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Everyone was calling this trade inevitable for a reason. Outfielder J.D. Martinez was shipped to Arizona for three prospects, none of whom are inspiring. After the initial outrage, there was a lot of effort made to put a positive spin on the trade. “Everyone was clamoring for us to sell, so we did!” “They are prospects, who knows?!” A special shout-out goes to Fox Sports Detroit for trying to do their darndest to make everyone feel OK.
Even outside of the low ranked prospects, I know why Detroit Tigers fans are so hurt by this return. Tigers fans wanted a massive haul because they have seen the quality of player Martinez has become. We’ve seen him come off the disabled list and immediately win a game. We’ve witnessed the 40 home runs in the seventh inning or later. And we’ve seen stretches where he has carried the team. It’s natural to assume you are going to get a massive haul for a player so beloved.
Instead, he garnered three prospects who don’t even crack the top 10 of a still-middling Tigers farm system. Such is life. The rebuild has begun. Let’s hope the prospects pan out.
This is going to be an aggravating two weeks
It didn’t really hit me until I got the news, but this is going to be a really difficult next 13 days for everyone.
I am certainly in favor of the rebuild, but with the whole team available outside of Michael Fulmer, I look around with apprehension. Needless to say, you had better be enjoying the sparkling Jose Iglesias glove and familiar display of Ian Kinsler grit, because it might be their last in the Old English D. Tigers fans won’t be able to relax until July 31 at 4 p.m. (or even later). As a wise man once said, hold on to your butts.
On the subject of Fulmer
Let’s get some of that bad taste out of your mouth. Did you know that of the 18 games that Michael Fulmer has started, 16 have been quality starts? Did you know he ranks behind only Dwight Gooden and Steve Rogers for best quality start percentage in career year one or two? That’s one hell of a piece to build around.
At least the Tigers already have some good prospects
MUST SEE: @derekhill27 with a @SportsCenter #SCTop10 diving catch in DEEP centerfield! #wcaps #tigers #webgem pic.twitter.com/P6qttkWA4K
— Whitecaps (@wmwhitecaps) July 16, 2017
As we look to the future, check in on Baseball America’s mid-season top 10 prospect list for the Tigers. The farm system isn’t where it needs to be yet, but there is talent there.
For your free time
Carlos Correa is out for 6-8 weeks because, as a rule, we are all not allowed to have nice things. Bartolo Colon is BACK, BABY. But his debut for the Minnesota Twins wasn’t the best. The New York Yankees traded for Todd Frazier and two relievers, and they stole guys the Red Sox wanted. The Rays are resurgent.