SB Nation - Edwin Jackson

Winter Meetings - Day 3: Starting Pitching

Eric Stephen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:34:40 -0000

More photos » by Chris Pizzello - AP

Thanks for a great season, Randy

I doubt we'll get any news from Indianapolis today as big as yesterday's three-team trade between the Yankees, Tigers, and Diamondbacks, but today figures to be about starting pitching:

Edwin Jackson was a key part of the Curtis Granderson deal, and he returns to Arizona, the site of his major league debut six years ago. Jackson was doused in beer by teammates after beating the Diamondbacks on his 20th birthday, defeating The Big Unit, a man one day shy of being twice Jackson's age.

A positive piece of news for the Dodgers is that it appears one of the final two rotation spots will be filled with in house candidates. Sometimes a budget crisis can force a team to make the right decisions.

Meanwhile, ex-Dodger Randy Wolf figured to give the Brewers his answer to their three-year, $27 million offer today, per Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It looks like his answer was yes, per Ken Rosenthal.

The Dodgers will receive no draft picks as compensation for losing Wolf.

How Arizona's Josh Byrnes Fueled the Three-Team Trade

Ian Casselberry — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:15:06 -0000

If you want to get an idea of how yesterday's three-team trade between the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Yankees came together, the New York Post's Joel Sherman passes along the details he heard.

The way I heard how the Granderson trade began was that Arizona was trying to get Edwin Jackson at the GM Meetings and was told Max Scherzer was too little of a return, but felt Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth was too much. So Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes' first call was to Cashman because he assumed Granderson fit the Yankees' needs so ideally, and that the Yanks had resources that Detroit wanted.

That basically falls in line with what we'd heard previously, that the Tigers didn't think Scherzer alone was enough for Jackson. But it's interesting to see how one GM calls another one up with an idea that could get a deal done. We saw much the same thing last year in the three-team J.J. Putz deal, with Omar Minaya knowing he could get Franklin Gutierrez from Cleveland, which filled the centerfield need in Seattle.

(In a different article, Sherman explains that the Yankees jumped at the chance to get Curtis Granderson because they'd become quite familiar with him. Remember, it looked like the Tigers would be the Yanks' first-round playoff opponent, so they had a wealth of scouting material to consult when Granderson went on the trading block.)

Sherman also confirms what had been reported by several other outlets, that Dave Dombrowski was looking for players who either hadn't accumulated much major league service time (and a few seasons away from eligibility for salary arbitration) or were ready to play in the majors. (No three-to-four-year waits for prospects, thank you very much.)

Wednesday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:51:04 -0000

by Keith Birmingham - AP

Another day, another picture of Randy Wolf.

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Some things to read while making your pitch to Gatorade.

It's been roughly 24 hours since we were told the Brewers were "very close" to a deal with Randy Wolf, but said deal has yet to materialize. Both Tom H. and Buster Olney are saying the Brewers are expecting a response today, now that Arn Tellem has had a day to shop the offer around, but reportedly hasn't found anyone willing to match it. Other notes on Wolf:

Tom H. says he "gets the feeling that the Brewers are suprised that Randy Wolf hasn't accepted their three-year offer yet."
Jayson Stark heard that the Brewers' offer to Wolf was bigger than the three year, $28 million deal the Braves recently gave Tim Hudson.
Jon Heyman tweeted that the Mets don't appear likely to land Wolf, and while MLB Trade Rumors lists them as showing interest in five other pitchers, Heyman says the price of mid-level pitching might drive them to spend a little more in pursuit of John Lackey.
The Junkball Blues has a look at the average return teams get on three year contracts to starting pitchers. There are some good ones (Greg Maddux, Andy Pettitte, A.J. Burnett), but also some disasters (Adam Eaton, Jason Schmidt, Carl Pavano).
Jorge Says No! wonders about the wisdom of offering Wolf a third year, but says the Brewers' willingness to do it implies they don't think they can sign Prince Fielder to a long term deal.

By the way, over two months ago Jorge Says No! predicted Wolf would get three years, $31 million on the open market. Impressive.

