Curtis Granderson: Yankees Center Fielder Has Shown No Signs of Slowing Down

Curtis Granderson posted ridiculous numbers in 2011, so ridiculous that he set career highs in nearly every offensive category.

In 156 games (583 at-bats), Granderson launched 41 home runs, compiled 119 RBI, stole 25 bases, hit 10 triples, scored 136 runs and posted a line of .262/.364/.552.

His great season resulted in an All-Star appearance, a Silver Slugger Award and fourth-place finish on the AL MVP ballot.

Many people—myself included—were ready to chalk up his 2011 season as a fluke.

I assumed that there was no way that he would be able to replicate his success, especially considering the fact that he had played his entire career in mediocrity with occasional flashes of superstar potential up to last season.

There's no question that Granderson was aware of his doubters, and there's also no question that those doubts were justifiable.

That didn't matter for Granderson, as he's used those doubts to motivate him in 2012.

Through just 23 games (87 at-bats) this season, Granderson has already launched an AL-leading nine home runs (tied with Josh Hamilton) and driven in 17 runs.

His line has actually shown improvement from last season at .276/.394/.632, and his K/BB ratio has also gotten better.

Last season, Granderson walked 85 times and struck out 169 times—nearly two strikeouts for every walk.

In 2012, he has walked 16 times and struck out 25 times—slightly more than 1.5 strikeouts for every walk.

The only thing that Granderson has yet to display this season is his speed, as manager Joe Girardi has shut down the running game up to this point.

Granderson is currently 0-for-2 in stolen base attempts, but he'll surely begin to swipe more bases as the season progresses.

It may be just the beginning of May, but Granderson looks to be putting together another MVP-caliber season.

If he can put together another solid season in 2012, fans will have no choice but to stop doubting his abilities.