As the news starts to sink in of the Yankees' three-way trade with the Tigers and D-Backs, many New York fans are left boggling at the lose-lose deal netting the Yanks Curtis Granderson in exchange for prized prospect Austin Jackson, half of their lefty relief core in Phil Coke, and Ian Kennedy. I initially questioned the wisdom of what was, ignoring Coke and Kennedy, giving up developing talent in Jackson for a good fielder with middling hitting (atypical of the archetypal Yankee).

Cashman and crew gave us some insight into their collective mindset with the inclusion of Ian Kennedy in the deal. Yankee fans well remember 2008's much-hyped young pitching core of Kennedy, Hughes, and Joba. Home-grown talent that were to be the new face of the franchise, who struggled mightily in each of their own special ways (Kennedy's injuries, Hughes' hittability, Joba's mind games) and failed to bring the team to the playoffs for the first time since 1993. It is understandable why the back-office crew would be wary of young players on a veteran-dominated team, at least considering the recent track record.

Of course we a list of homegrown Yankees that have blossomed into great players: Jeter, Mo, Pettite, Soriano, and Cano being classic examples. I would always question the wisdom of trading away potential superstars. But then I look back at the previous sentence and take note of the keyword "potential." That is an important one. The Yankees aren't looking to potentially win the world series. They aren't looking to potentially have a great outfield. They are the defending champions looking to repeat, which means players now, consequences later. And looking at what Granderson offers, a great glove, speed, and ways to get on base, it's clear what his purpose on the team will be: A replacement for Johnny Damon.

Curtis' placement in center field will shift Melky to left and Gardener to right. That is a pretty solid defensive outfield. It frees up Swisher for trades and allows Damon DH time. And despite struggles against lefty pitchers, he is perfectly suited for Yankee Stadium's short right-field fence. And importantly, his presence would inject some speed and unpredictability into the lineup, the kind that, along with good defense, wins postseason games.

And what are we losing again? An unproven starter, a lefty specialist, and a prospect (i.e. prospectively a good player). This deal is looking better and better already.

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