I feel the need to clarify my position on the Wolf rumor a bit, because I feel I was a little hard on the front office in this one act play last night. I still don't think Wolf wants to play in Milwaukee, which is why Arn Tellem has spent the last 24 hours searching for anyone on a coast willing to match the Brewers' offer. With that said, I'll give credit where credit is due to the front office for finding the guy they wanted and being aggressive in an attempt to get him here. If it turns out that the scenario I laid out is true and Tellem was just using the Brewers to raise the price for someone else, so be it. At least we're talking about the Brewers making an effort, and not hearing the reasons why they can't.

Meanwhile, the Brewers are close to a deal to bring Claudio Vargas back for another season, and are just waiting for formal acceptance from Vargas and his agent (FanShot). Conversation on the deal is probably complicated a bit by the fact that Vargas is currently in the Dominican Republic pitching in winter ball.

They're also expecting an answer sometime today from Craig Counsell, who may or may not be seeking a two year deal for next season. It sounds like Counsell and his agent spent the day yesterday checking out other options. Don't be surprised if a deal gets done relatively quickly.

Ken Macha told reporters yesterday that Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra are the only pitchers guaranteed a spot in the Brewer rotation next season, implying that Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan will have to compete to earn an opportunity (FanShot). Open competition should be good for all involved, especially if the Crew manages to bring in some high-upside pitchers to compete.

Tom H. has all of those notes (and a terrible headline) in his roundup piece today, along with this note: The 40 man roster is starting to fill up, so don't be surprised if the Brewers decide not to take a chance on a Rule 5 pick in tomorrow's draft. I think that's a poor decision. Among others, Tim Dillard and Luis Cruz could probably pass through waivers without much notice. Passing on a cheap lottery ticket to protect one of those guys doesn't seem to make sense.

In the minors:

Project Prospect has a look at the speed of several Brewers who recently performed in the Arizona Fall League. Jonathan Lucroy appears to be in about the middle of the pack, while Taylor Green rated out way on the low end. They mustn't have had enough data to publish a ranking for Lorenzo Cain.
Angel Salome will be the next Brewer prospect to head out for winter ball: He's reportedly leaving at the end of the week to play for Este in the Dominican League. You can keep up with him and all the Brewer winter leaguers in our Winter League Updates.

We're continuing the effort to put together a BCB All Decade Team, and if you haven't cast your first votes yet, there's still time. Voting at first base will remain open until 4 pm today, and voting at second base runs until 4 pm tomorrow. Check back later today to vote for a shortstop.

Around baseball:

Braves: Designated outfielder Ryan Church for assignment.
D-Backs: Acquired pitchers Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy in a three way deal that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and outfielder Austin Jackson and pitchers Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth and Phil Coke to the Tigers.
Mets: Signed 1B/3B Mike Hessman to a minor league deal.
Nationals: Signed outfielder Jerry Owens to a minor league deal.
Phillies: Signed Ross Gload to a two year deal.
Pirates: Are expected to sign Bobby Crosby to a one year deal.
Tigers: Signed catcher Robinzon Diaz, who was recently released by the Pirates.
Twins: Designated Boof Bonser for assignment.
White Sox: Signed Mark Teahen to a three year, $14 million deal, avoiding arbitration.
Yankees: Will receive the #1 pick in tomorrow's Rule 5 Draft as the PTBNL in the Brian Bruney trade.

Meanwhile, ~~Gritty von Canthitalick~~ Jason Kendall continues to search for work, but there's more suitors than you might think: The Rangers are reportedly strongly considering Kendall, now that Jarrod Saltalamacchia injured his shoulder playing winter ball. The Royals have also expressed interest.

From surprising news to what might possibly be the week's least surprising news: John Lackey is having a hard time finding a team willing to offer him a six year deal.

Actually, this might be the most surprising news: Kudos to the BBWAA for their decision to allow Sean Forman of Baseball Reference to join their organization.

We could have used this days ago, but Dave Cameron of FanGraphs has a guide to deciphering sources in Winter Meeting rumors. Again today, the meetings provide us with some things you might never have known without the internet, and wouldn't have missed:

Michael Tucker, who hasn't played in the majors since 2006, is in Indianapolis and wants to play next season.
Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson heard about a trade offer the Diamondbacks made for him and was offended by it.
C. Trent Rosecrans gave the Meetings' Best Hat Award to Manny Acta.
Blue Jays beat reporter Jordan Bastian gives us a look at the hotel lobby, complete with Christmas tree.
Jonathan Mayo of MiLB.com had to step away from the meetings for a moment to help his mom figure out the TV.

