Pure Michigan Sports

Once again the Detroit Tigers are heading into the baseball season looking like a playoff contender on paper.  On top of this team playing up to their potential and staying healthy they will need leaders to guide them back to the postseason.  The player who has seemingly stepped up to fill that void has been Justin Verlander.  While he has previously led by example, he has slowly grown into the voice this team has been missing since Kenny Rogers and Pudge Rodriguez left the team.

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

This is a critical season for the Tigers, as the front office will begin the season on the hot seat with no extensions in sight and having spent freely this offseason.  Verlander has been adored by fans from day one and has definitely earned his teammates respect, but now it is time for him to take his talent, leadership and team to the next level.  His teammates respond when he speaks and have built off of his energy when he is on the mound.  However, since he is only on the field every 5th start it will be imperative that he continue to motivate and rally the team from the bench as well.  Certainly he can’t do it all on his own, but on top of being a leader he will also have to become a true Ace this season for the entire year.  In the past he has gone in spurts where he dominates for several weeks and then falls off for in big moments or against weaker opponents.  If he can consistently pitch on at his best this team may finally get past the dreaded White Sox and Twins to win the AL Central.  Few pitchers play with as much intensity or heart as Verlander, characteristics the entire team need to build off of.

When talking about this season’s expectations Verlander has had no issue acknowledging the team’s potential and has virtually demanded a division title from his team.  While the Tigers have often displayed confidence, this attitude of proving themselves has been taken for granted since their 2006 World Series run.  Fans, media and the team themselves have ridden on the coat tails of that magical run long enough, it’s time for this franchise to officially move on, and hopefully finally get back to finishing what they started.

Today at the Detroit Tigers Tigerfest it was announced that they will honor the late Sparky Anderson in various ways this season.  The team will retire Anderson’s #11( other retired numbers), fly a flag honoring him at Comerica Park and the team will done this patch all year long.  While it is certainly great to see the franchise paying tribute to their late manager it’s also sad that it took so long for the team to take action.  While it’s easy to judge the timing of this issue after the fact, it’s hard to not be critical of the team for waiting so long to honor such an important person to the franchise and baseball.  Regardless of the timing it’s important to not let that over shadow how special Anderson was.  The Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski expressed his thoughts about the tributes and their timing to the Detroit Free Press’ John Lowe:

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

“I’ve never been involved _ and maybe shame on me _ where that topic has been addressed,” Dombrowski said. “I think everybody is aware of what he’s accomplished.  So many things go on, and things are the way they are in certain situations, and we never even had the conversation.”

“When I sat down with Mr. I, (the feeling was) if you didn’t retire his number, it fell short for us,Dombrowski said.  I know in a way it’s a shame, Dombrowski continued. It’s the same when I see somebody go into the Hall of Fame, and I say, ‘I wish they’d gone in when they were alive.’”

“A couple of years ago, when we honored the ’84 club, Sparky was here. In a way, it was his own way of being honored by everybody here. You could see the way the players were with him. He was so honored the way everybody showed up, and you could just see the love for him. It was fantastic to see.  We just didn’t have the conversation before,” Dombrowski said of retiring Anderson’s number.   When we started talking about it . . . it’s the right thing to do.”

As the Detroit Tigers’ caravan made a stop at Oakland University yesterday fans were given an opportunity to ask players questions regarding the upcoming season.  The Detroit Free Press’ John Lowe reported one fan asking Miguel Cabrera about the possibility of him hitting 50 home runs this season.  Although Cabrera would like to improve on his personal record of 38 he is putting a higher importance on RBI’s:

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

“I’m thinking more about average and RBIs,” Cabrera said. “If you produce RBIs for your team, you have a lot more chances to win games.”

Cabrera may not be as engaging as fans would prefer, but he has been the franchise talent this team has been starving for and has been all about winning from day one.  While home runs typically make the highlight reel, trying too hard for one can also lead to strike outs and long outs. Focusing on hitting the ball to the gap drives in more runs, extends innings and win games more often than not. The Tigers received an MVP-esque performance from Cabrera last season and now that this team has improved itself on paper Cabrera has never seemed lost on the importance of earning it.  This team has had playoff aspirations every season since Cabrera has joined the Tigers, but they haven’t been able to put together a season that has led to playoff spot.  This year the Tigers seemed to be energized by the offseason moves and motivated to finally breaking through, but don’t expect them to settle for just making the playoffs, especially with Cabrera leading the charge.

