***Officialish Detroit Tigers Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Eephus]

Looks like they're bringing back Laird to back up AA.http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/17/report-tigers-close-to-bringing-back-gerald-laird/

Let's just hope Alex doen't miss too many games, not a huge fan of Lard.

Laird is a pinch runner these days

 

[Greco]

Looks like they're bringing back Laird to back up AA.http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/17/report-tigers-close-to-bringing-back-gerald-laird/

Let's just hope Alex doen't miss too many games, not a huge fan of Lard.

Laird is a pinch runner these days

...with a WS ring.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Gerald Laird! Last year in Arlington I was yelling, "LAST GAME AS A TIGER FAT ###!!!!!!" I mean really loud, and I'm not a heckler, I'm rarely tht guy but I hate me some Gerald Laird.

Well...####.

 

[igbomb]

MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP...

 

[Raider Nation]

MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP...

Not a popular choice for the purists, but I think it's the right call.

 

[Oh Yes!]

good, most dominant player in the league this year...

 

[Leroy Hoard]

This makes up for bringing back Laird.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Well deserved.

 

[Greco]

I'm glad he won it, but I still think Cabrera was more valuable.

 

[Apple Juice]

I'm glad he won it, but I still think Cabrera was more valuable.

It's close for me. But for as close as I consider them, the amount of attention Cabrera gets compared to JV is way off.

 

[Greco]

I'm glad he won it, but I still think Cabrera was more valuable.

It's close for me. But for as close as I consider them, the amount of attention Cabrera gets compared to JV is way off.

Cabrera would have to win the triple crown to win the mvp. We, as fans, have come to expect such gaudy numbers from him and I think it's overlooked how valuable a player he is.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Verlander becomes only one of two pitchers in baseball history to win ROY, the Cy Young and the MVP in a career (Don Newcombe is the other). How about a WS MVP?

 

[skillz]

I keep hearing Chone Figgins' name being thrown around as a possible 2B if Seattle takes on a good amount of his contract. I think he'd do well at Comerica and could bat leadoff. I just don't know if his head is on straight at this point. Maybe a change of scenery would help.

 

[Eephus]

I keep hearing Chone Figgins' name being thrown around as a possible 2B if Seattle takes on a good amount of his contract. I think he'd do well at Comerica and could bat leadoff. I just don't know if his head is on straight at this point. Maybe a change of scenery would help.

He's not a very good 2B (or hitter for that matter).

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I keep hearing Chone Figgins' name being thrown around as a possible 2B if Seattle takes on a good amount of his contract. I think he'd do well at Comerica and could bat leadoff. I just don't know if his head is on straight at this point. Maybe a change of scenery would help.

He's not a very good 2B (or hitter for that matter).

He does draw a lot of walks, but the not hitting part is worrisome. He also has $17 million left on his contract.

 

[Eephus]

I keep hearing Chone Figgins' name being thrown around as a possible 2B if Seattle takes on a good amount of his contract. I think he'd do well at Comerica and could bat leadoff. I just don't know if his head is on straight at this point. Maybe a change of scenery would help.

He's not a very good 2B (or hitter for that matter).

He does draw a lot of walks, but the not hitting part is worrisome. He also has $17 million left on his contract.

He earned over $450,000 per walk in 2011

 

[MAC_32]

I keep hearing Chone Figgins' name being thrown around as a possible 2B if Seattle takes on a good amount of his contract. I think he'd do well at Comerica and could bat leadoff. I just don't know if his head is on straight at this point. Maybe a change of scenery would help.

He's not a very good 2B (or hitter for that matter).

He's just an awful baseball player.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Kinda funny but I said during the World Series that the Tigers needed guys like Octavio Dotel. Now they are targeting him which is nice.

Mark Buehrle too?

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Kinda funny but I said during the World Series that the Tigers needed guys like Octavio Dotel. Now they are targeting him which is nice. Mark Buehrle too?

Dotel would be great. Buehrle would be dreamy, but there are 13 other teams interested.Tigers have inquired on Aramis. Not a huge fan. It's like adding a VMart clone. Honestly, what would it take to get David Wright from the Mets?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Is Gene Lamont's stock rising with Red Sox?

Tony Paul/ The Detroit News

Bobby Valentine's a star with a big personality. Gene Lamont really isn't. And who knows? That might actually make Lamont, third base coach for the Tigers, the favorite to be the next manager of the Red Sox, a team desperately seeking a stable and respected leader in the wake of the late-season collapse that cost Terry Francona his job.