On this day in 1977, the Brewers traded pitchers Jim Slaton and Rich Folkers to the Tigers for Ben Oglivie. The 29 year old Panama native would spend the last nine years of his career as a Brewer, hitting .277/.345/.461, leading the AL with 41 home runs in 1980, and appearing in three All Star games.

Happy birthday today to:

Doc Medich, who made the final ten starts of his major league career for the 1982 Brewers, and turns 61.
Ed Romero, who spent parts of eight seasons as a Brewer in the late 70's and 80's and later served as a minor league infield coordinator and manager. He turns 52.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some snowblowing to do.

Drink up.

Evening Prowl: Granderson-Jackson Trade Reactions, Views on Scherzer, and Other Minor Deals Made Today

Ian Casselberry — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:30:24 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Curtis Granderson looks ahead to a future in pinstripes, after being traded to the New York Yankees in a three-team deal on Tuesday.

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As we did yesterday, let's do a little recap of Tuesday at the Winter Meetings thus far, if for no other reason than to catch some breath after the big three-team trade involving Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson. (Maybe you heard about it?)

The deal's still not official, pending physical exams. (Jason Beck mentioned that Granderson hadn't heard from the Tigers as of this afternoon, and hasn't heard from them in a while, which may have been an indication of their plans.) But that's apparently the only hurdle left to clear.

There's plenty to sort through, which I'm sure we'll be doing - both as a blog and community - in days, weeks, and months to come. I know there's already been a lot of that today at BYB, as this deal is viewed from several different standpoints and through a range of emotions.

As a baseball writer, I think the Tigers made a good trade and am excited about the pitching they've received in return. Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth should be fun to watch over the next few years. As a fan, I'm disappointed to see a popular, homegrown player like Granderson off to another team. And I really came to enjoy watching Jackson pitch this season.

For tonight, however, I'll leave the emotional reactions to The Detroit Tigers Weblog and Mack Avenue Tigers. Detroit4Lyfe rounded up a lot of the post-trade response thus far. Here's more from today:

Ken Rosenthal says the Diamondbacks viewed Scherzer as a reliever, not a starter, which is why he was on the trade block. His mechanics also raise some eyebrows among scouts.

That lines up with what D-Backs beat reporter Nick Piecoro wrote early this morning, after trade discussions had stalled. Lack of a consistent third pitch, an inability to pitch deep into ballgames, and - again - those mechanics were all causes for concern.

(Hat tip to Mike McClary)

Fangraphs' Dave Cameron believes the Yankees are the winner in this deal, as they're getting the best player in Granderson. But he thinks the trade "makes some sense" for the Tigers.

ESPN's Keith Law, however, thinks Detroit came out on top here, getting two power arms and a full-time, lower-cost centerfielder. Law especially likes Schlereth out of the Tigers' bullpen, and sees Jim Leyland handling him well. (Insider)

If you'd like to learn more about Austin Jackson, the centerfielder coming to Detroit in return for Granderson, check out this NY Times profile of him. Tyler Kepner writes about Jackson's lack of power, basketball skills that almost led him to Georgia Tech (and comparisons to Chauncey Billups), and his status as a top prospect in the Yankees' organization.

(Thanks to granderson28 - who might have to change that screen name - for posting that in comments.)

In a FanPost, Boney thinks Tigers fans will eventually learn to like this trade.

Long-time Tigers minor leaguer Mike Hessman signed with the Mets today. The agreement is a minor league deal, with a payout if Hessman chooses to play in Japan (the amount depends on when he goes). Hessman didn't get a call up to Detroit this year, batting .217/.324/.442 with 23 homers and 77 RBIs in 131 games with Triple-A Toledo.

Detroit also picked up a minor league catcher this afternoon, signing Robinzon Diaz. Diaz played with the Pirates this year, splitting time between the Triple-A and major league clubs. The Tigers were reportedly interested in Diaz before the trade deadline.

