I'd say it's time for this. :emo kid:

What do you all think?

Yeah, I'm burying them.

Casey gone (unless he takes a small contract to backup 1B). Guillen to 1B permanately, hopefully Maybin can press Thames for LF playing time (with a full offseason of work with the Tigers). Zoom to close (he'll be fine with an offseason of rest IMO). Jones gone. Rogers back (he said he wants to retire as a Tiger) on a 1 year deal.

We have some holes to fill though. We'll need to figure out SS, another setup guy, and address our backup/future catching issues since Pudge will only be here a year IMO.

What are the options there?

That pretty much sounds like a solid plan chris.

Guillen could probably still play SS, but he'd be much more valuable to the team playing 1B and backup up SS. I can't think of anyone in the system that we could call up to play SS, though, so we'd have to keep an eye out for a trade possibility or a solid free agent, which will probably cost a fortune.

I'm not so sure about Zoom closing. I'll have to take a wait-and-see approach to that idea because who knows where he'll be at and if his arm problems will flair up again. It would be nice to have a bit of an insurance policy there.

We REALLY need to get some form of a catching prospect in our system. We traded away the only one we had, so I'm going to assume we really didn't have a very high grade on the kid. Both of our backups are solid backups but nothing more.

I'd say, starting-wise, DH, 2nd, CF, and RF are pretty much solid. 3B isn't going to be changing anytime soon. The team likes Inge there too much.

The starters are basically set if Rogers comes back. There may be a fight for the 5th starting spot, but at least 4 of them are already slotted in.

Also, for the love of God, upgrade the bullpen.

I'm thinking about taking up crochet.

First task: Bullpen. Zumaya should be the closer next year. Rodney should be the set up man. Minor should be the long releiver. Keep Byrdak and Seay as LOOGYs. However, beyond that, if you can improve any of those positions, do so. Also bring in another tough right hander to shorten games.

Starting pitching:
I'd like to see the rotation as follows for next year: 1) Verlander, 2) Bonderman, 3) Rogers, 4) Jurrgens and 5) Miller. We have a very solid core there if they can stay healthy and if Bonderman can stop being a pussy. I would feel very comfortable with that rotation for next year.

Infield:
As discussed, Guillen plays first. It will keep him healthy and not wear him down throughout the year. Obviously Polanco stays at second. The big signing of the year should be at SS. If there's someone out there, get him. I would like to 3rd upgraded. If you can sign a great 3rd baseman, then you can stick with a defensive SS. We can't have 3rd and SS being just defensive positions.

Catching:
Pudge is slowing down, but he's still a good catcher. I'd keep him but sign a decent backup because Rabello struggles.

Outfield:
Granderson should be our CF for years to come, while Mags will stay in right. I'd like to see Maybin step up for next year, but if not I'm still okay with Thames. If we upgrade the left side of the infield, LF won't be a problem.

DH:
If Sheff wants to stay, keep him. But I would rotate him and Mags a little more next year. Sheff seems to do better when he gets kickstarted by playing in the field. That might keep him in the game.

^
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x147/dspiewak/cogent.png

What FA options are there at 3B and SS? We can always move Inge to SS, so either is an option IMO. I'd like to get a very good bat there though. Someone that can hit .300 and 20+ HR's.

I'm sure there will be big guys on the trade block (A-Rod, Tejada, etc?), but I don't think we have the ammo to get those guys anyway without giving up a Miller, Porcello, etc.

The only free agents that I can think of right now that might be an upgrade are Mike Lowell (3B), Juan Uribe (SS) and Royce Clayton (SS).

Other than that, we might have to make a trade. It doesn't have to be someone of Tejada or A-Rod's stature, just a better hitter than .250 and a strikeout whenever the team needs you (Inge).

Honestly, not a whole lot of changes need to be made. People might forget that this team was supposed to be the best team in the league this year. If it wasn't for injuries, they might have been. Plus, with pitching like we are capable of having, offense doesn't need to be great. Just clutch.

Isringhausen might be a good option for a set up guy as well.

The only free agents that I can think of right now that might be an upgrade are Mike Lowell (3B), Juan Uribe (SS) and Royce Clayton (SS).

Other than that, we might have to make a trade. It doesn't have to be someone of Tejada or A-Rod's stature, just a better hitter than .250 and a strikeout whenever the team needs you (Inge).

Honestly, not a whole lot of changes need to be made. People might forget that this team was supposed to be the best team in the league this year. If it wasn't for injuries, they might have been. Plus, with pitching like we are capable of having, offense doesn't need to be great. Just clutch.

Lowell would be nice, how old is he though? We'd need to get a couple years out of him at least. We could platoon Inge and Santiago at SS so we don't have to count on Inge every day.

I think moving Inge back to catcher might be a good idea.

He can back up Pudge for as long as he is here, and play some spot 3B if need be.

I believe Lowell is a lot younger than he looks - 33 or 34. He'd have a couple of good years in him while Dumbrowski drafts another 3B/SS.

I think moving Inge back to catcher might be a good idea.

He can back up Pudge for as long as he is here, and play some spot 3B if need be.

But then we have two spots to fill on the left side of the IF. Also, how was/is his defense back there? I know he has a strong arm from playing 3B, can he throw out baserunners? I don't want a catcher like Victor Martinez that you can basically steal at will on.

I want a SOLID starting pitcher. I'd go into the season with CG at 1st, PP 2nd, Inge 3rd and let our roster fight it out at SS or platoon at SS if it meant a big time starting pitcher. Drop one of the starters JJ(?) to long relief and drop Grilli or something. But please get a starting pitcher. I don't want to count on Rogers, Bondy, Zoom staying healthy next year.

^well, you have to assume Jair and Miller will make some strides and probably contribute as 4th and 5th starters. I'm not sure you'd find a better 6th starter than Nate either if a guy gets hurt.

Understood, but I still want a new starter for next year.

Grab a new starter, and if A-Rod hits the trading block, do whatever it takes to get him, within reason of course. If they want Miller, some other prospects, cash, and maybe one other player (Granderson, Mags, Verlander, and Maybin excluded), pull the trigger. Imagine this lineup:

Granderson
Polanco
Mags
A-Rod
Sheffield
Guillen
Pudge
Maybin
Inge

Talk about deadly.

A guy can dream, can't he?

I may be entirely mistaken on this, and from the sound of it I am, but can't A-Rod opt out of his contract at the end of this season?

Where did this idea that Inge can play SS originate? Same with Maybin being ready to play LF next year?

We need to do something about:

Two - left side of infield (Guillen moves to 1B)
One starting pitching slot, please
One each of middle and end of bullpen
Catcher for future

What to do? I'm not entirely sure yet, but these are some things we need to look at upgrading.

Prioritized...

1 Starting pitcher (which hopefully pushes a pretty good starter to long relief). Kills 2 birds.

2. Closer or Setup guy. I don't see how anybody can be confident that we can win the WS with Zoom (injuries) and Jones (consistency, I'm being kind).

3. If a SS comes available... fine, but I'd much rather go into the season with the guys we have on the roster at SS and upgrade pitching than getting a costly SS and keep our current pitching.

Isn't it amazing that not too long ago the Tigers were pushing for the worst record of all time, and now we're talking "a few moves away from WS contenders"?

Wow.

If we re-sign Rogers how much do we pay him? I imagine he'll want $10 mill.

Pudge has a $13 Million option that I don't think we've picked up yet. The way he's hit the last two years, is he worth that? Is that money better spent elsewhere?

(Not saying yes or no to either, just don't think they're a no-brainer and is worth a discussion.)

Inge was a SS in college, that's where that idea comes from. Just because he played it in college doesn't mean he can play it now though. I'm not sure moving him back to catcher is a great idea though. He can probably play some backup catcher though. He never had a problem with his defense as a catcher, it was his offense that killed him. Its gotten a lot better since he moved to 3rd, which just goes to show how shoddy it was in the first place if his current stats are an improvement.

i dont think we need wide sweeping moves. we had a bad with injuries. if the bug hits, it hits. tigers were as well prepared as anyteam to deal with it, we just couldnt. i like the idea of carlos at first, got to find a ss then, and maybe adding a pitcher and moving robertson (?) to the pen.

Where did this idea that Inge can play SS originate? Same with Maybin being ready to play LF next year?

