Tigers or Wolverines (Daniel Fields must decide by tonight)
From Jason Beck:
Then there's the case of Fields, who likely would've been selected in the first couple of rounds if not for expectations that he'll follow through on his commitment to the University of Michigan. Now, he's seriously considering a contract offer from the Tigers to turn pro and join the organization with which his father worked for years, first as a player and then as a coach in Toledo and Detroit.More from his blog last Friday. The Tigers have until midnight tonight to sign him. From the blog, and from the e-buzz, it seems like this is a total toss-up at the moment. The Tigers offered him a contract and he was supposed to have talked to Dombrowski and made a decision over the weekend. Well, the weekend ended, and still no announced decision. Does that bode well for M? The general consensus: Fields was a steal in the 6th round because people felt he was going to Michigan. I think the Tigers felt the opportunity to play near home might pry him away.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:23 PM ^
Though I love the tigers and want them to get as many good prospects as possible, I think it would serve this kid best to spend a few years in college.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:33 PM ^
I hope he signs with the Tigers.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:55 PM ^
Not an easy choice, but I'd probably take the cash since it might only come around once. A choice between UM football and pro football (if you could play after high school) would be much tougher. UM football is much more attractive than college baseball.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:08 PM ^
I wish college baseball was a bigger part of the development process, kinda like college hockey is for the NHL.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:21 PM ^
In a way I do as well, but the Minors are pretty cool.
If colleges could afford to use wood bats instead of saving money with those abominations to the Lord they use now it would probably help.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:13 PM ^
Congrats. Nice to see a Cub athlete with these kinds of options.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:34 PM ^
As only a casual Tigers fan, I'm hoping he goes to college (now if he was drafted by the Astros, maybe not). I think there's a good shot he will come to Ann Arbor, perhaps 60-40.
The Tigers might have to throw out a ton of money and get the slap on the wrist from Selig for over spending on a 6th round prospect. That said, the Tigers minor league system is pretty weak when it comes to infield depth from what I've read. It could be a big draw for the kid. He's top notch talent.
I'm really hoping Strasburg doesn't sign and then has a minor injury while playing independent league, dropping his next year's draft status a few rounds -enough where he'll still get paid well, but not the astronomical amounts Boras is looking to get now.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:05 PM ^
but how can you wish an injury on someone? It is greed at its worst but I would never wish that upon any athlete.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:47 PM ^
That's why I added the qualifier that it wouldn't be so serious to knock him out, just down a few rounds. Perhaps a slight strain right before the draft. I know it's morally reprehensible, but the rate of players pay scales is escalating a bit too bit out of reality.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:48 PM ^
I hope he comes to Michigan, but I'd completely understand it if he signed with the Tigers.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:49 PM ^
Go to the Tigers, dude.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:32 PM ^
and not much of a fan of Michigan outside of football, basketball, and wrestling, I have to root for the Tigers in this one.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:59 PM ^
Apparently Fields went in for a physical this morning. I have to assume this puts him well on the side of the Tigers. Apparently they've upped their offer.
Update: Beck's now saying they are still talking, but the only one he mentions as "closer" right now is Turner.
August 17th, 2009 at 10:35 PM ^
According to Beck's twitter, he has signed with the Tigers.
http://twitter.com/beckjason/status/3374478354
August 17th, 2009 at 10:37 PM ^
I had actually just come to post that his blog updated it, too.
August 17th, 2009 at 10:58 PM ^
I just had a 300 word diary set up and when I hit preview, it deleted it all. FTW.