Next year's tigers (best worst case scenario)
by MR_AZ on Sep 14, 2010 1:21 AM EDT
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There has been a lot of speculation on which free agents will be or should be signed by the tigers in the 2010 off season. I'd like to look at that question from a different perspective. Who is likely to play the majority of innings at each position if no free agents or trades are made? This is a worst case scenario based on filling each roster position entirely from within and without signing any of the current players whose contracts are about to expire. This serves as a good starting point for discussions on what would happen if the tigers don't sign or trade for someone to cover any open positions.
Here we go.
1B - duh
2B - Guillen and Rhymes (starting after Carlos hits the DL)
SS - Worth / Santiago (he can't keep Leyland's attention for a full season, though)
3B - Sizemore
LF - Boesch
CF - Ajax
RF - Wells
C - Avila
DH - Raburn / Guillen
Bench
MI - Santiago
MI - Dlugach
OF - Clete Thomas / Ryan Streiby (if he can show his wrist is solid (but I'm not confident))
C - Max St. Pierre (congrats on the call up)
SP1 - Verlander
SP2 - Scherzer
SP3 - Porcello
SP4 - Armando
SP5 - Oliver
RP - Weinhardt
RP - Sborz
RP - Schlereth
RP - Bonine
SU - Coke
SU - Perry
Closer - Valverde
So, all of these chaps are signed for 2011 and are on the 40-man roster. Doesn't include Zumaya, Miner, or Seay (who won't be pitching next year anyway and is a free agent). Certainly is a much younger team than this year, but the roster is not as horrific as it would have been if we did this exercise a few years ago while trying to plug the same number of holes on the MLB roster.
Pitching - starters looks pretty darn good, although I'd rather see Oliver spend more time at AAA. Armando is better off as a 5th starter but he's pulled together a pretty decent season. The bullpen looks pretty much like what we have right now. If Perry and Schlereth find some consistency and Valverde and Coke maintain their production, then this could be a strength of the team.
Outfield - pretty risky with a rookie and 2 second year players as the starters. If Boesch has reached his level (a .260 hitter with sporadic power), then this group really needs reinforcement. Wells might be a solid pro, but I would hate to rely on him and Boesch too much next year and would much prefer going in with no more than a platoon between the two. Raburn at DH and occasional fill in for the OF would be pretty good given how well he has hit with consistent AB's -no need to ruin the benefit by him spending too much time in the field.
Infield - Here's where things really fall apart. Miguel is one of the best in the league. 2B though depends too much on Glass jaw Carlos. If they put him at DH, that would reduce his time on the DL, but come on, he is not likely to see more than 300 plate appearances wherever they put him. Rhymes has been exciting, but who is convinced that he could be an everyday 2B? If he splits the spot 50 / 50 with Carlos (my best case scenario for playing time), then this position is still not likely to be too much above replacement level. SS is just as bad, but with more predictability. Worth could be an everyday SS, albeit greatly below average offensively. Sure beats Everett (which makes me think that SS is less likely to be filled by a FA given DD's approach). 3B is also a big unknown as Sizemore has had many starts in Toledo recently at 3B. His defense could be poor but has the potential to hit well enough to earn a look. Leyland hasn't given him any AB's since his callup in Sept so I must believe that Sizemore did something bad to Leyland (hid his smokes?).
Bench - This is predictably awful. Santiago is fine as a backup MI and Clete Thomas could also do well as a fill in, but we'll need more help at C. If FA's are signed or trades made, then some of the projected starters slide back here.
Overall, I'm much more concerned about the 3 infield positions. What we've seen this year from the tigers has been inconsistent use of the youngsters, a lack of faith in Sizemore, too much faith in Carlos' body, and general confusion about SS. In the eyes of Dombroski, are Peralta and Inge that much better than the in-house candidates? We certainly need the addition of one outfielder (preferably one who can get on base) and likely also a DH and at least two infielders (2B, SS, or 3B) with the other spot manned by Carlos and a youngster. Pitching doesn't look too bad, compared to the fielders. Despite all the calls for more pitching, this seems like an area that can more easily be filled from within compared to other positions.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bless You Boys writing staff.
