As the Smoke Clears...

by Ian Casselberry on Dec 4, 2007 10:16 PM EST in Detroit Tigers News

While I trying to clear away the smoke coming from my computer since this trade became a reality around 6:00 p.m., I'll just add a couple of details that have been posted elsewhere. The deal isn't official with a capitol "O" yet, but it appears to be all but completed.

As previously mentioned, Miller, Maybin and Rabelo will go to Florida, along with reliever Eulogio De La Cruz (affectionately known here as "FuneralOnAShip"), and starting pitchers Dallas Trahern and Burke Badenhop. Basically, if you were a top pitching prospect for the Detroit Tigers, and you weren't drafted in 2007, you are probably now a Florida Marlin.

To answer a question posted in the comments, both Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera are eligible for salary arbitration for the next two years, and can't become free agents until after the 2009 season.

And if you ever doubted Jim Leyland was a cowboy, on a steel horse he rides, this whole thing apparently began when he went up to someone in the Marlins' front office and said, "We want Cabrera." That is awesome.

EDIT 12/5: Eric Simon of Amazin' Avenue informs me that Willis has just one year before he becomes a free agent, having been eligible for arbitration in 2006 and 2007.

EDIT #2: Craig, the SB Nation Florida Marlins blogger at FishStripes responded in the comments and said Willis does indeed have two more years before becoming a free agent. You know, if the Tigers sign D-Train to a long-term contract, this will all be a moot point.

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Love the Deal

I love the deal. Love it. It seems to me that, though we are not directly stocking the farm system, we are kind of accomplishing the same thing. Cabrera and Willis are currently 24 and 25 respectively. They both have great potential to be effective for many more years.

I'm also glad the Tigers didn't have to give up any of their hitting prospects.

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by Spot Starters on Dec 4, 2007 10:58 PM EST reply actions

Re: Position Prospects

I agree; that's another thing I like about this deal. Yes, the pitching depth is pretty much tapped out, but the Tigers still have guys like Hollimon, Larish, and the two shortstops, Worth and Iorg, in the system to re-stock the big league roster if Renteria and Guillen get old fast.

by Ian Casselberry on Dec 4, 2007 11:42 PM EST reply actions

Wow

what a shocker. Cabrera in "olde English D" is a dream come true, but my first thoughts were also "what's going on with Brandon Inge, will we see him as backup? catcher esp. when Mike Rabelo is part of the Deal"

And to D-Train: If he can regain his 2005 Form he will be a huge boost for our lineup. 2006 he suffered a lack of run support and 2007 was a season to forget for him. I don't think this is a trend and hope that he just needs a fresh start.

But to be honest, I had hoped the SF Chronicle News you mentioned a few days early "The Tigers want Haren enough that they might be induced to part with outfielder Cameron Maybin and pitcher Andrew Miller, according to one source. Both would be on the A's wish list." would be the Deal involving Maybin and Miller ( I know that the Tigers wouldn't get Cabrera without both, but I am a fan of Danny Haren )

Anyway, it's great to have Cabrera in Motown (and D-Train, too) and I am also sad to see such great Talent go. But it's a clear sign, that the Tigers want the success now and I'm fine with it.

by Germantiger on Dec 5, 2007 5:29 AM EST reply actions

Fallout

So as the news shakes out, word is that the Tigers wanted Cabrera only, the Marlins wanted the M&M boys, so the Tigers tossed in the minor leaguers so they could get someone to replace Miller.

On the face of it all, it's a tough deal to decipher. Is is great or is it terrible? Only time will tell, and I know I've gone back and forth on this one for quite a while now, but here's where I am now:

What did they really do? Think of it bit by bit.

Miller straight up for Willis. Has Miller proven himself yet? Will he be able to perform at the bigs? Maybe. But Willis we KNOW can pitch at the bigs, and yes, Leyland and Dombrowski know him. And he's only a few years older. They are comparable.
Maybin straight up for Cabrera. Maybin's a CF. They have a CF who plans to roam Comerica for a LONG time. Maybin isn't ready for the show. Cabrera is a bona fide hitter. That's a no brainer.

So essentially, the four other guys were throw ins because otherwise the Tigers come out ahead in the deal. I don't care how good M&M turn out to be, they aren't going to end up making this into a Smoltz thing because the Tigers are actually going to win!

by peterfuhrmeister on Dec 5, 2007 9:00 AM EST reply actions

Ian

Eric is incorrect. Willis was a Super Two and that doesn't effect free agent eligibility. He will be eligible for free agency after the 2009 season.

Just letting you know.

Enjoy Cabrera and Dontrelle! We will try to raise your former minor leaguers the best we can. And when they about 25 years-old we will trade them back to you for some more prospects to develop. :-)

Best of luck.

visiting from FishStripes

by craig on Dec 6, 2007 3:34 AM EST reply actions