Dombrowski: set at 2B for 2011, need to upgrade to better hitters at the corners.
by downinthezone on Sep 9, 2010 2:56 AM EDT
Email
PrintDombrowski gets candid:
"I feel comfortable going into next year at second base with what we have at this point -- with Rhymes and Sizemore. We're in pretty solid shape when you talk about having those guys."
"For us, we need to find bats at the corners to go along with Cabrera -- guys who can drive in some big runs."
http://detnews.com/article/20100909/SPORTS0104/9090407/1129/
Interesting that Dombrowski is showing his hand this early in the process. With all the openings the Tigers have next year, maybe he wants to be able to focus on going after the biggest bang for the buck at the traditional offensive powerhouse positions (3B, R/L F). Although at least R or L field is likely to be filled internally with either (hopefully) Wells or (hopefully not) Boesch. Which leaves 2 corners for DD to fill: 1 corner outfielder and a 3B.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bless You Boys writing staff.
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good catch.
Maybe he’ll package a pre-paid-by-the-Tigers for 2011 Carlos Guillen along with some prospects to the Marlins for Dan Uggla or Hanley Ramirez. A free for a year Guillen should be worth something to a penny-pinching franchise like the Marlins.
by downinthezone on Sep 9, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would the Marlins want Guillen OR any part of his $ 13 million salary? Why would anyone?
He’s going nowhere.
DD didn’t say anything about Guillen at 2b next year, one way or the other. Many of the hitters that are available are really just DH types. Hawpe, Manny, Thome, and most of all Dunn.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Same reason the Marlins took Nate & the D-backs took Willis
DD pays all or most of Carlos’ 2011 salary and a penny-pinching franchise like the Fish could find Carlos has value as part of a larger trade package.
by downinthezone on Sep 9, 2010 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Except they didn't have to give up anything for those*
*anything of worth.
Hanley is different and won’t be acquired for Guillen and some prospects.
Ryan Raburn antagonist.
Scott Sizemore liberationist.
Florida has no DH, and they're working on an extension with Dan Uggla at 2B
the Tigers paid ALL of Robertson’s and Willis’s salaries to get rid of them.
I don’t see that happening with Guillen, on either end.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Marlins are penny-pinchers and they are far away from extending UGGLA
Not likely to happen:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/dan_uggla/
Marlins have a lot of payroll tied up in Johnson and Han-Ram and are also having a tough time negotiating an extension with Nolasco.
by downinthezone on Sep 9, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Nolasco just had his season ended by injury. He's a guy that has long been on my radar.
I would not be surprised to see DD land a pitcher like Nolasco, but he won’t come cheap.
They still don’t want Guillen.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Not even free? i.e., on DD's dime for 2011.
by downinthezone on Sep 10, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
No, not even then
Carlos Guillen is an injury prone, replacement level DH type.
That’ll fetch something (probably not from an NL club), but that something will probably be closer to Jay Voss or Billy Buckner than someone who could actually contribute now or in the future in any meaningful capacity. People really need to stop overvaluing our players.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 13, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Carlos has full no trade protection also. He's not going anywhere.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
He's going to the DL again, most likely.
And most fans overvalue players on their team. Plus some play sports games and play trade baron.
Ryan Raburn antagonist.
Scott Sizemore liberationist.
Just Read Guillen as saying he hopes to play 2nd in 2011
This could get interesting. Would love it if Guillen’s Salary was tiger eaten and he was included in a trade. About half the farms top prospects for Ramirez.
Wow Did Dave Throw Carlo's Under the Bus?
Get your Tiger Soap Opera Digest at Bless You Boys.com.
What about the Roberto Clemente’ award? Who will be the future Manager of The VSL Tigers? Have the feelings of Magglio, Senor Perfecto, or most importantly The Big Cat been hurt, Too? Will the Venezualan Mafia strike a retaliatory blow, removing the krispy creams’ from your local Citgo station?
