The Winter Meetings kicked off today. My fellow bloggers have already commented on how it will be a fairly quiet meetings for the Tigers. That’s what happens when you fill your biggest needs within a couple weeks of the end of the season.
Still, I don’t think the Tigers are done this offseason. While I don’t expect big moves from Detroit during the Winter Meetings, there is still work to be done. The Tigers still have a number of players to tender contracts to. There are currently only 16 members of the team who are signed, and likely to be on the 25 man roster. At least two of those players could be in for a substantial payday.
Curtis Granderson is entering his last year of indentured servitude. The Tigers could sign him for half a million and be done with it. However, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a 5 year deal which would buy him out of his arbitration years and first year of free agency. That would gain the team cost certainty through 2012 which also coincide with the years where he figures to be in his prime.
Nate Roberston is entering his 2nd year of arbitration eligibility. I’d expect that the Tigers ink him to a 2 or 3 year deal. Again, the Tigers would gain cost certainty. And with a two or three year deal it’s unlikely that Robertson would be blocking anyone. The Tigers will need a starter to replace Kenny Rogers next year, so even if a young pitcher steps up there will be room.
The last player who could see an extended deal is Justin Verlander, but I don’t see it this year. Verlander is still signed through 2009, so there is less incentive to lock him up.
The other reason I don’t think they are done, is because the offseason has it’s share of mixed messages. The Tigers big move was the Edgar Renteria trade which has win-now written all over it. And despite what you think of Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones, one year contracts for the pair of aging players indicate that the team is not only in win-now, but win-this-year mode.
But that can’t be it right? If the Tigers are are working with urgency, why have 2/5ths of the rotation be so questionable? Counting on Rogers for more than 150 innings given his age is risky. Counting on a combination of Andrew Miller/Chad Durbin/Yorman Bazardo, and who ever else is risky as well. Don’t the Tigers have to mitigate the risk of these two pieces of the rotation by bringing in somebody? It doesn’t have to be a Carlos Silva (although I wouldn’t complain). A risky pitcher coming off an injury willing to take a one year deal would be perfect. Then you’re looking at a group of pitchers to fill the back end, without relying on any one.
Dombrowski seems content to have a competition for that 5th spot, but I’m more worried about the combination of the last 2 spots.
And then there’s the bullpen. The Tigers are a little boxed in with a number of players out of options (Jose Capellan, Yorman Bazardo, Chad Durbin, Jason Grilli, Francisco Cruceta). Joel Zumaya shouldn’t be counted on this year, even if the doctors are confident, because it is unchartered territory with this injury. I like the addition of Cruceta as a low risk, high upside guy.
But Cruceta becomes a high risk guy if it means the Tigers don’t pursue other options. Fortunately, the Tigers are at least doing due diligence. Jason Beck reports that the Tigers are meeting with Octavio Dotel’s agent tonight. And they are expected to talk with Latroy Hawkins people and Beck reports that Dombrowski has been involved in preliminary trade discussions. Of course the Tigers have to move Chris Shelton in the next couple days, so maybe it’s nothing.
Kenny’s contract
The details of Rogers’ contract have been revealed. He will make an $8 million base salary with performance incentives for innings pitched. He will receive $250,000 for hitting each of the 150, 160, 170, and 180 inning plateaus. He will also receive $500,000 for reaching 190 and 200 innings meaning the total value could reach $10 million.
When I looked at what the Tigers should pay Rogers it appears that the Tigers did well. They are at the higher end, but only marginally so, in terms of guaranteed dollars. But even with the incentives the Tigers should come out ahead. If Rogers is able to pitch 200 innings the $10 million could be a steal. Given the intangible value that the team sees in Rogers this seems like a win.
Okay, so I just came into a decent amount of cash unexpectedly.
Can someone tell me how Tigers season tickets will cost, all attendance related costs included? I know it depends on location and all but I am trying to get a good, solid price range from someone who has been there already.
