Report: Tigers to sign Johnny Damon to one-year deal
by Kurt Mensching on Feb 20, 2010 5:57 PM EST
in Detroit Tigers Hot Stove
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PrintYahoo! Sports' Tim Brown reported on Twitter:
Johnny Damon and the Tigers are near agreement, according to sources. Tigers and Damon contract is for one year, according to source. Damon-Tigers contract apparently has no second-year option. Guarantee is for more than $7 million.
Updates
The deal is for about $8 million, Brown addends.
SI's Jon Heyman reports there is a no-trade clause.
My reaction after the jump
Reaction
The money
Wow. I thought it would take $6 or $7 million to sign Damon, but it actually takes up to $8 million. Credit the White Sox and Braves (and Scott Boras) for getting Damon a lot better offer than anyone expected about two weeks ago.
The money really doesn't matter at this point. It fits into the Tigers' strategy of spending whatever they feel like and not particularly caring. Typically, I like to see a team spend money wisely -- well, pretty much always -- during the earlier periods of the offseason. You like to see teams being efficient. Basically, we're talking about opportunity cost for the economists out there. If you spend $10 million stupidly, you don't have $10 million to spend on better options. So in January, I did not like the Jose Valverde signing because the opportunity cost was not spending $7 million elsewhere. Well, the Tigers were not so concerned over petty issues like $7 million dollars.
So we move on to Damon. The deal is reported to be $8 million dollars and one year. So there is no future opportunity costs to be worried about either. (Actually, as some have brought up, this could lead to savings next year if it helps limit Magglio Ordonez's plate appearances, keeping the $15 million option from kicking in next season). What else were the Tigers going to spend that kinda money on at this point in the year?
So money isn't an issue. (And it's still less than the projected $10-14 million Damon is worth).
What it means for the team
Damon will be no worse in the field than named starter Carlos Guillen. He will provide a solid left-handed bat and probably slide into the No. 2 spot in the batting order. That could move Guillen down to fifth as designated hitter and balance the lineup a bit. I'll explore that issue more in the future, but it's my first thought. The Tigers are definitely a better team with Damon than without him. And it pays double the dividends of keeping him out of Chicago.
He could give the Tigers some flexibility as the season goes on, too. If things do not turn out well, he can be flipped at the trade deadline. He probably would not pull in any blue chip prospects, but he will have some value at the deadline. Reports are there is a no-trade clause. I assume Damon would waive it to go to a contender.
Rippling effects? My first thought is that this is not good for Donnie Kelly's chances at the lineup. Actually, my pre-first thought was it could bump Clete Thomas out of the 25-man roster. But now the importance of a defensive replacement outfielder grows. Thomas is better than Kelly or Ryan Raburn in the outfield. Both Kelly and Thomas bat left handed. Of course, Kelly can also play third base better than Raburn. So I don't think it is outrageous to consider the possibility the Tigers look to trade Raburn.
Just thinking out loud -- this is a blog after all. I haven't taken the step-by-step-by-step look at what makes the best roster.
In summation: I don't got a clue who this is bad news for.
Thoughts on the deal in three words?
I like it.
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Comments
Damon better drive in a WHOLE lot of runs
for that money… bagh
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
at least it's just one year
No matter how Boras badgered (supposedly).
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
I just came on to say that.
Even for that money, if he sucks it up, it can only be briefly.
Finally, it’s over!
I don't have a signature.
by Kmann on Feb 20, 2010 6:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
that's the same attitude I took toward some of the Red Wings' signings
Even if he sucks, at least it’s only short-term (and in some cases cheap) sucking, instead of expensive long-term sucking. Might not be all that optimistic, but whatever.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
Good. Now let's play ball!
Magglio drove in 50 runs for his $ 15 mil last year, so Damon should be good for 25 runs, right?
LMAO
I am certain that Maggs is going to play a whole lot better this year, might get 60-65 outta him. Seriously, as much as I dislike Damon, at least there will be someone on base to get runs driven in no matter who does it. Gotta have guys on in from of your 3,4,5 hitters for that to happen.
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Amen
No reason to drag it out any longer than needed.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
but short-term stupid
The Tigers were clearly going to sign someone, and I guess he’s as good as anyone and better than most options. Worst case scenario, he’s gone after just one year anyway.
I’m just glad the Johnny Drama is over.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
we shouldn’t be celebrating that the Tiger’s did something stupid instead of doing something more stupid. The last thing we needed was another outfielder, if we wanted to sign someone we should have signed an infielder. Mark my words Damon will not be worth $8MM this year, he will be a disappointment.
we don't know how much the infielders the team was looking at were asking for
If they would have delivered less bang per buck than the team thought they could get from Damon, then they made the best decision they could.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
Do you really think Damon is going to be significantly worse than Ordoñez, Guillen, and Jackson in the outfield? All the projections I´ve seen (Chone, Bill James, whichever) predict Damon to be similar or better. Last year, Damon was better than any of those three. Over the last three years, his avg. production has been about the same as Ordoñez and Guillen. Unless you expect AJAX to go crazy, I´d love to hear some concrete analysis explaining why you think Damon will be so terrible.
And if you´re worried about overpaying this year, why not enjoy the fact that we´ll escape paying Magglio 15 million next year?
well, hope you're wrong, craggt
What infielder would you have wanted?
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I would have preferred we signed lopez. I think the fact that Raburn will be robbed of time by Damon, Guillen and AJax is simply criminal. What does this guy need to do to get a shot at being an everyday player? Hit a home run in every at bat? He slugged over .500 last season with an average close to .300, do I think he’ll continue at that rate? No, but he’s shown he can get it done at Comerica which Damon has not shown, in addition he has a plus arm compared to the minus minus arm of Damon. If we send AJax to AAA and play raburn in center then I agree with this deal, but considering that they’ve pretty much said that AJax will be starting regardless and now Raburn is confined to the bench this is retarded.
Damon's career numbers at Comerica
.363 BA, .412 OBP, .550 SLG, with 5 HR and 25 RBI
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Oh I can play the game of small sample size too. Why don’t we look at his stats at Comerica for the last 4 years while he played with the Yankees (2006-2009) Including the playoffs his line is:
.263BA .311OBP .421SLG with 2HRs and 4RBIs
Considerably less impressive, and I doubt it’ll be that much better this year.
and how many times
did he face Verlander, Bonderman, or a red-hot Kenny Rogers? He won’t be facing that quality of pitching all season. Just because the park is bigger doesn’t mean he won’t rack up the doubles and triples.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
You’re the one who brought up his Career numbers at Comerica, how many times did he hit terrible pitching from ‘00-’05?
How about more telling numbers from last season which has a larger sample size:
Home – .279BA .382OBP .533SLG 17HR
Away – .284BA .349OBP .446SLG 7HR
The short porch in new Yankee’s stadium hid the fact that he is a player in decline. He is not worth $8MM, 29 other teams agree with me.
