RSS
Ah, The Sheffield Trade
I have written my piece with my column and said my piece on the radio. In the process, I have stated the Tigers overpaid for Gary Sheffield. That does not mean I think he will not help the Tigers. If he is still the same player. And he very well may be. My point is the Tigers got to where they are by being smart. The trades for Carlos Guillen and Placido Polanco were not blockbusters. They were just smart. The Tigers did not just hand them outrageous money. They signed them to prudent contracts. With the Magglio Ordonez and Pudge Rodriguez contracts, they thought outside the box by including clauses that eased all concerns. Dave Dombrowski has used all means available to piece together the roster. I feel he should stay that course instead of suddenly throwing money around that loosely and parting with some pretty good prospects. It reminds me a bit of the mindset Kenny Holland developed after awhile with the Red Wings. That team was built brilliantly through draft picks and trades. Yet, at a certain point, Holland seemed to lose interest in building it piece-by-piece and started signing overpriced veterans. Ultimately, that line of thinking hurt the Red Wings more than it helped them. It would be a shame if the same thing happened to the Tigers.
Random Thoughts
- There were a lot of empty seats at the Lions game Sunday and the press box was only about half full. The Lions have played so poorly they are losing their grip on their incredibly loyal fan base, and the media is starting to care much less about them. Personally, I do not like seeing that happen. They are the local NFL team. Regardless of their ineptitude, that means something.
- Sorry, but of all the candidates mentioned for the Michigan State football coaching job, the best one - by far - in my mind is Ron English. He is going to get a great Division I job. Those other guys probably are not - unless it is MSU. What does that tell you?
- Whether Ohio State's Troy Smith wins the Heisman Trophy or not will be determined by how well he plays Saturday against Michigan. If he plays well and the Buckeyes win, it will be his - period. If he falters, somebody else will emerge. But who?
posted by Pat Caputo at
9:31 AM
22 Comments:
Hey Pat, I listen and Spindler religiously...you guys make a terrific team on the radio. On yesterday's spiel regarding Ron English as a coaching prospect for MSU, I kept thinking about how a couple of years ago Kirk Ferentz was touted as the next coming of name-your-favorite. But now that he doenst have the "horses", he's kind of fallen off the charts. I wonder if we're seeing the same phenomena at Michigan. Whataya think?
Hey Book,
Of course, baseball talk, so I must post again.
I like the sheffield deal. I understand Sheff isnt perfect, but, he has power, gets RBIs and most importantly, he takes walks. His OBP is 80-100 points higher than his avg over the last few years, we need this very badly. Maybe it'll rub off on some other players.
As far as the pitching we gave up, we have a very good staff at the moment, and we don't know how big this window is. Pudge, Mags, Rogers, all are a few years to falling off, now is the time to make a run.
Welcome back, Pat!
I concur with you on the trade for Gary Sheffield. Not that this won't help them in 2007, but I echo your sentiments; was it necessary??? It didn't fill their most pressing needs, namely, 1B and decent left-hand hitting somewhere else on the diamond. It clogs the DH spot for the present and the near future, and they are STILL virtually all right-handed today and down the road, as prospects Brent Clevlen and Cameron Maybin are for the future in the outfield! Why do a lot of fans continue with scenarios of picking up more, like Tejeda or Soriano? I don't get it!
Sheffield is a lot like Casey though, in that he hits both RH & LH pitching about the same, so maybe I'm over-emphasizing that point. He does take a walk, and he could represent the most feared hitter in their lineup, IF he isn't washed up. His age doesn't bother me that much, when you remember what Darryl Evans did at age 40, it's his temperment.
But roster spots are a problem now, and other trades are going to be necessary. They gave up a lot, and didn't even make the Yankees take Neifi Perez; that would have been worth losing the fine prospects. With that kind of money on the extension, I much rather would have seen it spent on the FA market, to sign both Sean Casey and Frank Catalanotto, who would have brought a lot of versatility, with the positions he can play, while hitting .300. Gary Matthews Jr. or J.D. Drew would have also made more sense to me.
Along with trading Marcus Thames, they may to also deal Brent Clevlen, who's tearing it up in Arizona, and probably Omar Infante too. There is just no room for them. They could bring back some prospects for the farm system; they just aren't going to play here. Of course, I don't expect to see Shelton or Perez on the roster in 2007.
Clearly Jim Leyland wanted Shef, and this whole thing with his refusal to play 1B for the
Yankees may have all been orchestrated. In spite of announcing the agreement of the promise that he would not have to play 1B for the Tigers, I wouldn't count out a change in heart in that regard. Mike Illitch is showing a lot of faith here; I hope they can make it back, because he really deserves winning the World Series. If Sheffield's respect for Leyland is where he's projecting it to be, this might work. I don't believe he's the second coming of The Mayor though! They need Sean Casey more than ever now!
LIONS REPORT -
I actually watched most of the game yesterday; including the 4th quarter. Yes, I employed the COVER TWO... one hand over each eye!