As was mentioned, he played SS before. He definately has the range to do it (lot better range than Guillen). He'd have to get adjusted to double play relays, but that's about it IMO.

Grab a new starter
I'm not a baseball elite, but what's the last FA starting pitcher that has amounted to anything? I'm sure there are some, but I remember a lot of hyped SP's that signed big deals and sucked ass.

Beckett and Rogers have been good, but even they have had troubles. Kenny's been hurt (and the only reason we got him was because of the camera incident scared people away), Beckett had a bad year last year when he signed.

Last year's bigger FA SP's (I tried to get all that signed more than 5 mil a year, but I'm sure I missed some):

Batista 14-11 4.51 era
Baez 0-6 6.44 era
Eaton 9-9 6.36
Maddux 13-10 3.95 era
Meche 9-12 3.70 era
Pettitte 13-8 3.89 era
Schmidt 1-4 6.31 era
Suppan 10-11 4.73 era
Williams 8-15 5.04 era
Wolf 9-6 4.73 era
Zito 9-12 4.71 era

So they've gone a combined 95-93 this year. Not very impressive crop there.

Team just don't let good FA pitchers get away unless they can't afford them because they are on a tight budget OR they are old vets that switch back and forth (Rocket, Maddux, Pettitte, etc).

This year's FA pitchers (that are on current 25 man rosters):

LHSP:
Jeremy Affeldt
Tom Glavine - o (option)
Andy Pettitte - o
Mark Redmond
Kenny Rogers
David Wells


RHSP:
there are quite a few, but would we sign a big one with Verlander, Bondo and Jair here? We've also got Porcello coming up eventually too.

there is a good list here if you want to throw some names in here:

http://www.mlb4u.com/freeagency.php?field=position

Rogers' return hinges on wife's input

by Danny KnoblerWednesday September 19, 2007, 5:42 PM




CLEVELAND -- Kenny Rogers' mind is already made up. The Detroit Tigers left-hander, who turns 43 in November, wants to pitch another year.
But that doesn't mean he will. There's still a chance that when he takes the mound Saturday night at Comerica Park, it will be his final home start in a Tiger uniform.
"Those decisions, they belong to my wife and me to decide on," Rogers said. "Just me? I'd be playing for a long time. I'm going to work on being the biggest pain (around the house) that I can."
"That's good," teammate Justin Verlander said with a smile. "I know he can be enough of a pain around the clubhouse."
Truth be told, Verlander and the rest of the Tigers pitchers hope like crazy that Rebecca Rogers agrees that her husband should pitch in 2008, and also that the Tigers work out another deal with Rogers, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
"I know that all of us guys love him," Verlander said, before the Tigers lost to Cleveland, 4-2, Wednesday afternoon. "He's a special guy, and not just on the field."
Rogers came to the Tigers on a two-year, $16 million contract. He was worth all that and more when he won 17 games and pitched them to the World Series last year, but injuries have limited him to just nine starts in 2007, with two more starts to come.
Rogers' left elbow still isn't close to 100 percent, and his command hasn't been anywhere near what it is when he's healthy. It's almost shocking that he's been able to pitch as well as he has (a 2.45 ERA) in three starts since returning from the disabled list.
"I'm never surprised by anything he does," pitching coach Chuck Hernandez said. "I've seen him shoot 68 (on the golf course) with stitches in his neck."
Rogers believes the elbow will be strong enough to make it through a full season next year. He even believes he could pitch in 2009, when he'll be 44.
"I have no doubt about my ability to compete," he said.

If we re-sign Rogers how much do we pay him? I imagine he'll want $10 mill.

Pudge has a $13 Million option that I don't think we've picked up yet. The way he's hit the last two years, is he worth that? Is that money better spent elsewhere?

(Not saying yes or no to either, just don't think they're a no-brainer and is worth a discussion.)

I think you have to resign Pudge, but a lot of this depends on Mr I, doesn't it? Whats his ceiling for payroll?

regarding starting pitching...I'd consider moving Maybin if it meant trading for a very good proven starting pitcher. I'd look other than just the FA market.

My Plan

* re-up Kenny Rogers, I know he's an injury risk, but he's a high-reward guy as well. He has shown that he wants to be back next year, and he's earned the opportunity to get another short-term contract. Incentive-based, maybe a contract that can be voided if he spends "x" amount of days on the DL due to a certain injury (similar to Magglio and his knee clause)


* re-sign Todd Jones- I don't think Zumaya is ready to close just yet having had the injury set back, and I don't think Rodney has the mental "stuff" to close games. Although Jones can blow some saves, and doesn't have an ideal closers ERA, most of the time he gets the job done, and if we could get back to the '06 and shorten up the games by throwing Zoom, Rodney & Jones in the 7,8,9...then I think Jones would be much better than he was this year...

* Pudge is a toss-up. Do you really want an injury question Vance Wilson starting 130 games and Rabelo playing the rest??? I wish that last year they would've made a pitch for Saltalamacchia but thats out of the question now. Something tells me Pudge will be brought back...because given the $3 mil buyout, its really a $10 mil option, and I really don't see there being any better options...yeah his defense is overrated, but I'd probably go crazy if we signed somebody like Brad Ausmus who is literally mentally retarded when it comes to hitting...at least Pudge can hit .280...

- Swing a deal for Edgar Renteria- Yunel Escobar is going to be the SS in Atlanta next year, thus the Braves need to unload some cash so they can give Teixiera a long-term deal. Renteria would be a STUD in our lineup. You can bat him leadoff, he's a gold glove SS, he played for Leyland on the '97 Marlins, he'll hit .315 and he's a winner...also you could then bump Granderson down to 6th in the lineup, and move Pudge down as well...maybe that will take some pressure off both of them now that they will have some protection



SS- Edgar Renteria
2B- Placido Polanco
DH- Gary Sheffield
RF- Magglio Ordonez
1B- Carlos Guillen
CF- Curtis Granderson
C- Ivan Rodriguez
LF- Ryan Raburn/Timo Perez/Marcus Thames (platoon, Leyland can fiddle w/ LF)
3B- Brandon Inge


Bn- Ramon Santiago
Bn- Vance Wilson
Bn- Raburn/Perez

Let Infante walk during arbitration...Rabelo starts out in AAA, Maybin in AA

Rotation

Verlander
Rogers
Bonderman
Robertson
Jurrjens

Miller starts out in AAA

Bullpen

Longmen- Grilli
Shortmen- Seay, Miner, Linebrink (if you can sign him)
SetUp- Zumaya, Rodney
Close- Jonesy

Durbin & Byrdak could seek better offers elsewhere since they were only on Minor League Deals this year...Seay has earned a big league deal, McBride, Capellan, Bazardo, DeLaCruz all start out in AAA as well as Rapada, Tata, and Vasquez...

Dallas Trahern could be on the fasttrack to the bigs as well...

I like everything but the re-sign Jones talk. he's not horrible, but the only reason he still succeeds is because Zoom and Rodney throw so hard that he can get away with his junk pitching. I like him as a personality, but he's got nothing left.

I'd much rather get a 7th inning guy and put Zoom as the closer.

I'm pretty much 100% agreed with Wil there. I'd much rather see us bring in someone else as the closer, but Jones may just be the best we can do. Maybe resign him and give Zumaya the chance to take the job from him instead of just giving it to whoever ends up with it. Let them fight for the closers role.

I would have to contradict Wil on the Renteria part. His range has went down, and he is basically Carlos Guillen. Bring in Barry Bonds, let him trade shifts with Sheffield/Timo Perez/Leyland AAA guy playing left field/DH. Honestly, how many games did the Tigers lose with Guillen making mistakes at SS? Guillen wins more games with his bat than loses with his glove. Guillen + Casey>> Guillen and overpaid Renteria. Guillen is suspect defense at 1st base You can always do the Leyland put Santiago at SS after Casey bats thing. I think Guillen is good enough for one more year at SS. Casey is good defense at 1st, and a much needed left handed bat. Thames is a good counter to Casey and will only get better at defense.

As far as the bullpen, look at teams like NYY, the Indians, and the Redsox. They all have lights out bullpens. I can't tell you how many times Rafael Betancourt or Joba Chamberlain changed the game in the late innings. The Tigers need to find someone like that, and its almost worth trading a solid minor league prospect for it. I like Seay and Byrdak, and Rodney and Zumaya, Outside of that, bring in Miner for long relief and clear out the trash. Miller is not allowed into the big leagues until an offspeed pitch is developed.