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Nice Post
I like what you are projecting without any signings, it looks at least average at each position plus young. There is reason to expect improvment or at least not age related decline. Hope when they trade or sign free agents that they get true stars that are more than a nominal improvement over the incumbents on the roster.
I hate those arguments about track record and small sample size. I think some on this tread will never consider any player record as legitimate until they have had a good year with another team. Maybe it’s bias left over from that fruitless period between 1984-2004.
The Tigers Farm system is beginning to produce, think that is 9 years in a row the local Whitecaps have made it to the playoffs. Long term success in a medium size market requires The Tigers to be more like The Rays/Twins and less like the Yankees.
I for one wanna see the Tigers contend every year, not just next year, so that someday i can enjoy retirement in Lakeland.
The Tigers are below league average at every single one of those positions in the lineup, except Cabrera at first base and AJax in CF.
ACCORDING TO FANGRAPHS.COM, LINK HERE
Avila is – 8.8 runs at the plate and -2.0 vs the league average in the field
Cabrera is + 54.3 runs at the plate and -4.2 vs the league average in the field
Guillen is + 0.1 runs at the plate and -3.2 vs the league average in the field
Rhymes is – 0.1 runs at the plate and -1.4 vs the league average in the field
Worth is – 3.6 runs at the plate and + 2.5 vs the league average in the field
Santiago is – 6.3 runs at the plate and + 7.9 vs the league average in the field
My concern is for the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th spots in the batting order, regardless of position
My bigger concern is for the rotation, where the Tigers need to add a legit No. 2 or 3 starter
Sizemore has barely played third base and has no track record. Guess how that comes out?
Boesch is +3.7 runs at the plate and -2.9 vs the league average in the field
AJAX is + 11.5 runs at the plate and + 0.9 vs the league average in the field
Wells has almost no sample size, either
Raburn is + 6.4 runs at the plate and -0.7 vs the league average OF in the field
Inge, FWIW is – 1.8 runs at the plate and + 3.0 vs the league average in the field
Peralta, FWIW, is – 1.3 runs at the plate and -2.9 vs the league average in the field at 3B
Ordonez, FWIW is + 15.3 runs at the plate and + 1.6 runs vs the league average in the field
Damon FWIW is + 8.0 runs at the plate and + 0.5 vs the league average in the field
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
I would compare Peralta against SS
Since that’s probably where Detroit would play him, and where he provides the most value for the team. (I say this knowing he’s not good at all defensively there). Take a gander at AL shortstops offensively, it’s pretty ugly.
It’s kinda sad that I’m even entertaining the though of advocating Detroit picking up his option, but here we are (if he hit the market, I have no doubt that he’d get a multi-year deal from someone).
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 15, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Peralta doesn't have enough time at SS to be listed on Fangraphs for 2010 on the value charts.
But for 2009 with Cleveland, his bat was minus 11.4 runs vs the league average SS, and he was plus 0.3 runs in the field vs league average. (No, that’s not backwards). Just a small sample, there. The bottom line is that, if DD is going to bring back Peralta, regardless of whether it’s an option or a new contract, he will have to hit like he has not hit for the past two seasons in Cleveland. He will have to hit like he’s hit for the past six weeks with Detroit.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Yep
And I’m pretty sure that’s what DD had in mind when he made the trade. If Peralta hits like he has in his time in Detroit so far, it should be worth the option. Though that is a big if, I’m almost certain Detroit is going to pick it up.
If he could continue to make the plays he gets to on D, and have his OPS+ hovering around 100, I think he’d be worth the option. That’s obviously a big if, but I don’t think Detroit has a ton of viable SS options internally or through trade.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 16, 2010 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
And it’s a lousy one year option. It’s not like we’re signing him to 4 years at SS. It gives our farm or the free agent market another year to produce a SS. Maybe the Cale Iorg experiment will take off next year in Toledo (I say that mostly in jest, but partially with hope.)
