Mets fans can argue about many things, but there is one thing we can all agree on: Curtis Granderson is easy to root for.
After going 3-for-5 with three RBIs and three runs scored yesterday, finishing a double shy of the cycle, the Grandy Man is now hitting .230/.335/.472 with 17 home runs and 47 RBIs on the season. While those are not the most impressive numbers you’ll see, Granderson’s value goes beyond statistics.
“He comes ready to play. He gets himself ready to play. He keeps himself ready to play,” Terry Collins said after Sunday’s game. “He’s an example of a guy you want to follow.”
Granderson, 36, started the year slow, finishing April with a .128 batting average. After hitting .273 in May and .316 in June, he tailed off again with a .159 batting average. The story of his season has been inconsistency, however his 112 wRC+ this season should be garnering some interest among contending teams looking for a power-hitting outfielder and superb clubhouse leader. Speaking with Bill Evans of NewJersey.com, Granderson spoke about his role on the team now and going forward.
“We’re still in the same situation with Juan Lagares here now and Brandon Nimmo, obviously, a top prospect,” said Granderson. “You have (Yoenis) Cespedes, who is one of the best outfielders in the game, and (Michael) Conforto who is an all-star. We have a lot of guys who can play. It gives Terry Collins a lot of assets if we’re facing lefties, righties, need a pinch-hitter or defensive sub. He has a lot of pieces who can go in and play a lot of outfield positions.”
The Mets do currently have a surplus of outfielders, both young and old. Granderson was an integral cog in the 2015 NL Champion Mets machine and would still be a valuable weapon for a team within striking distance of a playoff berth. As the recent Jay Bruce trade showed us, Sandy Alderson is keen on decreasing the payroll for the rest of the season, even asking for, in return much less than the player seems to be worth.
“In 12-plus years, I’ve never been traded during the season,” said Granderson. “There’s no reason to start thinking about it now. As of now, there’s nothing that’s indicated it would be different.”
As August trudges along, all Granderson can do is focus on his game and continue to produce best he can while Terry Collins manages his crowded outfield.
“He is the epitome of what this game is about,” Terry said. “He comes here every day and plays as hard as he can, and if you’re not in the lineup tip your hat and be ready whenever you need me and he is. To just say OK, you’re not playing more, I think these guys have earned the chance to get as much playing time as they can.”
With David Wright mostly out of commission, Granderson seems to have become the interim captain. He is universally loved with people often saying that he is the future Mayor of Chicago. He has served as a phenomenal mentor for the young up-and-comers as well as the veterans. Whether he gets traded or leaves via free agency this winter, he will be tough to replace.
