Trades, not free agents signings will lead the Tigers back to the playoffs.
by MotorCityCat on Nov 3, 2011 6:40 PM EDT
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PrintBumped to the front. Great work! --Rob
Most experts agree that the roster spots the Tigers need to address most this off season are middle relief, 2nd base & 3rd base. While the hot stove season always has plenty of middle relief candidates that can help, this year is a veritable black hole for those seeking an upgrade at 2nd & 3rd. So the Tigers can go in any of 3 directions in regards to these two spots. One, they can stand pat with a platoon combination of Raburn/Inge/Kelly/Santiago/Worth/Rhymes. Two, they can persue a variety of aging free agents of questionable skills. Or three, they can do what Dave Dombrowski does best and swing a trade for established talent in exchange for a package of promising young kids currently working their way through the minors.
There was an intriguing possibility via free agency in Brandon Phillips, but that possibility evaporated when the Reds exercised their $12 million team option for 2012. Aramis Ramirez anyone? He's about to turn down $16.5 million to play for the Cubs next year, and will be turning 34 next season and wanting one last big multi-year contract. Thanks, but no thanks. That leaves only one impact level free agent infielder, the much discussed Jose Reyes. Aside from the possible adverse effect that a Reyes signing would have on All-Star Jhonny Peralta, there are approximately 130 million other reasons the oft injured shortstop won't be wearing the olde English D next year. A mid-market team like the Tigers just can't afford $70 million dedicated to just 3 players in each of the next 4-5 seasons, especially when up and coming stars like Max Scherzer, Doug Fister, Alex Avila, Brennan Boesch & Austin Jackson will be due some pretty hefty raises before these contracts would be coming off the books.
After those three the pickings are pretty slim. Aaron Hill & Kelly Johnson top the list of 2nd sackers and those two are no more attractive than the in-house candidates already on the roster. After Ramirez the 3rd base free agents are even more dour. The Tigers already gave Wilson Betemit a try, with middling results. Next it's 38 year old Casey Blake or 37 year old Miguel Tejada. Neither of these guys have leadoff potential and again are not an improvement over what the Tigs have in house.
So where will the Tigers get an infielder who can bat lead off, run up the pitch count on opposing pitchers, take a walk, have a solid OBP and play better than average defense? The same place the Tigers have aquired so much of their current talent, via the wheeling and dealing of Dave Dombrowski. The Angels have a wealth of infield talent, including Alberto Callaspo who hit .288 with a .366 OBP in 2011 and plays 2nd or 3rd. At 28 he is in his prime and just happens to be from Venezuela, so chemistry wise he may be a good fit. Maicer Izturis, another Venezuelan with both speed and an outstanding glove that plays 2nd, 3rd or short would also fit the Tigers wish list. Yet another Angel infielder, Howie Kendrick has a .292 career average and has better than average speed, something the current Tigers lack. Add recent gold glove winning SS Erick Aybar and the Halos appear to be one over the limit on speedy, top of the order infielders. Did I mention that all of the afore mentioned are currently making less than $3.5 million per season? What about former Angel and current Mariner Chone Figgins? A career .280 hitter who was great with the Angels but just plain awful as a Mariner. He has a couple years left on an expensive contract so it may not take much to get him from the M's, and a change of scenery to a contender may do wonders for his psyche.
Current Oriole Brian Roberts, a prototypical leadoff hitting 2nd baseman is an interesting possibility, as long as he can show that the cocussion problems that plagued him in 2011 are a thing of the past. With the emergence of Robert Andino at 2nd, the O's would almost certainly entertain offers for Roberts. Might the Red Sox listen to trade talk for young talent Jed Lowrie? With an already crowded infield in Boston, they might if the right amount of talent were coming back in return.
