MLB Offseason Thread

[mannysBETTER3434 1]

I'm am so pumped for this! Only bad thing is zoom is hurt half the year, but we clearly have enough fire power to get through it!

[dallas27 7]

The farm team is not going to win the World Series. Obviously the Tigers dont feel the team is good enough to win now. Detroits hitters are getting older.

I really feel you, and most people in this thread, really have no idea how important farm teams are in baseball. You can't just go out and rely on getting top-end free agents every year. Their player salary is not going to allow that. No s*** the farm team isn't going to win the World Series.

Sure they could wait until Maybin and Miller develop but by that time you can count on Polanco, Shef, Mags, and Pudge being gone. Then your stuck with one or two stars in the lineup. You make this trade now and you give yourself one of the best lineups in baseball.

They already had the best line-up in baseball. If they play like they should, prior to this trade, they make it to the World Series with the team they had last year. Almost every single analyst pretty much had them penciled in as the WS champs at the all-star break. But, as we all know, Detroit decided to play liks a**holes for the rest of the season.

You get a chance to aquire one of the top young hitters in the game for a prospect who has proven squat so far you had better take that deal or get fired.

So I guess he has proven squat in the minors then right? Check your fukin stats buddy. Maybin is 20 years old (and has the same birthday as me, kick ass) and at least 2 years away from being ml ready and they brought him up way to fast for the stint he had here.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/stats...r.php?id=457727

Wow. He has proven squat man. Geez, 1.588 OPS. WOW HE BLOWS. His .932 OPS sucks too.

As I said before, top picks in baseball rarely turn out to be busts. This isn't the NFL riddled with Ryan Leafs and Joey Harringtons and Charles Rogers'.

I know it sounds like I am complaining now but I'm not. They are probably the outright favorites to make it to the WS for the next few years. After that though, then I will start complaining when they are scratching their heads wondering who they can pluck out of the farm system. OH WAIT. NOBODY. Tigers won't have a draft pick higher than 25-30 for the next few years.

[Matt 1,049]

I know it sounds like I am complaining now but I'm not. They are probably the outright favorites to make it to the WS for the next few years.

And that is such a bad thing? The club wants to win and wants to win NOW, DD goes out and makes this trade and we're complaining about a couple of guys that *may* be All-Stars down the road -- but when they get to that point we're back to plugging the holes left by Maggs, Pudge, Sheff, et al.

Outside of the bullpen, the Tigers today have the best lineup in baseball, hands down. And we're complaining that this move cements them as perennial WS contenders for the next few years because we had to part with potential?

Judging by some of the posts lamenting the deal, you would think we just traded Maybin and Miller for 35-year olds -- not two players 10 years younger than that.

After that though, then I will start complaining when they are scratching their heads wondering who they can pluck out of the farm system. OH WAIT. NOBODY. Tigers won't have a draft pick higher than 25-30 for the next few years.

And that affected their selection of Porcello, didn't it? As a Wings fan you should have a good idea of how this whole process works, with the Wings maintaining over 20 years of success by having an astute management staff from the GM on down to the scouting staff.

You'd be hardpressed to find a better front office than the one at CoPa. Consider me a loyal disciple of the Church of D.D.

[rwfan007 18]

Well, the deal is now official... Cabrera and Willis to Detroit for Maybin, Miller, Rabelo and 3 other prospects.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...7&fext=.jsp

now DD, if Inge is in fact gone , then trade him and Thames for some bullpen talent.

[dallas27 7]

And that is such a bad thing? The club wants to win and wants to win NOW, DD goes out and makes this trade and we're complaining about a couple of guys that *may* be All-Stars down the road -- but when they get to that point we're back to plugging the holes left by Maggs, Pudge, Sheff, et al.

Outside of the bullpen, the Tigers today have the best lineup in baseball, hands down. And we're complaining that this move cements them as perennial WS contenders for the next few years because we had to part with potential?

Judging by some of the posts lamenting the deal, you would think we just traded Maybin and Miller for 35-year olds -- not two players 10 years younger than that.

And that affected their selection of Porcello, didn't it? As a Wings fan you should have a good idea of how this whole process works, with the Wings maintaining over 20 years of success by having an astute management staff from the GM on down to the scouting staff.