CF Granderson
2B Polanco
LF Sheffield
RF Ordonez
SS Guillen
DH Bonds
C Rodriguez
1B Casey
3B Inge

I don't think we lost a lot of games because of Guillen's glove. The problem is that we're going to lose his bat if we keep playing him at SS. His health will not hold up.

My preference would be to get a solid 3B. Platoon Inge and Guillen at SS, and Thames (or Casey) and Guillen at 1B.

That way you can sit Inge's bat a lot more and still use him for his defense.

I would have to contradict Wil on the Renteria part. His range has went down, and he is basically Carlos Guillen.


WTF...Renteria has 11 errors this year...amongst the best in the NL for SS...Carlos Guillen has 24...how uninformed are you?

I don't think we lost a lot of games because of Guillen's glove. The problem is that we're going to lose his bat if we keep playing him at SS. His health will not hold up.

My preference would be to get a solid 3B. Platoon Inge and Guillen at SS, and Thames (or Casey) and Guillen at 1B.

That way you can sit Inge's bat a lot more and still use him for his defense.


Casey's as good as gone...some other team will pay for him to start...whereas he won't start here anymore...Thames is incapble of being an everday player b/c he will be exposed at the plate since he's strictly a power/pull hitter...Guillen would be a gold glove 1B, even Rafael Belliard said that...Renteria or Jack Wilson...either will do, both are .300 hitters and both are a world ahead of Guillen defensively

WTF...Renteria has 11 errors this year...amongst the best in the NL for SS...Carlos Guillen has 24...how uninformed are you?

Errors are not a good way to judge a player's defensive capabilities.

WTF...Renteria has 11 errors this year...amongst the best in the NL for SS...Carlos Guillen has 24...how uninformed are you?

How many of those errors are because Guillen tried to make a play that Renteria couldn't make? Everyone knows his range isn't what it once was, and Guillen has a much better bat. How clueless are you?

Errors are not a good way to judge a player's defensive capabilities.

I agree, but since I've seen zero games of Renterria this year what else can we look at?

I thought there was a stat that shows how many balls they get to (ie range).

I know this big league thing is a business, but I say you bring Pudge back and reward him for being the cornerstone of this turnaround. Besides, the Tigers pitching staff still seems a bit immature and he would benefit the young guys quite a bit.

I'd have to agree with that, Zip. We definitely won't get anything better, and if he bats 7th or 8th, we'll be fine offensively (I think he can still hit .290-300, it may have been an off year). I still think we need to get a SS, 3B, bullpen help and perhaps another starter. I don't know about Brandon Inge... He seems like a sure out every time.

Inge's power numbers dropped off the map too. I could live with a .250 average and 25 HR's with his defense. But hitting sub .230 and I think he only has 1 HR in the second half of the year (or close to that).

Agreed. This year, he basically receded to what he was during the season the Tigers threatened for the worst record.

I wasn't exact on the numbers. He has 3 HR's in the last 3 months total though. he also hit .193 in August (when games were so crucial).

BTW, how can he only steal 9 bases? You'd think he'd be able to use his speed a little there too. He only has 34 steals in 7 seasons.

BTW, how can he only steal 9 bases? You'd think he'd be able to use his speed a little there too.

You need to get on base, first.

Would y'all trade Maybin, Miller, solid player we don't necessarily need, and a couple other good prospects for, say, Hanley Ramirez, Dontrelle, and another player we do need? Just throwing some ideas around...

Maybe we can bring Carlos Pena back?

I'm not that impressed with Dontrelle. He's been talked about for years and never seemed to progress much. Miller did pretty well with one pitch so far, so I'm optimistic that some good offseason work could make him into a very difficult pitcher to face. Plus, isn't Dontrelle a FA this year anyway?

Ah, I don't know. It seemed people wanted to shore up the left side and bring another starter, and both are quality players while Maybin seems to be a ways off yet. This would be something to do to try as hard as possible to win a championship while guys like Maggs, Pudge and Sheffield can still produce.

And Glenn, for some reason I think that if we were to get Carlos Pena back, he'd suck again... lol.

If we're going to trade Maybin, you can't do it now.

If it was going to happen, it should have happened before they brought him up and he was exposed as not being close to ready for MLB.

Gotta hold onto him now.

I agree. All he's shown is he has some power and speed, but isn't ready for the majors yet.

Well, do you think there's any way to get Hanley Ramirez? He would really fit in well where we need someone.

Don't know.

I'm liking Lowell though.

He hit .324 with 20 HR's and 119 RBI's (and they aren't done yet). He hit in the 6th slot for the most part, which works great because you could drop Pudge one spot in the order.

Boston might play Youkilis there full time and get a power bat to put at 1B as well, so I'm pretty sure he'll be out there.

He's 33, so if you get 2-3 years from him that would be perfect with some of the vets we have. He might also be cheap enough to chase after a big bat for LF. I'm not sure who would come, but you could put some good money into that position with Kenny (probably only sign a 1 year deal here) and Pudge's money coming off again soon.

Imagine adding Tori Hunter out there. Or Rowand or Guillen would be nice too.

You could platoon Inge and Santiago at SS.

The lineup would be so stacked you'd have a guy hitting in the low .300's and 25+ HR's in your 7th or 8th spot. Inge would be your only sub .300 hitter in the lineup when he plays. Obviously some guys might hit .285 or so, but you get the point.

If we could do that, I probably would consider it. How is Lowell's D? If we could somehow acquire Lowell AND a big LF, then I would love to do this. I'll have to do a little research to see who's really going to be available.

We need some good players to just appear on our roster like Minor did.

Tigers unlikely to pick up Pudge's $13M option

Monday, October 01, 2007
By Danny Knobler
The Grand Rapids Press

CHICAGO -- The offseason begins today, and the Detroit Tigers will be looking for a shortstop and at least a part-time left fielder.

And a catcher.

Yes, a catcher, because it appears the Tigers are prepared to decline their $13-million 2008 option on Ivan Rodriguez's contract. While there were also hints the Tigers would try to work out a deal to bring Rodriguez back for less than $13 million, it's unlikely he would agree to that.

"That is a major issue that will be handled by people a lot higher up than me," manager Jim Leyland said.

Those people include owner Mike Ilitch, who pushed hard to sign Rodriguez when the Tigers were coming off a 119-loss season in 2003. Rodriguez was asking for a four-year, $40-million contract, and the Tigers were the one team willing to offer that.

To make it a $40-million guarantee, though, Rodriguez and his agent negotiated the $13-million option for 2008, with a $3-million buyout. That $13 million now has become a sticking point, because Tigers officials don't believe that Rodriguez is worth that much.

The biggest problem with letting Rodriguez leave is that the Tigers don't have anyone ready to replace him, and the free-agent market for catchers is extremely weak. But now it appears the Tigers will be shopping in that market, and Rodriguez will be looking for a new job (possibly with the New York Mets).

As for shortstop, all Leyland would say Sunday is that it's unlikely Ramon Santiago will be the Tigers starter in 2008. The Tigers will look outside the organization, at free agents and at possible trades.

Leyland said finding a shortstop is more crucial than finding a left fielder and that a left-field platoon is a possibility. Marcus Thames could play against left-handers and against some right-handers, with another left-handed hitter taking over the remaining at-bats.

So long, Casey
With Carlos Guillen moving full-time to first base, the Tigers already have told Sean Casey he won't be back.

"I'm not sad," Casey said. "I'm grateful. I've enjoyed my time here so much. Some of the best memories of my 10-year career have been here."

Casey will look for a job elsewhere.

"I'm 33 years old," he said. "I've got a lot of baseball left."


Leyland expressed confidence that Gary Sheffield will come back healthy in 2008. Sheffield will have his right shoulder examined in the coming days and could have surgery. He once again ruled out any chance that he'll retire. "I'm going to play," he said.

I'm not really happy with that. Who are they going to get that's better? I really think that Pudge, while very streaky lately at the plate, does such a good job with our young pitching that it's important to have him here.

I'll miss Casey as well. He's a great locker room guy, a great guy in general. I wish he would have stuck around for another year or two as a backup/PH/DH.

