***Officialish Detroit Tigers Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[igbomb]

Trading a decent innings starter for a reliever is almost never a sane move.

I agree with this but the Tigers may be one of those rare exceptions. There will be more posts here about the Tigers' closer situation this season than about the entire NL West.

There will be posts here and everywhere else that Tigers fans frequent. Talk radio will be on fire with it. But that doesn't make them right. Tigers fans cling to their misery and always need a punching bag. With Raburn, Young, Inge, Boesch, and Valverde all gone, they need something else to cry about.The Tigers bullpen may not have the proven closer in there, but they do have a handful of high-octane arms in AlAl, Villareal, Benoit and now Rondon. Plus Dotel can still throw it and Coke is a solid LOOGY. They should just feel it out and try some guys out. Five starters won't get it done this year, and after Smyly and Porcello the system has a bunch of garbage. If they trade Porcello, I'm certain that they will feel the pain of it at some point this year.And like someone mentioned earlier, no position is more open on the market at the deadline than that of relievers. Do something then if need be, not now.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Crosby provides organizational depth and is not "garbage" by any measure. Stohr, Alvarez and Below all provide moderate depth and when you have a starting rotation on Verlander, Fister, Max and Sanchez a lot of depth is not required.

They may have to trade for a closer this season, that is reality. But doing it now makes little sense, see what you have and then make adjustments as necessary. I also find it very hard to believe that the Padres would not deal Street or Gregorson for Porcello,

 

[igbomb]

Crosby provides organizational depth and is not "garbage" by any measure. Stohr, Alvarez and Below all provide moderate depth and when you have a starting rotation on Verlander, Fister, Max and Sanchez a lot of depth is not required. They may have to trade for a closer this season, that is reality. But doing it now makes little sense, see what you have and then make adjustments as necessary. I also find it very hard to believe that the Padres would not deal Street or Gregorson for Porcello,

I think it's too early to call Crosby a lost cause, but over the last two years in the minors he's had a WHIP at about 1.5 with 5 BB/9. At this point, he's not even a good spot starter. Below is okay in a pinch, but if there was a season-ending injury to any of the top 5, the Tigers have no one that they would want to run out there for the rest of the season. The top five (six for now) is great, but beyond that things really sink.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

This isn't the first time you've mocked Porcello. I'd like to know who your team is? Who is their 5th starter?

This isn't how to rate Porcello.

Answer the question Claire.

What relevance does this have to Porcello's success as a pitcher?

I'd like to know which team you support so I can check into that team thread, drop a couple turds on players I think are being overrated, then leave.

Why would you fight facts with turds?But if you must, Pickles is an avid Yankees fan so go in there and rip on Ivan Nova.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Tuiasosopo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like Tuiasosopo has the inside track on making the team unless the Tigers make a move. My link

Detroit Tigers will reportedly send Rule 5 pick Jeff Kobernus back to Washington Nationals

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Detroit Tigers are expected to carry a right-handed hitting outfielder when the club breaks camp in nine days.

But it won't be utilityman Jeff Kobernus.

The Tigers will reportedly return Rule 5 pick Jeff Kobernus to the Washington Nationals, who are expected to assign him to minor-league camp, according to the Washington Times.

Detroit would have had to keep Kobernus on the 25-man active roster for the entire season if it didn’t return him to the Nationals. By sending him back, the Tigers recoup half of the $50,000 investment they originally paid to get him.

Stay tuned for updates.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Not really a surprise but thought it deserved a post.

My link

Verlander to Tigers: No contract extension talk in-season

LAKELAND, Fla. -- If the Detroit Tigers want to sign superstar right-hander Justin Verlander to a multiyear extension, they had better hustle.

Verlander said Saturday that if there's no deal in place by his next start, his last spring start, there won't be any more contract talk through the remainder of the season, as he wants to focus on winning. So if there isn't a new contract done in 3 1/2 days -- his last spring start is Wednesday -- the Tigers will have only one calendar year to sign him.

That could get dicey, as major stars don't often sign long deals with a year to go before free agency, though a few do, most recently David Wright of the Mets.

"Once this last start comes around, I want to concentrate on the start of the season,'' Verlander said about his decision to halt any negotiations as of Wednesday. (The Tigers are aware of this stance, and seem to concur it's the proper way to go.)

