Thursday, September 16, 2010

Just some thoughts on the Tigers...

I do think Carlos Guillen will be the Tigers' second baseman next season. He is a much better player than Scott Sizemore or Will Rhymes. Those guys are there for insurance. Neither is, in my opinion, a long-term major leaguer. Sizemore has much more upside than Rhymes, though.
Big decisions are coming on Brandon Inge and Jhonny Peralta. The Tigers probably should keep both. That's not a bad left side of the infield. I wouldn't give Inge more than a one-year deal.
I'd try to re-sign Magglio Ordonez, but only for much less of a cost. And only for one year. I would not attempt to re-sign Johnny Damon. He is clearly on the downside of his career. Numbers this season reflect that. Inge is having a decent season - despite his critics. Peralta is a good player. Ordonez was a comeback player of the year candidate until he was hurt.
I still maintain the free agent the Tigers should be most interested in is Adam Dunn. They need power and run production - above all else.

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11 Comments:

Blogger Sean T. Johnston said...

Dunn would fit in nicely as a DH. But his defense limits his flexibility otherwise.

I am still a little concerned about the corner outfield spots, even if they do end up bringing Magglio back. I doubt the Tigers will get anywhere in the Crawford or Werth conversations, so that probably means Wells and/or Boesch will be starting.

What are your thoughts about the Catcher position next year? I doubt Laird will be back, and I don't think anyone is sold on Avila just yet. Do you see them going after a Victor Martinez or John Buck?

I also read that the Pirates might be interested in shopping Ryan Doumit. That might be interesting.

I always appreciate your insights, Pat. Thanks!

1:56 PM 
Blogger Barry said...

Hey Pat, I agree with Dunn but where do you play him? I think Beltre and the Tigers is a potential match. The Red Sox want to sign him but not at big dollars. Beltre wants the money and the Tigers have the money and a need for 3B. SBoros is also the agent. I hate to see them sign him to a 4 year contract. I would also offer Arbitration to Inge to get a draft pick coming back. If he takes it than he will be for one year. They do have 3B at the lower level of the minors though. I would sign Maggs as a last resort and as your DH only and wait to see what players are available come January. Raburn is becoming the perfect DH because he can play the field if needed. I notice he has already pass Damon’s stats already.

3:16 PM 
Anonymous Michael C said...

I pretty much agree with everything you said, but I think Inge and Peralta should only both be back as a backup plan. I think we could do better at both positions. (Though if we spend our money elsewhere they'd be fine)

I think Dunn and Crawford should be targets 1a and 1b. Crawford would look so good in that spacious outfield next to Jackson, and it'd be our first time in forever having that kind of base stealing threat. Dunn is the 2nd power bat we desperately need.

We have more than enough money coming off the books to overpay for both of them and still have a lot of money left over, so I think they can compete with the big markets for them.

I'm not sure I see the Tigers signing both Magglio and Dunn though. I think it'd be an either or thing as they both seem best suited for DH. I'd go with Dunn.

2:43 AM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Sean T. Johnson,
I think Dunn would fit as player who sometimes DHs and sometimes right field. Mix and match with Magglio and a younger player with defensive skill, should be all right defensively. The Tigers need a left-handed hitter with power.
Caputo

12:08 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Barry,
I wouldn't touch Beltre. You never know what you're getting with that guy. I see Raburn as a backup who ideally gets 300 or so at bats in a season.
Caputo

12:10 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Michael C,
I don't see who they will get who will be better - unless they swing some sort of trade. I think catcher is a bigger priority than short or third. Tigers only have limited prospects.
Caputo

12:11 PM 
Blogger Sean T. Johnston said...

Any thoughts on who's going to catch?

1:27 PM 
Blogger Fred Brill said...

Book - sorry for being late to comment on this one.

Guillen back to second? Everyone agrees? How long do you think into next season Guillen will be able to stay healthy?

The Dunn idea is a great one - but I think there will be more competition for him than expected - seems a lot of teams are asking for Duinn,.

1:40 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Sean T. Johnson,
Avila will be one of their catchers. My guess is they won't be able to land a marquee catcher (Martinez), but will looking to deal for an arbitration-eligible catcher, or somebody close to it. Soto? Baker?
Caputo

10:45 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Fred Brill,
Dunn may draw more interest than people - maybe as much as Crawford - because there is so much premium on power in post 'roids era.
Caputo

10:47 PM 
Blogger Barry said...

Pat, Beltre can play 3B very well. You guys in the mirrors have some questionable fielding stats. Your right he would be my last choice to sign.

12:34 AM 

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