29 other teams
don’t need a left fielder or a left-handed bat as badly as the Tigers. Just because his power numbers are declining doesn’t mean he won’t be effective. His job will be to get on base and into scoring position for Cabrera, Ordonez, and whoever else hits behind him to drive in runs.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:32 AM EST up reply actions
plus
your sample size is much smaller than mine. The key stat to look for from him will mostly be .OBP because he’ll hit in front of the big bats.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yes your sample size is bigger, but look at his stats from last year, as soon as he gets away from Yankees stadium and pitchers no longer have to worry about the long ball his OBP and power drop through the floor. Pitchers will be pitching him aggressively at Comerica Park because they know that he won’t be able to hit the long ball.
he doesn't need to hit the long ball
he just needs to find the gap. We have other bigger bats that can hit the long ball.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:34 AM EST up reply actions
exactly
this signing wasn’t about bringing in another big bat. I don’t see why he won’t hit .280 or better, mostly with singles and doubles. I’d like to think we could expect 10 home runs, with 40-50 RBI, but hopefully upwards of 80-100 runs.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
I am assuming they brought Damn here
for 2 reasons a) he’s a gap hitter
and b) he’s lefty
And for the record, I am not happy about it.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
see I told you I am not happy
I called him Damn instead of Damon
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
it definitely wasn't for his arm
I guess I like it. I like the 1-year deal. I’m impartial to the $8 million, Mr. Illitch is the only person that’s allowed to be angry about that part. I don’t think Raburn was going to produce the same numbers he did last year full-time, especially with all the righty pitching we’ll see.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:39 AM EST up reply actions
at this point
it really doesn’t matter if we do or do not like it. He’s here and he’s in an Old English D. and that comes before my dislike of any player
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:41 AM EST up reply actions
So much banter about his arm...
…but at least he’ll take good routes (compared to both Raburn and Guillen) and make attempts to catch balls that should be caught (compared to Guillen) and not try for those that shouldn’t (compared to Raburn). Even with a worse arm, he’s a MUCH better defender than Guillen and Raburn. For the record, I’d love to see Raburn get a lot of AB’s, but Damon still helps this team. The situation will also clear itself up when Guillen hurts himself trimming his fingernails next week.
with the guys behind him
getting the RBI credit
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:39 AM EST up reply actions
Whatever, I’m not going to be able to convince you. I seriously hope that you’re right but I’m not holding my breath. I’m predicting a .260 .315 .445 year for Damon, far worse that what we would get if we played Raburn full time, Right hander or not.
I hope I'm right too
and I’ve learned that now is the time to be optimistic as a Tigers fan. I’ve gone through a lot of bad Aprils and Mays where the summer months aren’t as cheerful from a baseball perspective.
However I don’t think Raburn would produce full-time, especially with guys having more film on him now that he broke out somewhat last season.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions
Oh I’ve very optimistic about this season, just this signing makes me less so. I felt that we had a stronger team without him. Now all that I can hope is that JL has a brain and starts Raburn against every LH starter we face, or that they get smart and send AJax down to AAA where he belongs.
I'd be really upset
if Damon plays against lefties. I’m expecting a R/L platoon between Damon and Raburn in left. I’d like to see AJax in Detroit, or Casper Wells. I don’t want to see a stopgap option in CF. Whoever starts should be the starter in the future, especially if this is going to be a down year.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
what are Raburn's splits?
He’s still at a low number of ABs, but you would expect him to be better against lefties than Damon. More power too.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
Only about 600 AB's career, but
.258 / .282 vs. LH/RH. However, Raburn’s OPS is .830 / .752. So, it looks like he hits for a lower average, but more power vs. RH. Strange stats, but like I said, only 600 AB’s doesn’t give us a ton to go on.
I’m not saying he has to hit the long ball, but once that threat is removed pitchers go aggressive against him and he can’t get on base anymore. He won’t be finding those gaps.
it's the CoPa
the gaps are ginormous, anyone can find them
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:36 AM EST up reply actions
The CoPa
Has the largest OF in the AL.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
with no more Granderson to cover them
still upset about that. Hopefully AJax can step up.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
I thought about that too
I look for some balls to be missed, dropped to close in too far out. Especially with our corners, this kid Jackson is gonna have to be quick
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions
no matter who plays CF
there’s going to be an adjustment period. Granderson knows how the ball travels in the air, how it bounces off the walls, how the lights affect vision, etc.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
exactly
there’s no way they would let this go on all season, if he couldn’t adjust. I am sure it’ll be fine once he’s played there for a month or so… but he’s got awfully big shoes to fill out there.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
AJax is going to be a big liability for this team, he is not Big League ready. If I could see this deal as replacing AJax with Damon I would be happy with it but as it looks now it’s replacing Raburn with Damon which is what makes me angry. I honestly think the difference between AJax and Raburn in center would not be as big as you would think for precisely the reasons you listed, he knows the field better.
like I said
Leyland won’t let it happen for a long period. Clete however has great range in the OF, but his offense is way below average, I could see him in CF
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:47 AM EST up reply actions
does he know it that much better?
how many games has Raburn played in center? Inge was the backup for a while. Raburn will have an advantage, but from what everyone says AJax is a lot faster.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:47 AM EST up reply actions
speed will be important
it’s so vast out there.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
How about this, start Raburn in Left every time we’re facing a left hander, and start him in Center every time Porcello is pitching because there will be fewer fly balls.
I could go for anything that
gets Raburn more playing time. But I don’t think that’s going to be an issue. I think you’ll see Raburn in RF when Maggs is DH or has a day off, same in LF for Damon or Carlos. I think he’s going to get more AB’s than you think. He’s too good to leave on the bench. I really do think the DH will be split 3 ways, if for no other reason that what I just said.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
I hope you’re right, Raburn needs to be an everyday player. If he doesn’t get at least 450ABs this season then Jimmy isn’t doing his job right. Now that Grandy and Polonco are gone I think Raburn is turning into my favorite player.
I agree
I will soon need a new favorite, Raburn is at the top of my list. He plays hard and he seems like a good guy. I have always liked him. I think they’ll know soon enough if Jackson is ready or not. But to be fair, we’ve never seen what this kid can do. He’s a top prospect, just like SIzemore. I am done mourning Polly and Grandy, I wish them the best. But this is my team, and I intend on supporting them, win or lose.
And by the way, I was at the game when Raburn hit the walk off against the Cubbies, sitting next to loud rude Cubs fans all night, and i cannot tell you what a hard time they were all given after that homer. I told the guy next to me, welcome to Detroit. We play all nine here.
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Agreed
I think Raburn will get plenty of ABs. If anything, Damon may cut into Magglio’s ABs, preventing him from reaching the number needed for a $15 million option to kick in, so it might save them even more money in the end.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 1:13 AM EST up reply actions
That's
my concern. Not everyone here feels the way I do about Maggs. But I think is we’re in contention and he’s playing well, he’ll vest, If not he’ll go. And that’s when i will go into mourning…
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I'd like
to see them limit his ABs early in the season, then let him go as needed later on. It’ll help preserve him for any sort of stretch run and hopefully save some coin too.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 1:35 AM EST up reply actions
Will not happen
unless were in a chase like you say
* 135 starts or 540 PAs in 2010, or
* 270 starts or 1,080 PAs in 2009-10
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OF Defense this year
I think Damon will cover more ground in LF than our host of LF’s last year did. Jackson, by most accounts, is solid defensively. I think our OF defense will be similar from left through right center. Maggs may lose a step, but we’ll be decent.
