Comments on: Is it time for Rick Porcello http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/ News, views, and analysis on the Detroit Tigers and baseball Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:59:57 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: billfer http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111343 billfer Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:20:18 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111343 I'd be very surprised to see a massive fire sale, and I think it has more to do with finding buyers. Polanco would likely go, but I don't see a lot of other desirable player/contracts given the market and economy. The Tigers won't eat $75 million to have Cabrera play somewhere else. Guillen is a considerable injury risk. Ordonez is essentially on a 3 year deal and if he doesn't vest the option it means he's injured also making him undesirable. They may be able to move Gerald Laird and could probably get a nice return for Justin Verlander. But I'm not sure how a firesale would come to fruition. I’d be very surprised to see a massive fire sale, and I think it has more to do with finding buyers. Polanco would likely go, but I don’t see a lot of other desirable player/contracts given the market and economy. The Tigers won’t eat $75 million to have Cabrera play somewhere else. Guillen is a considerable injury risk. Ordonez is essentially on a 3 year deal and if he doesn’t vest the option it means he’s injured also making him undesirable.

They may be able to move Gerald Laird and could probably get a nice return for Justin Verlander. But I’m not sure how a firesale would come to fruition.

]]> By: Mr. X http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111330 Mr. X Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:03:41 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111330 As for pitching, I think the best pitcher again is going to be Galarraga. He looked pretty good in the WBC the other day pitching vs the USA team. Are next best might be Porcello. Then Verlander, Bonderman, and Jackson. Minor could be OK, but he has been a notorious slow starter. We'll have to wait until May until he starts pitching well. As for pitching, I think the best pitcher again is going to be Galarraga. He looked pretty good in the WBC the other day pitching vs the USA team. Are next best might be Porcello. Then Verlander, Bonderman, and Jackson. Minor could be OK, but he has been a notorious slow starter. We’ll have to wait until May until he starts pitching well.

]]> By: Mr. X http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111329 Mr. X Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:50:53 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111329 Illich has been making good money with the Tigers since 2006. They had a record year in attendance last season. The Tigers attendance will regress, but it will still probably be better than it was pre-2006. The Tigers still create a huge buzz in the Detroit area and those who don't go to the games at the CoPa will still be watching the games on TV somewhere, either at home or at a bar where they can get cheap drinks. $9 beers, $3 hotdogs, and $10-$20 parking is the main thing keeping me from going to games. If the Tigers were smart they would lower the concession prices and mandate cheaper parking just so that they can draw the fans who are looking to get the most bang for their buck. As for right now I'd much rather spend $20 to $40 at a local sports pub and watch the game in comfort, where I'd also be getting great service from the waitstaff. I probably couldn't go to a Tiger game and get decent seats with less $60 in my wallet. Illich has been making good money with the Tigers since 2006. They had a record year in attendance last season. The Tigers attendance will regress, but it will still probably be better than it was pre-2006. The Tigers still create a huge buzz in the Detroit area and those who don’t go to the games at the CoPa will still be watching the games on TV somewhere, either at home or at a bar where they can get cheap drinks.

$9 beers, $3 hotdogs, and $10-$20 parking is the main thing keeping me from going to games. If the Tigers were smart they would lower the concession prices and mandate cheaper parking just so that they can draw the fans who are looking to get the most bang for their buck. As for right now I’d much rather spend $20 to $40 at a local sports pub and watch the game in comfort, where I’d also be getting great service from the waitstaff. I probably couldn’t go to a Tiger game and get decent seats with less $60 in my wallet.