Arizona Makes Awful Move in Granderson Blockbuster

Satchel Price — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:45:57 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

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Within the massive seven player deal that sent Curtis Granderson to the New York Yankees, the Diamondbacks dealt starter Max Scherzer and top relief prospect Daniel Schlereth to the Tigers in order to acquire right-handers Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy.

While you would presume that the Diamondbacks were simply making a win-now move, it's pretty questionable whether the team actually make any legitimate improvements for next season. While Jackson should provide Arizona with a solid mid-rotation starter and Kennedy gives them another back of the rotation option along with Kevin Mulvey, Billy Buckner and Bryan Augenstein, giving up their two best young arms capable of contributing in 2010 in order to add them.

While Jackson is under control for two years and Kennedy is under control for six years, Scherzer has five years of team control left and Schlereth still has all six as well. What makes the deal so puzzling is that one could legitimately argue that Scherzer will be the better pitcher not only long term, but in 2010 as well. Jackson posted a decent 4.39 xFIP and 4.28 FIP in 2009, Scherzer bested those numbers with respective marks of 3.87 and 3.88, while posting significantly better contact rates.

I'm still trying to understand how the Diamondbacks improved going forward thanks to this deal. The pitching staff is older with Jackson and Kennedy, it's likely not any better and could very well be worse if Scherzer takes the next step (which he's capable of), and it's not any cheaper, Jackson is by far the most expensive piece among the four pitchers.

Certainly, the Yankees made a brilliant move by landing a star center fielder without giving up any potential stars, all three prospects project more as solid everyday players than legitimate impact players, and the Tigers did manage to land some nice pieces in Scherzer, Schlereth, Austin Jackson and Phil Coke. But I'm still trying to figure out what Arizona got out of this deal.

Yankees Acquire Curtis Granderson In 3-Way Trade With Tigers & Diamondbacks

Tommy Rancel — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:15:09 -0000

More photos » by Danny Moloshok - AP

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It's a Yankee world and we're just living in it. After making one of the only moves on day one of the winter meetings, the Yankees were at in again this time involving the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks in what looks like the signature move of this year's meetings.

As the story goes, the Yankees receive Curtis Granderson, the Tigers will receive Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Phil Coke and Austin Jackson, and the Diamondbacks get Edwin Jackson, Ian Kennedy and a whole lot of second guessing from fans and writers like myself.

For the Yankees, it's pretty easy to like this deal. Sure, Granderson has his flaws (average-below average defense past two seasons, platoon like split), but even with those flaws he is a safe bet for a 3.5-4 WAR season for each of the remaining four years on his contract.

The contract itself is pretty nifty. For the 29-year-old Granderson, the Yankees will probably pay in the neighborhood of $38 million (estimating some incentives) for the four years. A quick and easy estimate puts his expected value around $70 million for those years. They could even buyout the final year of the deal making the contract something like three years, $27 million.

Basically, the Yanks get a younger, cheaper, better alternative to Johnny Damon for two arms and a player with the upside to one day be Granderson-lite. Despite his lefty on lefty split, Granderson, and his pull hitting tendency, should enjoy the short porch and wind tunnel in his new home park as well as a few more all-star appearances.

The Tigers are giving up the biggest piece in the deal in Granderson, and downgrade a bit in the interim, but gain four cheap and controllable pieces that should help for seasons to come. Detroit has made no secret about wanting to shed payroll, and clearing the at least $25.75 million guaranteed to Granderson helps towards accomplishing that goal. They also save on Edwin Jackson's impending ERA inflated arbitration raise. They receive Max Scherzer as the big prize in their return. Not only can he fill Jackson's spot in the rotation immediately, but stands a decent upgrade it for much less.

The Tigers could also immediately turn to soon-to-be 23-year-old, Austin Jackson to fill Granderson's spot in the field. There will no doubt be a significant dip in production overall, but Jackson stands to be average in centerfield and brings speed to the lineup. As is the case with most young players, he strikeouts a lot and hasn't mastered the art of walks, but for the league minimum he could provide a nice value in Granderson's absense.