When Dombrowski made the trade deadline deal for Fister, it had the effect of making young guns Drew Smyly, Adam Wilk, Duane Below and Andy Oliver less crucial to the clubs future. Add to that they are all coveted young lefty starters and they could have real appeal to potential trade partners. Don't count out number one prospect Jacob Turner or established starter Rick Porcello as possible trade bait as well. If they were part of a deal that brought in an established star like a David Wright, Pablo Sandoval or Micheal Young then it may well be worth it. Remember can't miss prospects Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin? It just shows that no one is untouchable to Dombrowski, if the trade makes his team better.
There are many other possibilities out there, to be sure. And with owner Mike Illich's desire to win now, coupled with Dombrowski's williness to deal, it appears that the Tigers best chance to improve the roster and make another deep playoff run in 2012 will be through another flashy trade, Dombrowski style.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bless You Boys writing staff.
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My first time!
This is my 1st fanpost ever, and i would be interested in hearing comments from the readers about the content and style. Did it hold your interest? Do you consider the material relevant? Does it read well? Give it to me straight, i can take it.
Welcome!
i thought it was well done. Lots of names thrown out there to spark interest and get the rosterbaters all hot and bothered. Good content.. I enjoyed it
Chicks dig me, because I rarely wear underwear and when I do it's usually something unusual
Great work, mate.
I encourage you to continue posting. Your prose is coherent, and your logic is sound.
You did not suggest we sign Jose Reyes
This means I like you*. Write more.
*I have low standards.
"You, on the other hand, make Eeyore look like Rainbow Brite." -johnmoz
"I think of you more as the blue book style essay of sports journalism."-Kurt Mensching
Contributor, Bless You Boys
I'd count Turner out as a trade option
At least in my opinion, I don’t want to see him going anywhere. Turner and Castellanos would be my 2 untouchables. I think they could make a decent trade package out of Oliver/Wilk/Smyly and lower level prospects.
No longer the Founder, President and CEO of the Ryan Raburn Fan Club
Nice job, MC Cat.
Trades have always been DD’s preferred method of player acquisition. Love me some Howie Kendrick at 2B and Chase Headley at 3B. If we got two like those guys, I wouldn’t ask for anything else for Christmas.
Looks like DD is going to see how the market plays out and if the price drops on anyone that might be a fit, but there’s slim pickens via free agency for the two spots that the Tigers most need help.
"King of Minutiae"
I don't think teams will line up to trade for Wilk or Below.
Smyly perhaps will get some love, but I can’t see anyone impactful coming back without including one or two of Turner, Oliver, Castellanos, and Crosby.
I'd rather have Wilk or Below on the roster at this point, than Schlereth
but that’s just me. I like winning.
"King of Minutiae"
Fire Schlereth
Out of a cannon.
"You, on the other hand, make Eeyore look like Rainbow Brite." -johnmoz
"I think of you more as the blue book style essay of sports journalism."-Kurt Mensching
Contributor, Bless You Boys
I'd prefer that the starters give the ball to the back end group every game
but when the going gets tough, I think they both did okay for their roles. I don’t think they have a lot of value, though. Maybe some, but not enough to get us a starting 3B or 2B.
"King of Minutiae"
A good place to start looking for trade possibilities.....