Meantime, there hasn't been any evidence there's anything serious afoot in terms of the negotiations, and while the Tigers are notorious secret keepers, they'd have to be about the best poker players ever if they were getting close to a deal at the deadline without even a hint of progress surfacing.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski made clear he likes to "keep things behind closed doors,'' and Verlander didn't want to discuss current talks, either. "Not really,'' he answered when asked if anything was going on, perhaps offering a slight hint. "There's nothing to talk about.''

Referring to Verlander's current deal, which runs through 2014, Dombrowski stressed that there's still time (although it'll narrow if there's nothing done by Wednesday).

"First of all, Justin is still with us two more years,'' Dombrowski said. "And as I've said, we want Justin to remain a Tiger for a long time.''

Verlander has been the most productive and successful starting pitcher in the big leagues over the past four seasons, and while it appeared the Felix Hernandez negotiations, which ended with Hernandez turning his $39 million, two-year commitment into a $175 million, five-year deal, looked like they could potentially become a blueprint for a Verlander deal, negotiations often taken on a life of their own.

Although Verlander, who has $40 million and two years left on his $80 million, five-year deal, has accomplished more than Hernandez, and inarguably would warrant a slightly higher average annual value, it probably isn't a leap to wonder whether the contract length could be the issue. Verlander, who just turned 30, is a few years older than King Felix, though Verlander hasn't had one hint of an arm issue.

Things have worked out beautifully so far for Verlander in Detroit, but there are friends who suggest free agency might also appeal to him. (Why wouldn't it? Teams would be lining up.) In an interview with Tom Gage of the Detroit News early in spring, Verlander used the word "intriguing" regarding the prospect of free agency.

"I do like it here in Detroit. (But) I'm my own individual," Verlander said. "I'm not Felix. I'm not anybody else. It'll be whatever I feel comfortable with."

In terms of his pitching, expect more of the same from Verlander, who's averaged a baseball-high 238 innings over the last four years, while leading the league in innings and strikeouts three times, wins twice and ERA once. He was 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 striikeouts in 2011 when he won both the Cy Young award and MVP.

Then he "slipped'' to a second-place finish in the Cy Young to the Rays' David Price in 2012.

"I guess the goal is to get back to No. 1," Verlander joked before changing gears. "No, the goal is winning the World Series. Hopefully, I can do my part."

Along those lines, the Tigers should be favored to get back to the World Series. To their American League champion team, they added Torii Hunter. They also get Victor Martinez back from a knee injury, and will have a full year from Anibal Sanchez.

"This team is built to win a World Series,'' Verlander said. "Now we've just got to go do it."

Or, as iconic manager Jim Leyland put it, "We look good. We sound good. Now let's see if we play good."

And it is just about time for the talk to stop. And the play to begin.

Dombrowski concurred with Verlander's wish to stop the contract talk before the season.

"I don't think anything productive comes from talking about a contract during the season," Dombrowski said. "We try to keep distractions out. It's been rare when we've done it, and it's usually more about free agents."

So if the sides can't agree on a multiyear extension, at least they are on the same page on something important. If nothing is done by Wednesday, they will wait to re-open talks until the season is over, a season they all hope ends in a World Series championship.

 

[Gopher State]

The snow is starting to melt in Minneapolis and the temperatures are ramping up (40's)'s.....LET'S PLAY SOME BALL!!!, planning to go to game 2, Tigers vs Twins, so I miss the JV show, but still get to see the Dream Team --Tigers-- beat up on our undermanned twins. GO TWINKIES!!!!

 

[Da Guru]

Not really a surprise but thought it deserved a post.

My link

Verlander to Tigers: No contract extension talk in-season

LAKELAND, Fla. -- If the Detroit Tigers want to sign superstar right-hander Justin Verlander to a multiyear extension, they had better hustle.

Verlander said Saturday that if there's no deal in place by his next start, his last spring start, there won't be any more contract talk through the remainder of the season, as he wants to focus on winning. So if there isn't a new contract done in 3 1/2 days -- his last spring start is Wednesday -- the Tigers will have only one calendar year to sign him.