You'd be hardpressed to find a better front office than the one at CoPa. Consider me a loyal disciple of the Church of D.D.

It's not, it's going to make going to the games even better. I actually didn't go to any games last year because two years ago I went to like 15 and they lost everyone. Family and my friends pretty much banished me from CoPa. And damned if I was going to try to go to one of the playoff games.

I guess I am a wait and groom the top picks and when they are ready bring them up to the ML kinda guy. I guess I would have liked this deal a whole lot better if Miller wasn't involved.

Question (because I am too lazy to look it up right now): Did Leyland coach the D-Train when he was with Florida?

[betterREDthandead 58]

It's not, it's going to make going to the games even better. I actually didn't go to any games last year because two years ago I went to like 15 and they lost everyone. Family and my friends pretty much banished me from CoPa. And damned if I was going to try to go to one of the playoff games.

I guess I am a wait and groom the top picks and when they are ready bring them up to the ML kinda guy. I guess I would have liked this deal a whole lot better if Miller wasn't involved.

Question (because I am too lazy to look it up right now): Did Leyland coach the D-Train when he was with Florida?

Heavens no, the Train was in high school when Leyland was managing Florida. Leyland did, however, manage Renteria, who was a young up-and-comer with the Fish at the time.

Even if this deal doesn't result in a WS championship, I'd forgive DD for that. I love that the Tigers have come 180 degrees from 10 years ago. They're making bold moves and dammit they're trying to win us a championship. God love DD for it. Pity the National League can't give up one of its playoff slots to the American League. The Senior Circuit is getting worse and worse every year.

[rwfan007 18]

here is the official PC if anyone is interested...

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?video=200712052318527

[wingslogo19 281]

Well this has to be the steal of the season

[timothy1997 0]

It's not, it's going to make going to the games even better. I actually didn't go to any games last year because two years ago I went to like 15 and they lost everyone. Family and my friends pretty much banished me from CoPa. And damned if I was going to try to go to one of the playoff games.

I guess I am a wait and groom the top picks and when they are ready bring them up to the ML kinda guy. I guess I would have liked this deal a whole lot better if Miller wasn't involved.

So would I but it is a part of the deal. You don't get something without giving up something. Sure this is a high risk, huge reward deal but look at DD's track record. Bringing in Pudge when no one wanted to go to Detroit. Trading for Polanco when most of the league didn't know who Polanco was. Signing Kenny Rogers when some said there is nothing left in the tank. DD has proven to be a quality GM and someone who I trust 100%. And besdies, its not like the Tigers move in 1986 when they traded 20 year old John Smoltz for 36 year old veteran Doyle Alexander. The tigers just brought in the pieces that puts them in a position to win NOW and in the future.

[Rice 42]

Another move in the works?

MLive:

December 5, MetsBlog.com: Omar Minaya said he inquired about Dontrelle Willis, but the Marlins were not going to deal him within the division.

"However, the Tigers have explored the idea of spinning him off, and they have contacted the Mets. There wasn't an official offer presented to Omar, but what was talked about, from what I was told, they talked about spinning off Willis. In addition, though, the Mets would have to take on some salary. The Tigers are interested, perhaps, in moving Willis and Ivan Rodriguez and dumping his salary, which is $13 million next season. So, if the Mets wanted Willis from Detroit, they'd have to take on that salary. The thing is, he has a no trade clause, so to get him to waive it you'd probably have to give him another year."

I don't buy it.

[Kp-Wings 3]

That above rumor sounds ridiculous.

[Guest DetroitIan]

That above rumor sounds ridiculous.

Agreed.

[dallas27 7]

Sure, send Beltran this way.....please

[BlakChamber 8]

And speaking of Santana, does anyone think the Tigers oughta take Drew Sharp's advice and offer up Bonderman for Santana? Another big risk, and would probably require thinning out the prospect ranks even more, but wouldn't the Tigers' rotation look extra nasty with a side order of holy s***?

There's no way the Twins would trade Santana to an AL Central team. I'd like to see Mr. Santana over in the national league myself.

[Matt 1,049]

Another way to look at it is that Cabrera gets dealt to the Angels because DD wouldn't pull the trigger and the Tigers, if they make to the post-season go down to the Angels. Or the BoSox for that matter, and having a guy like Cabrera's bat could've put them over the top.