2013 Free Agent Infielders
Second basemen
"Unrestricted" Free Agents
Jeff Baker (32)
Eric Hinske (35)
Maicer Izturis (B)(32)
Howie Kendrick (A)(29)
Jeff Keppinger (A)(32)
Brandon Phillips (A)(30)
Luis Rodriguez (33)
Freddy Sanchez (B)(35)
Skip Schumaker (B)(33)
Marco Scutaro (B)
"Restricted" Free Agents, with options
Robinson Cano (A)(30) – $15 Million club option with a $2 Million buyout
Orlando Hudson (A)(35) – $8 Million club option with a $2 Million buyout
Ian Kinsler (A)(31) – $10 Million club option with a $500K buyout
Third basemen
"Unrestricted" Free Agents
Geoff Blum (39)
Miguel Cairo (39)
Edwin Encarnacion (28)
Maicer Izturis (B)(32)
Scott Rolen (B)(38)
Mark Teahen (31)
"Restricted" Free Agents, with options
Brandon Inge (36) – $6 Million club option with a $500K buyout
Chipper Jones (B)(41) – $7 Million vesting/club option
Placido Polanco (A)(37) – $5.5 Million mutual option with a $1 Million buyout
Mark Reynolds (B)(29) – $11 Million club option with a $500K buyout
Ty Wigginton (35) – $4 Million club option with a $500K buyout
David Wright (A)(30) – $16 Million club option with a $1 Million buyout
Kevin Youkilis (A)(34) – $13 Million club option with a $1 Million buyout
Shortstops
"Unrestricted" Free Agents
Erick Aybar (B)(29)
Geoff Blum (39)
Luis Rodriguez (33)
Marco Scutaro (B)2013 Free Agent Infielders
Second basemen
"Unrestricted" Free Agents
Jeff Baker (32)
Eric Hinske (35)
Maicer Izturis (B)(32)
Howie Kendrick (A)(29)
Jeff Keppinger (A)(32)
Brandon Phillips (A)(30)
Luis Rodriguez (33)
Freddy Sanchez (B)(35)
Skip Schumaker (B)(33)
Marco Scutaro (B)(36)
"Restricted" Free Agents, with options
Robinson Cano (A)(30) – $15 Million club option with a $2 Million buyout
Orlando Hudson (A)(35) – $8 Million club option with a $2 Million buyout
Ian Kinsler (A)(31) – $10 Million club option with a $500K buyout
Third basemen
"Unrestricted" Free Agents
Geoff Blum (39)
Miguel Cairo (39)
Edwin Encarnacion (28)
Maicer Izturis (B)(32)
Scott Rolen (B)(38)
Mark Teahen (31)
"Restricted" Free Agents, with options
Brandon Inge (36) – $6 Million club option with a $500K buyout
Chipper Jones (B)(41) – $7 Million vesting/club option
Placido Polanco (A)(37) – $5.5 Million mutual option with a $1 Million buyout
Mark Reynolds (B)(29) – $11 Million club option with a $500K buyout
Ty Wigginton (35) – $4 Million club option with a $500K buyout
David Wright (A)(30) – $16 Million club option with a $1 Million buyout
Kevin Youkilis (A)(34) – $13 Million club option with a $1 Million buyout
Shortstops
"Unrestricted" Free Agents
Erick Aybar (B)(29)
Geoff Blum (39)
Luis Rodriguez (33)
Marco Scutaro (B)(36)
Ryan Theriot (33)
"Restricted" Free Agents, with options
Stephen Drew (A)(30) – $10 Million mutual option with a $1.35 Million buyout
Jason Bartlett (33) – $5.5 Million club option with a $1.5 Million buyout; option vests with 432 PA in 2012
Jhonny Peralta (31) – $6 Million club option with a $500K buyout
Ryan Theriot (33)
"Restricted" Free Agents, with options
Stephen Drew (A)(30) – $10 Million mutual option with a $1.35 Million buyout
Jason Bartlett (33) – $5.5 Million club option with a $1.5 Million buyout; option vests with 432 PA in 2012
Jhonny Peralta (31) – $6 Million club option with a $500K buyout
"King of Minutiae"
egad, double listed!
as if the list wasn’t long enough!
Anyway- The Angels have a surplus of infielders, as do the Rays. Both are in need of relief pitching. The Rays are also looking for a 1B and the Angels want a big bat, probably at 3B or in the OF. Just a guess that the new Angels GM, Jerry DiPoto, will be ready to tear down what’s there for one season before adding all the pieces that he wants. They can survive for a year off a pretty strong rotation. Maicer Izturis, Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar, and Alberto Callaspo may all be on the block, although I’d be keeping Kendrick if I were them. I’d give any outfielder or infielder not named Cabrera for him.
"King of Minutiae"
what would it take to get Callaspo?
Andy Oliver for Callaspo sounds pretty good… and I like that he can play either second or third.
