FanPost

List of Free Agents Background and Predictions

Unfortunately, with the season coming to an early end, I decided to look up potential free agent the Tigers could be after. The 2015 Tigers have many holes they need to address. Obviously the bullpen, but CF, RF platoon, possible platoon catcher, and 5th starter need to be addressed. Obviously, some guys in the farm system will get these roles, but you never know what Dombrowski has up his sleeve. Lets dive in:

John Buck (34):

32 games, .225/.289/.281

Doesn’t profile as an MLB backup. No need for the Tigers.

Ryan Doumit (34):

100 games, .197/.235/.553

5 HR, 17 RBI, 49 SO, 157 AB’s, 31 hits.

Provides same value as Holaday for inflated price. No need for the Tigers.

Nick Hundley (31):

83 games, .243/.273/.358

6 HR, 22 RBI, 63 SO, 218 AB’s, 53 hits.

Consider him an upgrade over Holaday. Utimately only see him signing with Detroit if Avila’s concussions force him to retire.

Gerald Laird (35):

53 games, .204/.275/.257

0 HR, 10 RBI, 33 SO, 152 AB’s, 31 hits.

No value, aging catcher. Should retire soon.

Russell Martin (32):

111 games, .290/.402/.430

11 HR, 67 RBI, 78 SO, 379 AB, 59 BB, 110 hits.

Going to be highly sought after, Tigers could be outside players on Martin incase Avila’s concussions force him to retire.

Other free agent catchers aren’t of any value.

First and second base will be skipped because of those guys Miguel Cabrera and Ian Kinsler.

Utility is a huge need.

Emilio Bonifacio (30):

110 games, .259/.305/.345

3 HR, 24 RBI, 85 SO, 394 AB’s, 26 BB, 102 hits.

Bonifacio can play CF, LF, RF, 2B, and 3B. Could be a huge asset if used properly. Also, 26 steals during the 2014 campaign. Good guy to have steal a bag in late innings. I see a fit here in DET. Prediction: Tigers 2 years $8 million.

Kelly Johnson (32):

106 games, .215/.296/.362

7 HR, 27 RBI, 71 SO, 29 BB, 201 AB’s, 44 hits.

Johnson, hit below is career numbers. Still has potential to play 2B and 3B. Future of his career could be comparison to Eric Chavez. I don’t see the fit in Detroit. Prediction: Anywhere but Detroit.

Stephen Drew (32):

85 games, .162/.237/.299, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 27 BB, 271 AB’s, 44 hits

With Iglesias’ return, Drew has hurt his value tremendously by holding out for a contract. Don’t see money being spent on a overhyped SS, unless Iglesias fractures shins again. Yankees, 2 years $20 million

Mike Aviles (33):

113 games, .247/.273/.343, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 13 BB, 49 SO, 344 AB’s, 85 hits.

Intriguing name on the market, worth .3 WAR. He’s scrappy and can play all positions. If the Tigers can land him for a contract of 2 years $10 million like Rajai, I see the fit.

Hanley Ramirez (30):

128 games, .283/.369/.448, 13 HR, 71 RBI, 56 BB, 84 SO, 449 AB’s, 127 hits

Solid shortstop, will be highly pursued by ball clubs except Detroit. Overpriced, history of injuries. 2014 first time he’s played over 100 games in the past 4 years. Dodgers could keep him, but he’ll go to the highest bidder. Prediciton: Dodgers, 6 years $120 million.

Intriguing name this offseason.

Aramis Ramirez- $14mm mutual option. 4 mm buyout. (37):

133 games, .285/.330/.427, 15 HR, 66 RBI, 21 walks, 75 SO, 494 AB’s, 141 hits.

IF he doesn’t agree to his option and IF the Tigers don’t resign Victor Martinez, he should be sought after for the DHing role. Career .285 hitter with an OBP of .344. Pretty durable other than a few injuries. Prediction: signs with Milwaukee to the 14mm mutual option.

Chase Headley (30):

135 games, .243/.328/.372, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 51 BB, 122 SO, 470 AB’s, 114 hits.

Another interesting FA this offseason, was sold for next to nothing by the Padres to the Yanks. Made his value go up when he hit .262/.371/.398 in the Bronx. Can only see him fit into Detroit for 2 reasons, 1 if VMart walks as a potential DH. Or if Castellanos makes the move to RF and Headley goes to 3B. Headley is a very good fielder and far greater than Castellanos. Prediction: Yankees, 3 years $24 million.

