Curtis Granderson for Detroit

[garf112]

Unfortunately, Soriano and Granderson's numbers are hard to compare because Sori was in the Majors by 21. But, we could still try.

at 22
Granderson- 29 2b, 10 3b, 11 hr, 10 SB (hi-A)
Soriano- 32 2b, 6 3b, 12 hr, 14 sb (AAA)

at 23
Granderson- 19 2b, 8 3b, 21 hr, 14 sb (AA) 462 AB
Soriano- 34 2b, 3 3b, 18 hr, 43 sb (ML) 574 AB

at 24
Granderson- 28 2b, 9 3b, 13 hr, 17 sb (AAA) 381 AB
Soriano- 51 2b, 2 3b, 39 hr, 41 sb (ML) 696 AB

Unfortunately, its tough to look at these numbers and make comparisons because of the difference in levels. But there are still similarities. There is only a slight change in hr level between 22 and 23, but a more pronounced one between 23 and 24. Do I think Granderson will hit like Soriano? Probably not. But this is an interesting look at the two nonetheless. Also, there is a dramatic increase in sbs.

[garf112]

Bobby Higginson is a 5'11 195lb Lefty who hit 23HR 67RBI with 28 2B in 476 AB's at AAA Toledo in his final season there and only hit 30HR once in the majors at the height of the steroid era in 2000 after seasons of 14, 26, 27, 25, 12*(injury shortened). His projections were probably even higher than 30 when he broke in and he still only did it once. All I'm saying is guys don't hit 30 HR's easily.

Higginson's body type is totally different than Granderson. I do agree that not everyone reaches there HR potential.

[Yoda]

Unfortunately, Soriano and Granderson's numbers are hard to compare because Sori was in the Majors by 21. But, we could still try.

at 22
Granderson- 29 2b, 10 3b, 11 hr, 10 SB (hi-A)
Soriano- 32 2b, 6 3b, 12 hr, 14 sb (AAA)

at 23
Granderson- 19 2b, 8 3b, 21 hr, 14 sb (AA) 462 AB
Soriano- 34 2b, 3 3b, 18 hr, 43 sb (ML) 574 AB

at 24
Granderson- 28 2b, 9 3b, 13 hr, 17 sb (AAA) 381 AB
Soriano- 51 2b, 2 3b, 39 hr, 41 sb (ML) 696 AB

Unfortunately, its tough to look at these numbers and make comparisons because of the difference in levels. But there are still similarities. There is only a slight change in hr level between 22 and 23, but a more pronounced one between 23 and 24. Do I think Granderson will hit like Soriano? Probably not. But this is an interesting look at the two nonetheless. Also, there is a dramatic increase in sbs.

Isn't Soriano two years older? That means he was a rookie at age 25.

[AT]

I think the consensus is that he's 29 now.

[garf112]

Isn't Soriano two years older? That means he was a rookie at age 25.

You mean I did all that work for nothing?

Seriously, though, that makes my argument even better, but I'm not going through all the numbers again only to have someone tell me that Soriano is now 35.

[AT]

Isn't Soriano two years older? That means he was a rookie at age 25.

You mean I did all that work for nothing?

Seriously, though, that makes my argument even better, but I'm not going through all the numbers again only to have someone tell me that Soriano is now 35.

lol. For what it's worth I liked looking at the comparison.

[Drunken Rhino]

Who said it was easily attainable for Abreu? He's only hit more than 30 HR in a season twice in his career and I'm pretty sure he was helped out a great deal by his home ball park last year.

25 HR-35 SB potential is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about w/ this guy and that seems to be what Abreu's 162 game averages are (24 and 30)

How is that comparison off?

[AT]

Who said it was easily attainable for Abreu? He's only hit more than 30 HR in a season twice in his career and I'm pretty sure he was helped out a great deal by his home ball park last year.

25 HR-35 SB potential is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about w/ this guy and that seems to be what Abreu's 162 game averages are (24 and 30)

How is that comparison off?

25 HR - 35 SB potential is one thing, but are you saying this kid is going to do that year in and year out? Because Abreu is one of the best players in the game right now and does more than go 25/35 and to compare a rookie to him is kind of lofty.

[Drunken Rhino]

That's why I said years to come. To think he'll do it next year is lofty yes. But in 3 years? Why not?! Hell! Even Abreu has only gone 25-35 twice?!

I'm not arguing that he is one of the best players in the game, but there's nothing wrong with saying the guy can reach those numbers in 2-3 years.

[Yoda]

That's why I said years to come. To think he'll do it next year is lofty yes. But in 3 years? Why not?! Hell! Even Abreu has only gone 25-35 twice?!

I'm not arguing that he is one of the best players in the game, but there's nothing wrong with saying the guy can reach those numbers in 2-3 years.

I think the point is that it's premature to compare Granderson to anyone like Abreu. He's a fine prospect and he intrigues us all as most young players do. He's improving his game and now we get to see what he can do at the highest level. His plate discipline tells me that he won't become a superstar overnight.

If anything, his power potential looks great based on the extra base hits he's been banging out in the last two years including this one. But he will struggle and he will need to prove himself to be an everyday player first. Right now, he is worth keeping an eye on but not a bench spot.