Raburn.
LOVE his arm, guy has a knack for hitting a HR in big moments, wouldn’t be surprised if he turned out to be a plus hitter in the clutch, makes contact.
The downside, He runs the bases like he is freaking stupid. Seriously, the mistakes I saw in baserunning last year was sickening, but he wasn’t the only one making mistakes. The other beef I got with Raburn is that his arm is great, but can the guy really judge a fly ball? The one he missed in left and may have missed one in right was like watching Punch Drunk Love. WTF WAS THAT? WE ARE ALL MORE DUMB FOR HAVING WITNESSED SUCH STUPIDITY.(and I’m not talking about a lame ass Adam Sandler movie.)
by Fien SHOULD CLOSE on Feb 21, 2010 6:39 AM EST up reply actions
I think part of his defensive woe's...
come about because of inconsistent playing time at any position for most of his MLB career. While it is unexpected that Raburn will be a great defensive player we should see improvement’s in his fielding ability if given some extra time at a single position. Probably won’t happen this year but if this team decides to bring somebody in who is better suited for the infield, than maybe they can focus Raburns playing time in the OF, possibly platooned with Jackson.
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In Ryan's defense
I was at the game where he stole home, they had Biggy hung up between 1st and 2ndand weren’t sure what to do with him, they kept trying to tag him out, so Ryan ran home and the throw was late getting to the plate, he scored and Biggy landed on second. That was fun.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Raburns sucks defensively
He’s make some of biggest bonehead mistakes I’ve ever seen in the outfield. He pretty much cost us game 163 with his misplay in LF. Yes, he does have a good throwing arm, but it comes at a huge price.
Couldn't agree more
Not sure why everyone here is so into Raburn. He is a liability defensively, he can’t run the bases, and if you take away his amazing final 6 weeks last season, he has consistently been mediocre at the plate his entire career. His line on August 19: .257/.321./441, with 7 homers in 178 ABs — that’s not very good. So people want him to be an everyday player based on a 83 streaky, part-time ABs? Awesome.
But even with this signing, he’s going to get a minimum of 250-300 ABs — he’s a decent fourth OF to have. Plus, when Guillen inevitably gets hurt, he’ll get quite a few more ABs. If Raburn plays more than 10 games in CF, though, it’s going to be a long, long season for Tigers’ pitchers.
Lets be clear
they blew the season as a team. There should have never been a game 163. Period.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Lopez wouldn’t be worth the $5 M it’d cost to sign him – Sizemore is the Tigers 2B from everything we’re being told. Damon will actually play, making him already much more worth it than signing an infielder that won’t play.
As for Raburn – good question. But some players, like Thames, are only good in small doses.
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Meh.
Can’t really complain.
I’m just happy it’s FINALLY over.
by DetroitTigersGeek on Feb 20, 2010 6:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
This
President, Vice President and Secretary of the Casey Crosby Fanclub.
by David Tokarz on Feb 20, 2010 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
praise avila
the nightmare is over.
I am feeling pretty neutral about it overall, but I have to say, I really have trouble picturing him as a Tiger. don’t know why. I’m sure he’ll fit in before too long though.
If he doesn't cut his hair
he’ll look like a hairy, whiter version of Maggs. Without the curls.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 9:37 PM EST up reply actions
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
rec’d
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
Finally
The $8 million is more than I would have preferred, but it’s only one year (that was the really important part for me) and we really could use the left-handed bat.
I dont see how anybody could say this is stupid. He is clearly better than any other option we have for a 1-2 hitter. He is better than Guillen in the outfield. If Ilitch is willing to pay it, then let him pay it. Its only one year and it isn’t any of our money. Welcome to the D Damon
Hey Rod,
Its because hes replacing Granderson. Its like having to rebound with an ugly chick. Except its worse, he was once a Yankee. BARF!
by Fien SHOULD CLOSE on Feb 21, 2010 6:43 AM EST up reply actions
Hate the organization...
not the players.
Besides, don’t think of Damon as an “ugly chick.” You have to look for appealing features. Maybe Damon’s an ugly chick with a nice rack and I just furthered the demeaning nature of this statement.
Just remember, don’t look at the face. Look at the rack.
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and I apologize to our lady commenters out there.
I offer you ladies this prayer…I’m a man. But I can change. If I have too. I guess.
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I've been getting the seasons on Amazon Video on Demand.
I love adventures with Bill.
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I wonder
if this means that A-Jax will still get a try-out at hitting lead-off with Damon hitting 2nd.
Ideally we’d bat Sizemore 2nd and Damon lead-off. But then where would A-Jax hit? If he hits at the bottom of the order, that means Laird and Everett are hitting 7th and 8th. That’s is awful.
Sizemore after Guillen?
I like the looks of a guy who can hit for some average behind Guillen. Might be able to keep runners moving, and if Inge can come back with some of that HR power he showed off last year, then you’re going to see improved RBI totals if you bat him after Sizemore.
Because Sizemore is projecting to be the better big league hitter of the two rooks, I think I’d rather have him up there with runners on base as opposed to Jackson. Jackson has speed that will allow him to get on base when he makes mistakes, but that requires the bases empty to do it. If he hits at the top, even in later innings he’ll be hitting after Laird and Everett, which will mean the bases are probably empty anyway.
by TennesseeYooper on Feb 20, 2010 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
This is one of my more interesting issues now.
I think our roster is pretty well set for position players (except for spot #13 between Thomas / Kelly / others), so our lineup becomes a more interesting issue. I think that putting Jackson at #9 would be a smart way for him to get acclimated to leadoff duties. When he gets on base, it would be in front of the top 2 or 3 in the lineup. So he could get some practice working the bases, swiping a few bags, moving from 1st to 3rd on singles…etc. Plus, batting behind Everitt and Laird, he’d lead off quite a few innings (laugh, but not really!) #9 would be a great spot for Jackson. Of course that still leaves us searching for a #1 or 2 hitter, depending on where you bat Damon. I’d like to see how Sizemore can do as #2, but I’ve heard that Leyland is reluctant to bat him there.
I think he's reluctant
to have 2 rookies at the top of the lineup. If Damon bats leadoff, I think there’s a better chance we see Sizemore in the 2 spot. I like Jackson at the 9 too.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
$8 million is still under his market value. I'm satisfied.
Can I use this now?
by StringTheory on Feb 20, 2010 6:37 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
it's a classy uniform
It looks good on anyone.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
by Baroque on Feb 20, 2010 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
The Olde English D is a baseball tuxedo.
BASEBALL TUXEDO!
by 13194013 on Feb 20, 2010 10:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
so is my Cabrera jersey T
a tuxedo t-shirt?
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
I like to picture Jesus
in a tuxedo t-shirt cuz it says like “I wanna be formal, but I’m here to party too.”
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Not to be a jerk or a nitpicker
But you have the wrong Olde English D on the jersey.