On Friday, I saw Buster Olney on ESPN News and he was talking about the Tigers and Barry Bonds.

I had the volume on too low to overpower my screaming kids, so I couldn't hear what he said.

Did anyone else see this?

I didn't see it, but I have heard that the Twins are very interested in brining Bonds in.

They could platoon him with Thames out there. If he wasn't such a jerk and the whole roids debate, I think most people would be happy with him here. I wouldn't mind his bat part time with Thames out in LF. It's all the side bar stuff that makes you think twice.

Leyland basically said that Bonds wouldn't be here mostly because they don't need 2 DH's and he didn't think that Barry or Sheff should be playing the field.

So our Catcher options are:

Pudge - 13 Mil - .281 avg, 11 HR
Jeorge Posada - .343 avg, 20 HR
Paul Do Luca - .272 avg, 9 HR
Jason Kendall - .242 avg, 3 HR
Brad Asmus - .235 avg, 3 HR
Michael Barret - .243 avg, 9 HR
Damien Miller - .237 avg, 4 HR (186 AB)

The rest of them have less AB's than Rabelo, which means they are a crap shoot.

I doubt they let Posada go. Do Luca would be an option if NY wants Pudge. Other than that it's pretty slim picking.

Bonds and Sheffield aren't exactly "tight" anymore either.

Leyland gets contract extension through 2009. Smart move.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3045922

Do it, DD (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3055382)

OH DEAR GOD PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hell yeah, do it! We could get back a lot of those losses we had this past season.

rivera, eh, he had injury problems this year and i dont think really ever looked like his old, untouchable self. still a premier closer, but at what cost? any speculation of what our budget is? im not willing to spend 10+ on him, especially at the expense of other holes when i think teacups is fine, especially with zumaya or rodney waiting in the wings.

im shocked they pickup pudge's option. if we didnt, i think we still could have resigned him, but at a reasonable number. i guess pudge had DD by the balls on this one.

im not interested in barry B. his base running is a huge liability now, and i think he would only be available at DH, meaning shef or magglio would have to sit whenever barry played.

i predict dave eckstein is our ss next year.

i'd love tori hunter here, but it'd only make sense if shef retired.

i would definitly not trade maybin. hes a blue chipper. i dont know what it is, but it seems like home grown blue chippers are 2x as valuable as those gotten through trade / fa. the idea of maybin and granderson roaming comerica's outfield for 10 years is awesome, especially if hunter is also out there.

When did they pick up Pudge's option?

I can't believe I missed hearing about that. Last I knew, it was speculated that they weren't going to pick it up.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see DD go after Tejada.

1. The O's need starting pitching, we have more depth there than most teams.

2. If you are stuck with Inge and his bat made of shit at 3B, you really can't go with a purely defensive SS. That wouldn't be any serious production from the whole left side of the infield.

like an hour ago. woops, thought everyone knew.

Tigers exercise option on Ivan Rodriguez for 2008

10/09/2007 11:46 AM ET
MLB.com

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has exercised its option for the 2008 season on catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

"The Tigers are pleased to have Pudge back for the 2008 season," Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. "He has done a tremendous amount for our franchise in his four seasons in Detroit."

Rodriguez batted .281 (141x502) with 50 runs scored, 31 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs and 63 RBI in 129 games for the Tigers in 2007. He was selected to the American League's all-star squad for the 14th time in his career this past season, his fourth selection as a member of the Tigers.

"Pudge remains a quality major league catcher and we expect him to be a key player for our club in 2008," Dombrowski added.

He became just the fourth catcher in major league history to catch at least 2,000 games during his career in 2007, before finishing the season with 2,061 games caught to take sole possession of third place all-time in major league history among catchers.

In 17 seasons at the major league level, Rodriguez is hitting .303 (2495x8247) with 504 doubles, 45 triples, 288 home runs and 1,182 RBI in 2,152 games.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see DD go after Tejada.

1. The O's need starting pitching, we have more depth there than most teams.

2. If you are stuck with Inge and his bat made of shit at 3B, you really can't go with a purely defensive SS. That wouldn't be any serious production from the whole left side of the infield.


Well lets hope that Inge's '07 was just a hiccup, I really hope he gets some of the kinks worked out in that bat and goes back to the '06 form...I'm not as upset that he struggled to hit .240, but rather that he showed almost 0 power at the plate...

I can live with him hitting .240 as long as he's hitting 20+ HR and driving in 75...

Maybe he was one of the few who misses Don Slaught as his hitting coach...

Schilling lists Tigers as one of the 8-10 teams he'd go to next year.



Schilling previously said he would only rule out the rival New York Yankees (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71596). On Tuesday evening, he posted on his blog, 38pitches.com, the following list: "Cleveland, Detroit, Anaheim, New York Mets (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71607), Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A., S.D., Arizona, Chicago Cubs (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71602), St. Louis, Milwaukee."


Tell Kenny R and him to go relax in AZ or Florida till June, then have the old guys come in and win us a title.

just say no to Schilling

just say no to Schilling

I'd take him for a year if Kenny says no. I'd rather have Kenny back for a year though.

I would puke if I saw that asshole wearing a Tigers uni.

I seriously might be less of a fan if this happened.

As far as ability, I think he's basically washed up anyways. His fastball tops out at 87 mph.

Plus I heard he wears a "Make it a great Day" T-shirt under his uni.

if it was a 1 yr deal...I wouldn't mind Schill in the rotation...he's somewhat of a media whore but he'd be more of an asset than a liability, plus it's not like there are better options in the free agent pool anyway...

Carlos Silva??? Kyle Lohse??? Josh Fogg??? Jason Jennings??? no thank you...

How nice is it to see the Tigers on EVERYONE's list of teams?

Schilling lists Tigers as one of the 8-10 teams he'd go to next year.

I like that. 8-10 teams. That really makes Detroit an elite franchise, lumped in there with Arizona, Milwaukee, the Cubs, and Philadelphia. That's kind of like saying the hot chick would put you on her list of "guys that I'll go out with if my other options are Lenny and Squiggy".

http://www.nostalgiacentral.com/images_tv/lav004.jpg

How nice is it to see the Tigers on EVERYONE's list of teams?


Well it shouldn't be that new...before we were on the list of teams where players could void a deal...

Per Rotoworld, the Tigers are currently looking at Francisco Cordero and Carlos Silva, while you can't talke figures w/ them til the 15th, I think both would be decent additions if the price is right...

Silva is one of the best in a weak starting pitching market, he doesn't walk guys, but he gets shelled every now and then...

Cordero is a former Tiger, we traded him in the Juan Gonzalez deal, he had a monster year closing for Milwaukee, and is definitely a better closer than Todd Jones,

all I know is, w/ Zumaya gone for half the year (and the uncertainty of what he'll be when he's ready to throw) DD need's to expand the payroll a little bit and get a quality bullpen piece to put us up to par...

Also heard there was a rumor floatin' around about getting Freddy Garcia, he wouldn't coast top dollar considering his season was derailed by injuries last year, he's got quality stuff still, and when he's healthy he's definitely an "upper part of the rotation" type of pitcher, plus he's a veteran, a former all-star, w/ playoff experience and a WS ring...

wouldn't be a bad signing IMO

I'd love to bring in Cordero. Do we need more starting pitching though? If we have a chance at it, I'm not going to turn it down, but I don't know if its an area we should go out of our way to add to.

^If Kenny doesn't come back we'll need another starter IMO. I don't mind leaving one spot to the youngins (not counting Bondo or Verlander as a youngin), but not two of them.

The only concern about Garcia would be his relationship with Guillen. When Carlos and him were together in Houston and Seattle they tended to find trouble. I am not talking about legal trouble, but it had it's affect on their on field play.

While Rogers trolls, Tigers look at Marlins' Willis
Marlins may ask too much for lefty
November 10, 2007

BY JON PAUL MOROSI
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

After agent Scott Boras told the Tigers this week that free-agent left-hander Kenny Rogers would consider other offers, president/general manager Dave Dombrowski acknowledged that the Tigers had no choice but to pursue different options.

And they wasted no time.

The Tigers inquired about the availability of Florida Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis this week, according to one National League executive with knowledge of those discussions.