That could get dicey, as major stars don't often sign long deals with a year to go before free agency, though a few do, most recently David Wright of the Mets.

"Once this last start comes around, I want to concentrate on the start of the season,'' Verlander said about his decision to halt any negotiations as of Wednesday. (The Tigers are aware of this stance, and seem to concur it's the proper way to go.)

Meantime, there hasn't been any evidence there's anything serious afoot in terms of the negotiations, and while the Tigers are notorious secret keepers, they'd have to be about the best poker players ever if they were getting close to a deal at the deadline without even a hint of progress surfacing.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski made clear he likes to "keep things behind closed doors,'' and Verlander didn't want to discuss current talks, either. "Not really,'' he answered when asked if anything was going on, perhaps offering a slight hint. "There's nothing to talk about.''

Referring to Verlander's current deal, which runs through 2014, Dombrowski stressed that there's still time (although it'll narrow if there's nothing done by Wednesday).

"First of all, Justin is still with us two more years,'' Dombrowski said. "And as I've said, we want Justin to remain a Tiger for a long time.''

Verlander has been the most productive and successful starting pitcher in the big leagues over the past four seasons, and while it appeared the Felix Hernandez negotiations, which ended with Hernandez turning his $39 million, two-year commitment into a $175 million, five-year deal, looked like they could potentially become a blueprint for a Verlander deal, negotiations often taken on a life of their own.

Although Verlander, who has $40 million and two years left on his $80 million, five-year deal, has accomplished more than Hernandez, and inarguably would warrant a slightly higher average annual value, it probably isn't a leap to wonder whether the contract length could be the issue. Verlander, who just turned 30, is a few years older than King Felix, though Verlander hasn't had one hint of an arm issue.

Things have worked out beautifully so far for Verlander in Detroit, but there are friends who suggest free agency might also appeal to him. (Why wouldn't it? Teams would be lining up.) In an interview with Tom Gage of the Detroit News early in spring, Verlander used the word "intriguing" regarding the prospect of free agency.

"I do like it here in Detroit. (But) I'm my own individual," Verlander said. "I'm not Felix. I'm not anybody else. It'll be whatever I feel comfortable with."

In terms of his pitching, expect more of the same from Verlander, who's averaged a baseball-high 238 innings over the last four years, while leading the league in innings and strikeouts three times, wins twice and ERA once. He was 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 striikeouts in 2011 when he won both the Cy Young award and MVP.

Then he "slipped'' to a second-place finish in the Cy Young to the Rays' David Price in 2012.

"I guess the goal is to get back to No. 1," Verlander joked before changing gears. "No, the goal is winning the World Series. Hopefully, I can do my part."

Along those lines, the Tigers should be favored to get back to the World Series. To their American League champion team, they added Torii Hunter. They also get Victor Martinez back from a knee injury, and will have a full year from Anibal Sanchez.

"This team is built to win a World Series,'' Verlander said. "Now we've just got to go do it."

Or, as iconic manager Jim Leyland put it, "We look good. We sound good. Now let's see if we play good."

And it is just about time for the talk to stop. And the play to begin.

Dombrowski concurred with Verlander's wish to stop the contract talk before the season.

"I don't think anything productive comes from talking about a contract during the season," Dombrowski said. "We try to keep distractions out. It's been rare when we've done it, and it's usually more about free agents."

So if the sides can't agree on a multiyear extension, at least they are on the same page on something important. If nothing is done by Wednesday, they will wait to re-open talks until the season is over, a season they all hope ends in a World Series championship.

Looks and sounds like Verlander wants to be courted by other teams. Two seasons is a long time for a starting pitcher and probably close to another 45-500 innings for Verlander.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Why even worry about it?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The bullpen being better is the question mark there. I think another year for Villarreal, Al Al and having Rondon certainly gives them the talent, but how that talent translates is the question. For all the issues Benoit had last year he's an elite reliever and Coke as a LOOGY or as a one inning guy under the right circumstances, is great at times. I like Darin Downs as a situational guy but Leyland doesn't trust him which makes his impact non existent. Leyland wants to use him in mop-up situations instead of getting two outs in the seventh.

