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Tigers
It still sounds as if the Tigers won't go beyond 2 years for
Rodney----some team will offer a 3rd year. It is starting to
sound like they don't want Lyon as their closer either. Which
means they will have Perry and Zumaya, which isn't all that bad if Zumaya is healthy, throwing strikes--he seems to lose the plate at times,and perhaps bring in a salary-friendly pitcher similar to the amount they gave to Lyon last year.
Unfortunately, I say that because of the lack of offense, it
appears Everett will be back at ss. I was hoping the Tigers
would sign somebody like Orlando Cabrera but that doesn't look
likely. It is almost a foregone conclusion that Sizemore inherits second base beginning next season. Hopefully, the Tigers compensation for losing Polanco proves to be valuable. Prospects like Wells, Roesch, Ramirez, Weinhardt will get good looks during Spring Training but whether they
make the club remains to be seen. I still think they would
help the Tigers improve their offense and be better defensively, as well. Hopefully, Turner and Oliver will ready soon because the chances of Robertson and Bonderman
returning to respectable form are only decent at best. Bonderman if he does could still be one of their top
pitchers and he is still young.He could move up from making a decent return to being a top starter. If Robertson turns it around he would probably just go back to being an average pitcher. Can't help but to already think about the
Tigers after this season with the amount of money that won't be tied-up to players who are on their way out.
Tigers
I suspect the Tigers will field essentially the same team
as this last season. If the Tigers lose Polanco where does
Sizemore bat? Does Rayburn hit second? If the Tigers lose
both Rodney and Lyon Perry and Zumaya inherit the 8th and ninth inning jobs. I like to think otherwise but I doubt
Bonderman and Robertson have bounce back seasons. Jackson
may level off some but be more consistent. Although it
isn't his fault that he didn't win at least 4 more games
this last season. The Tigers may need Sadderwhite and Reinhardt a year early than desired.The Tigers players say
they want to get rid of this awful feeling but they won't
be doing anything to improve the ball club---unless they
repair Inge and take him to contact camp, Sizemore to infield camp(in February now) and Ordonez and Guillen discover the fountain of youth. Unless Porcello can shave
a run off his era and probably Bonine wins a lot more
games than the Tigers 5th starter this last season. I doubt the Twins will be any better next season even with Morneau playing everyday. Funny how a team with 86 wins has almost
the same shadow as the off-season before with only 70 something wins and the cries wait until next year have begun
and the off-season hasn't started yet. I think Mr. Illitch and DD have the end of the World Series date next season circled already when they will have almost half of their pay-roll released. Hopefully by then they will have a
better idea if their corner of prospects can play in the
majors. Their young relievers will be ready. Their young
starters will be a year closer to the majors---they still
may need a ss and a lead-off hitter.I guess the Tigers
get a prize for staying near contention heading into 2010.
Tigers
I have read both Sadderwhite and Reinhardt probably won't be ready for Detroit this next season. Both should be in Detroit
in 2011. It appears Everett and Santiago will be the combination at shortstop for the Tigers again. Don't expect
the Tigers to go out and get a corner of--I guess that means
Rayburn, Thomas, and Guillen with Magglio will rotate in
and out of the outfield and dh. So how does that support
a more productive offense. The hope is Guillen is healthy and
therefore productive the whole season. As for Magglio, well
at least 15 home-runs and 75 rbis. Tell me again that isn't
Bobby Higginson all over again. Well at least Magglio had
a couple of better than average seasons in Detroit.
As for the Pitching side of the team. It sounds as if the
Tigers are preparing to lose Rodney for sure, perhaps
even Lyon. If not Lyon, he is in line to be the closer.
If Lyon as well then Zumaya steps in with Perry as the
set-up man. If, and that has become a big if with Zumaya,
he is healthy, and doesn't have those moments of totally
losing the location of the plate, he very well could be
an effective closer. Bonderman, well, the same song of needing to find an effective 3rd pitch. Still he is on track
to be the Tigers 4th starter, at least for next season. Same
with Robertson as 5th starter. Hopefully, he will be at least be the average pitcher he usually is. Steep price for
a 5th starter but again only for a season--and he is left-handed. Ni, Seay, Bonine, and Miner fill out the
bullpen. Dontrelle Willis remains a very high liability.
Catching Laird and Avila appear to be a good offensive and
defensive combination. Even with due increases in salary
to players, pitchers in particular, the Tigers will almost
cut their pay-roll almost in half with the expiring contracts of Magglio, Dontrelle, Bonderman, and Robertson.
Unless a Roesch or Ramirez surprises the Tigers will essentially field the same line-up and more or less
the same pitching staff. So I guess another 86 win
season is in order. Ho-hum, well Sizemore for Polanco is
one significant change. With the other increases in
salary it remains to be seen how much the Tigers will have
to spend for 2011. Of course by then they may not have to
with their young outfielders ready to produce and quite
a few pitching prospects, starters and relievers, ready
to step in, as well. Lets just hope 4 years away from
World Series doesn't become 16 or 22 like after 1968 and
1984.
Tigers
So just for clarification if the Tigers lose Polanco they receive a first and a sandwich pick and if they lose Rodney
they receive a sandwich pick. If they lose Rodney, as long
as they resign Lyon, that would be fine, I guess. If they
lose Polanco, that is a tough loss but I am starting to change
my mind if that compensation is correct. Sizemore may be ready
right now and while losing Polanco and his 2 spot in the order
needs to be filled that is a lot of compensation for a good
ball player. Sadderwhite and Reinhardt look impressive and
they have Perry and Zumaya. Rodney is effective but I admit
he looks like he is ready to crash and burn. Then again so does Zumaya too but I think that would be for a lot less money
and I doubt Zumaya would bring any compensation at this point
if he was elgible for free agency. Of those high class free
agents there might be some others but Bay and Cabrera over
Tejada(age and too high of salary demand) I like Orlando
it would be interesting to bring him in at shortstop. It would be the second time he bounced to the same spot Renteria was not invited back to--but I doubt the Tigers
would bid on him. Figgins would be an interesting pick-up
because of the things he can do but I doubt he would want
to come to Detroit.
I don't know why I changed my mind about Rodney and
Polanco but the Tigers still would need to address ss and
of which I don't know if they would do this off-season.
Maybe some of their young prospects will come through for
them. And really if Magglio doesn't hit again, Guillen
appears healthy which will help, the Tigers may still yet
survive. Illitch and DD has got to be thinking then geez, if only we can stay in contention one more year minus Polanco, Rodney, and then Willis, Robertson, and Magglio, that is a lot of money to lock up all these good young
players and still have money to plug holes with.
I didn't think Detroit could pull of staying in contention
minus Polanco and Rodney if they don't sign anybody which
might be the case but I guess that is why I think I changed
my mind. And the extra picks with DD and the Tigers draft track record the last several seasons. Goodness, with the
young prospects they have already and if they added 3 more
front line power pitchers, that would be incredibly awesome.
Tigers
I have a few thoughts about the off-season that the Illitch
and DD may want to consider. Some are rather obvious some may not be so obvious. Depending on the size of Polanco's contract
they should bring him back. 2 years 12 million is a bargain for Polanco compared to what they are paying Sheff and paid
for Ordonez this season. Speaking of which Sheff's contract
is up finally. Are the Tigers really going to give Bonderman
and Robertson a spot next season and hope they are healthy.
My guess is that both will be but Bonderman will probably
be slightly above average and Robertson so-so to shaky.
Whither Galaraga and Willis---that hurts for next year's payroll but again Lyon and Rodney will be far more productive
than Robertson and Willis next season and at least a few more years after that. Reinhardt, Sadderwhite, and Sizemore
could be called up if need be at some point next season.
I would hope the Tigers just don't give them jobs. It
will be important for Zumaya to be healthy. Perry and Ni
should be around for a long time. There has to be room
for Eddie Bonine. Whither Zach Miner--at times he looks
very good, others very shaky. Do the Tigers really want
Maggs and Rayburn in the same of? Roesch and Wells need to
get good looks but again they need an established of. Nice try for Huff but I don't really get why he didn't hit down the stretch, either. Guillen should be productive as he was
healthy down the stretch. Magglio, I don't know if he
will be as productive as he was in previous years but he should be more than this last season. And if he isn't he
is only getting overpaid for one season, as well. Bummer
about eating some bad contracts but the Tigers need to
build on those 86 wins not potentially fall back below .500
and look for 2011. They do have good prospects that we all
will know if they will be ready for 2011. Maybe even mid-way
or September next season. They need to address short stop as
well. Any takers for Fien, Miner, Figaro, Thames, the Tigers
could fill at least one of their holes by trading and letting go of Thames. Throw in Everett and that is a few
million--there is about half of the money for Polanco right
there.
2010 has the potential to be a good season not a wait umtil
next season kind of year. 2011 and beyond look promising too
though as guys like Willis, Robertson, Galaraga, Magglio, move on. By the way I would love for Willis to regain his poise for more than just one outing, even for a majority of
a season but I am afraid that is just not going to happen.
If I was Illitch I would eat some of these bad contracts
and resign and go out and sign some guys and still have
a contender for this upcoming season and beyond. I wouldn't let these one year bad contracts stand in the way and I wouldn't worry about Lyon, Polanco, and Rodney being bad
contracts, either. They will be well worth the money they
receive.
Tigers
I will remember this season as the season that went down
the tubes. The main reason is the lack of timely hitting.
Sure, the Tigers battled with injuries, patched things up,
and were in first place for almost the whole season but they
blew it. 3 up with 4 play. The 1st game in the final week at
Minnesota. 1 and 5 in a stretch against KC. Quite a few
one run losses, including 2-1 against the Yankees, twice.
I guess, besides getting a bigger shirt, Inge should have
stepped into the pitch, I guess.Oh well not that it matters.
So eyes on next season to take that step to get over 90 wins.
Sorry but the bullpen won't be a strength unless the money
is forked over for Lyon and Rodney. I don't see how they will replace either one of those guys and save money. The
couple of rookies they have will have a chance to earn their
way onto the roster but it should be crowded. Hopefully, Zumaya will come back healthy and a little less wild.
They will have Ni the whole season. Perry will be in his second year. Robertson will compete for a spot. Hopefully,
Bonderman will be healthy and at least above decent. Miner
and Bonine will compete for spots. They will have decisions
to make with Huff and Washburn but it looks very much like
these trade were short term rentals.
Willis contract comes off after next season--that is one bite. Robertson is decent but will probably be allowed to
exit after this next season. So the money is at least there
if a couple pills are swallowed. Have to see how far Bonderman comes back.
As for the hitting. Rayburn and Clete should be in reserve. Magglio even though he has a huge contract and
didn't do much in the first half hopefully will have a
better WHOLE season next year. Guillen and Inge will be healthy, hopefully. A whole season for Avila. They do
need to resign Polanco! Sizemore needs to earn his way onto the roster. I would address shortstop, too. Perhaps
they could get by with Everett/Santiago/Dlugach/any other
prospect combination if they address their left-field need.
I guess that would leave Maggs in right and Guillen at
Dh. Hopefully, that left-fielder can bat lead-off or is a
big hitter. Ideally, they would be able to move Granderson
down in the order but if they can't they at least another
big bat behind Cabrera. That was the idea in getting Huff,
it appeared. Or perhaps a ss who can run and bat lead-off.
They will have to decide which route they want to take.
Assuming their other players, including pitchers, are healthy they have a good shot at 100 wins next season if they plug a few holes. And they need Jackson to pitch more
like he did the 1st half of the season---more run support
will help take some of that off. I think he had to really work and it caught up with him. Verlander will march and
dominate. Porcello will be a year older. With a question
of a lefty--Robertson, that is why Washburn appeared to
be a big help, but Bonine and Bonderman will get a shot.