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
Nice list tigerdog, Miguel's +50 really jump out of your post
everyone else under plus 15 above -5….oh to have 2 more superstars for the 3 and 5 hole. Wishing for SS Hanily 3 (trade), and Jim Thome DH 5 (FA) .
by Hack Johnson on Sep 20, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
ohh am cheap though
Derek Lee has had bad year, ok for a dh 5 hole wish too.
by Hack Johnson on Sep 20, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m hoping the Tigers aim for the Playoffs for Toledo and Erie by skipping Fillers and moving up the best prospects from lower levels including the following:Bryan Pounds, Brandon Douglas, Billy Nowlin, Rawley Bishop, Adam Wilk, Danny Fields, Luke Putkonen, Mark Sorensen, Jacob Turner, Shawn Teufel, Cole Nelson, Matt Little, Corey Jones, Jordan Lennerton, Wade Gaynor, Jamie Johnson, Jeff Rowland, Rob Brantly, and Brayan Villarreal. ,The following need Lakeland for at least 1/2 a season: Trevor Feeney, Jared Wesson, Zach Samuels, Kenny Faulk, Jordan Pratt, , Anthony Shawler is up there as are Matt Hoffman and Brendan Wise who have a chance to prove it in the AFL. I can’t wait to see Nick Castellanos at least with West Mich. in 2011. My sleepers in the GCL are: Steve Crnkovich, Dan Gentzler, Alex Burgos should get to West Mich. or Lakeland quickly Chance Ruffin will prove it in the AFL. Jack Duffey is another name, as is Jade Todd. As you can see, there are alot of non orgazitional solders. Performance will determine promotions and I’ll be ready to cut or promote when the 2011 draft comes up or when I’ve seen enough performance to mark them for promotion as possible Tigers. The best of the lot are L. J. Gagnier, Zach Simons, Bryan Holaday, Rob Brantly, Thad Weber, Rawley Bishop, Adam Wilk, Wade Gaynor, and Andy Dirks. I need more stats on the others. In my opinion, the Tigers have much more depth than most people are have admitted.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 19, 2010 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you just copy/pasting minor league rosters or what?
LJ Gagnier had a 4.38 FIP this season, which is a far cry from his mid 3s ERA. His babip is over 30 points below his career average, and just about every other peripheral is similar to his career averages. He looks like the organizational filler you talk about skipping, not a guy you just give a major league rotation spot to.
Weber? A flyball pitcher with a really weak K rate. Awesome, give this man a job immediately.
Wilk: Another low K, flyball control pitcher. Though Adam has the advantage of being a couple of years younger than the other guys.
Andy Dirks had a .767 OPS in over 400 ABs at Erie before his hot streak at Toledo. I’m going to need to see more than one good month out of a guy before going gaga. 4th OFs grow on trees, and you should know that being a Tigers fan. Same thing for Bishop.
Wade Gaynor had a pretty good season at Low A West Michigan, but he’s also 22 years old so that’s not really prodigious. Brandon Inge was the same age at the same level, and he didn’t make it to the majors until he was 24. Gaynor may be a little ways off, if he makes it at all.
Holaday and Brantly were just drafted, so I don’t think you can count on them for really meaningful contributions for quite a while. (I may be wrong on this, David can feel free to correct me)
These are not the guys you want to go with in lieu of quality free agents and trades. I’d imagine if you looked at every single organization’s farm system, you’d see a laundry list of guys just like this.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 20, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
The only guys that are prospects that might contribute next year are Gagnier, Dirks and maybe Wilk. Wilk is a 5 starter in the end.
And you’re right on Holaday and Brantly.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 20, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I really really want to reiterate one more time
Assuming Scott Sizemore can play 3B is really, really dumb. Not even the organization is sure where they can put him (there seems to be a logjam at 2B all of a sudden) but locking him in at 3B is really, really, really, really shortsighted and kinda foolish.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
NOT playing him now, and deliberately leaving yourself in the dark going into next season with one of your best position prospects is also really stupid.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
I'm very interested to see what DD does with 2B this offseason
The Sizemore/Rhymes situation really does suck. I wasn’t a fan Rhymes to begin with, but a 2B that plays good D, hits for an ok average, and can take a walk for a really low price is nice. It’s tough to tell a guy “well you played good and did what we asked, but we’ve got to see what Scott can do, so take a seat for the next month”.
I see the other side of it with Sizmore’s upside though, even if his defense won’t be as good as Will’s. I wanted Scott to have the 2B job to start the season, and I don’t feel like a little over a month of big league time is enough to get a proper gauge on a guy. He deserves his chance, and certainly doesn’t have anything to prove at AAA any longer.