Smyly seems to be destined for Toledo which is ok because you want a 22-year-old with a bright future to get those innings in. If he had won the 5th starter job the bullpen would be better because Porcello would be down there. So this will leave the Tigers without a real long guy but this rotation should log as many innings as any in baseball.

Benoit (8th and closer float)

Coke (Situational, 6th to 9th)

Rondon (closer)

Villarreal (7th)

Al Al (7th)

Dotel (7th/8th/9th)

Downs (long/situational)

Toledo

Putkonen

Marte

Smyly (injury fill and spot starter)

Crosby (spot starter)

I think Rondon will be fine if he is getting Coke, Benoit and Dotel to fill in after he has a bad game and on consecutive days. Leyland already made it clear that Rondon will rarely pitch on consecutive days, so if he can keep it together he might still be the primary closer by July. I think by then he will be ok but I think any of those first five guys can close if needed.

Al Al is wild as hell, Benoit gives up too many fly balls, Villarreal looks nervous, Coke is terrific or awful depending on the day and Dotel is really old. I like the sum of the parts though, I think this can be a very good unit and the talent level is as good as we've ever seen.

So Smyly will make the team as the long reliever. Downs to be sent down? Villarreal?

 

[igbomb]

The bullpen being better is the question mark there. I think another year for Villarreal, Al Al and having Rondon certainly gives them the talent, but how that talent translates is the question. For all the issues Benoit had last year he's an elite reliever and Coke as a LOOGY or as a one inning guy under the right circumstances, is great at times. I like Darin Downs as a situational guy but Leyland doesn't trust him which makes his impact non existent. Leyland wants to use him in mop-up situations instead of getting two outs in the seventh.

Smyly seems to be destined for Toledo which is ok because you want a 22-year-old with a bright future to get those innings in. If he had won the 5th starter job the bullpen would be better because Porcello would be down there. So this will leave the Tigers without a real long guy but this rotation should log as many innings as any in baseball.

Benoit (8th and closer float)

Coke (Situational, 6th to 9th)

Rondon (closer)

Villarreal (7th)

Al Al (7th)

Dotel (7th/8th/9th)

Downs (long/situational)

Toledo

Putkonen

Marte

Smyly (injury fill and spot starter)

Crosby (spot starter)

I think Rondon will be fine if he is getting Coke, Benoit and Dotel to fill in after he has a bad game and on consecutive days. Leyland already made it clear that Rondon will rarely pitch on consecutive days, so if he can keep it together he might still be the primary closer by July. I think by then he will be ok but I think any of those first five guys can close if needed.

Al Al is wild as hell, Benoit gives up too many fly balls, Villarreal looks nervous, Coke is terrific or awful depending on the day and Dotel is really old. I like the sum of the parts though, I think this can be a very good unit and the talent level is as good as we've ever seen.

So Smyly will make the team as the long reliever. Downs to be sent down? Villarreal?

Curious how they will use Smyly. Will they let him go out and throw innings 6-9 in a game that matters, or is he relegated to mop-up duty and one inning appearances? If the latter is the case, I'd rather see him sent to Toledo.

 

[tri-man 47]

Interesting article about the decline/aging of a few of the traditional powers (and rise of teams like the Tigers):

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130326/mlb-season-preview/?sct=hp_t11_a2&eref=sihp

One part I noted:

"Put it this way: If you get four starters to make 30 starts each, you're almost guaranteed to be in the playoffs. Forget about tinkering around the margins, middle relief, bench strength, chemistry and all the rest of the architecture of teams that we love to chew on; it really is this simple: over the past five years, 15 teams have sent four starters to the mound at least 30 times each. Eleven of those 15 teams have made the playoffs, including every world champion from 2008-2012."

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The bullpen being better is the question mark there. I think another year for Villarreal, Al Al and having Rondon certainly gives them the talent, but how that talent translates is the question. For all the issues Benoit had last year he's an elite reliever and Coke as a LOOGY or as a one inning guy under the right circumstances, is great at times. I like Darin Downs as a situational guy but Leyland doesn't trust him which makes his impact non existent. Leyland wants to use him in mop-up situations instead of getting two outs in the seventh.

