Tiger Talk

Verlander Replies

Interesting post Chris. One thing I would like to see posters mention is if we trade some of our mega stars [JV and Migger are certainly that], why not get back some bonified major league players such as Ellsbury and Pedroia [I realize Papelbon is one], along with the prospects. I do not consider Buchholtz an established major leaguer yet. One last thing, Boston's prospects are overrated by many here on this forum and in baseball circles in general. The Tigers have as many top level prospects as the Red Sox do. It is the MLB position players where the Red Sox outshine the Tigers and that is where the Tigers should focus if they were to trade JV. I would rather see Casper Wells and Stirby be given a shot at the Tiger roster rather then a Clete Thomas redux.

Verlander Replies

Despite the fact that the Tigers might be more than willing to extend him (which we don't know if this is true - might be a good question for a Tom Gage of the world to ask DD right now would it not?) - you cannot assume right now that Verlander wants to be here long term and doesn't want to explore free agency (might be a good question for a Lynn Henning of the world to shoot his way right now would it not?). Just because the Tigers might be willing to give Verlander a mega-deal - doesn't mean he's willing to sign - and that means - the possiblity of the Tigers having to move him sometime in the next two seasons is a real possiblity - I put the odds at about 50/50.

So discussing the brewing Verlander tsunami that is approaching the Tigers one way or the other is certainly not silliness. Silliness actually is worrying about extending a past his prime mediocre 2b when you have a younger cheaper (probaby better) player ready to step in.

Anyway - I'm not saying the Tigers should trade him right now. I'm stating the facts. He's two yrs away from free agency. There will probably never be a better time to extend him. There will probably never be a better time to trade him. Those are facts. Maybe you can't get the type package that you would need to get back for him right now - but you also don't give him a 100mm extention right now without weighing what you could possibly get in return for him in a trade. No way he hand him a contract and committ 100mm+ - before you call up Theo and say - hey - just wondering - what you give us for Verlander if we offered him to you. Could we get Bucholz, Papelbon, and Riddick? Could we get Bucholz, Bowden, Casey, and Westmoreland? When you know what you could get or can't get - then you have a decision to make on what's short and long term best for the organization.

Does it make sense to have 45+mm committed to two players from 2012 on? Does what you have coming internally through the system match up well to build a team around Cabrera, Verlander, Porcello, and Granderson at the core. Does his trade value drop the closer he gets to free agency? Do you dare just take it yr to yr and get what you can on the field - and risk him walking away - knowing you'll at least get Type A comp? Lot of legit questions there. No silliness - in any of it.

Verlander is the straw that stirs the drink for this franchise. They know it - and they want to keep it quiet right now - no question. But believe me - DD aint losing any sleep over the no brainer Polanco "dilemna" right now. He's got his eyes on the Verlander tsunami that is approaching faster than anyone else seems to think.