This is not the first time the Tigers have asked about Willis. They considered trading for him during the 2005-06 off-season but instead signed Rogers to satisfy their need for an established starter.

The Tigers would encounter numerous obstacles in any attempt to acquire Willis.

They would need to assemble the most compelling package of young talent among potential suitors. Their ability to do that has been compromised by the trade of prospects Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez to Atlanta for shortstop Edgar Renteria.

There is also the question of Florida's willingness to move Willis. If the Marlins are able to acquire premium talent by trading third baseman Miguel Cabrera -- as they appear inclined to do -- they might keep Willis.

There is no great urgency for Florida to trade Willis.

The reasons for the Tigers' interest are obvious. He is a two-time All-Star who won the 2005 National League Cy Young Award. While he had a career-high 5.17 ERA this past season, Willis led the league with 35 starts and pitched more than 200 innings for a third straight year.

Willis, like Rogers, would benefit from the vast dimensions at Comerica Park. Willis also would fit well into the Tigers' payroll structure for 2008. He is eligible for salary arbitration and is likely to make between $7 million and $8 million. Rogers made $8 million in 2007.

Willis, 25, is scheduled to enter free agency after the 2009 season.

Fuck a redneck.


Close to signing closer: The Tigers are expected to intensify negotiations with free-agent right-hander Todd Jones in the coming days, and it's possible that an agreement will be reached by next weekend.

"David and I have a great relationship," Jones said via text message Friday, in reference to Dombrowski. "I look forward to hearing what he's got to say this week.

"I've done a good job for him. It's been a good (match) for the both of us. I look for both sides to sit down and (find) out if there is common ground."

Jones' last contract included an average annual value of $5.5 million. His next deal should be in a similar range.

Jones, who turns 40 on April 24, was 1-4 with 38 saves and a 4.26 ERA in 63 games.

ugh...would it kill Dave to take a gander at Francisco Cordero and/or Octavio Dotel???

The Tigers are another team that may consider Gagne. They looked into a deal for him before Boston pried him away from the Rangers but were told then that Gagne only wanted to close for them. But now with Todd Jones a free agent and Joel Zumaya out until at least June with a severe should injury, Gagne may be a better fit.


The Tigers have asked about Colorado setup man Brian Fuentes, but the Rockies' willingness to trade him remains unclear.


Unless Rogers re-signs with Detroit in the next several days, though, the Tigers will begin discussing financial terms with free-agent starters Tuesday, the first day clubs are allowed to do so. They already have expressed interest in Carlos Silva of the Minnesota Twins.


The Tigers also have expressed interest in free agents Cliff Floyd and Shannon Stewart, two veteran outfielders who have battled injuries in recent years.

Stewart, a right-handed batter, reestablished himself with a solid 2007 season in Oakland. Floyd would like to be an everyday player in 2008, but it's unclear if the Tigers would offer him that opportunity.

Floyd played for the Dombrowski-led 1997 Florida Marlins -- along with current Tigers Edgar Renteria and Gary Sheffield -- and was drafted by the Montreal Expos when Dombrowski was the GM there.

The Tigers previously have shown interest in Seattle first baseman/outfielder Ben Broussard, but the Tigers would be reluctant to trade for a leftfielder after sending prospects Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez to Atlanta in the Renteria deal.

I threw up in my mouth a little when I read "Eric Gagne"...

I think Dontrelle is vastly over-rated. He'll be good his first couple times through the AL but after that, we could regret it if we pick him up.

I just want the Tigers to target that Japanese outfielder with the last name of "Fukudome."

In fact, if we are able to sign him, we might as well rename the Terrordome the Fuk-U-Dome.

FUK U DO ME

Trumped... :emo kid:

Sorry, wasn't trying to one up you.

I was just imagining one half of the stadium chanting "Fuk U" and the other half answering "Do me"!

Kind of like the "We are" ... "Penn State" chant that they do at Beaver Stadium.

The Tigers bleachers in the early 80s, right field: "F U" Left field: "eat excrement.

Kind of like the "We are" ... "Penn State" chant that they do at Beaver Stadium.


heheh...beaver...

Wow, I didn't even notice the Fuck You, Do Me aspect of this. MAKE THE CALL DAVE!!!

I'd rather roll with something like this than sign Rogers.

If the cost of trading for him isn't too steep, of course.


Rival executives say Cubs willing to deal Prior

By Buster Olney
ESPN The Magazine

Updated: November 27, 2007, 11:59 AM ET

Four years ago, Mark Prior had the kind of stature that Johan Santana has now, as the pitcher that everybody would love to have. But now the Chicago Cubs have made it known that they are willing to trade the former All-Star pitcher, rival executives say.

Prior, 27, had shoulder surgery last April and has received a very encouraging prognosis from Dr. James Andrews, and he is expected to pitch in 2008.

But since he went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 2003, Prior has had repeated physical problems, and has pitched in just 57 games over the last four seasons -- and none in 2007.

Officials with other teams say that the Cubs have made it known in recent weeks that they are willing to trade Prior, which could be an alternative to working through a difficult contract decision.

The Cubs have to tender a 2008 contract to Prior by Dec. 12, and their preference has been to sign the right-hander to a one-year deal with an option for 2009, rather than go through arbitration with him this winter. But Prior, who made $3.65 million, may prefer to sign a contract of longer terms.

So the Cubs, who already have multiyear deals with Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis, could choose to deal Prior rather than settling on a new deal.

Prior was the second player taken in the 2001 draft, and paid off almost immediately for the Cubs, going 6-6 with a 3.32 ERA in 2002 before his standout season of 2003 (18-6, 2.43 ERA), when the Cubs came close to advancing to the World Series. But since then, he 18-17.

I'd want to see him pitch first. You have no idea what kind of stuff he's going to have when he comes back from not pitching for over a year after a serious surgery. And what would they be asking for with him? I wouldn't want to give much up to bring in an unknown. Unless we make the trade AND resign Rogers, I'm very uneasy about this.

Didn't they just retain Wood? They probably can't handle both of them anymore.

Wood was being used as a relief pitcher IIRC.

I heard Gammons say this morning that Scott Rolen is going to almost certainly going to be traded by St. Louis (because he and LaRussa can't get along).

Gammons says that Milwaukee looks like a good fit for him.

It would be nice if DD/Leyland would work the St. Louis connections again.

I'm guessing that they wouldn't want Inge, but who knows?

2:33 p.m., from Amy Nelson
• The A's are looking to move Dan Haren -- but only for the right deal. They reached out to the Tigers and asked for Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller, but Detroit won't trade both, two baseball sources said. Oakland won't come to the table without those two players included in any talks.

Haren is amazing, but I like what we got a little bit better.

I like how it says Detroit won't trade both, then we immediately traded both, haha.

I have to think our batting lineup moves are at an end. Look at this:

CF Granderson
2B Polanco
DH Sheffield
RF Ordonez
3B Cabrera
1B Guillen
SS Renteria
C Pudge
LF Jones/Thames

Obviously, there may be a few things different depending on what Leyland sees as right.

There is no need to do anything else here, it is stacked top to bottom, especially if Jones has a better year. If he does and Pudge does not, we may even see Pudge batting 9th, lol. Now let's shore up the pitching.

DH Sheffield
RF Ordonez
3B Cabrera
1B Guillen


I just cummed in my pants.

I just cummed in my pants.
PLEASE, WATCH THE LANGUAGE!!!

Its "came in my pants". Get it right.

Didn't know you got off on proper Englizz.

Free agent catchers
Josh Paul
Damian Miller
Mike Matheny
Paul Lo Duca
Mike Lieberthal
Gary Bennett
Mike Barrett
Rod Barajas
Paul Bako
Sandy Jr.

There are a handful more, but mostly a lot of guys comparable to Vance Wilson.

We really don't need offense from our backup catcher, defense and effectiveness working with the pitching staff are probably more important.

We need a relief pitcher...badly

We really don't need offense from our backup catcher, defense and effectiveness working with the pitching staff are probably more important.
Isn't that what Inge was for us? Everyone hated his COMPLETE lack of offense, but he played very solid defense and worked well with the pitchers IIRC.

Inge asks Tigers to trade him so he can continue to start
Posted by Scott Warheit December 10, 2007 05:05AM
Brandon Inge may have grown up in the Detroit Tigers organization, but with Miguel Cabrera set to take over Inge's role as starting third baseman, Inge has asked Dave Dombrowski to trade him so he can continue to start at third base according to ESPN.com.

