The big catch

It's not Roy Halladay, but the Yankees reeled in a pretty big fish named Curtis Granderson this week at the winter meetings. Once all medical records are reviewed and physicals are passed, Austin Jackson and Phil Coke head to Detroit, and Ian Kennedy to Arizona, as part of the three-team deal.

Jackson may well end up a superstar, but today he's projected as a fourth outfielder, and from where I sit, give me production over potential any day. Granderson's batting average has been in a decline the past two seasons and he flat-out cannot hit left-handers, but on top of his 30 home runs, there's no reason to believe a 28-year-old sparkplug can't rebound from a down season (just ask Nick Swisher). Kevin Long has worked wonders as Yankees hitting coach and I can promise you Granderson will be energized to play in New York and Yankee Stadium.

I interviewed him exclusively in 2008 when the Tigers were in town and learned about his lust for the Big Apple. He's made for New York and he'll be pushed and prodded to help repeat as World Champions.

Oh, Andy Pettitte has re-signed with the Yankees. Widely expected, but hugely important.

Pretty quiet in the world of MMA, save for Dan Henderson signing with Strikeforce, another good signing for Dana White's fledgling competitor that must remain committed to not taking too big a bite out of elephant. Last decade, Ted Turner and Eric Bishoff weren't content with competing with Vince McMahon's empire. They wanted him out of business and instead of evolving with the times tried too hard to make it happen instead of building a program. I hope Scott Coker doesn't make similar mistakes. The UFC needs healthy competition to help keep MMA thriving.

UFC business will pick up again Saturday night in Memphis when Diego Sanchez challenges lightweight champion B.J. Penn in the main event of UFC 107. I'm in the vast minority who believes the Nightmare will dethrone the Prodigy. Later this week I'll explain why.