Tigers LF Options
This got me to thinking (dangerous, I know...):
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7173950/cleveland-indians-decline-grady-sizemore-deal
Now that the Tigers are looking for an every day LF option with some leather along with a bit of pop in his bat, I'm wondering if Grady could possibly be one of those options. Caveats applied, he is a speedster/gold glove calibur CF with 2 knee surgeries under his belt. HOWEVA, the little he did play this year he tore it up at the plate with 10 HRs while posting a .378 BA to end the month of April right before he had the freak sliding injury at 2nd base. Could the Tigers conceivably get him at a bargain with an incentive-laiden deal while shoring up some D in LF next to Jackson and then use the spare cash to go after a certain big-name SS that rhymes with Rosay Jayus and move Peralta over to 3rd? Not to mention, Grady has always been a Tiger killer and hit well in the open gaps at Comerica...
Just a random baseball thought on a cold October/November night about 6 months before a pitch is even thrown again...
October 31st, 2011 at 7:57 PM ^
Its football season, dude. This is probably too OT.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:00 PM ^
Yup. I was totally expecting something titled "Tigers LF Options" to be about football. If only he had labeled it OT /s
October 31st, 2011 at 8:00 PM ^
Detroit sports are not OT (read the by-laws) and there is nothing interesting football-wise on this All Hallow's Eve, dude.
November 1st, 2011 at 12:11 AM ^
Grady has talked about retiring recently, and may be done with baseball. Too many injuries.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:04 PM ^
Delmon Young and Brennan Boesch. We need a 3B which we would most likely have to trade for.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:07 PM ^
Can play 3rd base and that's why you could go out in free agency and make a run for Jose Reyes to be your SS.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:12 PM ^
Or they can sign Aramis Ramirez.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:16 PM ^
to about $120 million, we dont have that kind of money
October 31st, 2011 at 8:22 PM ^
he also can get fat, give up and quit if pissed off like he did in cleveland
October 31st, 2011 at 8:38 PM ^
The same reason we need to the stay the F away from Reyes...Big year in contract year, but otherwise, a guy who is constantly injuried and underachieving...plus, he won't have the speed as he ages during the span of this contract, which is why you are paying him that money....I will be very disappointed if the Tigers sign Reyes...
I would like them to try for Grady if only cheap, bring in a top reliever or two (not closers) and go after a 2nd or 3rd basemen via trade
October 31st, 2011 at 8:45 PM ^
Umm explain? That man went all of out for Cleveland. Sounds like he was pissed?
October 31st, 2011 at 9:57 PM ^
http://designaterobertson.blogspot.com/2011/10/gr8-8-jhonny-peralta-career-reborn.html
his career definitley has turned around in detroit.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:57 PM ^
The Indians moving Peralta to 3rd is the reason we got him for cheap. Why would we do the same to him a season after he made the All-Star game at SS?
October 31st, 2011 at 8:05 PM ^
Double Post
October 31st, 2011 at 8:06 PM ^
Is a career .300 OBP player with severe downsides in LF at Comerica with his suspect defense... and Boesch is your every day RF... don't know where those options are...
October 31st, 2011 at 8:15 PM ^
we don't need another outfielder. Grady Sizemore is chronically injured and can't really hit anymore. Delmon is bad defensively but he can hit so it doesnt really matter.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:19 PM ^
Are hard to defend. Saying Grady can't hit anymore is just wrong based on his performances between injuries and Delmon has not been a world-beater with his bat his entire career, just catching fire when he came to the Tigers.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:27 PM ^
.298, 21 homers, and 112 RBIs in 2010 and was injured the first half of the season that's why his production was down. He is about to hit is prime so this is the perfect time to sign him to a 2 year contract with the second having an option.
As for Grady Sizemore, He hasn't played a 150 games since 2008 and in between 2009 and 2011 he hasn't hit over .250 and 28 combined homeruns. Also the speed you want from him isn't anything special he only stole 17 bases in those 3 years. his defensive war is a total of -0.1 and his OBP is only mediocre, but has been bad the last 2 years
October 31st, 2011 at 8:11 PM ^
used as a fill-in outfielder to give Young, Boesch, and Jackson rest and plus he would be a good top of the order hitter to compliment middle of the order if he stays healthy.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:23 PM ^
we cant have a 4th outfielder making 5+ mil a year
October 31st, 2011 at 8:13 PM ^
Add a little more, if Uncle Illitch is willing to pay it, and get Rollins or Reyes. Move Peralta to third.
