Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Tigers "sign and trade" of Galarraga makes sense for both parties

It's not that complicated why the Tigers signed Armando Galarraga to a $2.3 million contract - then removed him from their 40-man roster.
I heard from a source, that his representative let the Tigers know he wanted to be traded after they signed free agent Brad Penny to be their fifth starter.
The Tigers would have much more trouble trading Galarraga if there was an arbitration hearing pending next month. From Galarraga's stand point, it makes sense because contracts awarded in arbitration are not guaranteed (just one-sixth if a player is released during spring training). He now has a guaranteed $2.3 million.
I'm not sure, though, what kind of talent he will bring in return. Probably not much. I would expect the Royals to be interested now that Gil Meche has suddenly retired.

Labels:

10 Comments:

Blogger Sean T. Johnston said...

Galarraga's desire for a trade was the missing piece of the puzzle, thanks Pat.

It's a shame we couldn't hang onto him in case of the inevitable injury/ineffectiveness.

Still a lot of "if's" in the rotation. Could be pretty solid IF Scherzer picks up where he left off, IF Porcello can finally put it all together, IF Coke's transition to a starter is smooth and IF Penny doesn't have a repeat of his time in Boston.

How do you feel about the pitching depth in the farm system in case some of those holes need to be plugged?

11:45 AM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Sean T Johnson,
I think the Tigers' rotation is going to be really good, but your right, the only pitcher who doesn't have "If" in front of a sentence about the upcoming season is Verlander.
Caputo

1:19 PM 
Blogger Barry said...

Sorry Pat, unless a trade is already in the works, this is dumb. I don't mind giving him 2.3 million but, being one of the best #5 starters in the A.L.and you might not get anything for him is just plain dumb. There is a numbers of players you could slip through waivers. Tigers have too many questions in their rotation. Can Penny log 150 innings? Coke, unless his change-up is his best pitch, look like disaster. Coke used to get ripped in the lower minors as a starter. Can Porcello step up to be #3 starter? Porcello needs good D to win games because his K ratio is bad. How good is the Tigers D going to be this year? Counting on the young players might be a bit premature. Oliver is nothing unless Tigers give back his cutter.

2:19 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Barry,
My point is, signing him at least allows the Tigers the probability to get something in return for a player they were likely to release - and got Galarraga the guaranteed contract.
Caputo

2:45 PM 
Blogger Contrary Guy said...

A below-average major league starter?

Of course the Royals would be interested!

They need an ace!

3:25 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Core Contrarian,
LOL
Caputo

8:19 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Here we go again with all this optimism for the Tigers.

I thought that Galarraga was a good 5th starter.

Good luck with all you guys, including you Pat, that think that the perfect situation will occur that Percello has a comeback, Coke and Penny will surprise and Scherzer continues with what was the top of his game.

Not a bad starting pitching lineup but very optimistic.

I hate to be a black hat but I think we're banking on a lot.

6:46 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Anonymous,
You are correct, I believe, in pointing out there are a lot of "ifs" regarding the Tigers starting rotation.
Caputo

1:27 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah, but are the Tigers obligated to sign an arbitration contract?

If not, then they could have just waited, and made a decision then, and it might have cost them nothing to release him.

Now, they're betting the come, that they hope will be something of value. If it isn't, and particularly if they take on guaranteed contracts, then this is a poor strategic move.

I think Galarraga will eventually be their 5th starter. They needed to do something stronger in the LH starter sweepstakes.

1:19 PM 
Blogger Pat Caputo said...

Anonymous,
Yes. They were obligated.
Caputo

8:17 PM 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home