believe he’s definitely ready for the big leagues. He’s maturing a lot. He had to wait in the wings for a couple of years. I think he’s ready, not to just be a rookie this year, but to make a statement. He’s a smart kid and I’ve talked to him about hitting leadoff, I can give him any type of advice he needs from the 2-hole.”
Additional reporting by Kevin Kernan.