]]> By: Chauncey http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111328 Chauncey Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:30:11 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111328 Yeah, maybe "bash" was the wrong word, but it just seems to me that we all seem to be pushing the panic button a little hard right now. Yes, this team has 4 or 5 bad contracts. Yes, they have 1-2 spots open in the rotation. But name one team outside of the Yankees and maybe Boston that can tell you who all 5 starters are going to be right now. I can tell you this- I would take the question marks over the Tigers starting rotation over what the Indians have at the moment. Also, the most encouraging sign for the Tigers so far this ST has been the bullpen, which looks to be much improved, at the least, over last year. I'm not predicting world series for the Tigers, but I do think that they have the pieces to make a serious run at the division. Yeah, maybe “bash” was the wrong word, but it just seems to me that we all seem to be pushing the panic button a little hard right now. Yes, this team has 4 or 5 bad contracts. Yes, they have 1-2 spots open in the rotation. But name one team outside of the Yankees and maybe Boston that can tell you who all 5 starters are going to be right now. I can tell you this- I would take the question marks over the Tigers starting rotation over what the Indians have at the moment.

Also, the most encouraging sign for the Tigers so far this ST has been the bullpen, which looks to be much improved, at the least, over last year. I’m not predicting world series for the Tigers, but I do think that they have the pieces to make a serious run at the division.

]]> By: Chris in Dallas http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111327 Chris in Dallas Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:38:43 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111327 Forgot to add that I saw Sheffield tonked a couple of HR yesterday, including one off of Sabathia. If they can get <i>anything</i> out of him this season, that would be a bonus. Forgot to add that I saw Sheffield tonked a couple of HR yesterday, including one off of Sabathia. If they can get anything out of him this season, that would be a bonus.

]]> By: Chris in Dallas http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111326 Chris in Dallas Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:37:22 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111326 I don't think "bash" is the right word. Constructive criticism, maybe. I'm pretty sure we all want them to succeed. I don’t think “bash” is the right word. Constructive criticism, maybe. I’m pretty sure we all want them to succeed.

]]> By: Chauncey http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111325 Chauncey Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:26:17 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111325 Why is it that we Tigers fans have such a propensity to continually bash our team? Trading Cabrera would be absurd. You do not trade a 25 year old that just hit 37 HR, 120+ RBI with a near .300 batting average, especially when he didn't even really get going until June or so. I agree that there are a lot of contract issues on this team, but the advantage that the Tigers have is that of all the bad contracts on the team, none of them are long term. They get out of the Sheff contract after this year, and Willis and Robertson next year- so really, what benefit would come out of trading Cabrera? Its not as though this team is in total rebuild mode either- like Mark says, they certainly have a realistic shot of contending this year, especially if the rotation comes together. As for Porcello, I think the one thing that keeps getting overlooked is that he is going to be throwing 90-100 pitches someplace- either at Erie or in Detroit- so if he is ready from a talent perspective, why not use those pitches in the bigs? If he proves he's not ready, then send him down. Its not as though he's being given the job- he's actually earning it, and has been by far the best pitcher in camp by far. A rotation of JV, JB, Jackson, Galarragga and Porcello is certainly nothing to scoff at either. Why is it that we Tigers fans have such a propensity to continually bash our team? Trading Cabrera would be absurd. You do not trade a 25 year old that just hit 37 HR, 120+ RBI with a near .300 batting average, especially when he didn’t even really get going until June or so. I agree that there are a lot of contract issues on this team, but the advantage that the Tigers have is that of all the bad contracts on the team, none of them are long term. They get out of the Sheff contract after this year, and Willis and Robertson next year- so really, what benefit would come out of trading Cabrera? Its not as though this team is in total rebuild mode either- like Mark says, they certainly have a realistic shot of contending this year, especially if the rotation comes together.

As for Porcello, I think the one thing that keeps getting overlooked is that he is going to be throwing 90-100 pitches someplace- either at Erie or in Detroit- so if he is ready from a talent perspective, why not use those pitches in the bigs? If he proves he’s not ready, then send him down. Its not as though he’s being given the job- he’s actually earning it, and has been by far the best pitcher in camp by far. A rotation of JV, JB, Jackson, Galarragga and Porcello is certainly nothing to scoff at either.