There's a better chance that the Tigers get Manny Ramirez than Hanley
especially the way DD is yakking about middle of the order hitters
and getting Manny puts Carlos back at 2B.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
I don't know about that Tiger
DD said he just missed a deal at deadline that made him feel like he had just been punched in the gut, or something like that. Hanley is headed for the big contract. They have a new stadium but then the lions sold out the first 5 years of Ford Field despite a god aweful team. Maybe Hanley doesn’t fit into near term plans, as he will be to expensive and end of prime by the time they have build around him. It would probably take Turner and Oliver as a start on a package. DD still has contacts in FLA.
I'd love to have Hanley, and I even suggested that he might have been DD's mystery guest at the deadline
I think he’d have to play “pick six” again with the Marlins, though. Any six tradeable players from the farm, no exceptions, would be available. The mystery guest could also have been Manny being Manny, as Tom Gage suggested. Or Luke Scott, or Stephen Drew.
BTW- Hanley plays SS about as well as Miggy plays third base!
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Is that better or worse than Peralta as sohrtsotp?
Because, barring a trade, I feel a little more every day like I should get used to Peralta.
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
Move Han-Ram or Uggla to 3B
Would rather not have Peralta at shortstop, but if they get a power IF bat, 3B is the best place for someone like Hanley or Uggla.
by downinthezone on Sep 10, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Hanley Ramirez
will not be traded. It would take our entire system to get a talent like him
B.Inge's facial hair advisor
Rod Allen's humor consultant
And they'd still pass
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 14, 2010 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Dombroski rarely says anything meaningful on personnel matters
Don’t believe what DD is saying here. He rarely tips his hand on personnel moves. Some might say that he changes his mind by going against what he has said in the press. I look at it more like Belichick’s approach of not giving other teams anything useful. DD might truly mean that he sees 2B as not a priority for improvement OR he means that is is a priority but doesn’t want to let on that this is the case.
DD's full quotes
Dombrowski said "we need to score more runs. That’s middle of the order-type guys who’ll drive in runs.
“We have more hits than the Yankees and Red Sox, but we don’t score as many runs. So we need someone to knock them in.
“Some of that will come with youngsters gaining experience, but we need people in the middle of the lineup to go with Cabrera, knocking in runs.”
In the same WDFN interview, when talking about young players, Dombrowski said "Who knows, you look at Will Rhymes or Scott Sizemore and they might be your second baseman for years. You just can’t tell.
“I feel comfortable going into next year at second base with what we have at this point — with Rhymes and Sizemore. We’re in pretty solid shape when you talk about having those guys.
“For us, we need to find bats at the corners to go along with Cabrera — guys who can drive in some big runs.”
Hopefully, that means he will add a couple of big bats in the 3 and 5 slots in the lineup. Maybe Magglio is one of them, but they don’t have two of them in the organization right now.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Rhymes seems to be a great #2 hitter
For all the Abbot and Costello who’s-on-2nd nonsense we’ve been talking about, Rhymes seems to be a poor-man’s Polanco. He’s pretty good with the glove, doesn’t K much, walks a bit, and has good bat control. He doesn’t have quite as much power as Polly, but has more speed. Everyone who misses Polly should love this guy.
I realize his ceiling isn’t as high as Sizemore’s, but maybe we should worry about the floor instead. If we’re really looking for a decent 2b and #2 hitter, Rhymes should probably be the man. It might mean that you’ll never get Sizemore-potentional production from 2b, but it does mean that you probably won’t get Sizemore-reality production from 2b :)
Sounds like I don’t like Sizmore here, but I actually do. I just think that Rhymes is doing a good job at looking like he could do what we NEED as opposed to what we want.
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
It makes sense
The only problem is that we have no idea what Sizemore can be- he hasn’t gotten enough PA’s to adjust, and he needs to face major league pitching in order to adjust.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 11, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
First We need power at Second
Do you think the Tigers even remotely match up at second base in any way shape, or form? To the Utley’s Kinsler;s Cano’s or Uggla’s???? Seriously, what do we have out of second base in power numbers….. besides a few hit and run, move runners over bs. I wanna see some three run homers, dammit! We need a second baseman, we need a catcher, and while we’re on the subject a left fielder, and I’m not sold with Jhonny at shortstop. Maybe he should play shecond base.
by Phenomenal Bob on Sep 19, 2010 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Sizemore is the best bet to add power at 2B, IMO.
