2006 Hot Stove League

[BlakChamber 8]

So, the World Series is over. Hopefully we've all stopped crying and have said thank you to the Tigers for a great season. And that means it's Hot Stove time.

As far as the Tigers go. Everything says they want to add a big, left handed bat for next year. Mark Teixeira would be nice. The Rangers need pitching and the Tigers have a surplus of it.

Bonderman, Robertson, Rodney, Infante, Inge, Santiago, and Monroe are all arbitration eligible. Stairs, Casey and Walker are free agents. Troy Precival's salary is off the books too.

Assuming they were to stay, Bonderman, Robertson, and Monroe have all earned themselves a nice raise. I personally think trading Bonderman would be a mistake. He's improved every year he's been in the bigs, and he was rushed here too early IMO. I also read that he's going to really be working on his changeup this winter. I like Robertson and Monroe, but I don't think losing them would be as damaging as losing Bonderman.

I like Casey, he hits for average, is a lefty and seems to fit in very well in Detroit. But he got paid 8 million and doesn't come with the power you'd like to see at the corner.

Does anyone have a good list of free agents that are available?

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

I don't want this to happen, but thought it would be fun to ask, b/c I saw it on a Tiger board. It's about A-Rod coming here. The Yanks would want pitching I would guess, and he would have to waive his clause. If we did get him though I think he would do TONS better because I think Detroit would except him (like Rasheed Wallace), and then Guillen could go to first base. Again not saying I want this, but it's intersting to talk about IMO.

I'll try to find a FA list somwhere....

[betterREDthandead 58]

Here's a site with a free agent list. It's not completely comprehensive or accurate, because it omits players whose impact is minimal, and it might include a few guys whose options end up getting picked up, or leave a few who don't. So it's not an official list, but it's close enough for government work.

Me, I don't expect any free agent action for the Tigers. There's no need. Certain guys will get big raises and we need to pay them first. There's nobody that's really an upgrade at the positions we need to look at (first base and left field), except for Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano. But those guys will command HUGE contracts and I doubt the Tigers are interested.

I was going to try and come up with a trade scenario, but I can't think of anything that doesn't involve trading away a favorite. We need to make room for Andrew Miller, but that means losing either Robertson or Maroth. We definitely need to get Teixeira. That's on the top of my wish list. I'd like to keep Casey as a backup, but I'm thinking he'll find a starting job somewhere else. I would LOVE a scenario where we get A-Rod, though. Detroit has a rejuvenating effect on careers. Ask Kenny Rogers or Sheed.

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

Here's a site with a free agent list. It's not completely comprehensive or accurate, because it omits players whose impact is minimal, and it might include a few guys whose options end up getting picked up, or leave a few who don't. So it's not an official list, but it's close enough for government work.

Me, I don't expect any free agent action for the Tigers. There's no need. Certain guys will get big raises and we need to pay them first. There's nobody that's really an upgrade at the positions we need to look at (first base and left field), except for Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano. But those guys will command HUGE contracts and I doubt the Tigers are interested.

I was going to try and come up with a trade scenario, but I can't think of anything that doesn't involve trading away a favorite. We need to make room for Andrew Miller, but that means losing either Robertson or Maroth. We definitely need to get Teixeira. That's on the top of my wish list. I'd like to keep Casey as a backup, but I'm thinking he'll find a starting job somewhere else. I would LOVE a scenario where we get A-Rod, though. Detroit has a rejuvenating effect on careers. Ask Kenny Rogers or Sheed.

Red is this Teixeira thing just your wish? Or is this maybe a possibility? I haven't read any rumors dealing with him expect here.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Red is this Teixeira thing just your wish? Or is this maybe a possibility? I haven't read any rumors dealing with him expect here.

My wish. I think I read about the idea once. Might have been in the News. Nothing that says the Rangers and Tigers are even talking though. But, the idea makes perfect sense. We need a lefty power bat, we need a first baseman, and the Rangers need pitching. Teixeira switch hits, can slug with the best of them, and is just entering his prime. Price would be high, but we can afford it.

[BlakChamber 8]

There's been a lot of chatter on the net that Tex is a guy the Tigers would go after. I've never read anything that the Tigers are even talking to the Rangers though. He's a switch hitter, and would provide good power for a first basemen. The Rangers need pitching, and the Tigers have a surplus of pitching. I'd like to see the Tigers offer a package deal with Maroth or Robertson. If the Rangers wanted Bonderman for Tex, straight up, I'd say no. I'll take good pitching over good hitting.