]]> By: Mark in Chicago http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111324 Mark in Chicago Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:57:20 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111324 If the Tigers are really out of it by the deadline, Chris in D I think you hit it perfectly. Polanco, Ordonez, Thames, Guillen are all moveable parts. Granderson and Cabrera stay put. However, I suspect that if Verlander has a year similar to last year, he might be on the block as well. He's still arb-eligible with a very reasonable contract, and some team desperate for pitching at the deadline might overpay with some top-notch prospects. If you're truly rebuilding, you can get a haul of good young players for JV and younger players would provide greater cost-certainty. And then you would build your rotation around Porcello and ML-ready prospects you can add via trade. Chances are this won't be the case since I think DD views this as a bit of a transition year (albeit with a chance to contend) getting ready for a leaner, meaner, younger 2010 team. However, if he feels like 2010 doesn't have quite the promise it does now, you have to think he'd at least consider it and take a longer view. If the Tigers are really out of it by the deadline, Chris in D I think you hit it perfectly. Polanco, Ordonez, Thames, Guillen are all moveable parts. Granderson and Cabrera stay put.

However, I suspect that if Verlander has a year similar to last year, he might be on the block as well. He’s still arb-eligible with a very reasonable contract, and some team desperate for pitching at the deadline might overpay with some top-notch prospects. If you’re truly rebuilding, you can get a haul of good young players for JV and younger players would provide greater cost-certainty. And then you would build your rotation around Porcello and ML-ready prospects you can add via trade.

Chances are this won’t be the case since I think DD views this as a bit of a transition year (albeit with a chance to contend) getting ready for a leaner, meaner, younger 2010 team. However, if he feels like 2010 doesn’t have quite the promise it does now, you have to think he’d at least consider it and take a longer view.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111323 Ryan Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:04:41 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111323 Don't think Cabrera goes anywhere. It's kind of a double-edged sword. If the economy continues to tank to the point where the Tigs need to be rid of the contract, no other team is going to be in the mood to lay out that money. Ordonez's options (I believe) auto-vest if he gets around 500 PA this year, which makes his one year contract a three year, and puts him in the same boat. Porcello... god that's tough, isn't it? I think the best option right now is JV/JB/Armando/Jackson/Miner. If one of those guys is injured or pitches out of the rotation, it's gotta be Porcello. If Porcello is on the team though, I'd like to see his every third start go to Nate, who I assume is going to be the long guy this year. Treating Porcello right is worth four or five extra losses. Plus, maybe Nate isn't obscenely bad and regains a little trade value. Don’t think Cabrera goes anywhere. It’s kind of a double-edged sword. If the economy continues to tank to the point where the Tigs need to be rid of the contract, no other team is going to be in the mood to lay out that money. Ordonez’s options (I believe) auto-vest if he gets around 500 PA this year, which makes his one year contract a three year, and puts him in the same boat.

Porcello… god that’s tough, isn’t it? I think the best option right now is JV/JB/Armando/Jackson/Miner. If one of those guys is injured or pitches out of the rotation, it’s gotta be Porcello. If Porcello is on the team though, I’d like to see his every third start go to Nate, who I assume is going to be the long guy this year. Treating Porcello right is worth four or five extra losses. Plus, maybe Nate isn’t obscenely bad and regains a little trade value.

]]> By: Chris in Dallas http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111322 Chris in Dallas Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:35:32 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111322 Late to the discussion on this particular topic, but Cabrera goes nowhere. If the Tigers are out of it by the trade deadline, you'll see guys like Polanco and Ordonez on the block. Both guys deals expire after this year (though there are a slew of options on Ordonez's contract) anyway. And Sheffield will be off the books. That saves a ton of $ if Illitch decides to go into skinflint mode. The future of the club is Cabrera-Granderson, who are both young and locked up for a bunch of years. On the pitching side, they will likely try to build around Verlander-Porcello until JV flies the coop. Late to the discussion on this particular topic, but Cabrera goes nowhere. If the Tigers are out of it by the trade deadline, you’ll see guys like Polanco and Ordonez on the block. Both guys deals expire after this year (though there are a slew of options on Ordonez’s contract) anyway. And Sheffield will be off the books. That saves a ton of $ if Illitch decides to go into skinflint mode. The future of the club is Cabrera-Granderson, who are both young and locked up for a bunch of years. On the pitching side, they will likely try to build around Verlander-Porcello until JV flies the coop.