How much would a limited ticket plan cost? I know I wont be able to attend every game,or even close to every game, so this may be the better option for me.
I have to admit I am pretty clueless about season tickets, since I have always been far too poor to really consider the option before. But now I am really considering putting down the money.
Can anyone here let me in on the info?
It’s up to you, Brian. It can get very expensive, but it can also be very cheap. There’s plenty of free parking. You can carry in food and water. The only cost you can’t avoid (with proper planning) is admission.
Haren Rumor.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/tigers-willing.html
that might help shore up the rotation.
Well the last several years my family has gotten partial season tickets (I think around 25-27 games) in RF right behind Maggs.
Now I know they are expensive, actually really expensive. But, this year I have convinced my parents to buy the 81 games and we are moving to behind almost behind 1st base.
Even if you can’t attend even 40 games (which most don’t), from June-Sept (and I think they will make the playoffs) there will be high demand – so you could actually make money if you spend time to sell your tickets a few weeks ahead of time.
Also they have changed the playoff priority (which if they make it – which again I think they will, you can sell for ridiculous amounts) you have to buy 81 games. They also give you a discount of probably about $5/ticket/game – don’t quote me but from what I remember it is around that.
Another point is you should try to buy the parking that comes with it – it is totally worth it – right next to the stadium. Which again makes it easier to sell.
Also if you get a full game plan it is much easier from what I’ve seen to sell the tickets in the better sections – 1st deck Inge to Guillen.
Another thing you receive are food vouchers and other goodies (only good on weekdays if I remember correctly).
Also you have to consider how many you’d get 1 seat, 2 seats, 3, 4, 5 – the more you get the more you can sell(when Boston/Yanks come to town etc. and playoffs) but the more you’ll pay up front
The best view for cheap becomes available if there is a sellout – which there were quite a few of last year – SRO if you can get a spot in that nice foul territory spot…it is well worth the 15bux – just make sure that you bring a friend so he/she can hold your spot if you go to the bathroom or get food.
Thats some of what I know and I”m kinda tired so if you have any comments/more questions feel free to ask, I’m sure I’m not the only one on this board with this experience.
the MLB trade rumor has expanded to say Miller *AND* Maybin were offered for Haren: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/chronicle-rumor.html
Not believing this one bit. Sounds like a shot in the dark by the writer. Just like Drew Sharp. 🙂
The rumor says that DD might offer Maybin and Miller. I think this is more likely what the A’s asked for.
The more I think about it, the more I like this trade if it is for Miller and middle prospect (not Maybin or Porcello). If we are going to give up Miller, I would rather see them try to get Bedard. Either way, I would hope to lock up the incoming pitcher with a multi year extension. Imagine what the rotation would look like with a Haren trade, then trading raburn and thames for Kasmir.
I am really pulling for a 5 year deal for Grandy and hope for 3+ for Robertson. I think that if Nate is our 5th starter at the end of that deal, we are in good shape. I also think Nate is a guy that could move to the bullpen. Maybe if he was closing, he would be hyped up enough to not walk 2 or 3 batters before bearing down.
Rayburn and Thames for Kazmir, are you joking. If the Ray’s GM were to make that trade he would be fired the next day. First, they just got rid of Delmon Young for pitching because they have too much OF and not enough SPs. Second, Kazmir for those two would be returning pennies on the dollar. Kazmir is more than just a cut above two MLB bench players.
On the other hand, I do like a Miller for Haren trade. This is fair for both sides and Haren is signed through 2010. Miller may end up being awesome, but Haren is darn good right now and will continue to be. Imagine Verlander-Kenny-Haren- Bondo-Nate. It will help compete with Santana-Becket-DiceK- Schilling-Lester. I say if that is on the table, DD should pull the trigger. I would also include anyone not named Porcello or Maybin. This is unlike Renteria or Sheff, this guy is in his prime
Brian, the Tigers really need you to plop down as much money as possible. Make sure you eat a hearty meal before the game. Enjoy.
