Sunday Short Hops - 10/14

by Ian Casselberry on Oct 14, 2007 3:48 PM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

Jon Paul Morosi explains why he thinks signing Alex Rodriguez would be a bad idea for the Tigers in today's Detroit Free Press. (Elsewhere in the paper, a pro/con list is published, as well.)

And in the New York Daily News, former Mets GM Steve Phillips says it makes no sense for his old employer to sign A-Rod (just as it didn't when he balked at Scott Boras' contract demands back in 2000).

When perusing the list of free agent pitchers available, the name Livan Hernandez kind of intrigues me. I know - you're groaning. One look at his numbers (11-11, 4.93 ERA) says that would be a really bad idea. At this point, Hernandez's game (90 strikeouts, 79 walks, and 247 hits allowed in 204 1/3 innings) is probably better suited for the National League, anyway.

He's the D-Backs' starter in Game 3 tonight, so you can judge for yourself. Livan's old manager, Frank Robinson, speaks highly of him in today's Washington Post.

To me, the best news about Dusty Baker becoming the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds is that we'll no longer be subjected to his "analysis" on 'Baseball Tonight' or ESPN Radio game broadcasts. Someone else thrilled about this news is probably Neifi Perez. Surely, once Neifi's suspension ends, Dusty will have a job open for his old buddy.

SB Nation broham Red Reporter doesn't seem too happy with this development.

The prognosis for the continuation of Juan Encarnacion's baseball career don't seem hopeful. Since getting hit in the face with a line drive in late August, Encarnacion has only regained 20/400 vision in his injured left eye.

In today's New York Times, both Joe Sheehan and Alan Schwarz try to explain why finishing with the best regular season record is no guarantee for playoff success.

Also in the NYT, Murray Chass looks at the new breed of general managers flooding into baseball so far this off-season. I'm wondering what kind of effect all these new GMs will have on off-season dealing. Will there be more activity as they try to put their stamp on the team? Or will there be less as executives take a look at what they have and decide where to go from there?

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A-Rod: Morosi's point of shedding half the roster is preposterous. Money I can see as an issue; I understand his point. Illitch, however, knows when to spend. He spent to bring the Tigers up to where they were last year and this year. I suspect he'll continue. Sellout crowds and one of the most meteoric teams in the league, that's not an issue. I believe he would be welcomed here by the clubhouse and fans. The New York media is painful. They scare people out of that team so often, it's scary. Chemistry I doubt would be an issue. Sheff may have his scuffs with the media but it seems to me he's a presence in the clubhouse. He could very easily assist A-Rod in moving here. In the end, it's a pipe dream and probably won't happen. I want him to join the Mets so I can laugh at the media crapfest that would follow.

Livan: I saw him toss a few times this year while I had MLB.TV, and he could use a better pitching coach it seems. He could be shored up. Our bullpen could use some help NOW, so I don't believe he's the future.

Baker: I have a buddy from Cincy who is a lifelong Reds fan. He's over-the-moon about Dusty coming to town. I hope he creates something special there. Neifi can go ahead and join him down there.

by John Kmiecik on Oct 14, 2007 5:57 PM EDT reply actions