Wouldn't you kick yourself if you knew that DD passed on it because the pricetag was Miller/Maybin? Especially since the window for guys like Pudge, Sheff, Maggs and Guillen is closing rapidly on this team?

Even if this trade doesn't end up with a WS victory, you can't blame DD for not going balls-to-the-wall to make it happen.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

I dont buy it happening but if we could actually spin Willis off to the Mets, I'd be 100% for it assuming they gave us good value on it.

[rwfan007 18]

Tigers not done yet... Trade Shelton to Texas for OF Freddy Guzman

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID...ORTS02/71205087

Edited December 6, 2007 by rwfan007

[Sergei Fedorov91 24]

Wow opposing teams will have to pick their poision this year. Unfortunately it'll be sad to see Inge go in a likely trade. Are there any good closers available we can trade Inge for. It wont matter how many runs we put up if Todd the rollercoaster gives up runs. Look me in the eye and tell me your comfortable with a 1 run lead in the 9th in game 7 of the ALDS with Jones on the mound.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Tigers not done yet... Trade Shelton to Texas for Freddy Guzman

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID...ORTS02/71205087

Makes sense. Not like we really need Shelton anymore. And Guzman will definitely add depth to the outfield whenever we need it. Good move.

[rwfan007 18]

Wow opposing teams will have to pick their poision this year. Unfortunately it'll be sad to see Inge go in a likely trade. Are there any good closers available we can trade Inge for. It wont matter how many runs we put up if Todd the rollercoaster gives up runs. Look me in the eye and tell me your comfortable with a 1 run lead in the 9th in game 7 of the ALDS with Jones on the mound.

whew, good thing the ALDS is 5 games then...

as for Jonesy, I have faith in him, he may not strike people out but he gets ground balls and outs.

[betterREDthandead 58]

Wow opposing teams will have to pick their poision this year. Unfortunately it'll be sad to see Inge go in a likely trade. Are there any good closers available we can trade Inge for. It wont matter how many runs we put up if Todd the rollercoaster gives up runs. Look me in the eye and tell me your comfortable with a 1 run lead in the 9th in game 7 of the ALDS with Jones on the mound.

I can't look you in the eye, but....I'd NEVER be comfortable in that situation. Not even if it was Mariano Rivera or Dennis Eckersley instead. If you're not uncomfortable, you're not a fan.

That said - yes, I'd put Jonesy on the mound in that situation.

[Yzerfan1999 81]

I bet the Tigers win the WS in '09. My BoSox will repeat next year because it will take Detroit a season to gel.

...okay - I can hope right?

Unless the Sox get Santana, that puts them above the Tigers.

[Guest DetroitIan]

I bet the Tigers win the WS in '09. My BoSox will repeat next year because it will take Detroit a season to gel.

...okay - I can hope right?

Unless the Sox get Santana, that puts them above the Tigers.

Yeah when it comes to pitching maybe. Whether the BoSox get Santana or not, the Tigers by far have the better lineup. That's why I hope there ends up being a Detroit/Boston playoff series. It will be the best lineup in baseball vs. the best rotation in the game. Would be a blast to watch.

[rwfan007 18]

Andruw Jones signs with the Dodgers

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3143653

[timothy1997 0]

Sure, send Beltran this way.....please

You don't want Cabera to replace Inge and you don't want Willis replacing Miller, but you WANT Beltran replacing Granderson. I don't get it. Beltran and Granderson are both great centerfielders. You take away some of that outfield abilities if you ask them to play left or right instead.

Look me in the eye and tell me your comfortable with a 1 run lead in the 9th in game 7 of the ALDS with Jones on the mound.

someone obivously doesn't know how many games are in the MLB playoff format.

ALDS/NLDS are best of 5 games

ALCS/NLCS are best of 7 games

WS are best of 7 games

I bet the Tigers win the WS in '09. My BoSox will repeat next year because it will take Detroit a season to gel.

...okay - I can hope right?

Unless the Sox get Santana, that puts them above the Tigers.

Pitching edge probably goes to the Sox but lineup top to bottom clearly goes to the Tigers.