Tiger Talk

Yooper

Excellent post regarding Iorg and Ciriaco. What some just don't seem to get is the point that the minor leagues are for development. Certainly at some point you either get it or you wash out. At this point for people to say with absolute conviction that Iorg and Ciriaco are busts because of their current performance is ridiculous. You don't use a 40 man spot on someone, unless you belive they are either A) ready for your team, or B) you are concerned that someone else thinks enough of them to put them on their big league team. Clearly, DD thought there was a chance that a bottom dweller would take a chance on the superior toolsy Ciriaco. Will either make it? Who knows? But, there is no question in my mind that both are seen as our top SS prospect prospects.

Audy Ciriaco

Classic case that there are tools.....and there TOOLS. Ciriaco not only has "tools" he has awesome tools, big in size, hits HR's that make you shake your head, runs very fast, has good instincts, very coachable. His numbers don't reflect his potential. He showed significant improvement as last season progressed. Scouts are quoted as saying they believe this could be his break out year. Obviously, the organization felt there was a chance that his athleticism and overall make-up made him a risk to be picked up. So, we protected him. He may bomb out, or he may be our starting SS within the next couple years. There is also a chance he could convert to 3B. The latest projections have him at least one and a half seasons away from Detroit. Pencil him as the starting SS for Erie in 2010. Tigstown rates him behind Iorg, and Fields, as the 3rd. best SS prospect in the system. Obviously, the organization agreees.

Chris reply

Ooops, my cut and paste butchered that last paragraph. Try this:

I also don't really agree that the Tigers are likely to remain in the upper tier payroll wise. They may attempt to keep spending if certain scenerios play out - but a tear down and start over could well be in the near future - based on what happens with Verlander. They could easily have a 70-80mm payroll going into 2011 - and if Verlander forces their hand in a trade - they might well strip the whole thing down again and start over. I don't think DD left him self much wiggle room payroll wise in each of the last two off-seasons - and if things go really south this yr - Verlander's going to want out of here - and it's blow it up time.

.I believe we will stay among the top 10 in payroll. That's Ilitch's competitive nature. I've maintained all along that Ilitch is heavily invested in the City of Detroit, and the success of the Tigers and Wings are both personally satisfying, and a big piece of the Ilitch empire. Now, that can change. The economy can continue a downward spiral, the casino can go broke, the team can fall apart, or Ilitch could decide at his age it's time to sell. Absent any of that type of stuff I expect the spending to continue.

In the case of Verlander I expect we will make an attempt to extend him this year. If he says he is committed to testing the market, he'll be traded. We've discussed this before. If he should decide to do that, we still won't blow it all up. We can spend Verlander money elsewhere, and add the pieces he brings in trade. We'll either keep the core in tact or change the names, for different talent.

I"m not suggesting that my thoughts are right on target, but please accept the possibility that yours aren't either. It's a fluid game, plans are made........plans change. At this point, I think DD is still working within the scheme that some of the vets will come back, health will be better, the core is in tact, and if a trade comes along that makes us better he'll make it.........even if it means we spend less./p p>

Chris Reply

"Where I disagree with you is - I think DD is paying for some things that have blown up on him right now - and I don't think things are going "to plan" for him"

I don't recall implying that things are going to plan for him. Injuries happened, age regression occured,devlopment for some hasn't come as quickly as expected. These things happen. Dombrowski built a team that could have been reasonably expected to contend for a 3 year cycle. He also invested heavily in the draft, bolstered other scouting avenues, and kicked up our development team. All part of an on-going strategy to contend. And, other than the horrible 08 team, we've fielded a good product. He'll stick to the plan, adjust finances as needed, and field a contender again in 2010

"You say DDs big thing is "big hard throwing" pitchers - but give me one GM that doesn't value big hard throwing pitchers - that's not a style of play - or any type of unique way to build a team."

Again, did I say DD had a "unique way"? Just the opposite, I think he is the sterotypical traditionalyst. Given the ability to construct a "perfect" team, I suspect he would look for power on the corners, speed/OBP/defense up the middle, and a staff of power arms. Who doesn't?

also don't really agree that the Tigers are likely to remain in the upper tier payroll wise. They may attempt to keep spending if certain scenerios play out - but a tear down and start over could well be in the near future - based on what happens with Verlander. They could easily have a 70-80mm payroll going into 2011 - and if Verlander forces their hand in a trade - they might well strip the whole thing down again and start over. I don't think DD left him self much wiggle room payroll wise in each of the last two off-seasons - and if things go really south this yr - Verlander's going to want out of here - and it's blow it up time."m not suggesting that my thoughts are right on target, but please accept the possibility that yours aren't either. It's a fluid game, plans are made........plans change. At this point, I think DD is still working within the scheme that some of the vets will come back, health will be better, the core is in tact, and if a trade comes along that makes us better he'll make it.........even if it means we spend less./p p>