One thing I'd like to see discussed at least, is the possibility of making Maggs the full time DH. Let's face it, how much longer is his knee going to hold up playing right field every day. Maybin is probably at least a year away from the bigs, more likely 2 years. If they could find a stopgap right fielder. Hell, give Clevelen a real shot at the position. I know that Maggs' salary is quite a bit for a DH, but considering the length of his contract, I think it would be best to keep him healthy as long as possible.

EDIT: I see that BetterRed and I are on the same wavelength here

[betterREDthandead 58]

There's been a lot of chatter on the net that Tex is a guy the Tigers would go after. I've never read anything that the Tigers are even talking to the Rangers though. He's a switch hitter, and would provide good power for a first basemen. The Rangers need pitching, and the Tigers have a surplus of pitching. I'd like to see the Tigers offer a package deal with Maroth or Robertson. If the Rangers wanted Bonderman for Tex, straight up, I'd say no. I'll take good pitching over good hitting.

One thing I'd like to see discussed at least, is the possibility of making Maggs the full time DH. Let's face it, how much longer is his knee going to hold up playing right field every day. Maybin is probably at least a year away from the bigs, more likely 2 years. If they could find a stopgap right fielder. Hell, give Clevelen a real shot at the position. I know that Maggs' salary is quite a bit for a DH, but considering the length of his contract, I think it would be best to keep him healthy as long as possible.

EDIT: I see that BetterRed and I are on the same wavelength here

Yup. I like the idea of DHing Maggs, too. I want to see a spot opened up for Clevlen. He's got a rocket launcher for an arm, he covers the field very well, and he can swing a bat. Not intimidated by some of the pressure situations he was put in. My dream outfield for 2009 is Granderson in center, Clevlen in left, and Maybin in right. But all three are good enough to play center.

The News also suggested that Aubrey Huff would be a good fit at first base, but I'm not totally sold. He's a good hitter, but IMO, signing a free agent would be a waste of the glut of talent we have on the mound. If we can go out and trade for a great hitter, better that than to sign a good one.

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

What about trading Thames or Monroe?

[BlakChamber 8]

Yup. I like the idea of DHing Maggs, too. I want to see a spot opened up for Clevlen. He's got a rocket launcher for an arm, he covers the field very well, and he can swing a bat. Not intimidated by some of the pressure situations he was put in. My dream outfield for 2009 is Granderson in center, Clevlen in left, and Maybin in right. But all three are good enough to play center.

The News also suggested that Aubrey Huff would be a good fit at first base, but I'm not totally sold. He's a good hitter, but IMO, signing a free agent would be a waste of the glut of talent we have on the mound. If we can go out and trade for a great hitter, better that than to sign a good one.

I agree about that outfield. I've heard around the net that Granderson moving to left with Maybin taking over in center. Either way, I love the idea of a Grandy/Maybin/Clevlen outfield.

I'm not sold on Huff either. Like I said earlier, I'd like to see a package deal for Tex. I'd rather see the money used to give Bonderman a nice raise.

[timothy1997 0]

what about making two key moves like this:

-trade Robertson and Monroe to Texas for Teixeria

-Sign Soriano as Free Agent

[BlakChamber 8]

What would you guys think if the Tigers signed Gary Matthews Jr., from Texas?

He's a free agent this year, and only earned 1.1 million last year. He had a good seaosn, so he'd get a raise on the open market, but he's not going to break the bank. He hit .313 with 19 homers, 79 RBIs last year, along with a .371 OBP and .495 SLG. From what I read and remember seeing of him, he's a good enough fielder that he could play center in Detroit. He's got a decent arm so he could probably play right and move Maggs to the DH slot. And to top it off, he's a switch hitter.

[timothy1997 0]

What would you guys think if the Tigers signed Gary Matthews Jr., from Texas?

He's a free agent this year, and only earned 1.1 million last year. He had a good seaosn, so he'd get a raise on the open market, but he's not going to break the bank. He hit .313 with 19 homers, 79 RBIs last year, along with a .371 OBP and .495 SLG. From what I read and remember seeing of him, he's a good enough fielder that he could play center in Detroit. He's got a decent arm so he could probably play right and move Maggs to the DH slot. And to top it off, he's a switch hitter.

I personally perfer Soriano but Matthews would be a helluva addition to the team. I am all for it!

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

I would love Soriano, but he is a risk on defense. We really need his bat though.

[BlakChamber 8]

My personal opinion is that the Tigers really don't have to go stock up on big hitters this off season. Yes, a big, left handed bat would be very nice. Hell, a few more lefties period would be nice. But it was the lack of a big stick that cost the Tigers the World Series. Stick with the good pitching, that's what got you there in the first place.