My goodness what a hot-stove season this has turned out to be. I can’t remember a year where there have been so many trades and deals going on.
Detroit trying to get Cabrera AND D-Train. Link Below:
http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2007/12/04/nashville-finally-going-to-heat-up/
OMG!
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I hate the idea of giving up Maybin … but Cabrera is a stud and Willis has the stuff to win 20 games.
Very, very interesting. Rosenthal isn’t one to just make stuff up….what does everyone think of this? Defensively it would be very bad, but offensively, I love it. Willis….I’d love to add a person of his character to the fold, at the same time, I’m concerned that something in his arm is just not right.
Chances of the deal happening? Anyone? Maybe the Marlins are serious…or perhaps their just using the Tigers to gain leverage with the Angels or other potential suitors. Or maybe DD is just kicking tires.
Thanks for the link em3.
I’ve been on here railing against willis before, but if we can give up miller, maybin and some middling prospect for cabrera and willis, I think that’d be absolutely worth it. Willis is an innings eater, nothing more. Cabrera, though, is an absolute monster, maybe the most valuable hitter (outside of pujols) in baseball right now.
He’s not 25 yet and has hit .313/.388/.542 in over 4 seasons. playing for crappy teams, with no lineup protection in a pitcher’s park. If we can get him signed to an extension (as a precursor to pulling the trigger on a deal), holy jesus and merry xmas. He’s still not even in his prime! I’d rather have cabrera than arod over the next 5-7 years, for sure. Hate to lose miller/maybin, but cabrera is the kind of guy you take a flier like this on.
Freep just posted
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071204/SPORTS02/71204031
Who knows? Wait and see.
We’ve heard willis scuttlebut before, but DD’s called maybin “untouchable” and miller “almost untouchable” in the last few days. DD and his staff were the ones who recruited cabrera for the marlins way back when and probably still have ties.
freep article: if we trade miller and maybin for haren, I will attempt to kick myself in my own balls so as to distract myself from the searing pain in my head.
haren is an above-average pitcher coming off a very good year. Actually 1/2 of a very good year – he had a 4.15 era in the second half of last year and was the beneficiary of huge luck (his low low BABIP) in the first half. Beane obviously wants to sell high, but comparing him to santana or bedard is ridiculous.
http://blog.mlive.com/tigersinsider/2007/12/update_on_the_cabrerawillis_fo.html
Sounds like just talk is all.
This isn’t directly Tigers-related, but according to Jim Kller, the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement to trade utility infielder Omar Infante and lefthander Will Ohman to the Atlanta Braves for righthander Jose Ascanio.
After the Jones trade, I originally thought that the Cubs would non-tender Omar. This is just as good, I suppose. Apparently the Jacque Jones trade was about cutting costs, and nothing else.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AuOFmKiIer0gCH.2olG2kjsRvLYF?slug=txcubsbravestrade&prov=st&type=lgns
Maybin and Miller seem like the real deal, but you can’t fall in love with your prospects. If you can make a deal that makes your team better, you do it. I wouldn’t like to see Miller go unless we got Haren. I’d rather have him than D-train. It would hurt our farm system for a while, but a few things to remember. We have Rick Porcello now, who seems to be by all accounts a stud in waiting PLUS we have an owner that is willing to fork out the big bucks for draft picks, which means we can get more Maybin’s and Miller’s down the line. That being said…I don’t see us making any of these deals.
Some players the Tigers could be willing to part with for Cabrera and/or Willis are outfielder Cameron Maybin and left-hander Andrew Miller.
Yeah?
“Maybin and Miller seem like the real deal, but you can’t fall in love with your prospects. If you can make a deal that makes your team better, you do it. I wouldn’t like to see Miller go unless we got Haren. I’d rather have him than D-train. It would hurt our farm system for a while, but a few things to remember. We have Rick Porcello now, who seems to be by all accounts a stud in waiting PLUS we have an owner that is willing to fork out the big bucks for draft picks, which means we can get more Maybin’s and Miller’s down the line. That being said…I don’t see us making any of these deals.”