Smyly seems to be destined for Toledo which is ok because you want a 22-year-old with a bright future to get those innings in. If he had won the 5th starter job the bullpen would be better because Porcello would be down there. So this will leave the Tigers without a real long guy but this rotation should log as many innings as any in baseball.

Benoit (8th and closer float)

Coke (Situational, 6th to 9th)

Rondon (closer)

Villarreal (7th)

Al Al (7th)

Dotel (7th/8th/9th)

Downs (long/situational)

Toledo

Putkonen

Marte

Smyly (injury fill and spot starter)

Crosby (spot starter)

I think Rondon will be fine if he is getting Coke, Benoit and Dotel to fill in after he has a bad game and on consecutive days. Leyland already made it clear that Rondon will rarely pitch on consecutive days, so if he can keep it together he might still be the primary closer by July. I think by then he will be ok but I think any of those first five guys can close if needed.

Al Al is wild as hell, Benoit gives up too many fly balls, Villarreal looks nervous, Coke is terrific or awful depending on the day and Dotel is really old. I like the sum of the parts though, I think this can be a very good unit and the talent level is as good as we've ever seen.

So Smyly will make the team as the long reliever. Downs to be sent down? Villarreal?

Curious how they will use Smyly. Will they let him go out and throw innings 6-9 in a game that matters, or is he relegated to mop-up duty and one inning appearances? If the latter is the case, I'd rather see him sent to Toledo.

Yeah they are gonna have trouble having him spot start if he's only pitching 1 inning at a time. I think using him as a reliever at this stage in his career is fine as long as they use him correctly, he should not be pitching mop-up. But your 6th starter comes from Toledo, it won't be Smyly unless they send him down for a few starts.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

In other news...

Brandon Inge makes Pirates roster and Jacob Turner heads to AAA after a 9.69 spring training ERA.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Chet Lemon's son Marcus played 2B for the big club today.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Interesting article about the decline/aging of a few of the traditional powers (and rise of teams like the Tigers):http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130326/mlb-season-preview/?sct=hp_t11_a2&eref=sihpOne part I noted:"Put it this way: If you get four starters to make 30 starts each, you're almost guaranteed to be in the playoffs. Forget about tinkering around the margins, middle relief, bench strength, chemistry and all the rest of the architecture of teams that we love to chew on; it really is this simple: over the past five years, 15 teams have sent four starters to the mound at least 30 times each. Eleven of those 15 teams have made the playoffs, including every world champion from 2008-2012."

Good stat. Basicly says what is true in all sports - stay healthy at key positions and you go far. Doesn't hurt if those guys are above average either.

 

[igbomb]

Berry sent down. That means Kelly is going to make this team. Unreal.

And Santiago is officially on the trading block (I'm sure teams are lining up). That's as clear as any that the Tigers would rather have Worth in there than him.

 

[igbomb]

Over at fangraphs, they just went through a really cool series of posts breaking every position down. They used ZIPS and Steamer projections with their own playing time assessments to determine how many wins each position would be worth for each team.

The Tigers come out pretty well (1st overall). The rest of the division, not so much (CWS-19, KC-21, CLE-24, MIN-28).

 

[Da Guru]

Berry sent down. That means Kelly is going to make this team. Unreal.And Santiago is officially on the trading block (I'm sure teams are lining up). That's as clear as any that the Tigers would rather have Worth in there than him.

Not a huge Don Kelly fan but like him as the final roster spot over Berry. On another note Ryan Raburn is going north with the Tribe. Although he does not heat up until the weather gets warm.

 

[jon_mx]

What does the opening day roster look like?Everyday Starters (9):Jackson, Hunter, Cabrera, Fielder, VMart, Dirks, Peralta, Avila, and InfanteStarting Rotation (5):Verlander, Fister, Scherzer, Sanchez, and PorcelloRelievers (7):Rondon, Benoit, Coke, Dotel, Smyly, Al Al, and VillarrealBench (4)ena, Tuiasosopopo, Kelly and Worth(?)

Is this where we are at now? I hope Santiago is gone. Can count on one hand the games he has played a significant role in over the last couple of year.