Makes me wonder if there’s going to be a trade of some sort during the offseason (because playing Siezmore at 3B would be pretty dumb, like David said)
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 15, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Granted that this is an artificial exercise
It does highlight the need for seeking someone external (or re-signing an FA) for 3B. That is the weakest position in the entire organization, although there may be reinforcements ready in 2-3 years (Gaynor or Castellanos).
That's why I say just sign Inge
For 1-2 years at 4-5 mil per year. He’s a decent placeholder that gives Detroit a couple of years to see what they have in their system at 3rd at that point. Hopefully then it won’t be quite so laughable.
Yeah Brandon isn’t very good, but he’s still well above replacement level, and not that expensive. Not to mention Detroit will probably need the boost in defense if Peralta is manning SS.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 15, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I never questioned signing Inge. It’s the other free agents that I don’t want to sign. The SS—2B includes Rhymes, Santiago, Worth, and Sizemore. The OF, DH(with Guillen on DL the beginning of the year, it opens up another space for Raburn/Dirks/Boesch/Wells.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 20, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't "open up" a space for anyone. Let the player TAKE the job from a major leaguer.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
The OFs that Detroit has
simply aren’t Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford. You’d save tons of cash, yes. But you’d lose worlds of production.
Those aren’t just run of the mill FAs, those are star players.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 20, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd see Rhymes making the team as a utility guy
He’s our Jeff Keppinger- he could keep us over replacement level and provide some value if one of our starters falls at 2B/CF and he could play short-term at SS or 3B. Nice little player, but SS provides more upside.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 15, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
true
His value would certainly increase if he could toss a couple more gloves in his back and go the Raburn route. Versatility is indeed valuable.
Rhymes can't hit worse than Everett, nor field worse than Peralta!
I could see him in a utility role, and we’d have a decent pinch runner on the pine, too.
That’d be contingent upon either Guillen being healthy and playing 2B, or Sizemore figuring a few things out at the major league level.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Release Guillen and give Sizemore another shot at 2B
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 16, 2010 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Seems like a waste of Santiago and Rhymes
I agree that Rhymes would be ideal for utility if the team didn’t have Santiago, who can also play middle infield and brings many of the same things to the table that Rhymes does (in addition to a proven record of being able to do it in a utility role; Rhymes hasn’t proved to produce without regular AB’s).
I actually like both players very much. It just seems redundant to have them both on the roster. I don’t think either would see very much time with major injury to the starters.
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
We KNOW Danny Worth can field SS. He’s got a decent chance to hit too. Brandon Douglas, unless the scouting reports say his fielding won’t make it, is a possibility. I’ve always felt that Santiago could play there if needed. Rhymes could also fill in. Guillen on the DH offers great opportunities, assuming they don’t sign Peralta or Damon. I love Rhymes, based on what he’s done so far. Andy Dirks will get a chance to prove his Toledo numbers were not a fluke in the AFL. If Ryan Strieby is 100%, forget the Twins. To sum up—the Tigers have too many possibilities to waste money on free agents and that goes for you Sox with Manny. Even Cliff Lee is a waste so far. These type of players could spoil the chemistry of a team too. The big thing now is that Leyland is giving the kids a chance in prime time, witness Weinhardt and Schlereth last night. Previously, he was partial to Veterans. Congrats!!!
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 20, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
showing his power off in Chicago David
Project that!
by Hack Johnson on Sep 20, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I want that at 2B
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 20, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Dlugach vs. Brandon Douglas—No comparison. Jeff Frazier vs Andy Dirks—No comparison—just replace 40 man. Give L.J.Gagnier/Adam Wilk/Zach Simons/Thad Weber a chance in Spring Training. When one of these develops, say goodbye to Fu-Te Ni. Base it all on performance and don’t be afraid to take the big leap if they perform. Raburn/Wells/Dirks/Boesch could outperform all the overpriced free agents including Damon. I only ask that they give them a chance. NO WISH LISTS NECESSARY. Also big savings for the most generous owner in baseball. Also congrats to Jim for the way he handled Schlereth and Figaro last night to build up their confidence.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 15, 2010 2:48 PM EDT reply actions
Why would you say goodbye to Fu-Ti Ni?
Go take a look at his FIP against lefties. It’s phenomenal. The problem is that the organization insists on using him against righties.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 15, 2010 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
agree 100%
Fu Te-Ni (if used properly) is still a major asset.