It's long been assumed the job would be Valentine's. But he has yet to be hired, which would lead a logical person to believe somebody in the Fenway front offices is having second thoughts.

Lamont, who last managed in 2000, is the safer choice. Now it seems possible he might soon be the final choice, too.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Is Gene Lamont's stock rising with Red Sox?Tony Paul/ The Detroit NewsBobby Valentine's a star with a big personality. Gene Lamont really isn't. And who knows? That might actually make Lamont, third base coach for the Tigers, the favorite to be the next manager of the Red Sox, a team desperately seeking a stable and respected leader in the wake of the late-season collapse that cost Terry Francona his job. It's long been assumed the job would be Valentine's. But he has yet to be hired, which would lead a logical person to believe somebody in the Fenway front offices is having second thoughts. Lamont, who last managed in 2000, is the safer choice. Now it seems possible he might soon be the final choice, too.

Please, please, please let this be true.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Is Gene Lamont's stock rising with Red Sox?Tony Paul/ The Detroit NewsBobby Valentine's a star with a big personality. Gene Lamont really isn't. And who knows? That might actually make Lamont, third base coach for the Tigers, the favorite to be the next manager of the Red Sox, a team desperately seeking a stable and respected leader in the wake of the late-season collapse that cost Terry Francona his job. It's long been assumed the job would be Valentine's. But he has yet to be hired, which would lead a logical person to believe somebody in the Fenway front offices is having second thoughts. Lamont, who last managed in 2000, is the safer choice. Now it seems possible he might soon be the final choice, too.

Please, please, please let this be true.

Maybe we can wave him into Boston...

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Is Gene Lamont's stock rising with Red Sox?Tony Paul/ The Detroit NewsBobby Valentine's a star with a big personality. Gene Lamont really isn't. And who knows? That might actually make Lamont, third base coach for the Tigers, the favorite to be the next manager of the Red Sox, a team desperately seeking a stable and respected leader in the wake of the late-season collapse that cost Terry Francona his job. It's long been assumed the job would be Valentine's. But he has yet to be hired, which would lead a logical person to believe somebody in the Fenway front offices is having second thoughts. Lamont, who last managed in 2000, is the safer choice. Now it seems possible he might soon be the final choice, too.

Please, please, please let this be true.

Maybe we can wave him into Boston...

Too bad, looks like they went the Valentine route.So Maicer Izturis is a fallback if a Prado trade can't go through? Color me uninthused.

 

[Da Guru]

No Code Red for Santiago..

It may not be a blockbuster, but the Tigers are very happy to have re-signed utility man Ramon Santagio to a two-year deal on Wednesday.

Santiago, 32, played second base, third base and shortstop for the Tigers last season, hitting .260/.311/.384, including 75 starts at second base. Detroit is still looking to upgrate at second base, third base and left field, but Santiago could fill the team's need at second base if the team doesn't find a better option.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Really thought Ramon was off to greener pastures. I like this development, quite a bit actually. People finally saw late last year what that guy has done his whole time in Detroit: be productive.

 

[Greco]

code red!

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Read this on MLBTradeRumors.com

Heyman On Braves, Wilson, Reyes, Astros, Minaya

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 8:52am CST]

The Marlins agreed to sign Heath Bell last night and they may make more major free agent signings later this month. Here’s the latest from Jon Heyman of SI.com, starting with a note on the Marlins (Twitter links):

•The Marlins are optimistic about signing Jose Reyes and they are considering upping their initial bid (it was in the $75-90MM range). The Mets and Marlins appear to be Reyes' two main suitors, but interested teams view the Tigers as a threat to sign the shortstop. “They are good poker players,” one exec said.

I can't see it happening but I'd sure be willing to give it a shot. Hey, it's not my money.

 

[Da Guru]

Read this on MLBTradeRumors.com

Heyman On Braves, Wilson, Reyes, Astros, Minaya

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 8:52am CST]

The Marlins agreed to sign Heath Bell last night and they may make more major free agent signings later this month. Here’s the latest from Jon Heyman of SI.com, starting with a note on the Marlins (Twitter links):

•The Marlins are optimistic about signing Jose Reyes and they are considering upping their initial bid (it was in the $75-90MM range). The Mets and Marlins appear to be Reyes' two main suitors, but interested teams view the Tigers as a threat to sign the shortstop. “They are good poker players,” one exec said.

I can't see it happening but I'd sure be willing to give it a shot. Hey, it's not my money.