Outfield: biggest necessity of the 2015 campaign. Top targets Tigers should be after.

Melky Cabrera (30):

139 games, .301/.351/.458, 16 HR, 73 RBI, 43 BB, 67 SO, 568 AB’s, 171 hits.

Melky is a career .286 hitter with a little pop that goes with the contact. Has only 88 home runs over a nice year career. Linked to PED’s back in 2012. So there’s a risk with the signing, but his production over the past 5 year has been undeniable. Could easily fit into the RF spot for the Tigers. I’m a huge advocate for this signing for two reasons. 1) Decent defender, has lost a step or two the past couple of years, but the hitting for average is what’s needed at the 2 spot in the lineup. Could be a very lethal 1-5 if we do resign VMart. 2) He scores runs. 81 in 2014, which is 39th best in the bigs. Kinsler led the Tigers with 100 runs scored, which was 7th best. Overall he is a must sign. Prediction: Detroit, 4 years $60 million, $10 million option for year 5.

Jonny Gomes (33):

112 games, .234/.327/.330, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 35 BB, 88 SO, 273 AB, 64 hits.

Gomes was traded from Boston to Oakland in the Cespedes deal. Below average defender, career .244 hitter. Gomes would strictly be a guy off the bench or platoon. Mashes lefties, but hit only .176 against righties (fangraphs). The likelihood of Dombrowski signing him is a toss up, based on the fact that Dombrowski prefers to build a bench with the Farm system. Prediction: Tampa Bay, 2 years $12 million.

Mike Morse (32):

131 games, .279/.336, .475, 16 HR, 61 RBI, 31 BB, 121 SO, 438 AB, 122 hits.

Had a resurge to his career this year, especially after an atrocious 2013 with Seattle and Baltimore. Can see him being in a potential platoon with Rajai or Dirks next year. Mashed righties this year, hitting .293, and had an average year against lefties, hitting .248. I see the fit here in Detroit, adds some more pop to this lineup, especially for a team that struggled against righties. Prediction: Detroit, 2 years $15 million.

Denard Span (31):

147 games, .302/.355/.416, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 31 SB, 50 BB, 65 SO, 610 AB, 184 hits (career high).

Span is the most interesting guy this offseason. He’s got a $9 million option for next year that I’m sure the Nationals will exercise, but the Nats are going to have an OF surplus and he could become expendable for the right price. He would help fill the empty CF spot Austin Jackson occupied. If he’s signed by the Nats, I don’t think Detroit has the pieces to acquire him. Prediction: Nationals, $9 million option signed.

Michael Cuddyer (36):

2013 stats: 130 games, .331/.389/.530, 20 HR, 84 RBI, 46 BB, 100 SO, 489 AB, 162 hits.

2014: 49 games, .332/.376/.579, 10 HR, 31 RBI, 14 BB, 30 SO, 190 AB, 63 hits.

This is a similar situation we faced with Torii Hunter, age. Cuddyer was out most of last year with numerous injuries. He’s a solid hitter with consistency (career .279 hitter). I wouldn’t offer more than 2 years for him with the emergence of Steven Moya. Prediction: Colorado, 3 years, $40 million.

Nori Aoki (33):

132 games, .285/.349/.360, 1 HR, 43 RBI, 17 SB, 43 BB, 49 SO, 63 runs, 491 AB, 140 hits.

Aoki is a unique play this offseason. He isn’t by any means a luxury, but he could provide the perfect platoon for Rajai in LF, if Dirks is not in the plans. He hits for average, plays average defense, and is a scrappy hitter, with only 49 strikeouts last season. He’s a guy that can be a solid leadoff hitter and can finally put Kinsler in the 2 hole. I think the Royals will make an aggressive push to keep him in KC. Prediction: Royals, 3 years, $24 million.

Chris Young OF (31):

111 games, .222/.299/.683, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 32 BB, 70 SO, 8 SB, 40 runs, 325 AB, 72 hits.

Young is by no means an everyday player anymore, but he still has value as a platoon. Could be a possible bench option with a little pop to go with some above average defense. He has hit righties far better throughout his career, but last year he did have more success vs lefties (.243 vs LH, .149 vs RH). I could see Dombrowski taking a chance on him, but overall I don’t see the value for the cost. Prediction: Seattle: 1 year, $4 million.