Yes Yes and Yes – exactly what I’ve said – Maybin and Miller although are good prospects we can always “overpay” for more
I’d rather we used them though to get a really, really good (and a horse) SP, instead of a great hitter – but he isn’t good defensively and we also have a much bigger issue at pitching IMO
But I really don’t know where they’d put Cabrera? LF?
Plus I really don’t want Dontrell and Haren not much either.
Bedard though…
I doubt any of this will happen.
I think if we got Cabrera they would probably shop Inge around, and let Miggy play 3B until he eats his way to being a first baseman. Though today, Ozzie Guillen (not sure how much of a reputable source that is) says that he saw Miggy Cabrera recently and that he’s dropped about 15 lbs. If that is the case..it could be scary how good he would be.
This is all speculative of course, but my mouth is watering over the possibility of Cabrera. As far as the pitchers rumored today, my personal list of who I’d like to see (in order) 1. Haren 2. Bedard 3. D-Train.
Top 10 similar batters to Miguel Cabrera through age 24:
Hank Aaron (950) *
Ken Griffey (917)
Frank Robinson (911) *
Orlando Cepeda (910) *
Hal Trosky (902)
Joe Medwick (894) *
Al Kaline (893) *
Mickey Mantle (892) *
Andruw Jones (882)
Vladimir Guerrero (879)
6 HOFrs + Griffey and Vlad who will be in. Cabrera’s best 5 years will likely be the next 5. He’s buds w/Guillen and all the Venezuelans.
10 most similar to Willis through age 25:
Steve Avery (986)
Alex Fernandez (970)
Mark Buehrle (967)
Richard Dotson (965)
Mark Gubicza (961)
Jerry Reuss (954)
Larry Christenson (952)
Ross Grimsley (952)
Storm Davis (950)
Mickey Lolich (949)
Some red flags here, also some excellent pitchers.
It’s hard to tell yet just how good Maybin and Miller will be. Both will clearly be successful major leaguers but we don’t know whether they will be stars. Cabrera is a special bat and makes this deal impossible not to take. Key: they need these guys locked up for 5 years.
I would flip Maybin/Miller for Cabrera straight up in a heartbeat. Cabrera is basically the next Manny Ramirez in my book.
Ravech, Gammons & Olney just said on Sportscenter that Willis/Cabrera are Tigers for 6 Tigers.
Cabrera deal is going through!!!!
For who????
Heres a good link
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071204&content_id=2317414&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp
ESPN peter gammons is confiming this.
just saw a breaking news bulletin on ESPN
Maybin, Miller and Rabelo were the only names I caught that are going to Florida
Gammons reported on ESPN’s blog that the deal is Maybin, Miller, Rabelo, and 3 “prospects” (as if we had any left). I still like the deal though.
The names I have are, Miller, Maybin, Rabelo, De La Cruz, Trahern and one more. That is quite a package
Why can’t we keep Miller? And why do we want Willis?
Hey Brandon….still have those ‘tools of ignorance’ hanging around?
Wow!
I mean, wow!
I support this deal. Now who was calling me a loon back in June when i dare suggest ‘Trade Maybin??’
Traded Maybin!!
WOW! This is insane! So much for not moving during the meetings. Well this lineup just got ridiculous, but where are we gonna play Cabrera? Presumably 3rd, but that kinda opens up a new hole on the left side after we made a move to repair one at short.
I need to consider this further before I can even begin to comment.
I’m in shock.
File under: oops! Yesterday’s news…
Willis likely to remain with Marlins
Team expects to retain left-hander, but will listen to offers
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While it seems inevitable that Miguel Cabrera will be leaving the Marlins, strong indications surfaced on Sunday that Dontrelle Willis will be staying in South Florida.
Wow. I have no other words. Just wow.