 

[igbomb]

What does the opening day roster look like?Everyday Starters (9):Jackson, Hunter, Cabrera, Fielder, VMart, Dirks, Peralta, Avila, and InfanteStarting Rotation (5):Verlander, Fister, Scherzer, Sanchez, and PorcelloRelievers (7):Rondon, Benoit, Coke, Dotel, Smyly, Al Al, and VillarrealBench (4)ena, Tuiasosopopo, Kelly and Worth(?)

Is this where we are at now? I hope Santiago is gone. Can count on one hand the games he has played a significant role in over the last couple of year.

I think that's likely.Villareal vs. Downs - Still up in the air. The only reason I can see for carrying the third lefty is due to the rotation being all righties. I think this one goes to Villareal.Santiago vs. Worth - They clearly want Worth, but it remains to be seen if they will just cut Santiago when no one wants to trade for his contract.Marte will probably be the next one sent down.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

What does the opening day roster look like?Everyday Starters (9):Jackson, Hunter, Cabrera, Fielder, VMart, Dirks, Peralta, Avila, and InfanteStarting Rotation (5):Verlander, Fister, Scherzer, Sanchez, and PorcelloRelievers (7):Rondon, Benoit, Coke, Dotel, Smyly, Al Al, and VillarrealBench (4)ena, Tuiasosopopo, Kelly and Worth(?)

Is this where we are at now? I hope Santiago is gone. Can count on one hand the games he has played a significant role in over the last couple of year.

I think that's likely.Villareal vs. Downs - Still up in the air. The only reason I can see for carrying the third lefty is due to the rotation being all righties. I think this one goes to Villareal.

I read that it's now between Al Al & Villareal with Downs making it 3 lefties in the pen vs what should be lefty laden hitting lineups.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

It's good to send Al Al or Villarreal down, have them close in Toledo then rotate them at some point.

I think Al Al gets sent down, he needs work and he needs to throw more strikes.

 

[Gopher State]

Delmon Young went 1 for 4 with a solo home run against R.A. Dickey, the 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner who was traded by the New York Mets during the offseason. Sounds like

Young, will open the season on the disabled list. Got to wish Young the best as recovers, he's got talent.

 

[Wooderson]

Who is the closer going to be ?

 

[jon_mx]

Who is the closer going to be ?

Rondon will get the majority of saves, but the role of closer will be shared. I would not expect more than about 25 saves from him.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Delmon Young went 1 for 4 with a solo home run against R.A. Dickey, the 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner who was traded by the New York Mets during the offseason. Sounds like Young, will open the season on the disabled list. Got to wish Young the best as recovers, he's got talent.

Young hit the home run while he was disabled? I guess he does have talent after all.

 

[jon_mx]

Delmon Young went 1 for 4 with a solo home run against R.A. Dickey, the 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner who was traded by the New York Mets during the offseason. Sounds like Young, will open the season on the disabled list. Got to wish Young the best as recovers, he's got talent.

Delmon gave Detroit two very good post season performances. But he is a huge liability out in the outfield and has a tendency to bail out struggling pitchers by swinging at horrible pitches. He is a decent as a DH but is no comparison to what VMart is capable of. He may have been the best player the tigers lost from last year, but was very expendable. I wish him well.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Who is the closer going to be ?

Rondon will get the majority of saves, but the role of closer will be shared. I would not expect more than about 25 saves from him.

He hasn't even been named closer yet. It is probable he'll get early chances but if he fails, he could be back to Toledo with ZERO saves. My guess would be the guy the Tigers trade for in July will get the most saves.

 

[Wooderson]

Well Rondon didn't look real good today.

 

[Kal El]

Well Rondon didn't look real good today.

He's young, so I'd be more surprised if he didn't have issues in Spring Training. He may be ready for the show by Monday, or he may need some fine-tuning. If the Tigers weakest point is the fact they don't have a set closer, that's not too bad.

 

[Wooderson]

Well Rondon didn't look real good today.

He's young, so I'd be more surprised if he didn't have issues in Spring Training. He may be ready for the show by Monday, or he may need some fine-tuning. If the Tigers weakest point is the fact they don't have a set closer, that's not too bad.

That's true they are in good shape. I'm sure they will find a closer. I hope they decide on one guy as I would like to get him my fantasy team. The manager talked today that Rondon may not even make the team. Who knows.