Yasmany Tomas (24):

There isn’t a whole lot of information on him, but from 2012-2014 in 821 at bats, he hit .293 with an OBP of .350 and slugged .523 in the Cuban league. In comparison Jose Abreu hit .356 with an OBP of .478 and slugged .681. The Tigers lost out on Rusney Castillo who has already proven he can hit major league pitching with Boston, I see them being all in for the first time on a Cuban player. He has 70 grade power, which you can’t teach (comparison of JD Martinez). Prediction: Multiple options, Tigers, Mariners, A’s, Royals, Minnesota, New York and Boston, 6 years, $50 million.

Designated Hitter:

Nelson Cruz (34):

159 games, .271/.333/.525, 40 HR (career high), 108 RBI (career high), 55 BB, 140 SO, 613 AB, 166 hits.

Cruz had a breakout season for the O’s and absolutely punished us in the postseason once again. He would have no part in playing OF for the Tigers, strictly DH. There will be many teams in pursuit of a power hitting DH like Cruz. Those teams ranging from Seattle, Baltimore, Tigers, Rangers, Indians, and White Sox. The only way I see Detroit involved is IF Victor Martinez walks. There will be a huge hole in this lineup if VMart walks and Detroit will need to replace him no matter what. Prediction, Baltimore, 3 years $45 million. (Perfect ballpark for his power)

Billy Butler (28):

151 games, .271/.323/.379, 9 HR, 66 RBI, 41 BB, 96 SO, 57 runs, 549 AB, 149 hits.

Butler really produced a good second half of the season, especially in a contract year. He started off the year very slowly the first month, like most of the Royals, but as the team got hot, Butler followed the lead. His power numbers and overall production were down compared to career averages, but can still hit the ball real well for his size. His future is an everyday first baseman with here and there starts at first base like Victor Martinez. The interest in Butler shouldn’t be high, unless Martinez walks. I see him ultimately resigning in KC, but the Mariners, Indians, Yankees, and Marlins may have interest. Prediction: Royals, 3 years, $36 million.

Kendrys Morales (31):

98 games, .218/.274/.338, 8 HR, 42 RBI, 27 BB, 68 SO, 28 runs, 367 AB, 80 hits.

Morales pulled a Stephen Drew and held out for a contract until midseason, which ultimately hurt both of their value and contracts for this upcoming season. Morales is a switch hitting DH/1B, with slightly above average power. Last year he just couldn’t get hot for the teams trying to fight for the Wild Card spot. Overall, there’s no fit in Detroit. Prediction: Mariners, 3 years, $30 million.

Delmon Young (29):

83 games, .302/.337/.442, 7 HR, 30 RBI, 27 runs, 7 BB, 30 SO, 242 AB, 73 hits.

Young is an example of proper usage by Buck Showalter. He doesn’t have good defensive skills at all, but he could help Rajai Davis against righties or lefties. Young hit .312 vs RH’s and .282 vs LH’s. The main question would be if Dombrowski is willing to settle for less defense and more offensive production out of the outfield. Either way, he’d be a great bat to have off the bench next season. Prediction: Baltimore or Seattle, 2 years $14 million.

Starting Pitching:

The Tigers could be in a bind if Scherzer decides to leave and test free agency. The set rotation would be: Price, Anibal, Verlander, Porcello, then insert name here. With Anibal’s pectoral issues, the Tigers tested out many Toledo starters this past season. The top performer was Kyle Lobstein. Starting 6 games for the Tigers, finishing with a 1 and 2 record with a 4.35 ERA over 39.1 innings pitched. The biggest disappointment was Robbie Ray, who displayed the inability to get major league hitters out without a third pitch, thus making the Doug Fister trade look like a bust. He’s still young, but may need another year to season in AAA. Therefore, do you go and lock up a big name on the market or go for a guy who will give you middle of the rotation stuff? Here are the options:

Wei- Yin Chen (29):

32 games, 16-6 record, 3.54 ERA, 185.2 IP, 193 hits, 73 ER, 23 HR, 35 BB, 136 SO, 1.23 WHIP

Chen’s not an ace by any means, but he definitely is worth a look for Detroit. Detroit has lacked lefty depth the past 5 seasons. He predominately is a fastball pitcher, throwing it 66% of the time. He also has a slider, change, and curveball. The slider is the most effective. He is prone to giving up the home run, with him being more of a finesse lefty like Jason Vargas. Overall I think his stay in Baltimore is over with all the young arms they’ve developed. The pitching market is hard to judge contract wise because whoever is the ace will set the standard of pay for the offseason. The Tigers, Yankees, Marlins, Dodgers, Mariners, Pirates, Indians, and White Sox should all be players. Prediction: Indians, 4 years, $55 million.