2B has recently become a power position. I’m more concerned with what we can get out of each spot in the lineup, regardless of what position they play. The Tigers need more power, period, and it needs to be in the heart of the lineup, regardless of what position on the field.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Word
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 20, 2010 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
the onlway magglio will be back if he plays dh and tacks a big pay cut lick maybee say for 4ml with a 2ml bouis if he hits 20homeruns and has 100rbi mext year as for teams the tighers might be tradeingwith has anbodey thought about the cubs.
Maggs can play RF
He’s not a liability out there. A pay cut is certain, but Maggs will probably still get 5M or more somewhere…maybe here.
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
Beltre's OPS @ Fenway is 70 points LT his OPS on the road this season
and the Red Sox likely will be moving Youk back to 3B from !B, as they are pushing to re-sign Ortiz and Martinez and trying to get a big off-season bat like Konerko or Fielder.
After the Red Sox, the Tigers have little competition for Beltre in the Free Agent market outside maybe the Angels.
by downinthezone on Sep 9, 2010 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Still
He’s the best free agent 3B available. Good with the bat, outstanding with the leather. I like him.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 10, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I agree. Even if he comes back down to Earth some at the plate
His glove has never been questioned.
Threw out the Beltre’s OPS being lower at Fenway bit to pre-emptively address those who would attribute Beltre’s success at the plate this season to hitting in Fenway. He’s hitting well in Fenway, but he’s hitting even better away from Fenway.
by downinthezone on Sep 10, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
His agent is talking about 50 million for four years. Too much for Beltre, IMO.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
Depending upon what Inge will be asking
I’d be ok with just passing on Beltre if it’s going to take paying him 12 mil a year when he’s 34-35. I’m a big fan of Beltre, but overpaying in free agency for someone who’s not top tier (unless it’s a contract year) at their position isn’t a great idea. People would expect this year’s production out of him, and I doubt that’d be happening in Comerica. His defense is still great though, which is why……
Brandon Inge in those same age years for like 5-6 mil is a lot easier to swallow, because his defense is still very good. If he could keep his OPS above .700 it’d just be gravy, and that’d probably be what you’d get from Beltre anyway.
by ozymandius1024 on Sep 14, 2010 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure how good Inge's defense will be at age 34, but it's not better than Beltre's
Beltre’s actually higher rated at 3B than Polanco—who frustratingly quickly became a much higher rated 3B than Inge when Philadelphia moved him there.
If your goal is a .700 OPS guy with a top-rated 3B glove, Don Kelly could probably hit that number over the course of an entire season. Or Scott Sizemore. DK would be the better 3B glove. Not advocating that and, from what Dombrowski has said/done, he’s going for a new, better hitting 3B either via trade or free agency.
3B really should be—to some extent—an offense first position. Years of defense first @ 3B has not served the Tigers well.
However, Beltre’s someone who can provide both and the Tigers are the consensus front-runners to sign him in the off-season. Red Sox appear to be more interested in re-signing V-mart and Ortiz and then bringing in Konerko or Fielder and moving Youk back to 3B.
Btw, fwiw, Beltre’s 2010 OPS is actually higher away from Fenway.
by downinthezone on Sep 18, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm a fan of Boston Beltre, or Dodger-Blue Beltre.
Mariner Beltre, not so much. I’ll pass on that action figure. Can we be creative with the contract and put a team-opt-out clause in for the chance that Mariner Beltre shows up in 2011?