Should look like this:
that's more like this
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Pfffft
Tigers had all the leverage and STILL let Boras milk them for an extra mil.
Back off man, I'm a scientist
Hockeytown USA has moved!
Hockeytown USA
But it's only one year
2 years @ 7 mil = 14 mil
1 year @ 8 mil = 8 mil
DD saved 6 mil by giving up the extra mil this year
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
Of course Boras won
He’s Scott Boras. You don’t become the best agent in baseball unless you ARE the best agent in baseball. Boras is the best, and he beats everybody. There’s no shame in it.
yes there is
we were already offering above market value, no other team wanted to give him 7! I understand that this allows Damon to save face after turning down the 2 year 14 mill offer from the Yankees, but the message here is that Detroit needs to overpay so badly for free agents that they need to overpay over their already overpaid offers!
by notagunslinger on Feb 20, 2010 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
It's simply the price of playing the game
with the very best player. He can create leverage where there is none. He can persuade the unpersuadable. He can rebuild burnt bridges in an instant. He might be a total jackass, but he’s simply the best in the world at what he does. You’ve gotta respect that.
Ain't my money
…and like Kurt said, ain’t much else to spend it on anymore. I bet the signing wins us a few more games, and that could make a big difference in the AL Central.
Money doesn't matter
when there’s no salary cap. The important thing here is that it’s a one year deal.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Whatever the price is
Here’s a guy who should easy score 100 runs batting in front of Cabrera, which is something Granderson and Polanco both miserably failed to do last year.
This signing makes Detroit’s off-season a very good one.
I wonder what the point of the no trade clause was.
Maybe it was an attempt by Boras to get a second year. Or maybe it’s a PR thing; Damon can now dispel the rumors of not wanting to play in Detroit by saying he wanted the clause.
I think Damon simply wants to control where he goes.
There are probably simply places he doesn’t want to live. It makes sense from that perspective. The No trade protects him from an unfavorable situation.
He doesn't want . . .
. . . to get traded to Kansas City for prospects at the deadline.
you never know
maybe his wife likes Kansas City
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
Shoud have saved that
pint of Stoli’s for tonight…I could use a drink. bagh…
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
I used that photo just for Patty, too
by Kurt Mensching on Feb 20, 2010 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
Thnx, Kurt. <3
After you posted them I found the others in Daylife…through the AP, the youngster in the background is Jr.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
i know Alli,
I really didn’t expect him to be there until the mandatory deadline….
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
I believe Kurt is right....
…..in that Raburn will be traded…….It will be a good move In that he is 30 yrs old and past his prime….In the non steriods era players wont be putting up numbers into the upper 30s…..Trade him now for some infield help while he has some value.
by BennieBladesFan on Feb 20, 2010 7:25 PM EST reply actions
Damon
Hey guys this is Brandon C. from Pinstripe Alley checking in with some thoughts.
I do think $8 million is overpaying (I know coming from a Yankees fan overpaying sounds weird) but we don’t know for certain that Kenny Williams didn’t offer $7 million at the last minute.
Damon is a horrible defender at this point with an arm equal to that of either a 95 year old woman or a 3 year old girl.
Damon hit 17 of his 24 home runs at Yankee Stadium. A look at his hitting chart shows that all 17 were hit to the little league wall in right
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_player_hitting_chart.jsp?c_id=nyy&playerID=113028&statType=1
One upside thing is that Damon’s stats at Comerica are pretty damn good.
.363/.412/.550 with 5 HR and 25 RBI career at Comercia.
Overall, Damon is a liability defensively and it should be very interesting to see if his numbers die down now that he won’t be hitting at Yankee Stadium as much. I really am not sure how easy it is to hit HR at Comerica in right, but it cannot be as easy as Yankee Stadium.
I expect Damon to have solid numbers and not sure if you guys even use him in the outfield at all. Good signing, but a little overpaid definitely
Writer for Pinstripe Alley.
"Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth."
"So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for."
thanks for the information
Always good to get a knowledgeable perspective (I can count you as knowledgeable, right?) ;)
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
Yes
If i do say so myself
Writer for Pinstripe Alley.
"Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth."
"So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for."
I'd rather see Damon leading off
I’m sure Leland will try many different line ups in spring training, I just think giving Jackson center and lead off would be to much,
I'm sure
Leyland will try many different line ups all season. He changes his mind more than a kid with ADD
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
Two words in agreement: Ron Gardenhire...
…used his speed guys at both the very top and very bottom of the lineup to extremely good effect. it’s not unlike having two lead-off guys at 9-1, then having 2-3-4-5 bat ’em in. and considering that our 3-4-5 should be pretty decent, assuming a regression to the mean and accounting for age decline, having a 9-1-2 of guys who could all reasonably get on base pretty well would be fantastic.
i’d think putting Action Jackson down at 9, GEICO caveman up at 1 and Sizemore at 2 would give us the best combination of ability to get on base, run and be driven in, especially ahead of our big guys. and it lets Jackson take things one step at a time.
by GreatGooglyMoogly on Feb 21, 2010 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks Brandon
Were not looking for power from Damon, 12 hr would be enough for me. I’m looking OBP and Batting AVG are the main things I want from him.
by msivits on Feb 20, 2010 7:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
You should get what you're looking for then
He can get on base and can provide enough speed. Jackson doesn’t project as a leadoff hitter too well if he repeats his AAA year last year, but Damon could fill the leadoff hole.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley.
"Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth."
"So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for."
I like this move
I don’t think it bumps Kelly off the roster, at least initially. We have a manager who has gone to extremes to keep at least two backup infielders on the roster. The World Series roster actually had three of the four bench players that were backup infielders (Infante, Santiago, and Neifi Perez). With questions surrounding the health of Sizemore and Inge, I don’t see Leyland carrying Santiago as the lone backup in the infield. He has said, thankfully, that Raburn will be limited to outfield duty this season.
I think that either AJax or Clete Thomas will be sent down, at least to start the season. Raburn will be the primary backup outfielder, so he gets bumped from what should have been a starting role, and Guillen should be mainly DH’ing now.
We still don’t know how much of this salary is deferred, but I’d bet that a substantial portion is deferred, keeping 2010 payroll about in line with 2009’s spread sheet.
When the Tigers traded Granderson and Edwin Jackson, they budgeted for a closer and to sign Verlander, as well as taking on the anticipated arbitration increases for all but Marcus Thames. The fact that Valverde, the best closer on the market, fell into DD’s lap probably allowed him to slightly increase what he had in mind for a closer.
no it's not.
I am sure I read that too, actually I thought that was one of the points in the contract.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
Kelly
Could stick around when we trade Raburn.
by BennieBladesFan on Feb 20, 2010 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
elaborating on my earlier comment
So money isn’t an issue. (And it’s still less than the projected $10-14 million Damon is worth).
This quote is right on the…. money. I’ve been preaching it all off-season – the Tigers are “overpaying” (as some of you like to call it) players because they can shell it out. I agree with Kurt that ideally the money would be spent as wisely as possible (opportunity cost, etc), but the Tigers “overpaying” Valverde did not affect the Tigers going out and getting what they needed (Damon, a left handed bat). There’s no salary cap, so that above quote is all that needs to be said.
