Curtis and His New Digs

Later today, new centerfielder Curtis Granderson will play his first home game as a member of the New York Yankees. He comes into the game having hit well on the road trip. After the season’s first week, his line sits at an impressive .348/.423/.652/1.075 with a .486 wOBA in 26 PAs.

We’ve been looking forward to Granderson’s arrival in Yankee Stadium because he’s a power hitting lefty, who we think will benefit from the short porch in right field. If anything, it will likely add a homer or two, considering the spacious park–Comerica to be exact–where Curtis used to play his home games.

For his part, Granderson says he isn’t necessarily trying to hit the ball out of the park, but knows that some balls will.

“I think at times this field can play very big, and at times very small,” he said. “The main thing is to go out there and look for something to drive. Some are going to go out of the ballpark, some aren’t, but what’s important is to continue to be in a strong position to hit.”

Basically, Curtis is sticking to the old “I’m just gonna go out there and play my game” cliche. And that, in fact, is fine. Why? Because Curtis’s game is a damn good one. What’s more, his game will definitely suit playing in YSIII.

Taking a look at his splits on FanGraphs, we can see one thing is clear: when Curtis pulls the ball, good things happen.

Granderson’s solid power seems to shine through the brightest when he hits the ball to right field. His IsoP on hits to right is an off-the-charts .358 and his wOBA is an astronomical .474.

74 of Curtis’s 104 career home runs have gone to right field (71.2%) and when he hits the ball in the air towards right field, it’s got a great shot to get out. Almost 30% (29.6) of his fly balls to right field have landed in someone’s lap.

Given this information, it appears that Curtis doesn’t need to make any adjustments for playing in his new home. As long as he sticks to what has gotten him here, he will succeed greatly.

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