December 9, ESPN.com: "He's loved his time here," president and general manager Dave Dombrowski told the Detroit Free Press on Friday. "He loves the city. He loves the organization. But at this point in his career, he would like to continue playing third base on an everyday basis."

The 30-year-old Inge will yield the third base job he has had since 2005 to All-Star Miguel Cabrera, obtained by Detroit earlier this week in a trade with the Florida Marlins. Inge joined the Tigers in 2001 as a catcher, but doesn't want to go back to that position, Dombrowski said.

Detroit will try to trade Inge to a club that expects him to be its regular third baseman, Dombrowski said, adding, "For as much as he's done for us, and as hard as he's played, it makes a lot of sense for us to do that."


New numbers, and other questions
by Danny Knobler
Monday December 10, 2007, 12:21 PM
DETROIT -- Some questions are easy to answer, some not so easy.

But here's one answer I was able to get quickly from the Tigers: Miguel Cabrera will be wearing uniform number 24, just as he did in Florida. Edgar Renteria will be #8, and Jacque Jones will be #19 (wonder if he knows that was the cursed Juan Gonzalez number?). No decision yet on Dontrelle Willis, because he wore 35 in Florida but that belongs to Justin Verlander.


Some other questions that have come up in the last few days:

-- Yes, Brandon Inge would make a nice super-utility guy, but get over it. It's not happening, and it wasn't going to happen no matter what Inge told the Tigers. They began their efforts to trade him the minute the Cabrera-Willis trade was done. They don't want his $6 mill a year on their payroll, and they know there's no way a guy who has been a full-time starter for several years is going to go back to a utility role with the same team.

-- Yes, they did (briefly) discuss the idea of having Inge eventually replace Pudge as the catcher, but dismissed it. He doesn't want to catch. Yes, the idea of Cabrera in left field came up (with Inge staying at third), but they dismissed that, too. Remember, they want Cabrera to stay here for a long time. Supposedly, he's not excited about playing the outfield. There are even questions about whether he can play the outfield anymore. Not going to happen. For now, Cabrera is the third baseman. If he's moving anywhere, it's to first base, with Guillen shifting to third.

-- Edward Campusano is no longer a Tiger. He was the Rule 5 pick last year. He got hurt in spring training. They could have kept him on the roster, but they didn't. He's gone, and it will go down as (a very small amount of) wasted money.

-- No, you're not going to get Dan Haren for anything the Tigers could offer. If Oakland does trade Haren (and it's still not a certainty that the A's will move him), it means they're rebuilding and would want cheap young prospects. As you might have noticed, the Tigers just traded their cheap young prospects. Yes, the Tiger rotation remains a question, but they're going to have to count on Willis, Bonderman etc. to rebound.

Forget LoDuca as a backup catching option, he signed with the Nats.

http://www.core77.com/inconspicuous/images/kleenex.jpg

http://www.ontex.be/products/tampons.gif

http://www.ontex.be/products/tampons.gif


All I do is click this thread, thinking to see some Hot Stove Tigers tidbits, and instead I see this...

That would be Glenn's fault.

http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/image.php?u=788&dateline=1197352059
All I do is click this thread, thinking to see some Hot Stove Tigers tidbits, and instead I see this...

This is not a bad thing.

http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/image.php?u=788&dateline=1197352059
All I do is click this thread, thinking to see some Hot Stove Tigers tidbits, and instead I see this...

This is not a bad thing.


the girls bust that is my avatar is some broad I met in MicroEconomics, and I found this pic on her facebook (http://oakland.facebook.com/profile.php?id=694252221&ref=ts) page, since I'm going to be transferring from Oakland Univ to Walsh College in January, I'll probably never see this girl again, so this picture is my lasting impression...

Per Rotoworld, the Tigs are talking to the Pirates about Brandon Inge, no names were mentioned...

and also the Tigs resigned Timo Perez...go crazy!

I'm sure there is no chance at Jason Bay for Inge...I can pray though right?

No but I feel they do have a spare catcher which could be perfect.

Ronny Paulino is a nice player.

Ronny Paulino is a nice player.


We don't need a catcher though, if we could get one of Pittsburgh's relievers, such as Matt Capps, Damaso Marte or John Grabow, that'd be far better as to filling our needs...

Too bad Salomon Torres was traded to Milwaukee, he would've been a decent player as well...

the girls bust that is my avatar is some broad I met in MicroEconomics, and I found this pic on her facebook (http://oakland.facebook.com/profile.php?id=694252221&ref=ts) page

Fuck logging in. Does she have a liespace page?

We do need a catcher, we just need a catcher prospect. As long as Vance Wilson comes back and plays like he did a few years ago we should be ok at backup catcher, so getting a guy into double or triple A that can take over in a year or two is a must. I do agree that getting ourselves a solid bullpen is a huge need, too.

I agree. Maybe that will be something we'll be able to use our 1st round draft pick on...

I still wish we could've gotten Saltalamacchia, as rumored during Spring Training last year...

Chad Durbin was non-tendered, thus he is now a free agent...

Tim Byrdak accepted a 1 year tender...

I keep looking around to see who potential partners may be for Inge.

Example: after the Tejada trade I'm wondering how the Orioles are going to work with their infield. Does Mora potentially move from 3rd at all, creating a possible opening for Inge? Baltimore just got some prospects. I doubt they put Costanzo in the league this year. I think they have a decent prospect at SS in Billy Rowell who they might bring up to replace Tejada, but in case they think Mora - who played a lot of short early in his career - is a better choice, then Inge would make a nice replacement. It weould be nice if the Tigers agreed to pay part of Inge's salary and in return they pulled Brandon Snyder and Brett Bordes (minor league catching prospect and middle relief prospect).

I'd be happy if they could get anything for Inge, Baltimore is obviously having a fire sale, they still have to get rid of Bedard, Roberts, and possibly Melvin Mora too. I know their top prospects are Radhames Liz and that Rowell kid, plus they just drafted Matt Wieters back in June, and he's for sure their catcher of the future, Snyder could be available...

At second glance, IO see that last year the O's had 14 catching propsects in their organization. Looking at their work, I prefer the following:
Brendan Monaghan
Victor Castillo
Gustavo Molina
Zach Dillon
Justin Johnson

Seriously, any of those would be nice additions to the catching depth in our farm. At least one of them must be attainable, especially with Weiters in the mix.

I doubt Baltimore wants Inge's salary, unless we're paying it, that is.

This free agent deal is also interesting. Philly loses Aaron Rowand to San Fran - both teams have been rumored destinations for Brandon. Does this deal change the dynamic of either team to make Brandon a better fit?

By the way, if Detroit is unwilling to take on ANY of Brandon's salary, they're crazy to think they can deal him. I say they offer to pay 7.1 of the 19.1 million over the next three years. That puts Brandon at $4 million per year which is plenty reasonable for his defensive range, ability to make a pitcher throw him 12 pitches in a handful of late inning AB's over the course of the season, and his potnetial for jacking one from the 9 hole.
If Kyle Lohse will likely get over $10 million per year for multiple years, Inge at $4 per over 3 years is fine for either of those teams.

Why would the Tigers possibly pay that money? Well, saving $12 million over 3 years is a big part of it. Not the ideal situation, but better than they have it right now. Plus, you take a guy that would be unhappy and replace him with a prospect or two - very important when you just spent the last couple months depleting your system.

Nice analysis, Jeth.

nobody wants Gustavo Molina...he was DFA'ed by Chicago...


we should use our 1st round pick on the best catcher available in the draft this year...iMO

maybe make a pitch to Seattle for Jeff Clement?

No way the Tigers use the pick on a catcher unless a catcher is absolutely the best player available. The farm has lost so much this off-season that David Chadd and Co will have to continue their trend of taking the guys that slide and stocking up at every position.

