Yankees introduce Granderson to big stage!

Club welcomes outfielder in news conference at Stadium.


NEW YORK -- The Yankees formally welcome their latest acquisition, outfielder Curtis Granderson, in aa news conference Thursday at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees acquired the left-handed hitting Granderson from the Tigers as part of a three-way deal during the Winter Meetings earlier this month in Indianapolis. Yankees GM Brian Cashman sent outfield prospect Austin Jackson and left-hander Phil Coke to Detroit and shipped right-hander Ian Kennedy to Arizona.

"Obviously we are very exited for what Curtis will bring to the ballclub," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "... Athleticism is something I love and something we are getting. But we are not only getting a great athlete, we are getting a great player."

In the other pieces of the deal, the D-backs acquired right-hander Edwin Jackson from the Tigers, and Detroit obtained right-hander Max Scherzer and left-hander Daniel Schlereth from Arizona.

Granderson hit .249 with 30 home runs, 71 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in 160 games for the Tigers in 2009, and the All-Star said that his versatility and willingness to hit anywhere in the lineup could help him adapt to whatever role the Yankees have in mind.

"We're excited about what he brings to the table -- his athleticism, his youth, his power and how it all relates to where we play," Cashman said after the trade. "His personality, how people gravitate to him -- they're all plusses."

Over the past five seasons, Granderson ranks third in the Majors with 56 triples, but it is his power that the Yankees might find most appealing.