I'm starting to plan for next year.  Sure, I know that a lot of people won't accept the fact this season is over, and that's fine.  I'm not interested in arguing about how the Tigers could theoretically win all the rest of the games this year and finish 40 games over .500.  Instead, I'm starting to plan for next year.

I've got a couple of somewhat intruiging ideas kicking around in  my head.  First, what do you think about Carlos Guillen as a DH?  He's got a decent bat, and he just doesn't have the mobility to play third.  Not only that, but there are two places where the Tigers seem to have depth in the minors - third and OF.  So now that we've removed Inge from the 3B equation, how about letting someone like Mike Hessman bring his 32 HR up from Toledo and play?  You don't want Guillen at DH?  Ok, hold that thought.

The other place the Tigers have a lot of depth is in the outfield.  I think we all know that.  I'd be shocked, nay devastated, if Curtis or Magglio didn't stay as a starter.  But look who that leaves - Joyce, Thames, Rayburn, Cleven, and yes, I'll say it - Clete.  So I'd say at least one of those guys won't be around come Spring.  Package up one or more outfielder and remember Guillen?  If you don't want him as your DH, this is where he goes.  He's done on the left side of the infield, in my opinion. 

Speaking of the left side of the infield, this is where I'd be thinking trade if it were up to me.  The Tigers have no solution at shortstop.  Renteria isn't it, and there is no one in the minors who looks to be ready for 2009.  So an outfielder (or two), Sheff (if anyone wants him) Guillen (if necessary) and Edgar (if they haven't already refused to re-sign him) are all available as part of the deal to get a SS with some range and hopefully a decent OBP.

Pitching is the fascinating area right now. 

Starters

Rogers - How is he going to feel at the end of the season?  Does he really want to come back for another year?  Even at his age, a crafty southpaw can provide some leadership for a rotation that's still pretty young.

Galarraga - He's earned it.  No argument there.

Bonderman - Who knows.  If he's healthy and can get through the first inning, he could be solid.  But then again, he hasn't lived up to potential for a long time.

Robertson - That great game he just pitched should increase his trade value.  Lump him in somewhere in that shortstop trade.

Miner - My jury is still out on him.  Spring is a long way away, let's see how he does between now and then.

Willis - Great outing last time, 7 1/3 with 2 walks.  Apparently he CAN find the plate after all.  I gotta put him in the group with Bonderman and Miner, could go either way.

Verlander - I have little doubt that he'll be back in the rotation next year.  He needs some time to clear his head and rest his arm.

Relief

Straight up - anyone who thinks he or she has figured out what the Tigers relief corps is going to look like next year is smoking some pretty good stuff.  The list of potential relievers is ridiculous, really.  But I doubt TJ will be back.  Same goes for the F&F boys, Fossum and Farnsworth.  Zoom and Cap'n Crookedhat are both enigmas.  They could come back and mow batters down, or they could just as easily turn into Grilli.  Seay, Dolsi, Rapada, Lopez, who knows? 

Coaching

I'm starting to come around to the side of those who don't much care for Chuck Hernandez, and here's why: 

Tim Byrdak was released in Spring Training after not being able to get anyone out.  He's pitching for Houston now and doing fine, thank you very much.

Jason Grilli seems to be pitching much better in Colorado

Dontrelle Willis is even coming around in Lakeland.

So is it just that these guys all needed a change of scenery?  Or is it that Chuck couldn't get them to perform?

Leyland won't be fired.  He's critical to the team's sucess next year.  Now, he COULD decide that this year sucked enough that he doesn't want to do it again, but I think management will want him back. 

So that's what I've got.  A busy off-season, perhaps.  I really don't expect to see any MAJOR changes to the pitching staff until Spring, when we see how many Dr. Jeckyls or Mr. Hydes show up.  Sure, they could add someone like Freddy Garcia, and why not?  Better to begin the Spring with too many starters and see who's not going to cut it than have to bring up one of your relievers and throw him into a starting role.  Otherwise -

My kingdom for a shortstop.