Jason Hammel (32):

30 games, 10-11 record, 3.47 ERA, 176.1 IP, 154 hits, 68 ER, 23 HR, 44 BB, 158 SO, 1.12 WHIP

Hammel is another guy who isn’t an ace, but can fill a void of a 4th or 5th starter. He performed far worse in the second half after he was traded to Oakland from Chicago. He posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 12 starts with the A’s. This could be due to having not pitched over 140 innings for the past two seasons. It’s another possibility he may fit with Detroit, but every team needs pitching. The Braves, Angels, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Rays, and Toronto should all be giving him a look. Prediction: Braves, 3 years, $40 million.

Hiroki Kuroda (40):

32 games, 11-9 record, 3.71 ERA, 199 IP, 191 hits, 82 ER, 20 HR, 35 BB, 146 SO, 1.13 WHIP

Kuroda has been very efficient for now being in his forties. He’s never had a WHIP above 1.22 so he attacks the strike zone often. He’s a groundball pitcher with deception in his motion. Though, I won’t elaborate because I don’t see him signing anywhere else but New York next season. He fits in very nicely in the Yankees rotation. Prediction 1 year, $14-15 million.

Jon Lester (31):

32 games, 16-11 record, 2.46 ERA, 219 IP, 194 hits, 60 ER, 16 HR, 48 BB, 220 SO, 1.10 WHIP

Lester is right up there with the big name pitchers on the market this offseason. The Lester sweepstakes will be very aggressive, most likely 15 teams will be involved in. After being traded to Oakland he performed magnificently down the stretch. His numbers with Oakland: 6-4, 11 starts, 76.2 IP, 20 ER, 66 hits, 1.07 WHIP. I see him settling in a big market, so either the Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels, Yankees, and Cubs should be involved. Detroit being a darkhorse depending on whether Scherzer stays or goes. Prediction: Boston, 5 years, $100 million.

Max Scherzer (30):

33 games, 18-5 record, 3.15 ERA, 220.1 IP, 196 hits, 77 ER, 18 HR, 63 BB, 252 SO, 1.18 WHIP

Scherzer will be the most sought after pitcher. Up to 25 teams could be involved in the bidding war, but only the major market teams are going to be able to afford him. The Tigers offered him 6 year, $144 million, but he rejected it before the 2014 campaign. The Tigers obviously have the money to spend if they did leave the offer on the table, but I don’t see them overbidding for Max, when they are already locked up on Verlander and Miggy. Scherzer has four destinations I can see him going to; Cubs, Angels, Dodgers, or New York. Prediction: Cubs overpay and land him for 7 years $170 million.

Francisco Liriano (31):

2013: 26 games, 16-8 record, 3.02 ERA, 161 IP, 134 hits, 54 ER, 9 HR, 63 BB, 163 SO, 1.22 WHIP

2014: 29 games, 7-10 record, 3.38 ERA, 162.1 IP, 130 hits, 61 ER, 13 HR, 81 BB, 175 SO, 1.3 WHIP

Liriano has rejuvenated his career in Pittsburgh over the past 2 seasons and has been an absolute steal for the Pirates who paid only $7 million. He will receive a nice pay day, though the Pirates will have to up their pay if they want to keep him as a focal point of their rotation. Many teams will be interested, including Detroit. Though the history of Tommy John should be a concern for Detroit. I think he stays in Pittsburgh. Prediction: Pittsburgh, 3 years, $45 million.

Brandon McCarthy (31):

2014: 32 games, 10-15 record, 4.05 ERA, 200 IP, 222 hits, 90 ER, 25 HR, 33 BB, 1.28 WHIP

Numbers in the Bronx: 14 games, 7-5 record, 2.89 ERA, 90.1 IP, 91 hits, 29 ER, 10 HR, 13 BB 1.15 WHIP

McCarthy is the definition of inconsistent. He’ll provide a 4+ ERA one season, then come back with a low 3’s ERA. His best two seasons were with Oakland. I see the Yankees offering him a contract to be a back of the rotation starter. Prediction: Yankees, 2 years $20-24 million.

Jake Peavy (34):

32 games, 7-13 record, 3.73 ERA, 202.2 IP, 196 hits, 84 ER, 23 HR, 63 BB, 158 SO, 1.28 WHIP

Peavy did not start off the year great for the Red Sox, but the numbers are inflated due to a lackluster, replacement level Red Sox team. After he was traded he posted great numbers for San Francisco. In 12 starts, Peavy posted a 6-4 record along with a 2.17 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. Definitely he numbers he need going into a contract season. He hasn’t been great since his departure from San Diego. His best season dates back to 2007. Though, he would be a good fit in the fourth or fifth starter spot in Detroit. The ballpark plays to his advantage as did PETCO Park. Many teams should be interested in Peavy going into this offseason, I see him getting around what Ricky Nolasco received from the Twins last season, 4 years, $49 million. Prediction: Giants 3 years, $42 million.