I like this, more power at third base and a starting rotation set for the future:
Verlander
Bonderman
Willis
Yes!
Holy f’ing hell… this is ridiculous.
We just became the Detroit Marlins, although it’s almost like we’re the Detroit Yankees.
Ya know what, that’s who we are now, the Detroit Marlankees!
Willis is damaged goods, and coming from the easier league with a terrible ERA for a supposed ace.
I really, really hope LA swoops in and makes this deal before we can.
Willis is vastly overrated, but Cabrera will be an absolute monster in this lineup
Stephen, you wanted Maybin traded for middle relief. This is completely different. We just got someone who’s first seasons of his career are on par with Hank-freaking-Aaron (peep his baseball-reference.com comps) and someone who at worst should be a NO. 3-4 starter, innings eater in the AL Central.
Trading Maybin and Miller for this package is what you trade your studs for.
And for those worried about Miggy Cabrera’s weight, there’s a report from this morning on ESPN.com that said he’s working on slimming down since he’s going to be dealt.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3140826
If you’re gonna give away the store–was Ned Skelton Stadium and the deed to Bobby Higgnson’s house thrown in?– might as well as get 25 and 26 yr old studs in return…Team got quantum better while–in the short term–getting younger. Even if Maybin goes on to a great career, I think the early numbers suggest Cabrera could be a Hall of Famer as well and Willis could, if stays healthy, win 200 games. This is a good move.
Actually, if you go back and read what i had to say AFTER a first day of bullpen meltdown irrationality, i suggested only trading Maybin for a package of pitchers. But Mike R, and I know I brought up last summer so that’s my bad, but let us rejoice in the killer lineup we have for 2008.
I love this deal. I’m assuming its contingent on signing Cabrera to a long extension. I’m ecstatic to have Miggy on board, especially with word that he’s lost 15 lbs. and has rededicated himself to getting in top baseball condition. Not to mention he has Sheff and Irod to keep him in line. Long term, this might even be better than AROD.
I think this is good for both sides, because Florida was looking to dump salary and get something in return. They love pitching prospects and desperately needed a CF, this gives them that.
I really really like this deal (so far until we figure who the four other players are). I might be one of the few truly excited about Dontrelle Willis, but I think his problem last year was motivational and a change of scenery with a winner will do him worlds of good.
And, Danny Knobler said a source reports the Marlins have softened on the “no window to negotiate extensions” with Miggy Cabrera. If we can lock him up now, before the market rises any more, along with getting this deal done it’s a HUGE win and the offensive upgrade would probably outweigh the downgrade at 3rd for a couple of years before Sheff’s contracts up which would then let miggy move to the DH.
Ran then numbers. Last year, Miggy Cabrera was a -10.8 defensively, Inge was a plus 12.7 (according to this link but their runs created totals were a 69 for Inge and 135 for Miggy Cabrera, a difference of 66 runs — roughly double what Inge gave us offensively last year. So, the difference between their defense (27.5, I believe) and their offense (66) means last year Miggy was 38.5 runs better. That’s a snap shot and I don’t feel like weighting their offensive production and whatnot for the last 4 years to get a result, since it’s probably basically the same offensively speaking.
Cabrera comes to a team with a half dozen potential mentors.This is a great situation for a guy destined for the HoF who’s had questions raised about his character.This would have been a good trade for the 5 guys mentioned above (plus one ?).With Willis,it’s a great trade.
I know, but that was one of your suggestions and even then, the trade market wouldn’t have netted us this big of a package. I will be bummed if Rick Porcello is involved, but I doubt it with the big bonus he’s owed.
Caption on ESPN’s MLB page says Mike Rabelo and 3 more minor leaguers are going to Florida.
Again, Mike R. jumps in and busts someone’s chops for what was meant to be tongue in cheek.
3 Minor league Pitchers I should say. If we keep Porcello in the fold, then this is a HUGE win for us.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Holy Crap! What a day. This is an organization changing deal. We are really playing with the big boys now. This just emphasizes all the things that can happen when you draft well and invest in the farm system.