Callaspo may be one of the more reasonable infield options that's actually available
Maybe we have to wait for the Angels to get A Ram or whomever they’re thinking of for 3B, but that would make a few of these guys available. I still like Maicer- can play 2B, SS, 3B, pretty good D once he settles in, and can fill a top of the order spot. I think they’ve messed with him quite a bit, having him move around and even DH at times, hitting third.
"King of Minutiae"
I acquired Callaspo in MLB2k11
… and he’s great.
I know, pretty poor method of assessment. But as I recall, he IS a switch hitter, and his D seems solid.
Give me Keppinger
"You, on the other hand, make Eeyore look like Rainbow Brite." -johnmoz
"I think of you more as the blue book style essay of sports journalism."-Kurt Mensching
Contributor, Bless You Boys
Problems solved!
Via Rotoworld:
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the Braves are taking trade offers for Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado.
Atlanta would be looking to add power and open up salary for a free agent shortstop through the trades. The Royals have already expressed interest in obtaining Jurrjens, who registered a stellar 2.96 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 23 starts this year. And many clubs will be calling about Prado, who boasts a .293/.341/.434 career batting line and can play a variety of defensive positions. This offseason could see one or two blockbuster trades.
Now, let’s see…. Boesch and (pick your outfielder or infielder) (power) for Prado and JJ?
"King of Minutiae"
BAHAHAHA
We get Jurjjens back…
"You, on the other hand, make Eeyore look like Rainbow Brite." -johnmoz
"I think of you more as the blue book style essay of sports journalism."-Kurt Mensching
Contributor, Bless You Boys
Narrowing the list of trade candidates (Infield)
Okay, drop the shortstops unless they can play 2B or 3B also.
Drop the guys with options that aren’t going anywhere (like Cano).
Drop the riff raff that we don’t want anyway.
Second Basemen
Maicer Izturis (B)(32)
Howie Kendrick (A)(29)
Jeff Keppinger (A)(32)
Brandon Phillips (A)(30)
Freddy Sanchez (B)(35)
Skip Schumaker (B)(33)
Marco Scutaro (B)
Third Basemen
Edwin Encarnacion (28)
Maicer Izturis (B)(32)
Placido Polanco (A)(37) – $5.5 Million mutual option with a $1 Million buyout
Ty Wigginton (35) – $4 Million club option with a $500K buyout
David Wright (A)(30) – $16 Million club option with a $1 Million buyout
Kevin Youkilis (A)(34) – $13 Million club option with a $1 Million buyout
There, that narrows it down.
"King of Minutiae"
kinda off topic but is edwin encarnacion still only 28
I feel like he has been in the league for 30 years
by jonathan.onne on Nov 3, 2011 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Baseball-Reference says 28
Juan Encarnacion, the former Tiger who was traded in the Juan Gone deal is 35.
"King of Minutiae"
Ency was traded for Dmitri Young
Gabe Kaplar was in the Juan Gone deal.
My dream off-season trade wise, at least in term of reality
Get Headley from SD to play 3rd and trade for Callaspo to play 2nd
trade
would be nice, but reyes will be signed. sorry.
by I See Ya Rod Allen on Nov 3, 2011 8:18 PM EDT reply actions
GET OUT OF HERE.
"You, on the other hand, make Eeyore look like Rainbow Brite." -johnmoz
"I think of you more as the blue book style essay of sports journalism."-Kurt Mensching
Contributor, Bless You Boys
While truly I agree it won't happen
I only believed it a possibility rather than a certainty or something we should do, what are you all going to do if he is signed?
Exactly
I just don’t want to hear about it until we hear rumors.
"You, on the other hand, make Eeyore look like Rainbow Brite." -johnmoz
"I think of you more as the blue book style essay of sports journalism."-Kurt Mensching
Contributor, Bless You Boys
by David Tokarz on Nov 4, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Reyes
Better Jose than Jo-Jo, right?
I’d celebrate a Jose Reyes signing too, but if it was Jo-Jo… I can’t speak of what I would do.
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