Doug Benc/Getty Images

After what has felt like a long courtship Brad Penny has finally agreed to a one year $3 million dollar deal to pitch for the Detroit Tigers next season.  After the Tigers addressed more pressing needs their focus has been to add a 5th starter to complete their rotation.  If Penny can stay healthy he should be a fine addition to the rotation, he has quality stuff and should add a veteran presence to the rotation.  He will undoubtedly be an upgrade over Armando Galarraga and should supply around a .500 record and eat innings.  He can also help the Tigers keep their young prospects at bay, if Galarraga was the main competition the Tigers might be forced to bring along Jacob Turner or Andy Oliver sooner than they would prefer.

The Tigers lacked consistency from their rotation last season, but are looking to build off of better second half that saw Verlander, Scherzer and Porcello all end on a high note.  Signing Penny offers a low risk, high reward scenario the Tigers were looking for.  While they will have question marks in Phil Coke and Penny as far as ability and durability they could also have one of the best rotations in the American League.

As the Detroit Tigers try to round out their roster, adding another starter to the rotation seems to be their main focus of late.  While their are many options available to fill the role of their 5th starter, they appear to be most interested in veteran Brad Penny.  He has bounced around the league playing for 7 different clubs, but still has a solid pitching arsenal and could bring veteran leadership to the rotation.  Penny has a career record of 108-88, an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.34.  The Tigers main concern with him should be that he is coming off a back injury that limited him to just 9 starts last season, and has missed significant time 3 other season over the course of his 11 year career.  He also has only spent one season in the American League, where he had a very forgettable experience with the Boston Red Sox in 2009.

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

However he would likely come cheap and has a typically played on playoff contending teams.  Clearly the Tigers aren’t going to find or pay an all-star to be their 5th starter, but Penny appears to be an option worth considering.  Other options that also seem viable are Freddy Garcia, and Jeremy Bonderman, but the Yankees are also interested in these 3 players as well.  The Tigers are clearly in no rush, and will continue to do their homework on the 3 players to see which player makes the most sense for them.  Obviously the Tigers could also promote youngsters Andy Oliver or Jacob Turner, but the team has expressed that they would prefer to bring them along slowly.

Personally I’d prefer the Tigers to give their young pitchers a chance, but for the right price (and assuming they can stay healthy) a player like Garcia or Penny could be good for the team.  The Tigers have lacked a veteran presence in their rotation since Kenny Rogers retired.  I’d prefer Garcia over Penny, but maybe the Tigers prefer to go with a pitcher who hasn’t already been on their team or give Armando Galarraga another chance.

It was announced today that the Tigers have re-signed outfielder Magglio Ordonez to a one year deal worth $10 million dollars.  While he reportedly had two year offers from other clubs on the table he chose to stay loyal to the Tigers and owner Mike Ilitch.  Bringing back Ordonez solidifies the Tigers lineup and likely solves their hole in right field.  Since the beginning of the offseason Ordonez stated his desire to return to the Tigers and All-Star Miguel Cabrera made it known he wanted him back as well.  Although the Tigers weighed their options bringing back Ordonez will help this team in the short term and the long term of this ball club.

Robin Buckson/The Detroit News

The Tigers are ready to contend now and Ordonez will provide a steady bat in the batting order at the 3 spot.  He has seen his power decline, but he has hit right around .300 the past several years and is a solid run producer averaging 83 RBIs a season during his 6 previous years with the Tigers.  Unlike previous years Ordonez won’t be the only player the Tigers rely on to protect Miguel Cabrera, having Victor Martinez should put less pressure on Ordonez.  While Ordonez is not a Gold Glove caliber outfielder he is solid defensively, but will require help from speedster Austin Jackson from time to time.

Since this is only a one year deal it will allow the Tigers to keep their options open for the future as they develop prospects Casper Wells and Brennan Boesch.  If neither of these two players materialize as expected the Tigers will have the flexibility to bring Ordonez back or consider other options via trade or free agency.  Overall this is a win-win for the Tigers as they were able to bring back a player they enjoyed having on their team and someone who fills their current needs for this season.  Taking into account all the moves the Tigers and White Sox have made this offseason, along with the talent the Twins have,  the race for the AL Central should be very competitive and entertaining all season long.

After starting this offseason with a bang the Tigers have quietly sat back and monitored other possible moves under the radar.  While they are still contemplating adding another corner outfielder, Magglio Ordonez or otherwise, to the mix they feel set in the rotation, after adding lefty Phil Coke from the bullpen.  Manager Jim Leyland expressed his enthusiasm about Coke joining the rotation to the Detroit News’ Tony Paul:

Duane Burleson / Associated Press

“He’s got good stuff. I think we’ll have to tone him down a little bit. He’s kind of a hyper guy,” manager Jim Leyland said this week at baseball’s Winter Meetings on Disney’s compound. “I think as a starter, you’ll see a little bit of a different personality than you saw as a reliever, probably. But this guy has got really good stuff, and he’s got three pitches — three good pitches.  I think the thing with him is, he’s going to have to channel some of that adrenaline because he’s pumped up. It’s a little bit different coming out of the bullpen in the eighth inning with guys on second and third than it is starting the game.”