James Shields (33):

34 games, 14-8 record, 3.21 ERA, 227 IP, 224 hits, 81 ER, 23 HR, 44 BB, 180 SO, 1.18 WHIP

Shields, is coming off back to back seasons of very exceptional pitching. Really helping his value by being a proven postseason pitcher. Like Scherzer and Lester, he will be right up there with getting a nice pay day, but with being 33 years old, he won’t get the contract years like Lester will, most likely. The big market teams will be after him. Prediction: Boston, 5 years, $95 million.

Ryan Vogelsong (37):

32 games, 8-13 record, 4.00 ERA, 184 IP, 178 hits, 82 ER, 18 HR, 58 BB, 151 SO, 1.28 WHIP

Postseasn #’s: 5 games, 3-0 record, 1.19 ERA, 30.1 IP, 18 hits, 4 ER, 12 BB, 25 SO, .7 WHIP

Vogelsong would be an ideal 2 year rental if Scherzer were to walk. Not the best of numbers over his career, but he is efficient. He’s not a low risk, high reward kind of deal, but he’s a proven postseason pitcher (small sample size), and produces 5th starter numbers. Plus the number of years he would demand on the market wouldn’t exceed 3 years, just enough time for the Tigers to fully develop Robbie Ray. This would be a similar signing to Brad Penny like in 2011. I can see him possibly resigning in San Francisco, but I believe he’ll move on. Prediction: Indians, Royals, Angels, Rangers, Phillies, Rockies, 2 years, $18 million.

Ervin Santana (31):

31 games, 14-10 record, 3.95 ERA, 196 IP, 193 hits, 86 ER, 16 HR, 63 BB, 179 SO, 1.31 WHIP

Had a letdown season this year, along with the whole Braves pitching staff. Though, he still has a good arm and stuff, the command needs to get better along with his WHIP. He’s a middle of the rotation kind of guy, but the price won’t be as high so small market teams should have a play on him. Ultimately, I believe he signs with the Braves. The Braves pitching staff had too many injuries to overcome next year and he is bound for a bounce back season. Prediction, Braves, 4 years, $55 million.

Relief Pitchers

David Robertson (29):

63 appearances, 4-5 record, 3.08 ERA, 64.1 IP, 45 hits, 22 ER, 7 HR, 23 BB, 96 SO, 1.06 WHIP, 39 saves, 5 blown

Robertson, one of the top relievers to hit the open market this offseason, is going to receive a very nice pay day from any number of clubs interested in a lockdown closer/setup guy. The past 4 seasons Robertson has put up great numbers. This year was the first time since 2010 that he surpassed a 3 ERA. Almost any competing team will be dishing out the money for him. Though, with money locked up in Joe Nathan, I don’t see the Tigers being in play on Robertson. Then the question becomes, do the Yankees dish out the money to Robertson, when they already have a replacement ready in Dellin Betances. Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Indians, Cubs, White Sox, and Rangers should all be players. I think he ends up walking away from New York and signs with the Red Sox. Receiving 4 years, $50 million.

Koji Uehara (39):

64 appearances, 6-5 record, 2.52 ERA, 64.1 IP, 51 hits, 18 ER, 10 HR, 8 BB, 80 SO, .92 WHIP, 26 saves, 5 blown

Uehara has been dominating closing games in Boston the past two seasons. He doesn’t walk anyone and he has been healthy for his age. Though, there are many risks in signing Uehara to a big reliever deal, and my level of comfort after signing Joe Nathan at age 39 has not been pleasing. I think the Tigers may bite, but I hope they stay away from an expensive soon to be 40 year old reliever. Prediction: Boston, 1-2 years, $10-18 million.

Rafael Soriano (34):

64 appearances, 4-1 record, 3.19 ERA, 62 IP, 51 hits, 22 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 59 SO, 1.13 WHIP, 32 saves, 7 blown

Soriano has put up back to back solid years as a reliever for the Nationals. Boasting a 3.11 ERA in 2013 and 3.19 in 2014. Of course, he is an aging reliever (see Nathan) and with that comes decrease in velocity and health can become an issue. Though, a career 2.85 ERA and 1.07 WHIP are numbers dreamed of for Detroit’s bullpen. I think the Tigers pursue hard for Soriano and end up with him. Something around 2 years $18 million should get it done, but may need to bump up the offer with another year to seal the deal. I’d rather have him over Koji Uehara due to age.