That being said, I wouldn't say no to Soriano. But he's going to command a huge salary, he's a righty, and he strikes out a lot. I honestly don't think he's going to be worth what he gets paid, at least in my mind.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Tigers have extended Dombrowski through 2011. Link. Just as importantly, I think, they've also extended pretty much the whole rest of the front office. Guys like Al Avila and David Chadd (especially Chadd) are huge.

[timothy1997 0]

Tigers have extended Dombrowski through 2011. Link. Just as importantly, I think, they've also extended pretty much the whole rest of the front office. Guys like Al Avila and David Chadd (especially Chadd) are huge.

excellent news!! way to go Tigers

[BlakChamber 8]

Pudge and Rogers each won the Gold Glove at their position. This years win gives Kenny 5 Gold Gloves and Pudge 12!

[BlakChamber 8]

From SI

A Tejada-for-Teixeira trade has been discussed, but the Rangers wanted Baltimore to sweeten the pot by including top young pitcher Erik Bedard. Teixeira's weak first-half performance has Texas at least considering whether to trade him rather than commit to a long-term contract that may approach $100 million. Some execs could see Teixeira going to Detroit for, say Jeremy Bonderman, who, like Teixeira, is two years away from free agency. But one executive said, "If I were Detroit, I wouldn't do that.

I agree with the unnamed executive.

• The Indians, Tigers and a few other teams are in the mix for Gary Sheffield, along with the Cubs, Astros, Orioles and White Sox. One executive with an interested team predicted Sheffield would be traded "sooner rather than later." But the Yankees also could just pick up the option on Sunday and hold him as long as it took to deal him

No thanks.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Agree on Sheffield. No thanks. Also no on Soriano. Strikes out too much, not the kind of hitter the Tigers should be looking for. Teixeira's still on the top of my wish list, and Gary Matthews Jr. would also be interesting. But in the case of Matthews, I think we could do a better job of improving, given the embarrassment of riches we have on the mound. There's a Rob Neyer column that said it all: We have pitching, and everyone wants pitching. Fact is, I think if Dombrowski is sharp enough, he can use that fact to underpay some team for someone very good.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

what about making two key moves like this:

-trade Robertson and Monroe to Texas for Teixeria

-Sign Soriano as Free Agent

I do not think that would interest Texas. I believe either Bonderman has to be involved, or prospects would have to be included with Robertson (i.e. Sanchez and Clevlen). Or perhaps they'd bite on Shelton, Robertson, and Clevlen..

[BlakChamber 8]

I do not think that would interest Texas. I believe either Bonderman has to be involved, or prospects would have to be included with Robertson (i.e. Sanchez and Clevlen). Or perhaps they'd bite on Shelton, Robertson, and Clevlen..

I agree, it would take more than Robertson and Monroe to get Tex. I'd imagine they'd want Bondo. Texas has a good lineup, but they really need pitching. I could definitely see them wanting a couple prospects if they took Nate.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

I agree, it would take more than Robertson and Monroe to get Tex. I'd imagine they'd want Bondo. Texas has a good lineup, but they really need pitching. I could definitely see them wanting a couple prospects if they took Nate.

Now that i think about it, they wouldnt give up Tex for Nate, Shelton, and Clevlen. I think Humberto would almost have to be involved with Nate if we werent giving Bonderman. And even then...it would take another player added on. I'd really hate to lose Bondo, but the lineup is definitely missing something. We would just have to hope either Sanchez or Miller can make the jump,...or theres always free agency.

How about Liriano missing the 2007 season? Wow..sucks for the Twins.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

1)Granderson (L)

2)Polanco ®

3)Texiera (L/R)

4)Ordonez ®

5)Guillen (L/R)

6)Pudge ®

7) Stairs maybe as DH? (L)

8) Inge ®

9) Clevlen ® (if Monroe were dealt for a pitcher)

Verlander ®

Rogers (L)

How about Jason Schmidt?®

Robertson (L)

Miller/Sanchez (spring training battle..)

Im all for this! Looking at it typed out i think we can afford to lose Bonderman, the team looks better.

[MacK_Attack 108]

TSN just reported that the New York Yankees have sent Gary Sheffield to the Detroit Tigers for three pitching prospects.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

Those 3 Tigers are Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan, and Anthony Claggett. Sanchez was our top pitching prospect and Whelan is a pretty decent bullpen prospect. I dont know anything about Claggett..

I hate Gary Sheffield, as of right now i dont like this trade at all. I wouldve rather used Sanchez as bait for somebody else. It appears on the surface that a Texiera trade probably wont happen now, i just cant see the Tigers giving up Bonderman AND Sanchez.