We have Boesch and Delmon for right and left, with Kelly serving as a decent backup.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:26 PM ^
our payroll isnt actually dropping really from the raises cabrera verlander and others are getting, puls the raises due to avila and jackson and boesch as soon as they are arbitration eligible
October 31st, 2011 at 9:21 PM ^
A lot of people talk about moving peralta to third. That didnt work out so well in cleveland. He was unhappy and this led to the Indians trading him to a team in their own division. He worked very hard in the offseason to improve his footwork and range. He was gold glove worthy at SS this year. I dont think we should mess with that. Lets find a 3B or 2B and go with it.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:14 PM ^
I live in Cleveland and have watch Sizemore up close and personal for several years. The Tigers should jump on getting him if they can.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:22 PM ^
and i mean always hurt... i'll pass
October 31st, 2011 at 8:20 PM ^
we need to get a little realistic. There is about a 5% chance that we sign Reyes and it wouldn't be a good signing because we would be signing a guy who is a bad clubhouse guy, is often injured, and lacks power. If we are going to spend that kind of money i would rather us trade Rick Porcello, Casey Crosby, Robert Brantly, and Andy Oliver to the Marlins for Hanley Ramirez and move him to 3B. After we do that we sign Roy Oswalt to a 2 year/ 16-18 mil contract
October 31st, 2011 at 8:28 PM ^
I don't think Ilitch has that money to spend on one "star" free agent. The Tigers are not exactly making huge profits right now...I believe they have money to make significant moves, but not crazy ass spending moves.
Also, that trade for Hanley Ramirez is bat shit crazy...not to mention I don't think Florida would do it. That is giving up way to much and I do not think Oswalt (in the AL) is an upgrade over Porcello for that large of a paycheck.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:34 PM ^
Before last year Hanley was a top 3 player in the NL and really needs a change of surrondings. Rick Porcello, as much as we Tiger fans don't want to admit it, is nothing special and is a #3 starter at best. Drew Smyly and Jacob Turner could easily take his spot in the rotation. Roy Oswalt would be good here because the hitting isn't great in the Central and our park is pitcher friendly
October 31st, 2011 at 8:41 PM ^
I do not like NL pitchers with meh ERAs and WHIPs coming to the AL...it rarely works out well. Also...Porcello is our 3rd starter. Verlander and Fister are 1,2, no questions asked...you can make a real good case Scherzer should be 3rd starter. So now Rick is pitching in the 4th spot...and he is a pretty good option as a 4th starter IMO. The Tigers rotation looks pretty deep right now...not one of the best ever obviously...but pretty deep compared to other teams.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:55 PM ^
but Roy Oswalt is a workhorse when he is healthy and gives our rotation veteran leadership. I think scherzer is our #3 easily when he has his mechanics going right. I agree our rotation is solid but it is solid with an ace, an good not great pitcher, and a bunch of average pitchers. I'm sure you've heard of Drew Smyly so i don't have to explain how good he is and he is out of college so he should compete for the #5 spot in the rotation out of spring training. I think Turner needs another year in the minors to work on his change up and mixing up pitches, at the worst bring him up in july.
October 31st, 2011 at 9:05 PM ^
but I also don't think they will rush him up. I think he will start next year in the minors and will be a likely call up if one pitcher's game goes to hell
October 31st, 2011 at 9:16 PM ^
going on 23 and was a college pitcher so he already has experience logging a lot of innings
October 31st, 2011 at 8:31 PM ^
These are exactly the types of deals I'd expect to see. Doubt it's enough for Ramirez though.
October 31st, 2011 at 11:21 PM ^
I like this. That's good thinkin'.
I was reading about the free agency options on a couple sites. Came here to check out the latest, and pleased to see the post. Unlike other sites, you can count on intelligent ifnromed discussion here.
I though, and still think Reyes is a possibility, albeit a slight one. However, I recall that Peralta may have objected to playing 2nd this year, or in the past, and that seems a prerequisite to the Tigers having any interest in Reyes.
On the other hand, I could see the tigers picking up a Betimit equivalent for second base, particularly if they resign Santiago (who the Twins are apparently interested in signing as a full time SS).
I agree with you that pitching, and relief pitching especially, are areas where the tigers will end up looking. Oswalt would be great. There are a number of possibiities for pitching in fee agency also. Basically nothing for second base. If we are going to p/u a 2nd basemen, it seems it will either involve moving Peralta to second or a trade rather than free agency.
As for outfield, Dirks shows promise, and between he and Kelly there seem to be enough options to sub for Young as necessary.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:20 PM ^
we have Ryan Raburn! /s
October 31st, 2011 at 8:23 PM ^
Secondly, Delmon Young and Brennan Boesch will be the corner outfielders with Austin Jackson in center...that is solid and does not need to be screwed with.