Besides, even if they drafted a catcher high, what's the chances the kid makes the lineup in time? We need a guy to come in when Pudge is done. That's going to happen in the matter of 1 or 2 years. Even a phenom like Joe Mauer took some time. Drafted in 2001, he made his debut in 2004 and only played 35 games that year. Ideally we would trade to pick up a prospect that isn't spectacular, but can hold his own, who has already advanced in the minors the past two years. Sure, we could draft the top catcher in ADDITION to that, with plans for the draft pick to replace the mediocre player in time. But drafting a guy alone does little to help us in our current state.
Our AAA catcher from last year hit .208 with more strikeouts than hits.
Trzesniak from AA Erie showed some offensive potential at times, but he's already 27 and I'm not sure how good he is BEHIND the plate.
James Skelton has been the best offensively, and he just finished a full season with the Whitecaps. Not sure where they plan to play him this season - Lakeland or Erie, but he might be the best bet among players currently in the organization if he can be productive this year. Perhaps he gets a spring training invite in 2009 depending on the need. Again, I only know his offensive numbers (.309 BA, 109 H, 24 2B, 7 HR, 55 BB, 53 SO, 18 SB in 101 G for 2007 with similar offensive impact Oneonta in 42 games in 2006) but I have no clue how he handles a staff, blocks the plate, or throws out runners.

I'm gathering that it's too late to consider the draft for a replacement for Pudge, which leaves FA or trade.

That said, it seems like we drafted a ton of catchers last year. So its not like DD isn't trying.

I'm gathering that it's too late to consider the draft for a replacement for Pudge, which leaves FA or trade.

That said, it seems like we drafted a ton of catchers last year. So its not like DD isn't trying.

We drafted a catcher in the 7th round last year, as well as a pair in rounds 22 and 23. All three were signed on June 21. All three were 4 year college guys. I have no information on how any of them performed in short season ball or what their strengths are. Based on when they were picked, the 7th round guy, Devin Thomas out of Brown Univ. has the best shot and becoming something - though Mike Piazza would disagree.

I thought we drafted a catcher out of OSU or something like that. The big10 player of the year?

That was the 2006 draft and Bourquin was a 3B (selected in 2nd round, pick 50 overall) that's not good enough in the field - projected as a likely move to 1B or OF. He has played 3B, however, the last two years and was a two-time NY - Penn League mid-season all-star offensively, but the jump to Lakeland wasn't very successful late last year.

Wow, I'm way off.

Tigers | Team contacts Olivo
Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:29:20 -0800
The Detroit Tigers (http://www.kffl.com/team/51/mlb) have contacted the agent for free-agent C Miguel Olivo (http://www.kffl.com/player/6876/mlb) (Marlins). The Tigers (http://www.kffl.com/team/51/mlb) are interested in having Olivo serve as a backup to C Ivan Rodriguez (http://www.kffl.com/player/6910/mlb).

That would rock.

Tigers | Team contacts Olivo
Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:29:20 -0800
The Detroit Tigers (http://www.kffl.com/team/51/mlb) have contacted the agent for free-agent C Miguel Olivo (http://www.kffl.com/player/6876/mlb) (Marlins). The Tigers (http://www.kffl.com/team/51/mlb) are interested in having Olivo serve as a backup to C Ivan Rodriguez (http://www.kffl.com/player/6910/mlb).


I guess that tells us all we need to know on how Vance Wilson's recovery is going then huh?

Oh well, Olivo is solid, he's got some pop (16 HR's last year) and he's the type of catcher who could start 4 or 5 games if Pudge we're injured...

I was kind of hoping we'd get Wilson back. I liked him. He had good entry music when he came up to the plate.

My favorite Vance Wilson memory was him hitting that HR off of Johan Santana in a game in May of '06 and the Tigs won 1-0. I remember how Rod Allen would gush that he would be the starting catcher on each of the other 29 teams, but wasn't in Detroit because of Pudgey...

I miss Rod...

?!?!

WHAT HAPPENED TO ROD?

What did happen to Rod?

Yeah, WTF? Rod Allen = coolest nerd on TV, ever.

Rod and Mario > all.

TQraEN93xLw

I loved that combo. Is he really gone? I didn't hear anything about that.

Maybe since Wil is in San Diego, he is no longer on speaking terms with Rod in Detroit. Hmmm...

Ahhhhhhh. That would make complete sense. Never get to hear Rod when you're playing for the Padres.

WHEW!

nothing happened to Rod, I said "I miss Rod" in the sense that I miss baseball season...

You had us all very worried.

I hear that the Tigs are trying to unload Thames, so they can keep Hessman on the bench next year since he has more defensive flexibility...

That's too bad. I like Thames. I thought he'd be good platooning with Jones in left.

Problem with Thames is that he's going to get good money somewhere with that kind of power. He won't stay here as a backup/platoon guy long. I do like him though.

Problem with Thames is that he's going to get good money somewhere with that kind of power. He won't stay here as a backup/platoon guy long. I do like him though.


I don't know if he can that great of a contract. He has power, but he doesn't have a great average, he doesn't have speed, and his glove is mediocre at best...a 4th OF role is perfect for him...

Rod Allen said last year that he's the perfect candidate to play in Japan, because they dig the HR ball out there, and he could probably get a much bigger contract

Also, the Free Press said that Nate Robertson's agent says that Nate wants to get a long-term deal done...he's under contract until 2009, and with Nate already being 30 yrs old...a long-term deal may be unlikely, however if he can put together a solid season, I wouldn't be surprised to give him a 2 year deal or so...

even last year, it seems like he never gets enough run support....that should change this year

re: Thames

I think any current player on the roster that is deemed as even slightly expendible is a good candidate to get moved, especially if they make decent money.

They'll try everything they can to pare pack the payroll before opening day, IMO.

If they can restock some prospects along the way, that's probably viewed as a bonus.

^I agree. We have enough guys I am confortable in 4th OF roles (Rayburn comes to mind) that we could move Thames for a prospect at a position of need. If you think Thames will eventually replace Maggs some day, then you keep him (but you'd have to believe Thames can become a .280+ hitter really.

re: Thames

I think any current player on the roster that is deemed as even slightly expendible is a good candidate to get moved, especially if they make decent money.

They'll try everything they can to pare pack the payroll before opening day, IMO.

If they can restock some prospects along the way, that's probably viewed as a bonus.


I agree, although it's already a fact that it's going to be difficult to move Inge, we're probably going to have to eat about 50% of that contract (at the very least) in any deal...

I still would like to get a relief pitcher, doesn't have to be a spectacular one, just somebody that logged decent innings last year and had an adequate ERA...

maybe Cruceta will be the answer...

Just say no to a long contract for Nate. He's a roller coaster.

At the very least, wait and see what he does this year. I mean, he had to be sent down last year with 'arm fatigue' after getting shelled for a few games in a row.

At the very least, wait and see what he does this year. I mean, he had to be sent down last year with 'arm fatigue' after getting shelled for a few games in a row.


He always has a 2 week span where he goes 0-3, and an ERA in the 7's...

maybe this year will be different...

Chad Durbin's gone. The Tigers let him go and he's signing in Philly.

Just say no to a long contract for Nate. He's a roller coaster.

Get your own nickname, punk!

Chad Durbin's gone. The Tigers let him go and he's signing in Philly.


Durbins going to get hammered in that tiny ball park they got their in Philly...

Chad Durbin's gone. The Tigers let him go and he's signing in Philly.


Durbins going to get hammered in that tiny ball park they got there in Philly...

How will Durbin do in that ballpark in Philly?

He's certainly no :howdidwegetminer:

How will Durbin do in that ballpark in Philly?

He's certainly no :howdidwegetminer:

Is anybody a :howdidwegetminer:? There is only one :howdidwegetminer:.

And it's :howdidwegetminer:.

Who did we trade for him again? Anybody, ANYBODY?

Miguel Olivo chose to sign with the Royals over the Tigers...

he should enjoy that experience...

LaTroy signed with LaYankees, too

Just a thought, but with the A's in full fire sale mode I could see us sending them Porcello (as a PTBNL when he's eligible in a few months) for Huston Street some time around midseason.

Don't know if it would be the best idea or not, but if we're just rolling the league, with our only significant barrier to a title being a need for a closer, it might make sense. Hate to trade what little future we have left, but if it means a title I'll take it.

Huston Street is still a young guy, no? A guaranteed solid young closer for a hopefully great young starter? I'd make that trade, if Street is still as young as I think he is.

Street's 24. He did have some injury problems last year, though, for what it's worth, but came back strong with a good September.

What were the injuries? The type of injury could be a major deciding factor here.

