From what I’ve read, Seattle is at the head of this race. They already have the investment in Japanese players, and I would gather the Yankees will attempt to overpay as well, as they are obviuosly desperate for starting pitching. Still, it would be nice to see DD take a run at him, he’s never seemed to be afraid of thinking outside the box (who saw the Sean Casey trade coming?).

Spot Starters, you mentioned Kerry Wood. I would totally take him on my team any day, just don’t count on him (even moreso than Kenny Rogers). Great makeup, but with those mechanics, he won’t be able to last a full year regardless of his role. Unless he gets a chance to start somewhere (Rangers/Astros, for example) I think he prolly goes back to the Cubs disabled list.

If we can get this guy for cheap, let’s do it. Get Kenny and this guy. There is some confusion about what a shuuto is – it breaks like a screwball but not as much. It is faster. Think of it as a cutter from the wrong hand; so for a RHP, it will look something like a LHP’s cutter.

I’d be interested in this guy. If he struggles starting, it sounds like he could be a strong bullpen arm, which (like starters) you can never have too many of.

So like a 2-seam fastball with less sink, essentially.

And I’m fine for bringing back Kenny at 1 year, $7-7.5 Million and then going after Hiroki Kuroda. That asking price for him, given this market, isn’t all too bad.

Whatever the Tigers end up paying they need him. Kuroda sounds ok. He’d be cheaper than Wood, Livan or Silva. Colon might cost more as well but you could likely get Bart on a one year make good deal. Wood and Colon have huge injury risks. Silva is to me mediocrity personified. I have always like Livan’s durability but his K rate took an alarming nosedive this year (90 Ks in 200+ IP). I think Kuroda would likely be as good as Silva or Livan, without the upside of Wood or Colon if they were healthy.

Still want another reliever. And don’t tell me Matt Mantei.

Is Carl Pavano done? Does old friend DD give him an NRI?

Rogers: I’m 43. I don’t want to deal with this crap anymore. I just want to sign with the Tigers.
Boras: No, no let’s wait. We can get you more money!
Rogers: Game over. You’re done, get out.

I don’t know what kind of scouts we have in Japan, but if we weren’t even mentioned with Fukodome (a left handed OF) I wouldn’t put too much into any other Japanese ballplayers rumors.

My guess was that Boras was just pissing everybody off including Rogers and Arod.

I’ve always wished they dipped into the Japan market – even for Kosuke Fukudome

I also would like them to go after Wood or a similar guy for cheap, but not Colon.

And while they do need the depth the more I think about it, if they resign Rogers and give the 5 spot to Bazardo or Miller(who could have really stepped foward like Verlander who knows?) \\I wouldn’t mind seeing Miner given another shot.

Even though last year his WHIP was higher his ERA was very good and is going to be 26

I’d be interested in this guy. If he struggles starting, it sounds like he could be a strong bullpen arm, which (like starters) you can never have too many of.