I assume this means we get to trade Inge for some much needed bullpen depth now.
While anything stephen might’ve said in this thread today is tongue-in-cheek he, for all I know, was 100% serious in his desire to trade maybin for a package of pitchers that was not worth the price of Maybin this passed July.
Man, I was really excited about Miller. And who do we have to spell Pudge now? Wilson?
I don’t know. El Caballo is pretty great, and D-Train has good career numbers but he’s been on a downward spiral the last few seasons.
I was underwhelmed by Maybin (as we already have Grandy) and De La Cruz, we hadn’t seen Trahern yet, and…man.
This is definitely a “win now” move.
Porcello can not be traded this early in his career, right?
Hi everyone…took me a long time to come back…but I’ve spent the past month and a half lamenting the Tribe’s collapse in the ALCS…sigh.
Anyhow, I Iike this trade in most ways…Cabrera is a monster at third base, and it really solidifies the Tigers lineup. The Tigers may be the only team in baseball to be able to match the Yankees’ offensive prowess. But this seems like a really expensive deal for the Tigers. Sure, you get Cabrera…but Willis? Willis is coming off his worst year in the majors, and with his long-armed delivery he needs to be right on top of things to have effective command. It’s a risky move with a high risk variance. Obviously, if he’s got his delivery worked out, he’ll be golden and be able to eat up a lot of innings (something that was sorely missing from the starting rotation last year). Also, giving six good prospects, two of which are mega-prospects, leaves the team lacking depth in the farm system. If this risk doesn’t work out, the Tigers may have a messy farm system rebuilding project ahead of them.
All in all, I the Tigers may now an even more dangerous offensive attack than last year. But you still have to wonder about the quality of your pitching staff and whether or not there enough depth in the event that the roster runs into injury problems. If things work out, I’d say the Tigers are favorites to, at the very least, return to the playoffs in 2008. I give them a very good chance, better than Cleveland, to win the AL Central.
Wow.
Wow.
I’m just… it’s gonna take some time on this one. But at the rate that we’re wheeling and dealing, we better go ahead and print World Series T-shirts now, because anything less is going to be failure. That’s what they are saying, right?
I agree with whoever said we are basically the Detroit Marlins. Rebuilding the 2003 team is one way to do it!
I can’t believe no one has given the token reference to the Holiday’s, so here goes. MERRY CHIRSTMAS TIGERS FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t begin to describe how long of a winter it will be waiting for the season to start.
Also I agree with you guys that Cabrera will have plenty of veterans to help him along the way, and if he has changed his approach to the sport as the papers have said (losing weight, working out, etc.), he could be a future HOF-er.
The idea of trading Inge for some depth is a good call (he’s basically out of a job now, unless he gets relegated to a utility or backup role). Either young relievers or starters would add to the depth, which, assuming the Cabrera deal goes through, would be a pretty big hole in need of filling.
2008 lineup with last year’s stats – kinda ridiculous…
1. CF Granderson .361/.552/.302, 74 RBI, 23 HR
2. 2B Polanco .388/.458/.341, 67 RBI, 9 HR
3. 3B Cabrera .401/.565/.320, 119 RBI, 34 HR
4. RF Orzoñez .434/.595/.363, 139 RBI, 28 HR
5. DH Sheffield .378/.462/.265, 75 RBI, 25 HR (Spent time on IL)
6. 1B Guillen .357/.502/.296, 102 RBI, 21 HR
7. SS Renteria .390/.470/.332, 57 RBI, 12 HR (Missed about 30 games)
8. C Rodriguez .294/.420/.281, 63 RBI, 11 HR
9. LF Jones .335/.400/.285, 66 RBI, 5 HR (Missed about 20 games)
Via the Freepress:
“The package of prospects includes catcher Mike Rabelo, RHP Burke Badenhop, RHP Eulogio de la Cruz and RHP Dallas Trahern from the organization.”