The Tigers need to focus on upgrading the infield. 2nd base or 3rd base is what has to get upgraded...or shortstop if Peralta can move over to 3rd base. Also, a new bullpen pitcher would be nice too since we can not win a world series with only 2.5 (Coke being the .5) trusted arms in the pen
October 31st, 2011 at 8:25 PM ^
for Al-Al. who knows if he can finish his recovery and not have a sophomore slump though
October 31st, 2011 at 8:34 PM ^
how much that batting practice ball to the head screwed him up for the end of the season. I have a feeling his issues are more mental than physical. I think if he gets it back, he will be very valuable...and I also think Perry and Schlereth have upside that can help the Tigers for years if they can reach it...but an experienced arm for longer relief in the bullpen is really needed for this team and you saw that in the playoffs hurt the Tigers (which might be solved if they have a good 5th starter who can move into that role...cough jacob turner cough)
October 31st, 2011 at 8:27 PM ^
Detroit sports = not OT
October 31st, 2011 at 8:30 PM ^
yes it is...this is a Michigan Blog...this thread is not about Michigan sports. I am not saying the thread should be deleted...but is should be labeled OT
October 31st, 2011 at 8:36 PM ^
What's the offtopic policy?
In the offseason, offtopic posts are tolerated. During football season they are discouraged and may be subject to removal depending on how alert the moderators are. What counts as on- and off- topic?
ONTOPIC
- Anything Michigan sports related
- Anything related to other Big Ten teams or upcoming opponents
- Stuff about the blog itself
- University of Michigan topics that don't relate to sports
GRAY AREA
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UNWELCOME, KTHX
- Politics
OFFTOPIC
- Pro sports of any variety
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Brian makes exceptions for playoff games and an occassional thread, but IT IS off topic
October 31st, 2011 at 8:37 PM ^
The Tigers will not spend much on free-agency. If they do spend, it will be on pitching.
Assumptions & Rationale:
1. The Tigers are very unlikely to spend market cost for Reyes, who everyone wants. They've followed a formula of only signing franchise-caliber talent to expensive long-term contracts. They use youth first then fill the gap with short-term veterans. They'll overpay, but not over many years. Reyes seems like a classic 'you'll regret this in 3-4 years' acquisition, on the wrong side of 30 very soon. Some GM will pay him, it's just unlikely to be Dombrowski, who has learned his lessons.
2. The Tigers need to to trade for an infielder. Peralta, Inge, Santiago have some flexibility and an upgrade is necessary. With limited free-agent options, the most likely upgrade is via trade.
3. The Tigers have few trade assets outside of pitching.
Therefore...
The Tigers will deal pitching (e.g. Porcello, Scherzer, Turner) for a high-level infielder. Someone like Brandon Phillips, who is expensive for Cincinnati, but is relatively cost-effective could be available. This will sap the Tigers' pitching depth, so they will reinforce via free-agency.
As for outfield: bargain shop, yo. Some cheap veterans will become available. With Boesch, Raburn, Jackson you have a group of outfielders that you don't NEED to upgrade. Instead, supplement with a veteran looking for a playoff shot - a useful option/rotation player. Thinking of a guy like Johnny Damon.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:50 PM ^
Especially if the Phillies go after Reyes? Is that still too expensive? We have 26 million coming off the books in Guillen, Maggs and Penny. I understand that guys are getting raises, but are they really getting that kind of raise?
October 31st, 2011 at 11:38 PM ^
Who has more trade value and upside? I would think Smyly, but I'm a Turner fan.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:38 PM ^
is Juan Pierre who as a Sox fan was a decent player. If you need speed at the top of the order he is still got it. Plus he isnt gonna cost an arm and a leg to get him. Plus the Tigers have enough power everywhere else in the lineup. He is around a 285 hittter 20 plus stolen bases and a c plus average fielder for the most part. And he was never misses a game not from injury or bad play.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:38 PM ^
The outfield will be Young, Jackson and Boesch. Dombrowski will spend his time/money working on upgrading the other positions such as 2B or possible 3B.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:46 PM ^
An OF with shaky knees and pop in his bat purchased on the cheap has worked before... I like your style.
October 31st, 2011 at 9:09 PM ^
Why are you worrying about left field when that position is covered, whereas 2nd and 3rd are not?
October 31st, 2011 at 9:43 PM ^
2nd and 3rd base, as well as one more reliable bullpen arm are higher priorities IMO. While not manned with All-Stars, between Young, Raburn and Kelly they have respectable LF production at the plate, although the D is admittedly shaky. This is where Raburn becomes such a frustration. He has everything physically necessary to be a stud OF, particularly good wheels and a great arm. And if you could extrapolate his 2nd half plate numbers over a full season for the last 3 years he'd be on the road to the Hall of Fame. His problem seems to be that with his million dollars physical skills comes a five dollar head. I've given up on hoping for improvement at 3B. They'll be doing the Weekend at Bernie's thing with Inge's corpse before they get rid of him. Leyland obviously (or so it seems to me) does not like to play Betemit. I hope DD figures that mess out.
October 31st, 2011 at 9:58 PM ^
I could care less about what they do at LF. I am only interested in seeing the Tigers making a push for Jose Reyes.