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
Seattle = Bermuda Triangle for infield bats
Recall Carlos Guillen hit much, much better once he left there. And Chone Figgins offensive numbers fell off the charts this season when he started playing up in Seattle.
by downinthezone on Sep 10, 2010 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Despite what I said
a few months ago, this sounds great to me
B.Inge's facial hair advisor
Rod Allen's humor consultant
how about
contract year Beltre. He seems too only show up when its time to re-up. I think Boston will keep him but if not hope we only sign him to sreies of 1 yr deals w incentives
Where are you putting Ryan Raburn, who for the last months has been #2 hitter? If you give Brandon Douglas a chance in the AFL, he’ll be better than Sizemore. If ypu try Ryan Strieby or Rawley Bishop at DH, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s only a backup to Guillen, trade or DL Wells should be given a big chance too. No trades necessary until the chances given fail. The AFL and other Winter Leagues are the answer. Use them wisely. IT’S GREAT TO SEE DD AGREES ON WILL RHYMES.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 12, 2010 4:14 PM EDT reply actions
As super-sub
Like I’ve been advocating for the past year.
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 12, 2010 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
DH, guy who hits but doesn't play in the field, DH, man who sits on the bench while his team takes the field.
Those are the positions I would use Raburn.
Ryan Raburn antagonist.
Scott Sizemore liberationist.
Last night showed once again what Rhymes/Raburn are all about. Brandon Douglas is also in the mix. Either he or Andy Dirks should replace Martinez in the AFL. Also, I’d rest and exercise Ryan Strieby to find a place for Dirks/Douglas. NO TRADES OR FREE AGENTS at 2B PLEASE!!! Ryan Strieby doesn’t need practice to succeed—rest and exercise is more important. I’m not a Sizemore fan vs. Rhymes. Also Corey Jones at West Mich. is looking great at 2B and has played SS in the past.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 13, 2010 10:13 AM EDT reply actions
Yes, DD has said as much w/r/t 2B, hence the title of this post
“Dombrowski: set at 2B for 2011, need to upgrade to better hitters at the corners”
I’d assume by “upgrading the corners” DD’s going for a thumper for third and another big bat for whichever corner OF position the Tigers don’t fill internally—possibly with Wells (if he’s not traded away for that 3B bat) or Boesch (can we go back to May/June and trade Boesch for Kurt Suzuki?).
by downinthezone on Sep 18, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
We need a LH bat for RF. Andre Ethier or Nick Markakis would fit the bill and bat #3 or #5. LA could be ready to unload some money and Boesch and a P or two would be a good start for either player.
Boesch has approaching zero trade value right now
I don’t see the Tigers moving Boesch this off-season UNLESS he’s a throw in with a number of other players.
Boesch comes back in 2011 and hits well in the majors for more than 12 weeks, Tigers might be able to key a trade around him.
by downinthezone on Sep 18, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
A little bet on Boesch returning to previous form by swinging at the first 3 pitches if they’re close by not worrying about working the count. The Tigers have Raburn/Boesch/Wells/Dirks to choose from now that it looks like Guillen will start 2011 on the DL. I’m adding Rawley Bishop, 100%Strieby, and Billy Nowlin to the possible DH list.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 20, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I doubt whether Either or Markakis are available.
It matters not what position the Tigers add some pop to the lineup, but they have to first replace Damon’s .360 OBP in the 2 hole, and Magglio’s .378 OBP/ 20 HR/ 100 RBI in the 3 hole, then get another bat to protect Cabrera in the 5 hole. If DD plugs in Inge and Peralta at SS and 3B, that leaves Catcher, the two corner OF, and DH to fill those three spots. Magglio could be the RF, but at a big discount, and that leaves two more vacancies.
If you survived 2003, you can get through this!