The one-year deal, is great for the Tigers. A lot of people were saying to get the 2-year, $14 M done. The Tigers saved $6 M guaranteed in this deal and most importantly another year with a guy pushing 107 years old. The White Sox or Boras didn’t affect the Tigers price one bit in my opinion – from what it seems, the Tigers had a firm offer all along and actually got a better deal when it was all said and done.
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Good point
This deal does exactly what our off-season has been about…contenting in 2010 and having lots of budget room in 2011. I think we have solve a major problem, which is finding a lefty bat and top-of-the-order hitter. Our chances in 2010 just got a lot better and we’re still left with a blank canvas for 2011.
UNFROZEN CAVEMAN CENTERFIELDER
I HOPE DETROIT IS COSMOPOLITAN ENOUGH FOR HIS WIFE
by explosivo2k2 on Feb 20, 2010 8:49 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Of course it's cosmopolitan . . .
. . . there’s a whole ’nother country right across the river! NYC cannot make that claim, unless you count New Jersey.
Damon's Wiki is already updated
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Damon
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Nice
The wiki gremlins never rest.
by DetroitTigersGeek on Feb 20, 2010 9:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It's a weird offseason
I mean is it about money issues? I dunno…
Not offering Polanco arb was stupid now that we can apparently afford Damon for $8 mil and Valverde for $14 mil+.
I have no problem, actually, with the Granderson trade, but still… Do we or don’t we have money problems?
by DetroitTigersGeek on Feb 20, 2010 9:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions
We traded....
…..Polanco because of Sizemore not becasue we didnt want Polanco……Sizemore will be fine.
by BennieBladesFan on Feb 20, 2010 9:18 PM EST up reply actions
Polly was not traded
he was a free agent that was not offered arbitration and because we didn’t offer him arbitration we lost draft picks
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
Did not gain a draft pick . . .
. . . it was the Valverde deal that caused us to lose a draft pick.
Thanks
I’m tired of hearing about how we “cut” Polanco because of payroll. If you weren’t going to give Sizemore a chance, you’re never going to promote a player. It was the perfect situation to promote from within.
I kind of think
we’ll keep Raburn around. He contributes pretty well offensively and based on Carlos’ history with the DL, we might need him at some point defensively too.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
I have zero problem with Sizemore. I think he’s more than ready to step in for Polly, but Polanco wasn’t going back to Detroit if we did offer arb. He would sign with Philly, like, a day later. We lost a first round draft pick from Philadelphia for not offering arb.
But, hey, whatever… I kinda want Detroit to pursue Cuban shortstop Adeinis Hechavarria (spelling??). He’s a nice, young talented shortstop for the future (but he’ll probably end up in NY or LA). But that’s a different post…
by DetroitTigersGeek on Feb 20, 2010 9:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions
^oops was supposed to be a reply to Bennie…
by DetroitTigersGeek on Feb 20, 2010 9:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
About time
It’s upsetting to see Damon officially go. As a Yankees fan I enjoyed having him on the team. He was the perfect number 2 hitter, after Jeter and before Teixeira and A-Rod. I would have liked to see that 1-4 kept together, but it didn’t happen. I’m personally surprised that Scott Boras was able to get 8 million for him, which is more money per year than any other team (even the Yankees) was going to offer him (although he didn’t get the second year). Just shows how good of an agent Boras is, as much as I hate him and hate to admit it.
You Tigers fans should enjoy him. He probably will play well over there. Yes, he has an arm equal to the arm of my 90 year old grandmother who just had back surgery, and he can struggle at times defensively and he’ll give you a heart attack every time the ball gets hit to him, the way he struggles to get under it (although somehow, for the most part he manages to catch the ball and can still run it down). But offensively, he’s an excellent player, and probably will be a great leadoff hitter for the Tigers (thats where I think he would bat- replacing Granderson). His HR will go down I’m sure, but he should hit around .280-.300, score 100 runs, work great at bats, steal bases, and definitely come through in the clutch. He’s also one of the best clubhouse personalities in the game. Hopefully he helps kick the Indians butt as much as possible, because other than the Red Sox and Mets and Angels I hate the Indians more than any team in baseball. lol
Good luck Johnny.
by nyyrocks29 on Feb 20, 2010 9:39 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
… and he can struggle at times defensively and he’ll give you a heart attack every time the ball gets hit to him, the way he struggles to get under it (although somehow, for the most part he manages to catch the ball and can still run it down).
We’re actually used to weak arms. :)
Hopefully he helps kick the Indians butt as much as possible, …
Concur.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
Indians, White Sox, Yankees
as long as we’re winning, I don’t care. I’m happy for now.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
Ok All of you know how I am
So I am reading everyone’s opinion on this signing, everywhere. I have read in a couple of places (where is irrelevant) that Carlos is going to be so pissed about the Damon signing that he will be gone by the end of spring training.
Opinions on that?
Myself, I think it’s ludicrous for people to assume this…
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
I think...
Generally Carlos is a team player. I feel that he is willing to do whatever helps the team the most. I think his comments before came out of frustration over never knowing where his position was going to be at.
With Carlo’s injury history he has to know in the back of his mind that if he wants to continue his career he’ll have to learn to DH. Probably best to start learning in a city where he has fans that will try and support him a bit.
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That was my thinking Poopz
exactly. Who’s going to pick up an injury plagued player, at age 34? He’s owed 21m over the next 2 years, so I think he’ll suck it up and go for the money. Personally I think the DH role will be split 3 ways between Damon, Carlos and Maggs.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
by Detroitchik on Feb 20, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for that
I should really start reading Jason Beck. I don’t know why i don’t.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
by Detroitchik on Feb 20, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
i am just curious,
but does your name, madpoopz, mean “going #2 alot”???? cause that is what i thought of when i read it… that and Whitecastle hamburgers….
ewww
TMI, please don’t answer that poopz, for the love of Avila
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by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
pretty sure I've already read an explanation
on Motown String Music/ Detroit Bad Boys. TMI for the squeemish.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry
But I HAD to ask… It just had me laughing out loud, so i had to say something… and yes I was ACTUALLY lol’ing!!!
I'm gonna post the story of the name in the OT...
don’t wanna send this thread into offtopicness.
My Music: Now on last.fm!!
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
Guillen might go...
but his contract won’t. No matter what we’ll end up giving him that money.
My Music: Now on last.fm!!
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
If he goes by
own volition would the organization still be obligated to pay him? I mean wouldn’t that make his contract void? It’s like quitting your job and still expecting to collect a pay check.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 20, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
no.
that would probably be filed under “breach of contract.”
My Music: Now on last.fm!!
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
but if he quits
he’d be breaching the contract. Plus I don’t see anything in his contract that says guaranteed. If it’s not guaranteed and he walked away, I am fairly certain the organization owes him nothing.
Anyway it doesn’t matter because Carlos isn’t going anywhere.