 

[igbomb]

Didn't see this coming...

Marte and Rondon sent down. Tigers officially going with "closer by committee".

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Question for anyone.....Detroit's last ST game is at Tropicana in St Pete on Saturday, the 31st. It's general admission for everyone. We'll be down there on SB. Anyone know if this will be some kind of futures game or a dress rehearsal for the starters? We won't bother if it's a futures game.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

They better not be thinking K-Rod, that's all I can say.

Have the young guys figure it out, use BPBC until late June and then pick a dude to close.

 

[igbomb]

Question for anyone.....Detroit's last ST game is at Tropicana in St Pete on Saturday, the 31st. It's general admission for everyone. We'll be down there on SB. Anyone know if this will be some kind of futures game or a dress rehearsal for the starters? We won't bother if it's a futures game.

Last year the starters all played. At you'll definitely get one of the starting rotation playing. My guess is that with the next day being an off day, you'll get three at-bats from the regulars as a final tuneup.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Santiago survives for now; Worth sent down.

Roster's all set.

 

[Gopher State]

Tigers starting pitching payroll lead by Justin Verlander, due to earn $20 million this season. Anibal Sanchez ($8 million in 2013), Max Scherzer ($6.725 million), Doug Fister ($4 million) and Rick Porcello ($5.1 million).

Torii Hunter, the former Twins star, gets $12 million this season.

The Tigers will spend $54 million on their starting infield of first baseman Prince Fielder ($23 million), third baseman Miguel Cabrera ($21 million), shortstop J. Peralta ($6 million) and second baseman Omar Infante ($4 million).

Wow, playing for the tigers is better then winning the powerball

 

[jon_mx]

Tigers starting pitching payroll lead by Justin Verlander, due to earn $20 million this season. Anibal Sanchez ($8 million in 2013), Max Scherzer ($6.725 million), Doug Fister ($4 million) and Rick Porcello ($5.1 million).Torii Hunter, the former Twins star, gets $12 million this season. The Tigers will spend $54 million on their starting infield of first baseman Prince Fielder ($23 million), third baseman Miguel Cabrera ($21 million), shortstop J. Peralta ($6 million) and second baseman Omar Infante ($4 million).Wow, playing for the tigers is better then winning the powerball

22 games back.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Forbes magazine publishes a well respected report every year at this time, putting values on major league baseball's 30 franchises. The Detroit Tigers come in 13th on the list, valued at $ 643 million, which is up 35% over the previous year's value. Detroit was 21st on the list in 2011.

According to the report, the Tigers took in $ 238 million in revenue, which put them in a virtual tie for seventh on the list. Despite the increase in the value of the franchise, the Tigers were one of six clubs to show a net operating loss, estimated at $ 400,000. On paper.

My linkYou do realize that when Mr I dies it could all be over right? I can see the Tigers drastically reducing payroll with just one bad season. It's a business that Mr I has tossed aside the rules for to win a championship. I hope people stop talking about a Verlander extension, it isn't happening for a number of reasons.

 

[Limp Ditka]

V - 7/$180M

 

[whoknew]

Forbes magazine publishes a well respected report every year at this time, putting values on major league baseball's 30 franchises. The Detroit Tigers come in 13th on the list, valued at $ 643 million, which is up 35% over the previous year's value. Detroit was 21st on the list in 2011.

According to the report, the Tigers took in $ 238 million in revenue, which put them in a virtual tie for seventh on the list. Despite the increase in the value of the franchise, the Tigers were one of six clubs to show a net operating loss, estimated at $ 400,000. On paper.

My linkYou do realize that when Mr I dies it could all be over right? I can see the Tigers drastically reducing payroll with just one bad season. It's a business that Mr I has tossed aside the rules for to win a championship. I hope people stop talking about a Verlander extension, it isn't happening for a number of reasons.

Oops.

Awesome news for Tigers.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

My link

Tigers, Justin Verlander agree to contract extension through 2019

The Detroit Tigers and ace Justin Verlander have agreed to a five-year contract extension through 2019 with a vesting option for the 2020 season, according to the club's official Twitter account. Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that Verlander will now make $180 million over the next seven years with a chance (the vesting option) to make $202 million over the next eight seasons.