Scratch Reyes off the Tigers list. This may be a good thing, don`t think Reyes hammys would hold up in the cold nights during April and May.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Tigers, Blue Jays, Padres Inquired On Daniel MurphyBy Tim Dierkes [December 5 at 2:19pm CST]The Tigers, Blue Jays, and Padres inquired on Mets infielder Daniel Murphy, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman adds that the Mets like the Tigers' Andy Dirks as a potential center field alternative to Angel Pagan.Murphy, 26, hit .320/.362/.448 in 423 plate appearances while playing first base, second base, and third base this year.

 

[Da Guru]

Tigers, Blue Jays, Padres Inquired On Daniel MurphyBy Tim Dierkes [December 5 at 2:19pm CST]The Tigers, Blue Jays, and Padres inquired on Mets infielder Daniel Murphy, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman adds that the Mets like the Tigers' Andy Dirks as a potential center field alternative to Angel Pagan.Murphy, 26, hit .320/.362/.448 in 423 plate appearances while playing first base, second base, and third base this year.

Any deal that will get Ingle less ABs I am all for.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Read this on MLBTradeRumors.com

Heyman On Braves, Wilson, Reyes, Astros, Minaya

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 2 at 8:52am CST]

The Marlins agreed to sign Heath Bell last night and they may make more major free agent signings later this month. Here’s the latest from Jon Heyman of SI.com, starting with a note on the Marlins (Twitter links):

•The Marlins are optimistic about signing Jose Reyes and they are considering upping their initial bid (it was in the $75-90MM range). The Mets and Marlins appear to be Reyes' two main suitors, but interested teams view the Tigers as a threat to sign the shortstop. “They are good poker players,” one exec said.

I can't see it happening but I'd sure be willing to give it a shot. Hey, it's not my money.

Scratch Reyes off the Tigers list. This may be a good thing, don`t think Reyes hammys would hold up in the cold nights during April and May.

Agree with this.

 

[MAC_32]

Tigers, Blue Jays, Padres Inquired On Daniel MurphyBy Tim Dierkes [December 5 at 2:19pm CST]The Tigers, Blue Jays, and Padres inquired on Mets infielder Daniel Murphy, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman adds that the Mets like the Tigers' Andy Dirks as a potential center field alternative to Angel Pagan.Murphy, 26, hit .320/.362/.448 in 423 plate appearances while playing first base, second base, and third base this year.

Any deal that will get Ingle less ABs I am all for.

Not if it means giving up anything meaningful, Murphy isn't any good. He's about Scott Sizemore caliber, which would make last year's deal pretty stupid. I'm fine with it if it's Dirks though, it's just a swap of mediocrity but Murphy's a greater need for us. Really would ike to see us set our sights higher though.

 

[skillz]

I am surprised to hear the Tigers are going after Cespedes so aggressively. I don't see how OF is a position of need this offseason and he's such an unknown commodity. Seems like we'd be better off devoting our resources elsewhere to improve the team. Will be interesting to see what happens.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Gio Gonzalez is now on the radar. Another high K pitcher with control issues at times. I'd like him as a #4 but I'm not sure how deep he gets into games. Could be Scherzer part 2. Can be lights out or a drain on the bullpen.

I still want a top of the order high OBP guy badly. Preferably a guy with some speed.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I still want a top of the order high OBP guy badly. Preferably a guy with some speed.

I agree, counting on AJax in that spot is pushing it IMO. We have the guys to fill the 2 thru 6 or 7 spots pretty well.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I am surprised to hear the Tigers are going after Cespedes so aggressively. I don't see how OF is a position of need this offseason and he's such an unknown commodity. Seems like we'd be better off devoting our resources elsewhere to improve the team. Will be interesting to see what happens.

It's not my money, I'm fine with this. Delmon will be gone after this year anyway and they can platoon the guys and give rest where rest is needed. Boesch could go to LF, Cepedes in RF. But I think that is why he won't sign, he probably wants to play CF. He's not playing CF in Detroit. A's are trying to sell Gio high and he's gonna cost at least two of the Tigers top prospects. I'm actually a Gio fan and think he's just starting to come into his own, but he's not worth two top prospects IMO. Depends on who it is, I just want them to keep Castellanos.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

A's are trying to sell Gio high and he's gonna cost at least two of the Tigers top prospects. I'm actually a Gio fan and think he's just starting to come into his own, but he's not worth two top prospects IMO. Depends on who it is, I just want them to keep Castellanos.

Forget Gio......A's are asking for the world in return. Turner, Castellanos, and Dirks?