Problem being that Leyland refuses to use him as a loogy.
Off subject but thats how I feel about Schlereth too. Rather than try to get an inning out of him use him as a loogy.
If scouts think so highly of Schlereth, then turn him into a player that fills a vacancy somewhere in the lineup or bullpen.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Nice to be able to reply to you. Assuming 12 in Relief, the Tigers can afford 1 LHP vs LHB. That could be Ni, if he proves it. I look to Sclereth against RHB too. I don’t care what the statistics are so far. HE’S improving. It’s Weinhardt who’s the big mystery. I don’t know how you go from strikes to wild pitches in crucial spots. As you know I’ve pushed him since 2008. Leyland is talking about Coke as a starter, which I feel is worth a try. I feel Bonderman has lost alot. I still feel strongly that Adam Wilk could be a huge sleeper against any batter as a starter or LHRP. All they have to do is give him the opportunity, wher the reward could be huge vs. 0 risk.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 20, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
We need a bat and an arm. Markakis and Guthrie for Boesch and Furbush or dump Guillen and Furbush to Cubs for Zambrano and Ramirez. Maybe change will do both some good.
No way in hell the Cubs or the Orioles do either trade.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 16, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Could see the cubs trying to unload Zambrano
Despite how great he’s been…
That contract and his attitude are a lot to take on IMO
by JAYRC on Sep 16, 2010 3:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Zambrano gets 19 mil per year for the next two seasons!
Aramis Ramirez has a player option and no trade protection.
I like Markakis and Guthrie, but Luke Scott would be easier to get and would still take a better package.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
I think Luke Scott would be decidedly less valuable on the Tigers roster than he is now.
He wouldn’t be able to beat up our pitching!
by SweetLouDoubleU on Sep 17, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Under no circumstances,
do I want Carlos Zambrano. He’s a an overpriced disaster waiting to happen.
B.Inge's facial hair advisor
Rod Allen's humor consultant
If the Cubs send us Starlin Castro I'd do it
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 18, 2010 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions
DD already tried that last offseason before he dealt Curtis to the Yankees
I definitely don’t think Hendry is going for it now, lol.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 23, 2010 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Still
I’d take both Zambrano and Ramirez if they gave up Castro.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 23, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
If ya gotta twist my arm
Then sure :)
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 23, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
The bat will come from Raburn/Boesch(as he goes for the first 3 pitches if they’re close, and stops looking to work the count)/Wells/Dirks. If Strieby is 100%, he’s the DH, backed by none other than Rawley Bishop. Brandon Douglas, hopefully, will get a chance.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 21, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
We don't need Douglas clouding up 2B and more
We already have older-than prospect guys trying to cut their teeth there. Trade Douglas! I don’t hate him; I just think he’s got trade value and we’re all set at 2B for a year or two.
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
if aramis ramirez becomes a fa this year witch he might beause of way the fa marcket is this coming year the tigers should be frist line he would fill a need also if carlso jambrano is willing to be our 3 starter id tack the chance if the cubs pick up some of his sailery .
I think Aramis has a player option
…and it’s for something above what his play this year would dictate. I don’t think he’ll decline the option to hit the depressed market. He’ll cash in for another year and hope the economy is a little bigger and his play is a little more impressive.
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
Aramis has a $ 14.6 million player option for 2011
and there is a $ 16 million club option for 2012 with a $ 2 million buyout
He’s staying in Chicago with Zambrano.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
DD needs to make only one acquisition
Go get a big bopper first Baseman from a shitpot load out there (Pina, Lee, Pujols(right, just kidding)) to name a few/ easiest position to fill!!!!
Move Cabrera back to third/ Move Inge back to Catcher ( better than the present duo)/Sizemore at 2nd, he’s ready/ Guillen DH/ pick up Peralta’s option at SS/ Sign Magg’s to reduced figure/ Boesch in LF
Pitching OK as it is with injured players back/
Ajax,/ Sizemore/Maggs/Cabrera/NEW BIG BOPPER/ Guillen/Peralta/Boesh/Inge scores enough runs to make up for suckey defense. Play station-to-station Earl Weaver style, even JL could handle that!
Series winner next year!!!!!
Red
This team...
