Curtis Granderson will be a Detroit Tiger for at least 5 more seasons, after signing a contract extension today for 5 years worth 30.25 million dollars. Granderson had a breakout 2007 campaign, hitting 23 triples on the season, stealing 26 bases and posting a .361 on base percentage. Granderson has been a Tiger throughout the length of his career, getting drafted by Detroit in the 3rd round of the 2002 Draft.

“We are excited to have Curtis signed to a long-term contract with the Tigers organization,” Tigers president Dave Dombrowski said. “Curtis is one of the best young players in the game and a quality individual that represents the Tigers well both on and off the field.”

This is a terrific signing for the Tigers. Curtis is quickly turning into one of the elite outfielders in the American League, and at 26 years old he’ll only improve from here on out. Look for Granderson to improve in 2008 when surrounded by veteran influences in the outfield, recent signing Jacques Jones and Magglio Ordonez. This signing helps Detroit in the long run, and they didn’t give up very much money to do so.  Granderson will be a force AL Central Division opponents will hate to have to face over the next 5 years.

“The Tigers held all the chips and didn’t have to do anything,” Granderson said. “I’m very happy with the way everything happened.”