Edgar Renteria's Interesting Use of Pronouns

by Ian Casselberry on Sep 12, 2008 12:00 PM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

Considering the Detroit Tigers could still finish this season with a losing record, at least one player in their clubhouse is pretty chesty about their chances next year. The boasts are especially notable, coming from a guy who's not assured of being in Detroit in 2009. Nonetheless, Edgar Renteria sounds pretty confident about the Tigers' chances of finishing these last two weeks strong and carrying that momentum into next season.

"We need to keep the winning attitude and finish strong," Renteria said. "Next year, we are going to go all the way to the World Series. We are going to go for sure."

[...]

"We learned from the mistakes we made in trying to get it all back at once," Renteria said, "and we won't do that again."

Who is this "we" you speak of, Edgar?

And if he's trying to take on more of a leadership role with the Tigers now, where was this before? Especially after Pudge was traded to the Yankees?

Maybe he knows something we don't. Despite a disappointing season (a .270/.320/.377, along with 15 errors), I think there's a decent chance of Renteria being the Tigers' shortstop again next year. This could be last off-season's Pudge Rodriguez dilemma all over again. The free agent crop of shortstops doesn't look all that great. There are a couple of notable names, but would they really be an upgrade over Renteria? The trade market doesn't look much better. Prospects like Danny Worth or Cale Iorg are probably at least another year away. And the Tigers can work around that $12 million contract option if they want to.

Am I advocating bringing Renteria back next year? No, but I'm not so sure it's a stone-cold lock, either. Unless he puts up some great numbers next year and flashes a slick glove, Renteria will always carry the burden of what the Tigers gave up in trade to acquire him. He or his teammates might not care about that, but a lot of fans likely won't forget.

So maybe Renteria wants to be a Detroit Tiger next year. Even if he plays for less money. He certainly seems confident of the team's chances, which might be factoring into his thinking. I think I can guess what the answer will be, but would you be okay with Renteria returning at a lesser price? If not, what would you prefer to see the Tigers do to replace him? And perhaps most importantly, do you share his confidence about next season?

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I’m new here so I have no idea if anyone else has had this thought, but we have a guy that could probably play short with no problems…Brandon Inge. We can put him to short, Hessman or Larish on 3rd, and let Dusty be our catcher. Again, maybe it’s just me.

by His Royal Daveness on Sep 12, 2008 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

And I should mention, that I always share that optimism at the start of a season, then we have a season like this and all my hopes are crushed and I get to say “we’ll go get ’em next year”

by His Royal Daveness on Sep 12, 2008 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Welcome aboard, Daveness

I’d love to see the Tigers try Inge at short, too. I seriously doubt it will happen, now that they seem to be committed to him as catcher, but it seems to me his skills in the infield are being wasted.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Sep 12, 2008 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Orlando Cabrera, please.

by Grant E. on Sep 12, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

I’ve been a BYB reader for a while, but I finally couldn’t put off getting an account any longer. I suggest a serious infield shakeup. I love the idea of giving Inge a try at short. Ian’s right: his skills are definitely wasted behind the plate. I also think moving Polanco to third would be interesting to try. He played third for the Cards, so he has some experience there. Then either bring up Hollimon to play second (since he’s probably the second baseman of the future, we might as well give him a shot next year) or look to the free agent/trade market to fill the spot.

Of course, this scenario—as unlikely as it already is—is made even more unlikely because it would require either trading Guillen in the off-season or trading Sheffield and moving Guillen to DH. Or putting one of them in left, which I think we can all admit is a bad idea.

As far as a catcher is concerned, I don’t know if Dusty Ryan is ready for that full time, and Sardhina may be great for defensive purposes but lacks any offensive sparks (is that the right word for it?). I have heard that there are a couple of teams with an actual surplus of major league catchers. Maybe we look there.

by Dberg on Sep 12, 2008 6:27 PM EDT reply actions

You may be right, Dusty may not be ready, but I definetly don’t want to see Inge behind the plate anymore, it’s depressing. I don’t see why we don’t bring Pudge back, let Ryan catch behind him for a year or two…there I go dreaming again.

by His Royal Daveness on Sep 12, 2008 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Long-timer, first-timer?

Another welcome.

We talked a bit about Polanco playing third on The Detroit Tigers Podcast a couple of weeks ago. It’s interesting that it’s never come up since he played third with both the Cards and Phillies. I don’t remember how he did there, but maybe it’s a position Polanco has no interest in playing anymore.

But you’re right; it’s almost a moot point. Several other moves would have to take place to even consider that.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Sep 12, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Another new poster here, although I’ve been reading for awhile. Does anyone think there is a legitimate chance that management is expecting Vance Wilson to return to catch next year? That could put Inge back on the infield where he belongs. I would think that one (or both) of them would have to start hitting better than 240.

ballgirl13

by ballgirl13 on Sep 12, 2008 10:07 PM EDT reply actions

Another new poster!

How cool is this?

Maybe you never say never, I’d be shocked if management hasn’t ruled out Vance Wilson for next year. I wonder if he’s been offered any kind of coaching or scouting job in the organization.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Sep 12, 2008 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions