Comments on: links for 2007-08-02 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/ News, views, and analysis on the Detroit Tigers and baseball Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:11:17 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Bill A \ Kal.MI http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62343 Bill A \ Kal.MI Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:23:13 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62343 ain't right to run no player completely in the ground. Jim knows that and I'm sure he'll find a way to put guys into the lineup where we have a good chance to win and at the same time take care of all the players. It's a long season and we got 2 months to go I'd like to see Hessman at 3d a couple more times ain’t right to run no player completely in the ground. Jim knows that and I’m sure he’ll find a way to put guys into the lineup where we have a good chance to win and at the same time take care of all the players. It’s a long season and we got 2 months to go

I’d like to see Hessman at 3d a couple more times

]]> By: colin http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62335 colin Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:58:21 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62335 Hey Joel: Sean Casey's marginal offense for 1B makes sliding Guillen over to first more attractive than it would be otherwise, I agree. But his .291/.355/.384 line is still better than the composite batting line for all AL SS this year (.271/.324/.389). Unless the Tigers feel that Mike Hollimon is ready to contribute as an above average everyday MLB SS I would run Guillen out there at short until his darn legs fall off. Otherwise I feel at a minimum we'd just be wasting money and we don't need a better DH. In addition I'm hopeful that Casey won't be on the roster in 2008 so I was kind of thinking towards the future (and predicting we will employ a productive 1B, which like you said, is easier to find than a productive SS) as well. I'm afraid that if we slide Guillen over to 1B this year, he'll stay there regardless of what is best for the team in '08. I don't have anything positive to say about Jack Wilson wearing the "D" so I won't say anything at all. Hey Joel:

Sean Casey’s marginal offense for 1B makes sliding Guillen over to first more attractive than it would be otherwise, I agree. But his .291/.355/.384 line is still better than the composite batting line for all AL SS this year (.271/.324/.389). Unless the Tigers feel that Mike Hollimon is ready to contribute as an above average everyday MLB SS I would run Guillen out there at short until his darn legs fall off. Otherwise I feel at a minimum we’d just be wasting money and we don’t need a better DH.

In addition I’m hopeful that Casey won’t be on the roster in 2008 so I was kind of thinking towards the future (and predicting we will employ a productive 1B, which like you said, is easier to find than a productive SS) as well. I’m afraid that if we slide Guillen over to 1B this year, he’ll stay there regardless of what is best for the team in ‘08.

I don’t have anything positive to say about Jack Wilson wearing the “D” so I won’t say anything at all.

]]> By: Bill A \ Kal MI http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62326 Bill A \ Kal MI Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:00:19 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62326 I ain't signing onto any of this. we got good players. let's go out there and take care them sox tonite! But ya know what? we can look at how we make the best use of the talent we got. and it's fut to chat about that on the wire Hessman might play 3d -- as he has before -- and might try Inge at SS. He's a cat out there with that glo0ve and Hessman ain't bad his own self that wa we can keep Old LB at 1st. He might hit another 2-sacker! I ain’t signing onto any of this. we got good players.

let’s go out there and take care them sox tonite!

But ya know what? we can look at how we make the best use of the talent we got. and it’s fut to chat about that on the wire

Hessman might play 3d — as he has before — and might try Inge at SS. He’s a cat out there with that glo0ve and Hessman ain’t bad his own self

that wa we can keep Old LB at 1st. He might hit another 2-sacker!

]]> By: Joel http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62324 Joel Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:43:16 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62324 Colin: I don't get the argument that it doesn't help us to move Guillen to first. I don't get where we lose runs by moving him over. As long as the guy who replaces him at SS provides equal or greater value than our current 1B (Casey), it's an improvement, right? There's another part of the equation that needs to be considered. But finding decent-hitting 1Bs seems to be easier than finding value at SS. I agree that it'd have to be a huge defensive upgrade at SS to justify bringing in a Jack Wilson-type offensive non-presence. I think a better solution would be to give Thames more experience at 1B and use him there more regularly and be patient in finding a better replacement at SS. I could handle signing A-Rod after he opts out of his NY contract... :) Colin:

I don’t get the argument that it doesn’t help us to move Guillen to first. I don’t get where we lose runs by moving him over. As long as the guy who replaces him at SS provides equal or greater value than our current 1B (Casey), it’s an improvement, right? There’s another part of the equation that needs to be considered.

But finding decent-hitting 1Bs seems to be easier than finding value at SS. I agree that it’d have to be a huge defensive upgrade at SS to justify bringing in a Jack Wilson-type offensive non-presence. I think a better solution would be to give Thames more experience at 1B and use him there more regularly and be patient in finding a better replacement at SS.

I could handle signing A-Rod after he opts out of his NY contract… :)

]]> By: Stephen http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62323 Stephen Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:07:55 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62323 Two Things I can't abide 1. "Casey is playing well at first base." Sorry guys, Casey is the Wilson of first basemen. He's got no power, an embarassingly average .357 oba, and a slugging % in the .390s which would be ok if he was a shortstop. He is the first base equivalent of your classic 80s shortstop. I'm not saying get rid of him, the team has greater problems, but to suggest he's a positive force on the offense is just isn't true. 2. From the Pitt report: "That deal apparently collapsed when the Pirates asked for a major-league player, perhaps outfielder Craig Monroe." Finally, monroe contributes! Two Things I can’t abide
1. “Casey is playing well at first base.” Sorry guys, Casey is the Wilson of first basemen. He’s got no power, an embarassingly average .357 oba, and a slugging % in the .390s which would be ok if he was a shortstop. He is the first base equivalent of your classic 80s shortstop. I’m not saying get rid of him, the team has greater problems, but to suggest he’s a positive force on the offense is just isn’t true.

2. From the Pitt report:
“That deal apparently collapsed when the Pirates asked for a major-league player, perhaps outfielder Craig Monroe.”

Finally, monroe contributes!

]]> By: Chris in Nashville http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62322 Chris in Nashville Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:26:59 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62322 Good call Walt...I hope you are right. Good call Walt…I hope you are right.

]]> By: Walt http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62321 Walt Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:42:49 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62321 I want to believe in Ryan's outlook, but we did trade for Neifi last year. I want to believe in Ryan’s outlook, but we did trade for Neifi last year.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62320 Ryan Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:14:13 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62320 I choose to believe that this story is one of those cloak-and-dagger waiver wire maneuvers to disguise who DD really wants to help that player slip through waivers. I choose to believe that this story is one of those cloak-and-dagger waiver wire maneuvers to disguise who DD really wants to help that player slip through waivers.

]]> By: Tbone http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62319 Tbone Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:57:05 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62319 Boy, DD is sure getting indicted here before any moves have been made. Give the guy a little credit for getting this team in a position where so many of us actually care about this minutia. And despite all the rumors, he hasn't pulled the trigger yet. If and when that happens, that will be the time to let loose. Having said that, this team is still in desperate need of relief help. If we want to make that happen this season, there will be a price to pay. A Wilson deal only makes sense to me if there is a quality reliver thrown in. Boy, DD is sure getting indicted here before any moves have been made. Give the guy a little credit for getting this team in a position where so many of us actually care about this minutia. And despite all the rumors, he hasn’t pulled the trigger yet. If and when that happens, that will be the time to let loose.

Having said that, this team is still in desperate need of relief help. If we want to make that happen this season, there will be a price to pay. A Wilson deal only makes sense to me if there is a quality reliver thrown in.

]]> By: Angus http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62318 Angus Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:38:09 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62318 I heard on the radio that the deal for Wilson is still on. What is our problem that we need to get run of the mill poor hitting NL SS. If they want that, just bring Neifi back. We are already paying him $ 2 million. I have heard nothing about relief pitchers in this deal. This is a very dumb short sighted deal if it goes through. I heard on the radio that the deal for Wilson is still on. What is our problem that we need to get run of the mill poor hitting NL SS. If they want that, just bring Neifi back. We are already paying him $ 2 million. I have heard nothing about relief pitchers in this deal. This is a very dumb short sighted deal if it goes through.

]]> By: T Smith http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62317 T Smith Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:32:11 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62317 Besides that, I just don't like Jack Wilson. I kinda understand the thinking with Santiago and Hooper both injured -- what happens if Guillen goes down AND something happens to Infante or Polly? I guess they see a whole there. But Santiago should be back by the end of August, and you also have Raburn who can be an emergency utility infielder. I just don't think you need to take out a 14 million dollar insurance policy for three weeks, for another Neifi Perez, and give up a prospect. Besides that, I just don’t like Jack Wilson. I kinda understand the thinking with Santiago and Hooper both injured — what happens if Guillen goes down AND something happens to Infante or Polly? I guess they see a whole there. But Santiago should be back by the end of August, and you also have Raburn who can be an emergency utility infielder. I just don’t think you need to take out a 14 million dollar insurance policy for three weeks, for another Neifi Perez, and give up a prospect.

]]> By: Walt http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62316 Walt Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:21:42 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62316 If DD is dead set on picking up a backup middle IF, Royce Clayton is available and cheaper than Wilson. If DD is dead set on picking up a backup middle IF, Royce Clayton is available and cheaper than Wilson.

]]> By: Chris in Nashville http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62315 Chris in Nashville Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:07:47 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62315 I just don't get the need for Jack Wilson. Carlos's problem is that he makes the hard plays look easy and the easy plays look hard. His technique on fielding grounders isn't what you'd teach a young ball player. That being said, what happens if you get Jack Wilson....are you going to sit Guillen 2 or 3 times a week? No. What else can you do with Guillen to play him as much as he needs to? DH? Nope, Sheff is there. First base? Casey is there and playing well. So I really don't understand why paying $14 million for a back up shortstop that may be a late inning replacement is worth giving up anything for. I'd rather have Ramon in there when he gets healthy, and I don't see the difference between Neifi and Wilson. So none of this really makes sense, plus we are getting this info from Pittsburgh sources, so who knows how much of this is true. I just don’t get the need for Jack Wilson. Carlos’s problem is that he makes the hard plays look easy and the easy plays look hard. His technique on fielding grounders isn’t what you’d teach a young ball player. That being said, what happens if you get Jack Wilson….are you going to sit Guillen 2 or 3 times a week? No. What else can you do with Guillen to play him as much as he needs to? DH? Nope, Sheff is there. First base? Casey is there and playing well. So I really don’t understand why paying $14 million for a back up shortstop that may be a late inning replacement is worth giving up anything for. I’d rather have Ramon in there when he gets healthy, and I don’t see the difference between Neifi and Wilson. So none of this really makes sense, plus we are getting this info from Pittsburgh sources, so who knows how much of this is true.

]]> By: colin http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62314 colin Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:07:33 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62314 Over at http://www.replacementlevel.com right now there's a listing of AL shortstops sorted by runs saved/162 games. Zone rating was used to compile the stats. Guillen's only slightly below average by that metric (-3 runs/162). Moving Guillen to first base could be foolish if we don't get the runs back on defense that we'd lose on offense by swapping out a first baseman for a shortstop. Guillen might stay a little healthier at first but I'm doubtful that would cover the difference, even if the truth lies somewhere between the high error total and the decent ZR. Over at http://www.replacementlevel.com right now there’s a listing of AL shortstops sorted by runs saved/162 games. Zone rating was used to compile the stats. Guillen’s only slightly below average by that metric (-3 runs/162). Moving Guillen to first base could be foolish if we don’t get the runs back on defense that we’d lose on offense by swapping out a first baseman for a shortstop. Guillen might stay a little healthier at first but I’m doubtful that would cover the difference, even if the truth lies somewhere between the high error total and the decent ZR.

]]> By: T Smith http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62313 T Smith Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:05:56 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2007/08/links-for-2007-08-02/#comment-62313 If there is any truth to that Gazette story -- even the slightest -- I'm gonna need to revamp my entire understanding of universe. Let's see: 1. The earth isn't round, it's really flat 2. Einstein, Newton, Galileo: morons -- Ptolemy was right all along. 3. Even after Tigers escape near catastrophy (apparently riding on the luck of Dave Littlefield's idiocy) Tigers deal through waivers two top pitching prospects AND pick up all of Wilson salary off waivers. Phew. Glad we got that settled. Now the universe is aligned and back in balance again. If there is any truth to that Gazette story — even the slightest — I’m gonna need to revamp my entire understanding of universe. Let’s see:

1. The earth isn’t round, it’s really flat
2. Einstein, Newton, Galileo: morons — Ptolemy was right all along.
3. Even after Tigers escape near catastrophy (apparently riding on the luck of Dave Littlefield’s idiocy) Tigers deal through waivers two top pitching prospects AND pick up all of Wilson salary off waivers.

Phew. Glad we got that settled. Now the universe is aligned and back in balance again.

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