 

[Comer]

A's are trying to sell Gio high and he's gonna cost at least two of the Tigers top prospects. I'm actually a Gio fan and think he's just starting to come into his own, but he's not worth two top prospects IMO. Depends on who it is, I just want them to keep Castellanos.

Forget Gio......A's are asking for the world in return. Turner, Castellanos, and Dirks?

Castellanos sounds like another Sizemore. Gio is a pretty good young controllable pitcher and he's a lefty. Make the deal.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

A's are trying to sell Gio high and he's gonna cost at least two of the Tigers top prospects. I'm actually a Gio fan and think he's just starting to come into his own, but he's not worth two top prospects IMO. Depends on who it is, I just want them to keep Castellanos.

Forget Gio......A's are asking for the world in return. Turner, Castellanos, and Dirks?

Castellanos sounds like another Sizemore. Gio is a pretty good young controllable pitcher and he's a lefty. Make the deal.

Sizemore is 6 foot, 185 pounds. Castellanos is 6'4", 195 and he's only 19 years old. It's too early to write him off saying he sounds like a Sizemore clone.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

A's are trying to sell Gio high and he's gonna cost at least two of the Tigers top prospects. I'm actually a Gio fan and think he's just starting to come into his own, but he's not worth two top prospects IMO. Depends on who it is, I just want them to keep Castellanos.

Forget Gio......A's are asking for the world in return. Turner, Castellanos, and Dirks?

Castellanos sounds like another Sizemore. Gio is a pretty good young controllable pitcher and he's a lefty. Make the deal.

Sizemore is 6 foot, 185 pounds. Castellanos is 6'4", 195 and he's only 19 years old. It's too early to write him off saying he sounds like a Sizemore clone.

Comer is quite possibly the dumbest person on the internet, disregard him.Tigers are apparently the front runner for Dotel.

 

[skillz]

A's are trying to sell Gio high and he's gonna cost at least two of the Tigers top prospects. I'm actually a Gio fan and think he's just starting to come into his own, but he's not worth two top prospects IMO. Depends on who it is, I just want them to keep Castellanos.

Forget Gio......A's are asking for the world in return. Turner, Castellanos, and Dirks?

F that. Not at that price.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

One NL International scouting director said:

"The Tigers are gonna get that guy (Cepedes), I promise you that."

Guy has been compared by scouts (unbelievably) to Cameron Maybin with less speed and a lot more power. I for one have already prepared this 40X40 foot banner:



BIENVENIDOS A DETROIT! WE US SOME COMMIE BEISBOL PLAYERS UP HERE!

 

[Comer]

A's are trying to sell Gio high and he's gonna cost at least two of the Tigers top prospects. I'm actually a Gio fan and think he's just starting to come into his own, but he's not worth two top prospects IMO. Depends on who it is, I just want them to keep Castellanos.

Forget Gio......A's are asking for the world in return. Turner, Castellanos, and Dirks?

Castellanos sounds like another Sizemore. Gio is a pretty good young controllable pitcher and he's a lefty. Make the deal.

Sizemore is 6 foot, 185 pounds. Castellanos is 6'4", 195 and he's only 19 years old. It's too early to write him off saying he sounds like a Sizemore clone.

Not writing him off. 20+ errors. He just fields like Sizemore. I would rather have the proven left handed pitcher. Win now and worry about later..... Later

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Tigers are apparently the front runner for Dotel.

Not sure. Dotel is a big Pujols fan and Albert is staying. Sounds like Dotel really liked St Louis. He may take less to stay?

 

[scrumptrulescent]

One NL International scouting director said:"The Tigers are gonna get that guy (Cepedes), I promise you that."Guy has been compared by scouts (unbelievably) to Cameron Maybin with less speed and a lot more power.

I've read this from scouts too. I'm a little nervous. Is a Cuban 26 actually 33 years old? Is he major league ready? Is he okay with not playing CF? Would he become a top of the order guy from the start?.....because that is what they need badly. Supposedly they've been watching the guy for 5 years so I'm guessing they've done their homework.What to do with Delmon if this kid is ready to play right away? Sure would love Atlanta to soften up and make the jump, giving us Prado for Delmon.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

One NL International scouting director said:"The Tigers are gonna get that guy (Cespedes), I promise you that."Guy has been compared by scouts (unbelievably) to Cameron Maybin with less speed and a lot more power.

I've read this from scouts too. I'm a little nervous. Is a Cuban 26 actually 33 years old? Is he major league ready? Is he okay with not playing CF? Would he become a top of the order guy from the start?.....because that is what they need badly. Supposedly they've been watching the guy for 5 years so I'm guessing they've done their homework.What to do with Delmon if this kid is ready to play right away? Sure would love Atlanta to soften up and make the jump, giving us Prado for Delmon.