Welcome back Pat! :-)
I hear what you are saying in the column and here, but I have to trust Dave Dombrowski and Jim Leyland on this, since they know Sheff. Obviously, the Tigers need some bang in the middle of the lineup and maybe they know more about Sanchez than we do. In any case, we have to give up something to get something. I also can't worry about Mike's money.
I don't think they are finished dealing. Downside is, this probably nixes Bonderman for Teixeira.
Cheers,
Danny
Mr. C. Ah the Tigers. Bad trade too many prospects for too old a player. I think i heard a sigh of relief from NY when the deal was done. If the Yankees were desperate for pitching and he was 30 yrs old not 38 i believe they could have made the same trade. Also too many shekels. I hope they prove me wrong. Boston & Toronto are probably not too happy. Lions empty seats, i turned on the game and it was 3 and 15 or something and SF runs it for a TD. I turned it off. Are the Red Wings still selling out? I noticed a lot of cold seats there. (probably playoff seats!) Vinny.
hey Book
One other thing, what are the tigers plans at 1B?
Are they hoping Casey plays decent over a full season, that Shelton gets his head out of his... are we looking outside the organization?
I just dont think we can play Casey at first. I mean, look at the other playoff 1B: pujols, morneau, delgado, giambi, garciaparra, adrian gonzalez (not a big name, but look at stats), and only oakland doesn't have an outstanding 1B.
I caught myself as a fan looking at this deal in a negative light. My first reflex was to complain that Detroit had given up far too much. Then I realized a very simple fact. The Detroit Tigers were three wins away from a World Championship. Baseball in Detroit is no longer a work in progress, a contending team has arrived and has all the earmarks of staying here for some time. Therefore, stocking prospects for the purpose of the future, is not necessarily as important as attempting to take advantage of the window of opportunity which has opened.
Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan and Anthony Claggett are good prospects. All three may pan out well for the Yankees, but there is a simple fact at hand. None of the three had ever thrown one pitch in the major leagues. Gary Sheffield is a borderline Hall of Fame player. Detroit acquired him for absolutely nothing off their major league roster. No one knows how Sheffield will produce in Detroit, he may get injured, he may become a malcantant, he may hit .300 and smack 35 Home Runs. On the same token, who knows how those three players will preform for the Yankees. On deeper look, this appears to be a good deal for both teams. The Yankees get desperately needed pitching prospects and Detroit gets their big bat. They Yankees risk none of them making it far, Detroit faces a large contract on a player who has an injury history.
Why I like this deal is simple. Gary Sheffield will replace a combination of Marcus Thames/Alexis Gomez at DH. While I like Thames overall game, this is a major upgrade. Together Thames/Gomez were going to produce with the consistency of Sheffield. This makes the Tigers line-up far more dangerous. In addition to that, Sheffield's career OPS over .900 means that he gets on base and hits for power. Something desperately needed.
The second reason why this deal is good is a bit longer. I'll try to list them in their order of relevance: Andrew Miller, Jordan Tata, Wilfredo Ledezma, Jar Jurgans, E. DeLaCruz, Nate Robertson, Zach Minor, Mike Maroth, and Ramon Colon. Detroit still has a huge amount of pitching talent available and after this trade they still do. This is a deal that the Tigers can make because they have finally drafted and developed well. The core pitching staff is still in place. With Whelan gone, Joel Zumaya is officially now the future closer of the Tigers. This is simply a deal Detroit could afford to make. After looking at all these names, there is still room for another one.
The Holland point is right on! To me, the trade seemed like something you jump on when you've exhausted other options. I was pulling for Carlos Lee, a free agent corner outfielder and middle of the lineup type of hitter. Lee would have been the perfect fit. Though productive for the past decade, Lee is just 31 and since 2003 he is tied for 12th in the Majors with 131 HR's and is 9th with 442 RBI's. He even stole 19 bases last year. Could we have picked him up and plugged him to the 3 hole for less money? Not to mention retaining our pitching prospects. Although I like Sheff, this isn't the time to stray from the front office saavy that brought us here.
WoW This could be a great week for blogging or talking sports. Especially with so much happening.
Starting with the Tigers. It is awesome to see them not standing pat. Illitch sounds to live up to his word. He stated if the Tigers showed signs of competing and the farm system was strong he would spend. Sheffield I think buys them time and can be a very serviceable Dh, Plus I like the fact that Leyland Acknowleged the Keeping of MOnroe. The price is steep, but as we know from Illitch's Red Wing Days over spending for Old Farts isn't out of the norm. LOL... Personally I was really liking the Mark Texeria trade. I would love to see us pull of that move. At the same time I would still wouldn't mind us bringing Casey back and giving Shelton a chance. I am not a big Aubrey Huff Guy. I think we can do much better. What things have you heard? Any interesting names? Who would you like to see us go out and get? I hear Tejada as a rumor and letting Guillen play 1B. I think it is rediculous, but that is the only other rumor I heard.