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by Detroitchik on Feb 20, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
Carlos Guillen ss
4 years/$48M (2008-11)
* 4 years/$48M (2008-10)
o signed extension with Detroit 3/07
o 08:$12M, 09:$10M, 10:$13M, 11:$13M
o award bonus: $50,000 for All Star selection
o partial no-trade clause
* 3 years/$14M (2005-07)
o signed extension 6/04
o 05:$4M, 06:$5M, 07:$5M
o award bonus: $25,000 All Star selection
* 1 year/$2.5M (2004)
o re-signed 12/03 (avoided arbitration)
o $0.9M in performance bonuses (PAs)
* 1 year/$2.5M (2003)
o re-signed 1/03 (avoided arbitration)
o $0.1M in performance bonuses (PAs)
* 1 year/$1.4M (2002)
o re-signed 1/02 (avoided arbitration, $1.875M-$1.2M)
* agent: Peter Greenberg
* ML service: 11.000
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by Detroitchik on Feb 20, 2010 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
I doubt
he’ll leave that much money on the table
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
We honestly have no proof that Carlos still isn't the left fielder.
The Tigers have done far stranger things. Any such speculation is very premature.
guillen will be a tiger and I think after airing his laundry last october
he’ll deal with things better now. It seemed pretty uncharacteristic of him and I think he’ll deal with things better now.
by Kurt Mensching on Feb 20, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
There's no place for him to go.
His contract ties him to Detroit for the next two years. I guess the question is: how much $25M he’s owed over the next year Detroit have to pick up in order to move him.?
by Detroit Exile on Feb 20, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
RABURN FOR SUPERSUB!
Seriously- have him backup 2B/3B, OF spots and serve as an injury replacement.
President, Vice President and Secretary of the Casey Crosby Fanclub.
No complaints here
I wasn’t sure he was the best option as a full-time LF
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 20, 2010 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
As much as I love Raburn
I shudder at the thought of him ever playing 3rd again. He’s better in the OF.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
by Detroitchik on Feb 20, 2010 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
Spring Training
Hopefully we can get him some time at 3rd in spring training and see how he looks. It was ugly at times last year, but it would be great if we could us him in this capacity. Guillen/Maggs/Damon will likely need full days off from time to time as well, so I am hopeful we can find plenty of ABs for him.
A lifelong Tigers fan
We are now a better team
I am glad we signed Damon……..I think the Tigers will make more trades before opening day……To many pitchers, some have to go & Raburn may go too……
After reading more and more about Damon at the plate, the more and more I like him as the new leadoff. He has such a good eye, and he fouls pitches off better than almost anyone in the league. Too many times last year did we start the game out with the big K (grandy). We wont see that nearly as much this year. His baserunning is great, as shown throughout his career and highlighted in the world series. Cabby and Maggs are gonna have someone in S.P. when they get up.
Rod Allen will be JACKED to be chattin it up with JD in the cages.
GO TIGS
by rodallen on Feb 21, 2010 1:46 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Hey DD now you should trade Ra(y)burn for...
…a couple of hard throwing relief pitchers!!!
Oh wait…
by DetroitTigersGeek on Feb 21, 2010 6:55 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Guillen can back-up 1B/3B/LF
and be our primary DH.
Whether you like the deal or not
we all can agree that we want it to work out, right? At least I don’t have to start a facebook group that promotes beaning Damon if he ever entered Comerica in a White Soxes uniform.
I can't believe I ate the whole thing!
by tigerfaninChicago on Feb 21, 2010 8:02 AM EST reply actions
Agreed
once they put on the D I’m a fan, regardless of who they are.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
it's the uniform
above the player
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Like it? You like it?
How can ANYBODY like what Hairpuck, Dombo and Smokey Jim do?
Absurd beyond belief. Trade Granderson to save 5 million, then blow all of it and 3 million more on 1 year of the GEICO man with a D on the chest.
Yankees robbed Detroit with the Grandy for Jackson (cf) swap. Now the Tigers get saddled with an old lhb DH… can anybody say Aubrey Huff II?
Granderson is
an all or nothing hitter now and 75% of the time it’s nothing. Last year, 21 of his 30 homers were solo jobs. 76 of his career 102 HR’s were solo shots. We don’t need that. We need guys who can get on base or can hit with men on base.
In Grandy's defense
that says more about the guys hitting in front of him (the bottom of the order) than it does about him.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
He hit 21 solo jobs...
.. because the idiot making out the lineup card batted him leadoff.
I screamed about this all year long last year. Granderson is NOT a leadoff hitter anymore. He hasn’t been for several years. Leyland threw away about 20 runs last year just with this mistake alone.
but other than the 1st inning
how many times does he actually lead off? Yes, a few of those HRs came at the beginning of the game, but not all. It’s still on the guys in front of him.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
The point is...
…If you bat a guy with power leadoff, you sacrifice runs… period.
He leads off at least once a game… 20% of PA…
He leads off about 0.5 times per game thereafter… 10% of PA
He bats after the 7,8,9 hitters… the low OBP guys…
The only issue
is that there wasn’t anyone better to put in that leadoff slot. I might have switched him and Polly, but other than that there weren’t many good options.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
They did try batting him fifth for a while
by SabreRoseTiger on Feb 21, 2010 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
Way better choices...
… were available to Smokey last year.
Anytime Thomas was in the lineup… hell, he could have batted Clete first every road game or against rhp starting if they wanted, then swapped him out after a bunt single and good baserunning.
Ordonez would have been better even, said this about a dozen times last year…
Even Polanco leadoff and Granderson second for crying out loud… Placido had enough walks to serve up about a dozen more runs, and if he was batting leadoff, his BA and OBP would be higher, they would HAVE TO PITCH TO HIM! Great bat control and all those strikes they have to throw him? He’d hit .340 again.
Trade Raburn?
Trade Raburn? You’re joking, right?
Let’s just get rid of ANYBODY who is decent and young, and drawing low pay…
Better Idea...
Trade Cabrera. No kidding. Trade him.
Get rid of his oversized contract, and let somebody else deal with the eventual relapses into alcohol and apathy at the plate.
Trade Cabrera to the Mets. They would pay dearly. Make it a Three Way Deal with the Yankmees…
Mets get Cabrera, give up Johann Santana to the Yanks, plus six Mets draft picks to Detroit… (one first, two second and three third rounders over 5 years)
Tigers also send A-Jackson, Damon (he’ll go) and Coke back to the Yankees, get Granderson back from the Yanks, get Joba Chamberlain, and take six Yankees picks… (all second and third rounders over three years)
Tigers stock their minor league system over a (12 picks) five year period, regain CG, add Joba C. to their staff… and let Guillen take over 1b. Tigers save like $100,000,000 over a decade, and guarantee a 1968/1984 style team in about 7 years… half a dozen of those extra picks will all be maturing at the same time…
Beats what Dombo and Hairpuck do…
I'm trying to understand your logic here...
why would we want CG back, what does Joba bring, and why do we want Guillen playing anywhere the field? Plus I’m failing to see any “guarantee” of any ‘68/’84 team in about 7 years.
Your building this team off HUGE assumptions. The biggest being prospects panning out into major league talent.
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My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
Guillen has...