]]> By: Rick G http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111321 Rick G Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:33:40 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111321 Interesting piece by <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9325900/Rookie-hurler-tempting-Tigers-to-keep-him-up" rel="nofollow">Ken Rosenthal</a> on Rick Porcello. Looks like they're leaning toward bringing him up. Side topic - anyone else watching "Eastbound & Down" on HBO? It's the story of a washed up relief pitcher trying to work his way back into normal life, sort of has a "My Name is Earl" feel to it but with a lot of swearing and nudity. I can't decide if it's "good" or "so-bad-it's-good," but I can't help feeling I'm watching Joel Zumaya's future... Interesting piece by Ken Rosenthal on Rick Porcello. Looks like they’re leaning toward bringing him up.

Side topic – anyone else watching “Eastbound & Down” on HBO? It’s the story of a washed up relief pitcher trying to work his way back into normal life, sort of has a “My Name is Earl” feel to it but with a lot of swearing and nudity. I can’t decide if it’s “good” or “so-bad-it’s-good,” but I can’t help feeling I’m watching Joel Zumaya’s future…

]]> By: ron http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111320 ron Thu, 12 Mar 2009 06:27:49 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111320 Mental health and being a member of the National Honor Society, hmmm.... Mental health and being a member of the National Honor Society, hmmm….

]]> By: ron http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111319 ron Thu, 12 Mar 2009 06:03:36 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111319 ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Oh yeh, Porcello.Seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Yeh, he can get thru six innings on 90 pitches. He's a stud. Pitching is a thinking man's position. he could be our ace by August. But that service time thing is a stickler. He and we might have to bite the bullet for the good of the company. We don't want the kid to get to arbitration too quickly with money as tight as it is. Dombro says that's no problem. Well see. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Oh yeh, Porcello.Seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Yeh, he can get thru six innings on 90 pitches. He’s a stud. Pitching is a thinking man’s position. he could be our ace by August. But that service time thing is a stickler. He and we might have to bite the bullet for the good of the company. We don’t want the kid to get to arbitration too quickly with money as tight as it is. Dombro says that’s no problem. Well see. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

]]> By: ron http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111318 ron Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:20:48 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111318 What pressure? It's a little boys game. What pressure? It’s a little boys game.

]]> By: David http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111317 David Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:31:04 +0000 http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2009/03/is-it-time-for-rick-porcello/#comment-111317 Greg LOL if only if only, another explanation might be he got some easy pitches to hit (ie Sabathia made mistakes) and plus he hasn't done poorly against Sabathia career (just under .900 OPS) and plus he "GETS UP" for games involving the Yanks @ Sheff =p if your reading this do the team a favor, and pull a Higgi - drop off, let us know in the paper we'll all thank you for it considering your value is (-) and quite possibly you have the most negative influence worst on this team. It is like we signed Juan Gonzalez to an extension and can't let him go after he struggles to hit not his but the short-stop's weight at the DH slot!!!!!!! Greg LOL if only if only,

another explanation might be he got some easy pitches to hit (ie Sabathia made mistakes) and plus he hasn’t done poorly against Sabathia career (just under .900 OPS) and plus he “GETS UP” for games involving the Yanks

@ Sheff =p if your reading this do the team a favor, and pull a Higgi – drop off, let us know in the paper we’ll all thank you for it considering your value is (-) and quite possibly you have the most negative influence worst on this team.

It is like we signed Juan Gonzalez to an extension and can’t let him go after he struggles to hit not his but the short-stop’s weight at the DH slot!!!!!!!

]]>