While this move has weakened the bullpen, the Tigers have acted accordingly by signing Joaquin Benoit, and if they don’t add another lefty are prepared to rely on young reliever  Daniel Schlereth.  The Tigers are taking a risk in assuming Coke will make this transition with ease, but he has all the intangibles (stuff, command, and mound presence) to make this switch work.  Coke was a tremendous out of the bullpen last season, posting a  7-5 record, a 3.76 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. If he can translate that success as a starter, he will give the Tigers one of the deepest rotations in baseball.  He will likely be made the 4th starter in the rotation so he will often get the benefit of the doubt of facing off against the opponents pitcher who is lower in the rotation as well.

While the Tigers could still make an addition to the rotation they have exemplified the confidence in Coke to move forward with their rotation in tact, saving prospects and avoiding spending big dollars on a free agent starter.  Luckily the Tigers have 3 elite pitchers in Verlander, Scherzer and Porcello to take the pressure off of Coke and allow him time to ease into his new position.  Hopefully Coke is up for the challenge and the Tigers starting pitching can put them into position to be contending once again.

Today Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal opened up the possibility of a mystery team signing Cliff Lee in his column.  Since the Yankees and Rangers are the front runners to sign him, Rosenthal proposed several other teams that could shock everyone and sign this off-seasons best pitcher, amongst those teams he wrote this about your Detroit Tigers:

Tony Gutierrez / AP

“They make this list only because their owner, Mike Ilitch, is a wild card given to fits of spending.  The Tigers already have signed free-agent catcher Victor Martinez and reliever Joaquin Benoit and re-signed third baseman Brandon Inge and shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Their remaining funds probably are limited, and they’d still like to add another hitter.  But what if Ilitch wakes up Monday morning and says, “I could have a rotation fronted by Lee, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello!”  Yes, the Michigan economy is in tatters, but Ilitch once offered Juan Gonzalez seven years and $148 million.  Comparable numbers could get him Lee.”

The odds of the Tigers signing Lee are slim, but as Rosenthal suggested stranger things have happened.  Since the Tigers had enormous amounts of money coming off the books this year it is obvious they would be linked being a possible destination for just about every free agent, but what if the Tigers do become players?

Lee has been one of the best pitchers in all of baseball and would give the Tigers one of the best rotations in baseball, but is he worth the large commitment financially and over the course of 5 years?  The Tigers have been aggressive this offseason and will likely at least see if Lee has interest in joining the team.  As the San Francisco Giants proved once again this past season, its all about pitching, but can the Tigers come out nowhere and shock the baseball world by landing Lee, only time will tell.  It might require Little Caesar Hot-N-Ready Pizza’s becoming $7, but owner Mike Ilitch has and will continue to prove he isn’t afraid of spending money if it brings him a winner.

The Tigers have made aggressive moves to start the offseason, but now other teams are making their moves which should have an impact on what the Tigers do next.  While the Tigers must focus on their own issues, moves by rivals and league opponents should force the Tigers to get creative.

Yesterday the White Sox made a big splash by signing free agent DH/1st baseman Adam Dunn to a 4 year $56 million dollar deal and re-signing catcher A.J Pierzynski.  Although keeping Pierzynski solves their catching issues, obviously it was a big move obtaining Dunn.  He was the top power hitter on the market and has had 7 straight seasons of 30+ home runs (no other player in baseball history has done that).  Dunn was a player the Tigers were considering, but elected to go with Victor Martinez instead.  He will be a perfect fit in their lineup offering left handed power and should see no decline in his numbers in the homer friendly confines of US Cellular Field.  Although it first appeared that Dunn would be replacing Tiger killer and long time White Sox player Paul Konerko it sounds like the club is still very interested in brining him back as well.  This news and these moves should keep the Tigers very active to improve their ball club.

It has been no secret that the Tigers top priority left is finding a corner outfielder, with the top options being Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth and Magglio Ordonez.  Despite showing interest Crawford’s name has been linked to the Angels and Red Sox more seriously than the Tigers.  However this morning ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted that the Yankees have now expressed serious interest in Crawford as well.  While this news most likely diminishes the Tigers chances of obtaining Crawford it also raises the price tag on Jayson Werth.  The Red Sox, Angels, Phillies, and Tigers would all move their attention to Werth if Crawford signs with the Yankees (don’t count out the Angels interest and Crawford’s hate for the Yankees and Red Sox).