They're not
Deputy Editor, Bless You Boys
Free Scott Sizemore!
by David Tokarz on Sep 20, 2010 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know where this belongs, but since Tigerdog1 is still writing, I’m here. Last night, Tigers 9-7 vs. White Sox, the Tigers learned alot of things. First Leyland is playing the Kids to learn for the future. Since Coke and Valverde have dead arms and could risk injury if they continue to pitch, take Dlugach and Frazier off the 40 man and bring up L.J.Gagnier/Zach Simons if they’re in shape. This will also help the Rule 5 protection decision. Schlereth is now the #1 reliever along with Perry. Robbie will shape up with a better slider. The Kid showed his guts with little on the ball last night. Thomas/Bonine might lose their jobs to starters who can be relievers like Gagnier/Wilk/Weber/Furbush/Villarreal and Oliver. Turner might be ready later in the year as a starter only. Congrats Leyland for giving Rhymes/Sizemore/Raburn/Wells/Boesch a chance. With a DH available with Guillen probably DL, the DH opens up for the previous names plus Dirks/Bishop/100%Strieby and even Billy Nowlin. I have a whole new list from Lakeland on down to prepare for Sep. next year and 2012. Talent galore!!! No free agents necessary until I’m proven wrong. Schlereth proved he has the talent to be in the final 3 or 4. I’m betting on Figaro and the pitchers above to replace
Bonine and Thomas if spaces are needed. I want all the names I mentioned at Toledo if they don’t make the Tigers. What’s terrific about all this, is that once the Tigers win, it’ll continue. Look at 3 straight from the Sox away in spite of injuries and lack of production from Cabrera, Coke/Valverde with dead arms. Schlereth proved he can make it and Perry will join him with continued work. YOU LEARN BY PLAYING THEM. THANKS JIM.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 20, 2010 9:08 AM EDT reply actions
These posts all seem the same
Do you re-type them or copy/paste?
Granderson was my Tiger, then Sizemore, then Willis. Since they're all gone, I'm taking Raburn and hoping the pattern holds.
I update them by progress on my combinations or the other direction. For instance Dan Schlereth showed great progress last night. Bonine/Thomas didn’t. I still haven’t seen any reason why they didn’t have Simons/L.J. Gagnier change places with Dlugach/Frazier. There’s some recognition of Adam Wilk, but the scouting reports on his fastball still detract from his ability. No one has yet commented on Coke’s dead arm. As of yesterday, he was considered the closer. I would choose Perry/Schlereth now. I still don’t see anyone talking about the DH now that Guillen will probably start 2011 on the DL. There was even some talk about trading for or signing a free agent 2B. No one is talking about Santiago/Worth at SS. My strategy ALWAYS comments on what the Tigers should do, never what they will do. Weinhardt needs more, but I was impressed with his guts last night. Previously I had him much higher. I’ve always liked Schlereth, but he looks the best now. I didn’t write off Figaro recently as alot of others did, but I thoroughly recommend more work to see. I never liked Thomas, but saw the possibilities of Bonine. Now I’d rather work in L.J..Gagnier/Wilk/Weber/Furbush/Simons/Villarreal in Spring Training, AFL, or earlier. The Chicago series, to me anyway, showed that Raburn/Wells/Boesch is worth trying instead of free agency. I know it’s a very small sample, but it shows what can be accomplished. Congrats to Leyland who previously favored veterans. It took injuries to create opportunities, but they were acted upon. Whenever Wells/Boesch/Raburn play instead of Damon, I love it. The business of favoring LH vs. RH is overdone vs. the ability of the batter himself.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 20, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
the tigers are playing the kids now and that great for next year but you have a lot of holes to fill next year . witch way do the do theyt get one big name star free ageant or do pickup two middle of road players who might have a star type year in them or do they go will the young players licke wells /raburn/boesch/strieby .
ihave feelling that they will not go aftear any big nane free ag this year but will try to find teams willing to move players who are good soild players but do not mix with the teams they play on . the teams might mack deals with are the mets /cubs who have player who might fill some of thier needs .
I’m curious as to the holes that need to be filled.
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 20, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
DD, take note. Tonight’s game 7-5 Tigers HELPS to prove that the Tigers don’t need a free agent C, SS, 2B, or RP. Schlereth is coming on fine. I was thrilled to be wrong about a “dead arm” for Coke. Hope for the future in Zach Simons and Adam Wilk, who can be RP or start. Stay tuned. The Kids are coming on. What do you think downinthezone and Tigerdog1?
by StephenGrosberg on Sep 20, 2010 10:09 PM EDT reply actions
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