Dodgers: Veteran Curtis Granderson Arrives for Playoff Run

In one of the brightest seasons that Dodgers fans have witnessed, the 2017 team, simply, has impressed. From flawless winning-streaks, victories in a comeback or walk-off fashion and contributions from everyone, this team has looked complete.

While posting a phenomenal record, the Dodgers have even managed to get better on the field. Improvements in the starting rotation were made at the trade deadline, but the next couple months just got brighter with the acquisition of 36-year-old outfielder, Curtis Granderson.

Q: Who can come up big down the stretch for the Dodgers? A: The Grandy Man Can

The recent trade for Granderson advanced a struggling center field into a more secure position. Granderson, 36, has had his share of postseason experience, having appeared six times in his career.

Acquiring a grinder like him should play out very well with the young talent that has manned the Dodgers’ outfield this season. Whether Granderson is playing every day or not, he is a strong figure and possesses a great work ethic.

Curtis Granderson brings more than just a veteran presence to the Dodgers though. While he is becoming one of the older players in the league, Granderson still packs a punch at the plate. Before arriving in Los Angeles, he mashed an impressive 19 home runs, while batting in 52 runs as well. Since his arrival, he has two long balls (including a grand slam) and five RBI in five games.

The Dodgers most definitely enjoy the luxury of another threat from the left side of the plate. With the steady bats of Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger, the former New York Met, Granderson, can only add to the attack.

Consistent power has played big for the left-handed hitting Dodgers this season. Adding Granderson will only mean that their left-handed options expand even more.

The 36-year-old never seems to lose a step, regardless of his role.

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Players like Joc Pederson and Kike Hernandez (who have spent most of their time in center field) should be taking note of the veteran, Granderson. With Joc spending time in Triple-A, he hopes to turn his production around if the Dodgers call him back up.

The fresh duo could certainly use some ‘old school’ guidance to develop further and ultimately, be ready for a big postseason.

For the time being, the demotion of Joc Pederson will also allow Granderson to settle in with his new club. The only scenarios in which the Dodgers thought they could improve included World Series experience.

In landing ‘The Grandy Man,’ it looks like they set foot in the right direction; keeping in-mind his recent success as a part of strong, postseason teams.

The Dodgers’ running game has been at a loss throughout the 2017 season. Most notably, when Andrew Toles went down early with his torn ACL; and winning in the playoffs may not always come from the home run ball.

Next: Predicting Playoff Run

Having the versatile Granderson can be a crucial impact on a game if there is a need for speed. It seems that the front office might have nailed a strong playoff push by pulling this trigger and in-turn, the success will carry itself out if it was indeed the right move.