The breakdown is that Verlander will make $20 million in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and then $28 million per season through 2019. And the vesting option for 2020 is worth $22 million.

This deal makes Verlander the highest paid pitcher of all-time.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Forbes magazine publishes a well respected report every year at this time, putting values on major league baseball's 30 franchises. The Detroit Tigers come in 13th on the list, valued at $ 643 million, which is up 35% over the previous year's value. Detroit was 21st on the list in 2011.

According to the report, the Tigers took in $ 238 million in revenue, which put them in a virtual tie for seventh on the list. Despite the increase in the value of the franchise, the Tigers were one of six clubs to show a net operating loss, estimated at $ 400,000. On paper.

My linkYou do realize that when Mr I dies it could all be over right? I can see the Tigers drastically reducing payroll with just one bad season. It's a business that Mr I has tossed aside the rules for to win a championship. I hope people stop talking about a Verlander extension, it isn't happening for a number of reasons.

Oops.

Awesome news for Tigers.

Hard to believe Boras let him do this. Glad they signed him now, in two years he's two years further into his prime ready for the downside. Now we get all the prime years, no worries. And people WILL stop talking about it now.

 

[shadyridr]

Forbes magazine publishes a well respected report every year at this time, putting values on major league baseball's 30 franchises. The Detroit Tigers come in 13th on the list, valued at $ 643 million, which is up 35% over the previous year's value. Detroit was 21st on the list in 2011.

According to the report, the Tigers took in $ 238 million in revenue, which put them in a virtual tie for seventh on the list. Despite the increase in the value of the franchise, the Tigers were one of six clubs to show a net operating loss, estimated at $ 400,000. On paper.

My linkYou do realize that when Mr I dies it could all be over right? I can see the Tigers drastically reducing payroll with just one bad season. It's a business that Mr I has tossed aside the rules for to win a championship. I hope people stop talking about a Verlander extension, it isn't happening for a number of reasons.

I just read thisTigers, Justin Verlander agree to contract extension through 2019

-Vinny

 

[Eephus]

Age 36

 

[Ilov80s]

Forbes magazine publishes a well respected report every year at this time, putting values on major league baseball's 30 franchises. The Detroit Tigers come in 13th on the list, valued at $ 643 million, which is up 35% over the previous year's value. Detroit was 21st on the list in 2011.

According to the report, the Tigers took in $ 238 million in revenue, which put them in a virtual tie for seventh on the list. Despite the increase in the value of the franchise, the Tigers were one of six clubs to show a net operating loss, estimated at $ 400,000. On paper.

My linkYou do realize that when Mr I dies it could all be over right? I can see the Tigers drastically reducing payroll with just one bad season. It's a business that Mr I has tossed aside the rules for to win a championship. I hope people stop talking about a Verlander extension, it isn't happening for a number of reasons.

That is really funny timing. You posted that like the exact moment the news broke that he resigned. Anyway, I am glad it is over and we can start the season without this hanging over the season.

 

[jon_mx]

Santiago survives for now; Worth sent down. Roster's all set.

I guess we needed some dead weight on the roster. At least I don't see him playing much. He adds zero to the team except maybe some emergency fail safe if a couple guys get injured.

 

[jon_mx]

Forbes magazine publishes a well respected report every year at this time, putting values on major league baseball's 30 franchises. The Detroit Tigers come in 13th on the list, valued at $ 643 million, which is up 35% over the previous year's value. Detroit was 21st on the list in 2011.

According to the report, the Tigers took in $ 238 million in revenue, which put them in a virtual tie for seventh on the list. Despite the increase in the value of the franchise, the Tigers were one of six clubs to show a net operating loss, estimated at $ 400,000. On paper.

My linkYou do realize that when Mr I dies it could all be over right? I can see the Tigers drastically reducing payroll with just one bad season. It's a business that Mr I has tossed aside the rules for to win a championship. I hope people stop talking about a Verlander extension, it isn't happening for a number of reasons.

Oops.

Awesome news for Tigers.

I think the ink was drying as Nostradamus posted that. Anyways, great news for the tigers.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Tigers now will have $90 million tied up in Fielder, Miggy, Verlander and Dirty Sanchez in 2015.