All along Werth has appeared to be a luxury option for the Tigers.  While he is younger, 31, and has produced better numbers than Ordonez he would also require a long term commitment of $16+ million annually for the next 4-6 years.  Not to mention Werth has had his best year’s in a hitter friendly park, while playing for the Phillies.  Unless the Tigers are willing to break the bank for Werth, the possibility of his value increasing likely puts the Tigers top options at signing Ordonez, still a risky option.  Kurt Mensching at Bless you Boys does a great job of dissecting the pros and cons between the Tigers signing Ordonez and Werth, but the moves by other teams also forces the Tigers to think more seriously about trading for help.

The baseball Winter Meetings begin on Monday which should give us a better idea of trade possibilities but don’t be surprised if the Tigers begin talks with the Brewers (Corey Hart), Yankees (Nick Swisher or Brett Gardner), Diamondbacks (Chris Young), Dodgers (Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier), or any other team.  What the future holds for the Tigers is unknown, but one thing is certain, the Tigers are preparing to leave no rock unturned and aren’t afraid to spend money or forfeit draft picks to acquire the right player to turn this club into a winner.

This season the Tigers have already addressed their holes at third base, shortstop,  catcher/DH, and have added set up man in the bullpen.  However, heading into the Winter Meetings (December 6th-9th) they still need to decide who their starting corner outfielders will be next season.  Currently they could chose to give the starting jobs to veteran Ryan Raburn and young Brennan Boesch or acquire talent via free agency or trade.

Associated Press

While Raburn has steadily improved over the course of the 5 seasons he has spent with the Tigers, including his best year last season, the team has been reluctant to hand him the starting job.  In 2010 Raburn posted a batting average of .280, hit 15 home runs, drove in 62 RBIs, had an OBP of .340 and a slugging percentage of .474 in 113 games.  These are solid numbers considering his salary ($438,000) and general ability, he is average at best defensively.  Meanwhile in his rookie season Brennan Boesch had a .256 batting average, hit 14 home runs, drove in 67 RBIs, had an OBP of .320 and a slugging percentage of .416.  While the Tigers love having a left handed power hitter in their lineup Boesch’s struggles during the second half of the season raise concerns for what kind of player he really is (it’s worth noting his numbers last season were very similar to Raburn and Boesch’s and he only played in 84 games).  The Tigers plan on being contenders next season, I can’t imagine them entering the season with two question marks in the outfield.  Tonight the Detroit News’ Tom Gage reported GM Dave Dombrowski’s thoughts on his starting left fielder of of tonight:

“We think Raburn will step up,” Dombrowski said. “So we’re only talking about one other spot in the lineup — because as you look at the infield being settled, catching being settled, DH being settled, now you’re talking about the outfield.  We’ll have to analyze if it’s where we go with what we have within, how do we supplement it — we’ll have to sit back and decide that.”

If possible the Tigers might be better off having both of these players splitting duties and adding an impact player via trade or free agency, but Jim Leyland suggested to Tom Gage that he believes Raburn has earned the starting spot in his mind:

“Raburn has been a huge contributor to this team the last couple of years, and he’s getting better,” manager Jim Leyland said in September. “He’s earned more playing time and is getting more playing time. I would assume he’ll get more in the future.”

If the Tigers do decide to officially make Raburn their starting left fielder the team will still be in need of finding a right fielder.  Since joining the Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski has not been afraid to make a trade and could dangle top pitching prospects Andy Oliver and Jacob Turner to land an emerging star. However the Tigers have not been afraid to throw money at their problems and could still enter in the sweepstakes to sign Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth or Magglio Ordonez.  The Tigers haven’t decided where they will place Vicor Martinez in the batting order (3rd or 5th) leaving open the possibility of the team obtaining any type of hitter.

The Tigers are currently in position to be patient with their next move, and analyzing the market and trade possibilities is a wise move by Dombrowski.  If I had to guess I would say the Tigers will try to bring Ordonez back on a 1 or 2 year deal, unless his price tag rises too high (over $7 million), then expect Dombrowski to make a trade to acquire a corner outfielder.  While adding a player of Werth or Crawford’s talent would be fantastic, it currently appears as though the team would rather find a short term solution, like Ordonez, trade for an emerging star or wait until they can produce a corner outfielder of their own (Boesch, Wells, etc).  Expect the Tigers to be active during the Winter Meetings and hopefully with a clearer picture on who their corner outfielders will be.