Orlando Hudson

Are themselves. That’s the biggest problem with believing any of the hot stove stories is that anybody can be considered a source, and as soon as a “source” is mentioned, everyone points to “reports” as if every “report” is credible.

They said they didn’t offer arbitration to Polanco because they weren’t prepared to pay if he accepted it. Hudson was a Type A free agent (also not offered arbitration) coming off a similar (but better) year to Polanco’s. He’ll probably get similar money to what Polanco would have got, and he’s probably currently holding out for the kind of multi-year offer Polanco got.

If he caves, sure it would make sense from the win now perspective and I don’t see it as a risk. He’s a solid ballplayer. But if the move was made with his mentoring Sizemore in mind, then you’re going to have a problem because the backup middle infielder roster slot is already owned by Santiago.

Overall, I just don’t think this is in the Tigers’ plans.

I think the Tigers are intent on promoting from within for the next year or two until “the contracts” are off the books. If you’re not going to promote Sizemore, who has proven the ability to produce in the minors, then you’re never going to promote.

As dull as it may be in January, this is actually the perfect spot for non-action. If Sizemore struggles, Santiago can play 2B at a respectable level and the team would just need to find a decent utility middle-infielder.

If the team is looking to spend (and I’m guessing that Hudson commands a 2 year deal at about 5M per year), I’d rather see that money put into the ’pen or a lefty OF/DH type.