The other two pieces, Schlereth and Coke will help sure up a Tigers pen than stands to lose Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney to free agency. Both pitchers are lefties, and neither regarded as a future relief ace, but both stand to be average at least and more importantly cheap and controllable. Coke's future looks more LOOGY than fellow south paw, Schlereth. Mark's son has at least shown the ability to get righties out in the minor leagues; Once again, cheap, decent and immediate alternatives to more expensive options.

From the Diamondbacks stand point, it's hard to see the good in this trade. Edwin Jackson to this day remains more potential than production even with an all-star appearance to his credit. Ian Kennedy spent most of 2009 on the shelf, but has failed in his chances with the Yankees. Both still have potential and maybe a move to the NL West(or back to the NL West for Jackson) will cure what ails them, but it's hard to make the argument that either one is better than Scherzer is right now and will be going forward.

Curtis Granderson To The Yankees Might Mean A Lot For The Red Sox

Randy Booth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:50:08 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

2 days ago: FILE - In this June 11, 2009 photo, Detroit Tigers' Curtis Granderson watches his two-run home run off Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Chicago. A person familiar with the negotiations says the Yankees, Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks are nearing agreement on a three-team trade that would send Granderson from Detroit to New York. The Yankees would trade right-hander Ian Kennedy to Arizona, and lefty reliever Phil Coke and outfield prospect Austin Jackson to Detroit, the person said on condition of anonymity because the trade was not yet final. Detroit would deal pitcher Edwin Jackson to the Diamondbacks, and Arizona would send pitchers Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth to the Tigers. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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I used to like you, Curtis Granderson. Now I don't know how I feel. You're a Yankee, dude. A Yankee:

Curtis Granderson is the Yankees’ new center fielder, coming over from the Detroit Tigers in a three-way deal that also included the Arizona Diamondbacks. The deal, which is pending approval of medical records, will send outfielder Austin Jackson and reliever Phil Coke to Detroit and starter Ian Kennedy to Arizona.

The Diamondbacks will also receive starter Edwin Jackson from the Tigers, who will also get starter Max Scherzer and reliever Daniel Schlereth from Arizona.

The acquisition of Granderson, who turns 29 in March, gives the Yankees a younger alternative to Johnny Damon, 36, who is a free agent. The Yankees have no interest in giving Damon a three-year deal, but they were comfortable with a three-year commitment to Granderson, who is owed $25.75 million through 2012.

No doubt, Granderson is a really good player. He's going to give the Yankees another good bat and a pretty good outfield glove, too.

But the bigger question is: what do the Red Sox do now? In my opinion, nothing has to happen.

Will Carrol, aka The Injury Freaking King, tweets the following question:

Do red sox have to answer the granderson deal? Some are saying yes and quick and big.

Theo Epstein doesn't play the game of "let's make a move because the Yankees made a move." He's over that. He's past that. Theo Epstein builds the Boston Red Sox team to how he sees is the best fit. He builds them for 95 wins or more to get into the playoffs. He's not going to spend a lot of money or give up a lot of talented prospects just because the Yankees have made a move. Essentially, he's bigger than the rivalry.

With that said, WEEI has a few ideas for what the Sox could do to counter the Yanks' move (WEEI also mentions the Sox contacted the Tigers about Granderson, but soon found out they didn't have a solid match):

The effort to deal Granderson (and Edwin Jackson) offers fairly compelling evidence that the Tigers are indeed in a cost-cutting phase. That being the case, it is natural to wonder whether the team might make Miguel Cabrera available.

To date, according to a major-league source, there is no evidence that the Tigers are dangling the hitter extraordinaire (Cabrera hit .324 with a .396 OPS and .942 OPS, all among the best marks in the American League last year). Moreover, given Detroit’s interest in receiving major-league ready pieces — and, especially, position players — the possibility of a deal that might send Cabrera to the Red Sox seems far-fetched at this point (and that is without considering the concerns about the first baseman’s weight and off-field indiscretions).

Of course, there remains the possibility that economic realities at some point might force the Tigers to deal a player who has six years and $126 million remaining on his contract. But for now, there hasn’t been evidence that Detroit is looking to move the four-time All-Star.

I used to be a big fan of the Cabrera to Boston idea. Then all that "off-field indescretions" stuff popped up and he became tainted. No doubt he is an amazing baseball player. He's naturally gifted and has potential to go down as one of the best ever. But what kind of baggage does he bring to the team? Maybe Theo & Co. think they could whip him into shape -- mentally and physically -- ala Bill Belichick. I'm all for it if that's their gameplan.

Cabrera's bat in the middle of the Sox's lineup would be amazing. Part of me thinks it would be reminiscent of Manny Ramirez's days in Boston. Unfortunately, that means both the good and bad of having Manny in Boston.

As nice as it sounds, just because Granderson is in New York doesn't mean Cabrera has to be in Boston.

But I'm not 100 percent against it, either.

Poll

With the Yankees' acquisition of Curtis Granderson, do the Red Sox need to counter with a big signing or trade?

New York Yankees Acquire Curtis Granderson; Detroit Tigers Acquire Max Scherzer; Arizona Diamondbacks Acquire Brain Damage

R.J. Anderson — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:11:56 -0000

I don't want to bemoan the point too much, but this deal makes no sense for Arizona. Like, Josh Byrnes can tell everyone that King Zafuriack of the Hyereteian Empire forced him into it and even that would be more logical than the trade itself. Take a look at their part of this trade:

Going out: Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth

Coming in: Edwin Jackson, Ian Kennedy

Schlereth is a reliever. He's a former first round pick who struggles with walks but has bat-missing ability. Kennedy is a former "top" prospect. He throws a fastball in the low-90s and profiles as aback-end starter. Maybe more if everything breaks correctly.

Jackson is coming off the best season of his career. He posted a 4.39 xFIP (his previous three years were 5.03, 4.95, and 5.20 ... yeah.) but he only has two years of team control remaining and the pretty standard statistics will drive his arbitration costs up. Now, he's going to be in the NL West, which means a lower level of competition than say, the AL East, that should help with his numbers a little, but he's not a front of the line starter, and he's not better than Scherzer. No way, no how.

Scherzer is younger and has something like five cost controlled seasons left. His career xFIP is 3.71 and most people agree he's got room to improve. Potentially Arizona knows something the rest of us don't about his health habits or personal life, but even then, with that asymmetric knowledge you have to get something better than these cats named after dead presidents. But maybe I'm being too hard, maybe getting older, worse, and more expensive is totally undervalued on today's trade market.

This deal makes no sense for them. Detroit's side, I can understand. They need money and youth. They got money and youth. Good for them. New York, I get it. Granderson is something like a 3.5-4.5 win player most likely. Depends on what you think of his defense. He has a skill set that should age well, and while I'm thrilled Austin Jackson is gone, this definitely makes the Yankees better for the 2010 season.

The Deal is Almost Done

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:55:14 -0000

The three-way trade between the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Yankees appears to be just about done. The pieces have been agreed to by each team. All that's left, according to several reports, is for medical records for the players involved to be reviewed. When discussions get to that point, it's almost a formality.

So here's how the trade shakes down, from most accounts:

The Tigers get centerfielder Austin Jackson and reliever Phil Coke from the Yankees, along with pitchers Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth from the D-Backs.
The Diamondbacks receive Edwin Jackson from Detroit and pitcher Ian Kennedy from the Yankees.
The Yankees get Curtis Granderson.

However, the deal isn't yet official. In fact, there's some disagreement as to whether Schlereth is part of the deal. ESPN.com's report doesn't have Schlereth going to Detroit. But all other reports (for example, this one) seem to indicate that he's included. That's not an insignificant point.

More to come, once the deal becomes cross the t's, dot the i's official. But for now, it looks like this thing is about done.

Yankees/D-Backs/Tigers three way deal reportedly done

Adam J. Morris — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:24:38 -0000

The Yankees, Diamondbacks and Tigers have supposedly agreed on a three-way deal that results in Curtis Granderson going to the Yankees.

Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy are heading to the D-Backs, and Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Phil Coke, and Austin Jackson go to the Tigers.

I see this as a very solid deal for the Tigers. I'm underwhelmed by the D-Backs return, Yankees did okay.