Time to take a look at two underpaid yet talented center fielders who are due for a little recognition. By Sam Blackstone
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| (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) |
They posses speed, agility, and power. They play Gold Glove caliber defense. They can steal a bag, lay down a bunt, and hit a fastball 400-plus feet. They are the clear MVPs of their respective clubs in 2011. And when you add their salaries together, it’s still not even a third of Alex Rodriguez’s. Curtis Granderson and Jacoby Ellsbury, starting center fielders for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox respectively, command attention.
Granderson’s 2011 campaign was remarkable. He led the AL in RBI with 119, was second in triples with 10, second in home runs with 41, and led all of MLB in runs (136), eclipsing second place finisher Ian Kinsler by fifteen. He played consistent, at times extraordinary defense all year and in the ALDS, had a few highlight reel, game saving catches in key situations.
Ellsbury’s 2011 season was about redemption. Injured for almost all of 2010 with a rib injury sustained in a collision in the first series of the year, Ellsbury’s rehab and recovery in 2010 was marred by setbacks and miscommunication between player, medical staff and management. With some questioning his toughness, Ellsbury had a lot to prove. Posting a .312 batting average, 32 home runs, 105 RBI, and stealing 39 bases, Ellsbury not only quieted critics with his season long success but also with his effort in September when, amid poor team performances and harsh media scrutiny, he proved the only reliable, capable hitter.
Granderson’s 2011 campaign was remarkable. He led the AL in RBI with 119, was second in triples with 10, second in home runs with 41, and led all of MLB in runs (136), eclipsing second place finisher Ian Kinsler by fifteen. He played consistent, at times extraordinary defense all year and in the ALDS, had a few highlight reel, game saving catches in key situations.
Ellsbury’s 2011 season was about redemption. Injured for almost all of 2010 with a rib injury sustained in a collision in the first series of the year, Ellsbury’s rehab and recovery in 2010 was marred by setbacks and miscommunication between player, medical staff and management. With some questioning his toughness, Ellsbury had a lot to prove. Posting a .312 batting average, 32 home runs, 105 RBI, and stealing 39 bases, Ellsbury not only quieted critics with his season long success but also with his effort in September when, amid poor team performances and harsh media scrutiny, he proved the only reliable, capable hitter.
While most seem to believe Justin Verlander will capture the AL Cy Young and AL MVP this year, Granderson and Ellsbury will certainly receive their share of recognition and votes come November.
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