As far as College Football. Last saturday was awesome. 4 of the top 5 squads go down. I knew Auburn would lose. I thought USC would struggle and not Texas. Game I can't wait for now besides the Michigan OSU game is NOtre Dame and USC. I like Arkansas as my Dark Horse in all of this. As crazy as this sound. If Boise State wins out do they deserve to be a top 8 team? As rediculous as it sounds the question will be raised. In my mind Chad Henne is the single most important factor if Michigan is going to win. Lets face it he hasn't played stellar all year. At the same time he hasn't played bad. He has managed the games extremely well. If he can just do that and not force anything. Also if Michigan secondary can control the over the top stuff. I think Michigan wins. At the same time. If Ginn can use that speed Michigan could have a long day. But with our D-line. I think we put enough pressure Smith to where they can't go over top. Prediction Michigan 24- oSU 17.
As far as the Lions. You said it on the Sport Works Sunday. Millen just resign. Nobody was surprised one bit that the lions lost against the 49ers. What we did see was things like. Kalimba Edwards one of the lions top priorities in the off season shown that he sucks. Which proves Millen needs to go. You sign this guy he doesn't even start until hall goes down. When given opportunity he blows. Mike WIlliams should get more PT the edwards. What would have impressed me and showed me something with this team and that it was headed in the right direction. Was the 4th quarter. Yeah kitan through the pick. But when took those 2 time outs. Plus the 2 minute warning. there was a 3rd and 7. They couldn't get the stop. NOt saying they would have done anything, but plays like that and then lets say they do score. That is what builds confidence and shows where a team is at. There is no more excuses this is Millen's team. With other teams doing well if there wasn't fantasy football people would was there hands with this team.
Anonymous,
I think English would be a great recruiter. I think he would come up with the right scheme defensively and hire the right coaches. I like everything about him as a coach and feel he would clearly be the best choice for MSU. Ferentz isn't done at Iowa. You watch. They will be back next season despite losing the Tait.
Caputo
Nick P,
Sheffield may very well help them. My point is about how much they paid for the deal. It was either too much or too soon or the combination of both. It seemed rash where in the past the Tigers have been pretty calculated.
Caputo
MG,
Of all the candidate mentioned other than English, I like Kelly the best. It would not surprise if he moves up and has success.
Caputo
Garold,
What will 2009 be like? They are on the hook for an awful lot of money to Sheffield and Ordonez and both seem to be slipping. It would be one thing if Sheffield was this final piece to the puzzle type of thing. I'm not sure he is. The Tigers pitching beat the Yankees. The Yankees desperately need young pitching. Why give them three young pitching prospects for an aging, expensive player they were trying to unload.
Caputo
Mudhenfan,
I like Casey. He is a consistent hitter who doesn't strikeout that much. I like the way he showed up in the clutch last year and during the postseason. If he is back, with the addition of Sheffield, the Tigers' lineup should be OK.
Caputo
Danny,
Well, if he is going to play hard for anybody it will be those two. I don't anticipate any problems attitude-wise from him. He is not the cancer some seem to be protraying him to be. The great unknown is how long will he retain his tools? Dombrowski seems pretty confident about that - and he may be right.
Caputo
Themuhmemuhmeshow,
I think Michigan is going to win. I don't see Ohio State's backs running for that much yardage and I do believe Michigan's defense will keep Smith contained. The key will be not letting Ginn loose on special teams.
Caputo
Vinny,
The Yankees are elated with that trade and they should be. They couldn't have dreamed they would have gotten that much for Sheffield at this stage of his career coming off that season and postseason. That doesn't mean he won't help the Tigers, though.
Caputo
Nick P,
The one thing about it, though, is they have more power at a lot of positions than other teams. Their outfield and DH (especially now with Sheffield) shortstop and third base all have power. They ranked third in the American League in home runs last season before getting Sheffield. Also, Casey drove in runs at a pace for 90-plus RBI over 162 games in his time with the Tigers. That isn't bad.
Caputo
Royaloaklobo,
The Lions defensive scheme, in particular, is suspect. They can't stop anybody when they have to and Marinelli obviously isn't getting them ready emotionally.
Caputo
Atomicrod,
The tone of my opinion about the trade is obviously different than yours, but you make valid points. That is a way to look at it. And it could turn out without any of the three pitchers amounting to anything and Sheffield having a huge impact for the Tigers. You forgot to mention the three years and $41 million they are paying Sheffield.
Caputo
Maddog52,
Good point about Henne. He has had terrific year and is in the midst of a very good career. Even though he is the QB, he just might be the Wolverines most underrated player.
Caputo
I Rule,
This is a trade that may be talked about for a long time. It has a lot of interesting layers. So much is unknown. I have seen Sanchez and Whelan pitch. They have a chance, but are no sure thing. Who knows, really, how much gas Sheffield has in the tank.
Caputo
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home