Yes, I am writing off Willis, Thames, and Galaraga. Perhaps
a few young guys will surprise too, Sadderwhite, Reinhardt
in the bullpen, Roesch, Wells, perhaps. They can't count on that though. Not saying a few of those players won't develop into solid major leaguers, they just can't risk not
addressing their needs via free agency or trade.
Tigers
Disappointing story about Cabrera---hopefully he has learned
his lesson. Nobody would have known about the drinking if he
hadn't been on his cell phone. Perhaps it would have been better if he came home drunk enough to pass out,--which
he wouldn't have been able to drive home--or waited another hour or so until everybody is awake, there wouldn't
haven't had been a scuffle, and later Leyland would had no choice but to sit him, claiming illness. What a distraction and it showed with the o-fer. Unfortunately, these kinds of things happen a lot in sports and everywhere really. Doubly unfortunate it happened on a day game. Irresponsible decision
fortunately it wasn't a nasty fight and it only contributed to
one bad ball game. Here I was going to guess it was a scuffle involving a teammate about their lack of good play.
Tigers
Of course there were about 6-10 games that the Tigers won that
could have easily went against them but that said there were
at least that many the Tigers should have won, as well. It is
one thing to lose 2-1 to the Yankees which is tough even at
KC which is bad but to turn right around and lose to them in
Detroit was awful. They did have a chance in that 1st game
against Minnesota like this edition duly noted. This is
like a football play-off. Just have to be the better team
that day. You only get a certain number of chances. That
has been the Tigers protocol failure this season but with
Porcello pitching the Tigers may just win and save themselves
a long winter.
Tigers
It is like the Tigers as a team didn't believe they could win this division rather handily at the beginning of September.
It seems they listened to Leyland when he said it was going to come down to the last week of the season and it was going
to be a dog fight. Edwin Jackson sure has had a rough time
down the stretch. Really, though, maybe the pressure of having
to be perfect is getting to the pitchers. Why Figaro was starting today I have no idea---he probably won't even be
in Detroit at all next season. And Galaraga, clear disappointment. If Leyland was saving Miner as to not start
him why didn't he bring him in after he pulled Figaro?
Magglio and Polanco have hit rather consistently in the
second half yet Leyland insists on using his lefty-righty
match-up. Sure Cabrera has had a few bad games but to
dump on him like he is the worst player or really not a
big time player is silly. If anything this shows DD and
the Tigers they need an of who can bat lead-off, a shortstop
that can hit and field. I don't think they can just hand one
of their young prospects a job coming out of spring training. Having a healthy Bonderman and Zumaya would help.
Maybe, they will have some middle relief help from some young guys, as well. Verlander could pitch awesome tomorrow
and the Tigers might lose 2-1 and Twins win. Or even if they
win Porcello will probably pitch awesome and they won't hit and lose. The Tigers probably believe that right now.
I thought for sure they would snap out of it even with the
5 of 6 losses against KC and some of the games they let slip away not only in September but throughout the season.
Somehow though I don't they will lose Magglio and Cabrera
and Verlander will be the heroes and Porcello will pitch
a shut-out against the Twins and somehow the Tigers will
limp into NY and make us even late doubters turn our heads
in disbelief in wonder where these Tigers have been.
Tigers
Almost all of this is just bizarre. The Tigers should have
won this about a week ago but then again with their lack
of consistent hitting and injuries to their pitchers it
has been enough to stop them from getting any large distance
over .500.
Many of us have been begging for Leyland to play small ball
getting runners over and settling for 1 or 2 rather than the
big inning. This makes sense because how many times has a batter popped out or struck out and the next guy gets a fly
ball deep enough for at least one run. Sometimes though Leyland is probably thinking even if I have a runner on 3rd
the way this team is hitting I need no outs to get that run
in. This is why it appeared the Tigers problems were going
to lessen when Guillen came back, Huff arrived, and Avila
came up. Just like Washburn was going to bail out the
injuries to Bonderman, Nate, and the fiasco of D-Train.