… fielded .992 at 1b… basically at MLB average… sure hands, enough size, and fields ground balls well.
He’s far better at first than left, third, or short.
The DH spot should be used to rest fielders, as well as get a bat in the lineup.
Cabrera was supposed to be...
… the 3b. It sure didn’t last long, with his lack of range (aka fat butt) and unsure arm.
That footwork
Guillen’s footwork at 1B in 2008 was about as bad as I can remember seeing from anyone north of Little League.
Then you didn't watch Cabrera much...
… in the first 30 games after moving him from third to first.
but
Biggy has adjusted well, and is way above average over at 1st now
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Guillen would have no trouble...
… handling first base duties as an every day player.
Cabrera has difficulty at first even now. Except when his guardian angel is holding the Jose Cuervo bottle for him.
I disagree
Guillen is so injury plagued, he wouldn’t be able to maneuver himself the way he needs to, his agility is gone. He’d be on the DL faster than he’s going to be this year.
And let’s give Biggy a chance before bad mouthing him for something that happened last season. I have faith that he’s going to play well and live up to his expectations. Everyone deserves a second chance after mistakes, even pro ballplayers.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
He cost...
… Detroit a Division title. Is it enough for you?
Really?
I am pretty sure that was a team thing, they were what 7 games up when KC came to town?… not his fault.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
I thought it was Raburn’s fielding that cost them a division title.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
USA! USA! USA! USA!
or leyland
sitting Polly on Thursday’s day game against the twins
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
Until the first time Guillen got hurt and someone else had to fill in, which would happen pretty fast. In that case, why not just have someone more durable play the position in the first place?
And anyone can have problems with alcohol – the question is if he stays sober, or keeps falling back in the bottle.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
USA! USA! USA! USA!
Do you know anything about the MLB draft?
Picks cannot be traded. Your plan is horrible. If you were the GM of the Tigers, I’d find a new team to root for. Essentially, you want us to be the Tigers of last year, sans our best player. What an incredibly horrible idea. Wow. Just…wow.
by Trysdor on Feb 21, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And why would the Mets trade Johan?
Aside from the completely ignorant “trading draft picks” (ignorant of the rules of the sports, why would the Mets and Yankees be targets? Why trade a young, game changing slugger for even more risk? The post reeks of sports call in show logic and zero analysis of needs, teams, and future planning.
you can't trade for draft picks
and I wouldn’t even want Granderson back. Let someone else deal with the headaches he was causing.
Headaches?
Smokey Jim causes more, and I sure don’t mean the nicoteine smoke.
Remember 2008?
Remember all the talk? Remember the bs spread by the Tiger propaganda machine? Remember all the bs about the 1000 runs to be scored, the greatest Tiger team ever assembled? Willis, Cabrera, Sheffield, etc…
Remember the reality?
0-7.
And then some.
The Tigers under Ilitch has been a disaster.
Dombrowski is Hairpuck Mike’s errand boy.
Smokey Jim is just about 5 levels in baseball knowledge below Mayo Smith (God rest his soul)…
Get ready Tiger fans… 77-85. It’s coming.
Good for 4th place in the weakest division in baseball.
if the division is that weak then 77 is probably better than fourth place
by Kurt Mensching on Feb 21, 2010 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Here it is...
Kansas City… 80-82… beats White Sox 1-0 in playoff on Zack’s no hitter.
Chicago… 80-82… fires Ozzie Guillen, who then becomes Chavez’s VP in Venezuela
Minnesota… 79-83… Joe Mauer out after All Star Game collision at home
Detroit… 77-85… gives Jim Leyland a 5 year extension… Mrs. Ilitch takes vacation to White Sulpher Springs.
Cleveland… 65-97… franchise moves to Ashtabula
The Twins are likely the 3rd best team in the AL
and should win 90+ games. They are a very solid team after adding JJ Hardy, Orlando Hudson, and Jim Thome to their everyday line-up. They also resigned Pavano and it’s been reported that Liriano has been throwing better. That rotation of Baker, Pavano, Liriano, Blackburn, and Slowey might be one of the best in majors.
I think the Tigers have made some mild improvements also and should win 85-90 games again. Getting the league’s worst OBP’s out of the top of order (Granderson/Polanco) is probably the best thing they done. Jackson/Sizemore are as MLB ready as they come. They could the spark plugs that the Tigers lacked all last year. Damon will help us score runs too. Scherzer/Schlereth could be a huge boost to the pitching staff also. Having Bonderman back should only help also. We finally have a good closer now too with Valverde. The Tigers made many good changes this off season.
85-90???
Are you adding in the Grapefruit League results?
maybe you missed it , but we won 87 games last year
and we’re probably a slightly better.
SERIOUSLY???
Is DJ a Troll, or actually a serious person… He reminds me of Karl Pilkington on the Ricky Gervais show… I don’t know if he is actually that dumb, or just that good at pretending to be dumb….
Troll
he was banned earlier. See below.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
Trading Draft picks...
MLB teams have done this for decades… it’s done under the table.
The draft came into play because the bonus system wasn’t working.
Remember NYY handling of Clete Boyer and the Athletics?
Teams make deals all the time, with true end conditions hidden… remember Charlie Finley dumping the A’s champions? Remember the commish trying to thwart him?
What do you think… these thieves owning Baseball franchises are choir boys?
Ever heard of “for a player to be named later” ???
"player to be named later"...
is usually someone already within the system. Or they just settle on a cash amount.
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My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
or sometimes the "player to be named later"
Is the original player – like borrowing him, finding he doesn’t work out as well as the teams thought, and then trading him back to the original team.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
Except for Harry Chiti...
… this doesn’t happen.
but still possible.
just because something rarely happens doesn’t mean that it can’t happen.
My Music: Now on last.fm!!
My Blog: Strike Three Mechanics
Ford Field is just across the street
case in point right there
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
damon
I like Damon coming to detroit. I do think we over paid for him. Last year, we were all complaining about the tigers squandering. How many times did we get a guy on 2nd or even third base without scoring him. ALOT. Now I hate saying this cause everyone likes Granderson, but I will not miss his 140 strike outs a season. (and 170 one year). You have to put the ball in play. Not swing your arm through a pitch missing it by a mile. I hated that swing of his. I am glad that it is 1 year for 8 mill. then 2 years for 14 mill. Next year what will the tigers do with all that money???
Money next year...
…is a delicious thing to think about. Our top 3 SP are locked up for 3 or 4 years on the cheap. If Turner and Crosby are for real, we could be looking at a very solid and inexpensive staff in 2011 and 2012. We’re also starting to seem some position players coming up in Jackson / Wells / Sizemore / Avila / Streiby…and there are a few SS’s that may get a look. You may see the team spending big on 3B or OF to lock up a young stud for 5 years or so.
Damon's AVG/OBP against our AL Central opponents:
2009: .275/.370 – 87 AB
2008: .313/.375 – 131 AB
2007: .319/.386 – 119 AB
Total: .305/.377 – 337 AB, 38 BB, 47 SO
Did all the...
… Nate Colbert’s, Aubrey Huff’s, Don Demeter’s, Larry Doby’s (a HOF’r no less), Rusty Staub’s or Fred Lynn’s ever lead anywhere?