This kind of deal is why you have depth in the farm system.Was there a better one we should have waited for?It’s not like Cabrera and Willis are a pair of 35 year olds.
Poor Inge…
Can’t argue with this move. Cabrera makes this lineup absolutely ridiculous, and Willis can be fixed if they address his mechanical flaws. Pudge/Jacque Jones is slated to hit 9th.
Every scout think Maybin will be a superstar, but will he be better than Cabrera? I don’t know that he will, Cabrera is REALLY good right now, and only 24. And scouts love Miller, but he obviuosly has command issues and isn’t ready now either.
Rabelo is the only other name I picked up, and he’s expendable, and the minor leaguers, meh, who’s left that matters?
This is a short-term move to win now, and DD has given us a REALLY good shot at doing so. If Boston lands Santana, it gets tough, and I wonder (still) if we have enough starting pitching. But we will score a TON of runs.
I’m stunned. I love it.
Also, we traded Cappellan for a middle reliever.
Wow! Another early Christmas present from the Tigers. Hey, when do pitchers and catchers report? Man, I wish the season started tomorrow!
Exciting Hot Stove Action!
7 of the 9 starters for 2008 slugged north (many were WELL north) of .450 last season… wow.
Poor Inge, indeed. There are teams who will want him.
I’m in shock, just total shock.
Inge is such a good guy and has stuck with us through it all, 119 losses and everything… I honestly hope we find some sensible way to reward him for that.
Inge should have worked a little harder to make contact last year. I wish him well, but he played his way into this deal.
I have to chuckle now when I read Bilfers first sentence to this post.
Wowzers.
Hey and we can always use Dontrelle to hit some triples! Left handed bat off the bench. hahaha
I admit Willis makes me nervous. Is he regressing, or is it a mechanical issue? I truly hope it’s the latter or we just got screwed.
Also, I’m a little surprised this deal didn’t include Inge. I have to think DD spins him into another arm (to the Brewers, now that the Rolen deal fell through?). No way we are keeping a $6 million player on the bench.
Put Inge (or better yet, Miggy) in left, deal Jacque!
They need Jacque, he’s a lefty. Inge is a goner.
Cameron Maybin who?
Some odds and ends:
-I forgot that a player cannot be dealt until 1 year after he was drafted, so Porcello is 100% safe from this deal.
-Eulogio De La Cruz, Burke Badenhop, Dallas Trahern are the others in the deal.
-This is officially dubbed “a steal” as it’s Maybin/Miller for Cabrera, Rabelo/Badenhop/Trahern/De La Cruz for Willis who should be able to be a no. 4 starter in the AL. I’m a bit worried about him, but I think some of his problems stem from Joe Girardi’s plain ABUSE of that pitching staff in his only year there. Anibal Sanchez and Josh Johnson both felt the effects of Girardi and had big arm injuries.
-No to Miggy in LF. I don’t think he could handle it.
-Jon Paul Morosi says that we’re now looking to move Thames, Inge and Durbin as a result of this trade. So we may not be done dealing.
OUTSTANDING!
I do feel kind of bad for inge, but…we got Miggy. I don’t think we’ll see too many check swing strike threes coming out of our third baseman.
My thoughts on this. First, we need to lock of Cabrera. Does anyone know his K situation past this year.
Second, the bullpen needs to be shored up, and I thought DLC was going to be that guy this year.
Third, this team is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.
What about Inge replacing Pudge next year at catcher. I’m sure he would do it if he got to stay on the team. I mean, wouldn’t you?
I’m sure Inge would play for the Mudhens if it meant he didn’t have to catch again.
I think that the D-Train portion of this trade will also pay off dividends. I know he is coming from the NL to the AL, but he also does have a funky delivery that will take AL hitters a while to get used to. Also, he is two years removed from being a 23 year old 22 game winner. This kid is the real deal. Plus, instant fan favorite. D-Train in D-Town…what!
I will miss Inge though.