If they wanted RC, they could have drafted him. It's not like the commish office wouldn't see through that.

If they wanted RC, they could have drafted him. It's not like the commish office wouldn't see through that.

True enough, but they generally let that shit slide. If we do it around the trade deadline, it won't even be that far off from the full year from when he signed (August 15).

And if they wanted him, yes, they could have drafted him, but they also would have had to negotiate a contract (which was never a sure thing)and pay a signing bonus (which we've already done).

It would basically be like we traded Huston Street for our first round pick. I don't see why the commish's office would have anything to say about it.

It would basically be like we traded Huston Street for our first round pick. I don't see why the commish's office would have anything to say about it.

You're not allowed to trade draft picks in MLB and you're not supposed to trade a drafted player until 1 year after they sign but there's a loophole wherein you can trade someone as a "Player to be named later". The PTBNL must be named within six months, and this loophole is generally frowned upon (thus Selig could intervene), but if it's only a month or a couple weeks they usually let it slide.

Ahhhh. I still don't understand why you can't trade draft picks. That never made much sense to me.

I always wonder how many teams even would put much stock in picks if you could trade them. They're given out like candy as compensation for free agency, and the results are way too hard to predict. The bust ratio is off the charts.

Also, I would be shocked if Porcello was traded. I don't think they're in "win now" mode as much as they seem to be. However, the formula seems to be a willingness to trade farm building blocks as long as the return is also quite young. Street does fit that profile. I have a feeling, though, that Oakland might want more than 1 for 1.
Also, considering how depleted the farm is now, I think we're done seeing prospects traded for a couple years, with the occasional deal involving a guy that was never going to make the club for another guy that probably won't make the club.

I always wonder how many teams even would put much stock in picks if you could trade them. They're given out like candy as compensation for free agency, and the results are way too hard to predict. The bust ratio is off the charts.

Also, I would be shocked if Porcello was traded. I don't think they're in "win now" mode as much as they seem to be. However, the formula seems to be a willingness to trade farm building blocks as long as the return is also quite young. Street does fit that profile. I have a feeling, though, that Oakland might want more than 1 for 1.
Also, considering how depleted the farm is now, I think we're done seeing prospects traded for a couple years, with the occasional deal involving a guy that was never going to make the club for another guy that probably won't make the club.

Seconded

Oh, I don't think the trade would ever go down. I don't think DD is going to trade Porcello now that he's traded Miller. I also don't think Street would ever be traded straight up for a minor league pitcher, no matter how great of a prospect he is. It was just something fun to think about.

Actually, I think Oakland would take Porcello for Street in a heartbeat. Billy Beane loves prospects. I don't think the Tigers would ever do that trade though.

Huston Street is injury prone, and soon he'll be approaching free agency, where he could command an outrageous deal...

For the second time in just over two months, the Tigers have pulled off a minor trade with the Rangers to add depth to their farm system, acquiring right-handed pitcher Armando Galarraga from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielder Michael Hernandez.

Galarraga, who turned 26 years old last month, made his big league debut last September with Texas after spending most of the year at Double-A Frisco in the Rangers organization. Primarily a starter, the right-hander went 9-6 with a 4.02 ERA for Frisco, averaging just under six innings a start while striking out 114 batters over 127 2/3 innings. He tossed two complete-game shutouts at Frisco and another at Triple-A Oklahoma, where he posted a 2-2 record and 4.74 ERA in four starts.

With the Rangers, Galarraga made two relief appearance before earning his first Major League start on Sep. 24, when he gave up five runs on four hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings against the Angels. For his career, Galarraga has a 27-42 record with a 4.26 ERA and 540 strikeouts in 632 innings.

The Rangers designated him for assignment on Jan. 25 to make room for Jason Jennings on their 40-man roster. The Tigers placed him on their 40-man roster, taking the spot of recently released Tony Giarratano.


"Galarraga is a quality prospect with a quality arm," Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said in a statement. "His acquisition adds depth to our roster, and he is a pitcher we feel will be able to help our club in the future."

Hernandez, 24, put up 24 home runs and 106 RBIs between Class A Lakeland and Double-A Erie, establishing himself as a power-hitting outfielder. Twenty of those home runs came at Lakeland in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League. He combined for a .259 average between the two stops and has a .267 average and 37 home runs over 221 career games.

The Rangers assigned Hernandez to their Frisco roster.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Tigers National TV broadcasts:

Tigers National TV Schedule:
March 18 vs Washington (Spring Training) 1pm ESPN

April 5 vs Chi Sox 3:55 pm FOX Saturday Baseball
April 6 vs Chi Sox 8pm ESPN 2 Sunday Night Baseball
April 26 vs LA Angels 3:55 pm FOX Saturday Baseball
April 27 vs LA Angels 8pm Sunday Night Baseball

May 5 vs Boston 7pm ESPN
May 10 vs New York Yankees 3:45pm FOX Saturday Baseball
May 31 @ Seattle 3:55pm FOX Saturday Baseball

June 7 vs Cleveland 3:55pm FOX Saturday Baseball
June 9 vs Cleveland 7pm ESPN
June 14 vs LA Dodgers 3:55pm FOX Saturday Baseball

July 12 @ Minnesota 3:55pm FOX Saturday Baseball

Sept 6 @ Minnesota 3:55pm FOX Saturday Baseball
Sept 19 @ Cleveland 7pm ESPN


I didn't know where else to put it.

That does not seem like a lot, but I guess that is more than in the past

15 nationally televised games. That's not too bad. I wonder how many games will only be on the radio this season.

I'm probably going to only watch one Spring training game. I like to get a feel of what the team will be like heading into the season, but Spring training is the equivalent to the NBA/NFL preseasons. Just not worth watching.

April 26 vs LA Angels 3:55 pm FOX Saturday Baseball
April 27 vs LA Angels 8pm Sunday Night Baseball

They fucking smoked our asses last season. It was EMBARASSING.

Revenge will be sweet.

I'm happy we'll be playing the rockies this year. That's extra games I can watch (too bad they are in Comerica or I'd go to them).

Kentucky needs to get a pro baseball team. Fuck, something. It's horrible down here. :(

I was thinking to myself the other day, and I don't blame DD one bit for making the move, but if you could, would any of you guys take back the Renteria trade??? If we didn't get M-Cab and Willis, I'd probably keep Renteria, but when you look at it now, if we still had a guy like Jair Jurrjens, who in my opinion based on what I saw last year, is going to be a solid pitcher in this league & Gorkys Hernandez, arguably our best minor league prospect...

Again, you can't blame DD for making the move, b/c at the time, it was meant to be our big offseason deal. The M-Cab thing came up out of the blue, so just hypothetically, if you could, would you reverse the Renteria trade???

Who would play short? Guillen was moving to first one way or the other, and that would leave shortstop wide open. You could possibly say move Inge there, but we'd have NO idea how that would work out until the season started and we got to watch him play a bit. Then if he wasn't a solid fit at SS, we fans would be calling for him to move to a utility role and to make a trade, but by that point Renteria wouldn't be available anymore.

Basically, yes I would still make that trade.

given what we gave up for both M-Cab & D-Train, it almost appeard as if we overpaid for Edgar...

but again, i can't blame DD, the trade was executed as if both maybin & miller were both going to be long-stay parts of our team...

Yeah, I do agree on the "almost overpayed" part. By comparison to what we gave up to the Marlins, we gave up a lot for Renteria. But we kind of got a steal with the Marlins (or so all the national talking heads think), so it may not be a fair comparison

The way Dumbrowski has been able to stack up our farm system, I still make the trade. He'll have a couple more years of drafting to stockpile the talent back into the minor leagues.

The way Dumbrowski has been able to stack up our farm system, I still make the trade. He'll have a couple more years of drafting to stockpile the talent back into the minor leagues.

I agree, a couple more drafts, on top of guys like Porcello, Larish, etc., our minor league system shouldn't have any "hiccups" long-term...

Per RotoWorld

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said there's a "strong possibility" Brandon Inge will get traded.

Take it FWIW

That "strong possibility" basically means:

"Look, we've got other utility guys that we like and we want to make our decision a little easier. Those other guys don't quite have the market value that Inge does, so we're still looking to deal him and if DD gets an offer he likes he'll pull the trigger. Now get off my nuts and let me smoke."