Bonine deserves a shot in the rotation, too. I guess this
is why the Tigers need a legit baserunner at the top of the
batting order and move Granderson down. Grandy could get back .280 and steal 30 bases but he is valuable down in the
line-up without Huff and keeping Clete as a role player.
Ideally another shortstop would be in order, as well. Everett and Santiago are role players but they should only
have one of them. Boston replaced Renteria with Orlando Cabrera I don't know why the Tigers didn't either. Then
again some still wonder why the Tigers traded Jair Jurrjens.
Maybe the Tigers should ask for the Marlins shortstop. Or at
least give Dlugach a chance. He might be able to help. Still
don't know why they didn't look at Roesch this September, either. Maybe Satterwhite and Reinhardt will help the bullpen next season. Maybe Zumaya will, too.
Jackson will be ready to pitch a good game--I just hope the
Tigers can score enough runs to win. Tigers rally to win
Saturday and the Twins lose Saturday. Tigers win on Sunday
for good measure.
Tigers
Tigers, a win tomorrow and all of the season ups and downs
will tip into the balance of a season to remember---it will be
special if they win in the play-offs. Honestly, I remember 1987 winning the division against the Blue Jays with Tanana
with the last out than getting creamed against, yes, the Twins. 2006 was exciting and memorable but the World Series
was big downer but it still was a great year. I guess that
is the difference between losing in just missing the play-offs
like 1988, losing the 1st round, and at least going to the
World Series. For example what would be considered a better
year--1983 where the Tigers won 92 games and finished second
to the Orioles(who won the World Series) or 1987 the last
year they won their division, and 2006 not winning division
but having 95 wins and making it to the world series?
For next season: Verlander, Porcello, Jackson, Robertson,
and Bonderman appear to be the rotation. Unless by a decision to keep Washburn. Bonine, Miner, Seay, Ni, Perry,
Zumaya(if healthy) Lyon and Rodney assuming both will be
resigned yes that makes 13. Dh--Ordonez, lf Guillen, Granderson, Rayburn and Clete on the bench, Inge, Polanco,
Cabrera, Avila and Laird. Santiago. 24 plus I guess Everett.
or a starting rf or ss. I still won't rule out those possibilities. Also that is assuming the 2 relief pitchers
don't make the team who are in AFL this year. Their names
escape me Satterwhite, Reinhard maybe. Roesch, Ramirez, Wells, Strieby could make it I guess. Keep an eye on those
young starting prospects, too. Not quite leaning on Sizemore to make team, yet, either. No Thames or Larrish,
or Clevlen, either. Unfortunately, no D-train.
So yes, there are some decisions that will have to be
made after the season.
Tigers celebrate tomorrow. Grab some momentum this
weekend, and "surpise" the Yankees with dominate
pitching from Verlander, Porcello, and Jackson. And
this time score enough runs to win series to play
the Angels. Yes they finally find a way to beat
the Red Sox (who have more wins, too). Tigers over
the Angels. Tigers win World Series in rematch of
2006 and 1968 over the Cardinals. If not the Cardinals
the Dodgers. That is another World Series I have
always wanted to see.
Tigers
One more note that probably has been mentioned. Concerning the
1984 Tigers they had enough good pitchers beyond their big 3
starter and big 2 in the bullpen and they often grabbed a lead
early, didn't let go, and had a lot of big hits in clutch situations. There were a couple of stretches where it might look like all of it was for naught but they kept going. 2009
will have its own ending. That is another reason why baseball
is so special they are always similarities and differences but
each season has its own surprises and disappointments. Seemingly, the "better team" doesn't always win. The great
player isn't always the hero. Sometimes, yes. Sometimes
it is a mixture. For every Kirk Gibson like home-run there
is a Dave Bergman like home-run. For every Chet Lemon catch
there can be a Whitaker error that leads to the winning run.
So I guess before I pass on anymore judgement I want to (try) to enjoy these last handful of games and hopefully there will enough wins for the Tigers to win their division
for the first time since 1987.
