Bless You Boys: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: World Soccer Digest for Soccer Fans!

Tigers On the Prowl for Shortstops

I really only have a two-word response to this blog post from Jason Beck.  Hell, yeah:

The Tigers have not yet had formal discussions with the agent for Rafael Furcal, who just filed for free agency this week, but they're expected to enter the mix for the speedy shortstop.  How far they delve into the bidding should be telling for Detroit's approach this offseason.

I know.  Let's not get too excited.  Detroit hasn't even talked to Furcal's agent yet.  And Furcal might balk at any short-term offer, if that's what the Tigers are seeking.  But coming off a serious back injury, the Tigers might be able to work some negotiating leverage, as they did back in 2003 with Pudge Rodriguez

I've already made it known how I feel about Furcal.  I think he checks off a lot of boxes for the Tigers: speed, lefty bat, leadoff ability, and good defense.  So I'm rubbing my lucky Tiger paw on this one. 

Furcal only played 36 games last year, so let's look at his career numbers instead.  Over nine major league seasons, he has a .286/.352/.412 batting line, averaging almost 29 steals a year, along with nine homers and 46 RBIs.  

Meanwhile, today's San Diego Union-Tribune mentioned the Tigers among three teams that might be interested in Padres shortstop Khalil Greene.  The Boston Globe added the Red Sox to that mix, as well. 

Both The Spot Starters and Trumbull and Michigan devoted posts to Greene, so I'll nod to them.  Suffice it to say they both think he's worth a shot, as his sub-par numbers last season might have him considered expendable in San Diego. 

In 2008, Greene batted .213/.260/.339 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs, with 100 strikeouts in 423 plate appearances.  Yet he's just two years removed from notching 27 homers and 97 RBIs.

0 recs  |  Comment 1 comment |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Furcal’s a hell of a player, I’d say pull the trigger if it’s possible. What would moving Granderson back and putting Furcal as the leadoff guy to do the lineup though? Assuming Maggs leaves:

Furcal
Polanco
Granderson
Cabrera
Guillen
——
——
——
Inge

If Magglio is still a Tiger…

Furcal
Polanco
Ordonez
Cabrera
Granderson
Guillen
——
——
Inge

What do y’all think it would look like?

Detroit Tigers
Grosse Ile Red Devils Baseball

by Tony K on Nov 5, 2008 6:12 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

"Bless You Boys" was the catchphrase used by former Detroit sportscaster Al Ackerman when reporting a winning Tigers score.
Start posting about the Tigers »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Boognish_small
Tigers Spring Training
Knights-09_small
Disenchanted Blue Jays Fan Looking For A New Team
Capt
MLB in the Community
Img_1415_small
The Anti-Climactic Flamethrower...
000tigs_small
Binge's buddy--Noah Biorkman
Tiger_s_game_1_small
Tigers Top 20 Prospects
Sifl_and_olly_small
The Offseason Twitch Outpost.
Dsc05841_1__small
Congratulations to Curtis Granderson
Detroit-tigers-logo_small
This Year in Baseball Awards-MLB.com
Dsc05841_1__small
Television question

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >


Managers

Ron_swanson_small Ian Casselberry