He's not a top of the order guy anyway but he's probably major league ready as in he can contribute right away (although impact will be week to week through year one). I'd guess he'd hit 7th or 8th and it's going to take him at leat a half a season to get acclimated to MLB. No reason to move Delmon, he will be used. No reason not to sign him because of a need like a leadoff hitter, you sign him because you'd have Boesch, AJAX and him as your OFers for the next 4-5 years. I think he'd probably play RF since the Tigers have a need for one. Boesch can play LF where he is better suited, and they can platoon all of them throughout the season to keep them fresh. Tigers still need a leadoff hitter but I have a feeling they will bring one in at least for one year. Not worried about it as much when Cespedes is mentioned, he is a long-term investment and I think he's worth the shot.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

DALLAS -- The Detroit Tigers are closing in on a deal with free agent relief pitcher Octavio Dotel, sources have told CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler. Dotel wanted to play for a winner, so re-signing in St. Louis would have worked, just as going to the defending AL Central champion Tigers fits the bill.Dotel, 38, split last season between the Blue Jays and Cardinals, moving to St. Louis in a three-team trade that involved Edwin Jackson and Colby Rasmus, among others. In all, he had a 3.50 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 54 innings. Opponents only hit .181 off him and he stranded 68.7 percent of baserunners.Adding Dotel gives the Tigers a very strong back-end of the bullpen, with Dotel, Al Alburquerque and Joaquin Benoit setting up for closer Jose Valverde.Dotel was signed by the Mets as an amateur free agent all the way back in 1993. The Tigers will become Dotel's 13th team as a big leaguer. He played parts of five seasons for the Astros, but was with no other team for more than two. His stint in St. Louis lasted just a few months, but he did get his first World Series ring.

 

[Eephus]

DALLAS -- The Detroit Tigers are closing in on a deal with free agent relief pitcher Octavio Dotel, sources have told CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler. Dotel wanted to play for a winner, so re-signing in St. Louis would have worked, just as going to the defending AL Central champion Tigers fits the bill.Dotel, 38, split last season between the Blue Jays and Cardinals, moving to St. Louis in a three-team trade that involved Edwin Jackson and Colby Rasmus, among others. In all, he had a 3.50 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 54 innings. Opponents only hit .181 off him and he stranded 68.7 percent of baserunners.Adding Dotel gives the Tigers a very strong back-end of the bullpen, with Dotel, Al Alburquerque and Joaquin Benoit setting up for closer Jose Valverde.Dotel was signed by the Mets as an amateur free agent all the way back in 1993. The Tigers will become Dotel's 13th team as a big leaguer. He played parts of five seasons for the Astros, but was with no other team for more than two. His stint in St. Louis lasted just a few months, but he did get his first World Series ring.

I believe Dotel's 13 teams is a MLB record breaking a tie with Mike Morgan, Matt Stairs, Ron Villone and Deacon McGuire

 

[skillz]

So, if I am following the dominoes correctly:

If the Tigers sign Cespedes he will play in RF and bat leadoff. Jackson gets rightfully pushed down to the bottom of the order. Since we just signed an OF, Tigers will then trade Delmon to the Braves for Prado. We then have our 2B. Raburn/Boesch would be our LF. Dirks would be our other OF.

Tigers add to their bullpen by signing Dotel. They've already signed Santiago and Laird to address depth at middle infield and catcher. Inge/Kelly would be our 3B platoon.

Are we done at that point or do we also try to get a 5th starter?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

So, if I am following the dominoes correctly:If the Tigers sign Cespedes he will play in RF and bat leadoff. Jackson gets rightfully pushed down to the bottom of the order. Since we just signed an OF, Tigers will then trade Delmon to the Braves for Prado. We then have our 2B. Raburn/Boesch would be our LF. Dirks would be our other OF. Tigers add to their bullpen by signing Dotel. They've already signed Santiago and Laird to address depth at middle infield and catcher. Inge/Kelly would be our 3B platoon. Are we done at that point or do we also try to get a 5th starter?

They seem to be concerned about Cespedes' potential OBP, especially early so I'm not sure leadoff would work well. Maicer Izturis moves to the top of my wish list right behind Cespedes. Prado or Izturis would address one of the infield spots but Izturis might be better because he can leadoff, play 3B and they can platoon Santiago and Raburn.