OT: Tigers sign Rajai Davis
Tigers have signed OF Rajai Davis to a two-year deal, in the range of $9-10 million ($4-5 million/year). Here's a link to his stats page. And a summary from MLB Trade Rumors:
Davis, 33, hasn't played in an everyday role for the Blue Jays over the last three seasons, but has seen enough action to rack up nearly 1,200 plate appearances, recording a .252/.299/.369 slash line. The speedster has also added 125 stolen bases over that period. That batting line may not be particularly impressive, but his .297/.363/.455 line against left-handed pitchers dating back to 2011 certainly is.
Not a blockbuster signing, but I like it. He's got good speed, can hit for average, and looks to be about an average-to-below average fielder. I think this could turn out to be a good signing.
December 10th, 2013 at 12:55 PM ^
December 10th, 2013 at 1:00 PM ^
Hmm.. Well, hopefully those numbers will be good enough.
December 10th, 2013 at 1:06 PM ^
Q Berry brought so much energy to the team 2 years ago. Sure, we rode his wicked hot streak for a month or two, but I miss his legit base-stealing threat. Davis seems like Q. Berry with more plate consistency, esp. against lefties. If he's defensively sound, then I'm on board (I admittedly haven't paid much attention to the Jays over the past few year).
December 10th, 2013 at 1:50 PM ^
They needed another outfielder. Probably still need bullpen help but that can be such a crapshoot that teams almost have to tinker with it on an on-going basis during the season.
It'll be very interesting to watch the Tigers next season with the changes in personel & new manager. It might sound odd but my biggest concern is that they push too hard during the season and then run out of steam in September or October.
The 2011-13 versions of the Tigers seemed to learn that they playoffs are a crapshoot and that they simply needed to qualify (instead of dominating regular season). Given that they made the "final four" during those seasons, it seemed to work. Verlander, in particular, seemed to be pacing himself last year before turning it up in the playoffs.
December 10th, 2013 at 2:43 PM ^
I really like this trade. Detroit was slow and full of defensive liabilities last year. This year, they'll give up some power but that outfield should have significantly better range as well as (I hope) some improved baserunning. Going station-to-station like this team needed to last year really hurt, especially in the playoffs. Davis isn't going to set the world on fire, but any guy with that type of speed will keep pitchers honest and can be disruptive even if his OBP is pretty meh.
December 10th, 2013 at 5:48 PM ^
December 10th, 2013 at 8:46 PM ^
Normally, I would agree. Hitting is much more important than defense.
However, there's something to be said for building a team with more balance. Last year we were the epitome of a long ball team. We relied on the 3-run homer, which is what you should do with the lineup we had. Problem was Fielder disapeared completely in the playoffs and for much of the second half.
Speed doesn't disappear like the long-ball can, so I like having a little more balance. Especially with the ballpark we play in.