I had so much hope after the first day of the winter meetings. The Tigers had two holes filled with plenty of money to fix the bullpen. Things aren’t going according to my plan.
Francisco Rodriguez was never an option for the Tigers, but he’s with the Mets. Kerry Wood was a very attractive, no compensatory draft pick, choice. But Wood chose the Indians.
The Tigers are still interested in J.J. Putz, but so are the Brewers. The Brewers have a better system and I don’t want the Tigers to get into a bidding war. Already Matt Joyce AND Jeff Larish AND Luis Marte have been discussed. That’s way too much for a guy with elbow ligament issues. It would be reminiscent of the Renteria trade in which the team instantly gets older. Joyce can’t be part of that deal.
But it sounds like the Mariners aren’t finding any matches and it’s unclear of the Tigers met with the Mariners today.
Brandon Lyon is a secondary arm I’d like to see the Tigers add. He’s talking to the Red Sox now.
Yes, Brian Fuentes (Rosenthal says the Tigers are interested in Fuentes) and Juan Cruz are still out there. Either would mean parting with the second round pick in next year’s draft.
Meanwhile the Tigers don’t like the Bobby Seay-Clay Rapada-Nate Robertson possibilities as lefties and continue to pursue Joe Beimel. Beimel is suitable as a LOOGY, but he wouldn’t be paid or used that way. The guy has walked more right handed batters in his career than he’s struck out. Don’t be fooled by the low ERA last year. Other than an ability to limit homers he isn’t a good pitcher.
If they can’t get Beimel then John Parrish is the back-up plan. Parrish has walked 6.10 batters per 9 innings over his career. Yippee. The walk numbers have been more mediocre to not good as of late, but the K-rate has gone the same way. He strikes me more as a spring training NRI than someone worthy of a 40 man roster spot.
Here’s hoping tomorrow is a better day.
UDPATE Wednesday 5:58 a.m.:
- Morosi notes that Dombrowski reiterated that the payroll will likely be about $134 million. Good news for those wondering if the Tigers were saving money to spend it somewhere else, or just saving money. I have the payroll at $104 million currently.
- Dombrowski also said that Rodney could close next year. I think that is just talk at this point to try and paint the idea the Tigers aren’t desperate for a closer.
- Ken Rosenthal notes that the Tigers are one of 5 teams, including the Angels now, who are interested in Brian Fuentes.
UPDATE Wednesday 7:43 p.m. Thanks to everyone for participating and keeping the rumors flowing today. Sheffield and Smoltz? Huh.