… finishes in 3rd in the Central…
Do you have an idea just how bad moving Cabrera and Inge (if he is resigned) is?
Inge has had knee surgery and what offense he does have plummets. Cabrera is no longer viable at 3B (why he was moved in the first place), Boesch is stilla question mark. What series would they win? The not able to make it to the post season series?
Ryan Raburn antagonist.
Scott Sizemore liberationist.
Cabby at 3B = Bad
However, I do agree that signing a big-bopper 1B might be just fine for a year or two. I think D. Lee could be a solid #3 or 5 hitter and DH and won’t require much more than a 2 year contract at 12M. Konerko will also probably not demand a long contract, but will be pricier. If we want to shop prospects, I bet Prince Fielder could be had for a couple of quality prospects.
How about this? Sign Maggs to RF for 1 or 2 years @ 6-8M per year. Trade some decent prospects for the one year rent-a-Prince and check out this lineup:
CF – Jackson
2B – Rhymes / Sizemore
RF – Maggs
1B – Cabrera
DH – Fielder
LF – Wells / Boesch
3B – Inge / Peralta
C – Avila / Other
SS – Worth / Santiago / Peralta?
That lineup mashes and is actually very inexpensive compared to our current team. The only problem is that we might be a Jacob Turner and a few of his friends lighter on the farm.
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
That's the problem
I’d rather give up the cash than the prospects now.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 24, 2010 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure, it's not our money.
But it might leave a little more to spend in 2011 in case the FA class matches better. I’m not a saver, but I just thought it would make an interesting alternative. DD isn’t cheap either, but he’s certainly shown a willingness to part with big prospects. (But I don’t think he’d sacrifice the farm for another 1B…He might make a prospects trade for a SS or 3B that is in the same situation Cabrera was a few years ago.)
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
I'm down with that
The problem is that we also have less in terms of reinforcements for 2012. People have been saying that Turner will be ready by then, and Oliver most certainly will. You might have other impact players, like Brayan Villarreal, come up as well.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 28, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I hold these truths to be self evident
- Cabrera isn’t getting traded and he isn’t moving positions
- Inge will not catch another game for the Tigers, ever
- Nobody wants Carlos Guillen with that contract
- Inge is as good or better than Peralta at the plate, and far superior in the field
- Dave Dombrowski is not going to build a team out of free agents
- Dombrowski is not going to build a team out of minor leaguers, either, and especially not the players on the Tiger farm
- The Tigers are fourth in the league in batting, but 11th in ERA. Pitching is the No. 1 priority
- Brennan Boesch, Ryan Raburn, Will Rhymes, Brandon Inge, Jhonny Peralta, Carlos Guillen, Casper Wells, and/ or Clete Thomas are not adequate to bat second, third, or fifth in a contender’s lineup
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
by Tigerdog1 on Sep 27, 2010 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
This is all exactly right, and I agree completely.
The one thing I suppose I would disagree with is the Ryan Raburn assessment. I don’t think it’d be the worst thing in the world if he was hitting 5th. Miguel gets on base a ton, and Ryan slugs enough to make the decision a little tougher on opposing managers. I’m not advocating Raburn for a permanent OF spot, but it wouldn’t be a complete joke if he could put up an OPS+ around 115 or higher and hit 5th.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 27, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed on Raburn
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 28, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Raburn might be great trade bait
He’s had an amazing 2nd half to match with a solid 2009 campaign. Other teams might see him as “versatile” instead of “defensive liability”. If we can get a good player (or even prospect) for Raburn or a Raburn-laiden package, I think now is the time to pull the trigger.
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
Agreed, but...
If the team isn’t built from free agents or minor leaguers, how will we fill the holes we have? Are you suggesting a combination of the two approaches?
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
A rationale approach?!?
Insanity, I say.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 27, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
The sarcasm would be much more effective
with rational spelled correctly.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 27, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I agree on all these points, but it raises a question. If Inge = Peralta at the plate but Inge > Peralta in the field, why the #$%^& is Peralta playing SS and Inge at 3B? I realize that it would take some adjustment for Inge to slide over, but what is there to lose? Inge’s knees seem to have healed up reasonably well.
I’d much rather see Inge as SS next year and sign a decent field, high OBP player for 3B (not that those grown on trees).
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