Sergio Romo (31):

64 appearances, 6-4 record, 3.72 ERA, 58 IP, 43 hits, 24 ER, 12 BB, 59 SO, 9 HR, .95 WHIP, 23 saves, 5 blown

Romo has seen his numbers are drastically different compared to his previous four seasons. The WHIP is the weird thing, he’s not walking guys and not a ton of guys are hitting him. Opponents are hitting .203/.259/.363 so it may just be that he’s getting unlucky. It could have been a fluke season, but Romo will be pursued by lower payroll teams. Indians, Twins, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Tigers, Mariners, Rangers, and Marlins should all be taking a long look at him. Prediction: Marlins, 2 years $12 million. Why the Marlins? They are definitely going to be competing next season. They are a few signings away from being a playoff contender. With the return of Jose Fernandez, the Marlins make up a solid 1-2-3 punch with Henderson Alvarez and Cosart behind Fernandez. Along with a youthful outfield of Ozuna, Stanton, and Yelich, the Wild Card is very obtainable the next few seasons.

Luke Gregerson (30):

72 appearances: 5-5 record, 2.12 ERA, 72.1 IP, 58 hits, 17 ER, 6 HR, 15 BB, 59 SO, 1.01 WHIP, 3 saves.

Gregerson is a great reliever. Owns a 2.75 career ERA in 6 years of duty. If there would be one bullpen arm the Tigers could get, it would be him. The 8th inning was a huge problem down the stretch and into the playoffs with the vacancy Joaquin left. Gregerson would be that guy to replace Joba and get the ball to Joe Nathan in the 9th. Plus he is insurance incase Bruce Rondon isn’t ready to comeback by Opening Day. Prediction: Tigers, 3 years, $25 million.

Andrew Miller (30):

73 appearances, 5-5 record, 2.02 ERA, 62.1 IP, 33 hits, 17 BB, 3 HR, 14 ER, 103 SO, .80 WHIP

Don’t think for a second that Dombrowski wasn’t kicking himself for not acquiring Andrew Miller at the trade deadline. This is Dombrowski’s redemption and opportunity to build a "Kansas City Royals quality bullpen". I don’t think Coke will be offered a contract and Blaine Hardy is our only other "quality" left handed arm, but didn’t perform well in high leverage situations. Miller showed in 2014 that he has the ability to get righties and lefties out, thus he won’t be used as a specialist. Prediction: Tigers, 3 years, $23 million.

RHB vs Miller: .145/.245/.202, 1 HR, 18 hits, 144 PA, 8 runs, 12 BB, 55 SO

LHB vs Miller: .163/.206/.261, 2 HR, 15 hits, 98 PA, 10 runs, 5 BB, 48 SO

Neal Cotts (34):

73 appearances, 2-9 record, 4.32 ERA, 66.2 IP, 66 hits, 32 ER, 6 HR, 23 BB, 63 SO, 2.09 WHIP

Cotts, like the rest of the Rangers, had a rough season. Opponents were slashing .257/.324/.389 against him. Looking at his splits he just couldn’t get lefties out. Lefties slashed .270/.337/.438. Those are concerning numbers, but you also have to remember the team he was on, which plays a factor into those numbers. I was all for a Cotts trade at the deadline this season, but you can resign Coke for less and get the same effectiveness in my opinion. Cotts will have plenty of options with teams seeking veteran left-handed relievers. Prediction: Indians, Angels, Tigers, Orioles, Giants, Mariners, Reds, and the Pirates could all be in the mix. Contract: 1 year, $2.5 million.

Ronald Belisario (32):

62 appearances, 4-8 record, 5.56 ERA, 66.1 IP, 78 hits, 41 runs, 4 HR, 18 BB, 47 SO, 1.45 WHIP, 8 saves, 4 blown

Belisario is a power arm that has no accuracy. He’s a thrower not a pitcher and his numbers speak to it. He would be a low risk, high reward signing. Lefties and righties both mashed him last season. Lefties slashed .315/.394/.423. Righties slashed .281/.315/.346. I don’t see the Tigers offering him a contract, based on how many low risk, high reward situations we got ourselves into last year. Prediction: White Sox, 1 year $1.5 million.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the <em>Bless You Boys</em> writing staff.