Tigers
I guess today almost sums up the Tigers season thus far--could have been better, could have been worse. Chances
early, and then tank. Come back to win the night cap, by holding on. It appeared that the Tigers solved 2 of their
bigger holes by adding Huff and Washburn. I don't get how
those 2 disappeared so quickly. They were having good seasons.
And neither one changed leagues. Totally different ball players, though. Unless they have a big post-season, the
door won't close fast enough for either of these 2. Of course
both will have good seasons next season.
Tigers almost looked like their blown chances weren't going to cost them when they caught that pop-up squeeze. Porcello
pitched very good. Verlander pitched good. If they hit in
a short series they very well could win against anybody.
World Series. If they are 2-14 with risp then it don't matter much if they lose 2-1, 3-2.
Tigers
I think around 88 wins was a popular number 86-90 but really how many 1 run losses have the Tigers had this season? Quite
a few. Sure they have had their comeback wins and some wins
gift wrapped but they have given some gift wins to the other
teams, too. All in all it has evened out, I guess. But here
is where the Tigers deserve credit---Magglio not hitting much,
Guillen out, Bonderman, Willis, Galaraga,Zumaya, and Robertson. How many teams can lose a few of the best hitters and pitchers for a while and still be a contender?
Unless something changes it appears Santiago and Everett
will be resigned. Granderson, Rayburn, Clete, Magglio, and Guillen will be in the of with a few of the youngsters pushing the door open. If Bonderman is ready to go next season that helps. The questions that remain whither Robertson, Washburn, and Bonine? Of course in the bullpen
Lyon and Rodney are the begin decision pitchers. Of course
there still is Dontrelle Willis. The Tigers could decide one
or the other on Robertson or Washburn. Bonderman probably squeezes Bonine but he should make the team, too. They should resign Lyon and Rodney. Almost no choice but to eat
Willis' contract. Magglio will only have one season of a
hyper-inflated contract. Zumaya may or may not be healthy
the full season. There is always room for him if he is
healthy. Ni and Seay of course are the two lefties. What
a find Ni has been. Avila and Laird at catcher take care
of the catching. Really if a prospect or two develop in the
of and ss and in the pitching department the Tigers have
set themselves up to be a very good team for a while. 2008
may have been just a hiccup. One can never tell but only
a tinker here and there helped turn this year around--who
is to say they can't push toward 100 wins next season?
Any how here is to finishing this season somewhat like
1987---regular season that is. Better fortune in the play-offs.
Tigers
Good win tonight for the Tigers. Hopefully, they will win tomorrow and be 3 up and magic number of 8. Good hitting tonight for the Tigers. As Leyland would say the big boys
did it tonight.Losing Washburn wouldn't necessarily be disaster---the way he is pitching now is disappointing, though. Memo to Henning: just who will close if Lyon and
Rodney are "too expensive"---Zumaya and Perry as the primary
set-up man---sorry, but I don't see that happening, and to
go out and get 2 others would be about the same price even
if they did go out on the cheap. Sure they have some prospects who are probably at least close to winning a shot
out of Spring Training but they still need those two. Just
call it a one season bloated pay-roll with Magglio and Dontrelle going off the hook and there is the difference.
Bonderman and Nate will be decent next season, hopefully
Miner is a bit more consistent. NI and Seay is a good
1, 2 lefty combo. There ought to be room for Bonine, too.
Thames is done in Detroit. I guess they have to figure
out whither Aubrey Huff---they need a lefty bat. Even
with Avila, Guillen, and Granderson whether in the lead-off
spot or futher down in the order. I suppose the Tigers
could be stuck with Everett and Santiago at ss, again. Perhaps even Rayburn and Clete again in left which isn't that bad----but no more 3 error games, Ryan. Roesch ought
to get a decent shot, too. The thing is I would rather have those guys on the bench and be able to move Granderson down
in the line-up. Unless the ss they could bring in happens
to bat lead-off. And it won't be long until Crosby and quite
a few other young starting pitchers will be ready, as well.
Come on Tigers, wrap up the division and do well in the
play-offs. In fact Tigers are ready to get back in an
upswing, again. Nice way to close out the season.
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