The fact is… giving huge money to an over the hill name in today’s game is just stupid. 8 million more in the scouting and minor league system isn’t sexy, but it works. At least in the old days your system didn’t suffer a major hit from such mistakes.
Pennants are won by players coming into their primes… (68-72 Northrup, Stanley, Horton, McAuliffe, McLain, Lolich, Freehan… or 84-87 Trammell, Gibson, Parrish, Whitaker, Morris, Petry, Lemon) mixed with a FEW stars over 30… (Kaline, Cash, Wilson, or Evans, Tanana, Alexander)… NOT the other way around.
The deal is done
the money is gone, might as well hope for the best… I want Damon to succeed as a Tiger. I am not happy about it, but he’s wearing a D now, so I am gonna hope he does a good job for us. period.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
Damon is more like Al Kaline than those guys.
Here’s a guy who’s had 12 very good seasons in a row. He’s as consistently good as they come . He’s probably has another 4 or 5 good years left in the tank. He’ll get his 3,000 hit too. If he’s over the hill, then you don’t really know what your talking about.
Comparing Damon...
… to…………… Al Kaline.
Al Kaline?
Did you ever see Kaline play?
“…know what you’re talking about” … wow.
Put Damon at the plate with Gibson on the mound…
Have Damon catch a flyball with Brock standing on third…
Damon is your man?
Better look in a mirror. Maybe you’re a caveman, or a GEICO salesman.
You need to face the facts
that Damon has had a solid career and can still hit.
What’s with the smear campaign against the Tigers anyway?
Is this helping you somehow?
thank you
I was getting ready to ask the same question about the “smear campaign” but only I was going to call it a pissy attitude. Maybe he’s in the wrong blog?
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
Smear?
Against the Tigers?
I guess if you think Ilitch, Dombo and Leyland are more the Tigers than Kaline and the historic Detroit teams… well…
Helping somehow? If the Tigers become freed from the Ilitch grasp, maybe.
The Tigers will stay in the family until whoever is in control chooses to sell them. Mike Illitch always wanted the team, and he has his family involved so someone else will take over for him.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
USA! USA! USA! USA!
I have no beef
with Mr. Ilitch, I am pretty sure he’s considered one of the better owners in the business.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
OPS+
Kaline career… 134
Damon career… 105.
Kaline is 17% better over his career than league average in OBP and SLG.
Damon is 2% better than league averages.
Need any more?
He's still no Aubrey Huff either though
Don’t get too lost in those %‘s either. Damon has been a lead-off most of his career. He’s been one of the most successful lead-off hitters in the past 20 years also. That’s what he’s here to do.
by linuxit on Feb 21, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
all i care about
is that he’s going to find the gap and get on base for the power behind him
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
Agreed
I think Damon should get between 40 & 50 doubles in Comerica Park this year….More RBI’s for Mag’s or Cabby…..& best of all Tigers RBI’s……Takes some pressure off of our rookies……
by TigersFan1957 on Feb 21, 2010 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
Kaline vs. Gibson 1968
Game 1 Ab=4 H=1
Game 4 Ab=4 H=2
Game 7 Ab=4 H=0
Total for the 1968 World Series Ab=12 H=3, Avg.= .250
by TigersFan1957 on Feb 21, 2010 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
Hey I watched that game today - Game 1 WS 1968
on MLB TV classics
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
by Detroitchik on Feb 21, 2010 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
I Remember Watching The Series
We got to watch the games at our school in Grand Rapids. School got out before the end of game 7, I got home in time to see the Tigers win the World Series. That was one of my most precious childhood memories. I also met Al Kaline at a car dealer’s show room in Grand Rapids soon after they won & got his autograph on the book I had checked out at the schools library “The Al Kaline Story”. I returned it to the library instead of keeping it.
by TigersFan1957 on Feb 22, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
Plays like Pete Rose
I like Damons style. I compare his playing too that of Pete Rose. He gives it his all 100% of the time. He fouls off pitches and wears down the pitcher. He also will help our young players by showing them a good baseball attitude. He can also help the young players with their hitting. Damon brings a lot more to this team than just his bat.
by TigersFan1957 on Feb 21, 2010 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
Pray he fails...
… the physical. maybe Cro-Magnon DNA will show up on the blood scan.
I won't ever
hope some on in the “D” fails. I cannot stand Opie, but when he’s playing. I always root for him.
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
He's not in the D
… until he passes the physical.
That’s the whole point.
if you can get Mike Illitch fired
more power to you. Otherwise, leave the man alone.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Virgin Poster
Hello,everyone!! I’m a long time lurker who has finally decided to come out of the dark and put my two cents on the table.I’m a lifelong Tigers fan who finds himself in the frozen northern reaches of Twinkie Land. I had to endure the swoon and the Game 163 loss by myself and hope that our beloved boys don’t put me through it again…Don’t like the Damon signing,but at least it’s only a year!
Welcome to Bless You Boys!
we are all diehard fans here. Nice to have you join us!
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
almost all of us
there’s a few trolls around, try not to feed them
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
My Trollagotchi died when I stopped feeding him.
I buried him under the bush the dogs like to pee on.
thanks
we’re definitely no BYB, but we like to think someone enjoys what we write
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
and it's always fun to see lurkers de-lurk
I think I’ve finally badgered a friend from Norway enough to start posting here. He has a trip coming up but said he finally registered and will start commenting when he gets back. :)
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
USA! USA! USA! USA!
yes he is
Andy has a Red Wings blog and he also follows the Tigers. He’s cool.
Just right now a little bipolar over Norway’s uneven performance at the Olympics. I told him he goes from “Yay!” to “meh” faster than anyone I’ve seen before. :D
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
USA! USA! USA! USA!
He's a bit more moody
during the Olympics. The Norwegian athletes aren’t helping him out much though.
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
I don't kow if anyone noticed but...
I am a new poster here myself… I have been a lurker since last season…
does anyone else
see the irony in his name? Not trying to be mean, but I lol’d
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
that someone chatty hasn't commented before?
Maybe it is a harbinger of the commentsplosions that are to come. ;)
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
USA! USA! USA! USA!
I'm out - enjoy your Sunday
Almost time for Olympic rivalry hockey. No baseball talk for me for a bit. :)
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
USA! USA! USA! USA!
The troll has been banned
My first ban, ahh how exciting.
I’m trying to go back and clean up the thread but my mom’s computer is a piece of crap. Carry on.
sorry it's so big
innuendo aside, I’m not sure how to resize a picture
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
In the html code, just type width=“350” after img. Just like the src=“http://…”
by StringTheory on Feb 21, 2010 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Or height=“350”, depending on which dimension is the largest.
by StringTheory on Feb 21, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
yeah that's the best way
images shouldn’t be too big here. actually you should just try to find smaller images. This is a philosophy built off having a cell phone with no 3G coverage, to be honest :)
by Kurt Mensching on Feb 21, 2010 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
ok thanks
well anyway, there’s your Ban Hammer for future bans Alli
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by handsomerob1 on Feb 21, 2010 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
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