March 2009
An Observation
You know, amidst all the talk surrounding the release of Gary Sheffield, I began to think back to the day the Tigers traded Ivan Rodriguez. I also thought of how the “greatest lineup ever assembled” has been disassembled since the Tigers AL Championship of 2006. The Tigers have had their share of roster turnover, all teams do. The difference though might be on how it was all turned over. I present now, names of those from the 2006 team that are no longer here.
Colby Lewis
Chad Durbin. Durbin was let go by the Tigers because we thought we had too much pitching. As it turns out, Durbin now has a World Series ring thanks to the Phillies.
Andrew Miller
Roman Colon. This guy got his ticket out of town because he couldn’t get along with his teammates in the minors. Between injuries and bad performance, Colon hasn’t been in the big leagues since 2006.
Jamie Walker. One of the only former players who actually left the Tigers. He had a career year in Baltimore in 2007, and didn’t do so hot in 08.
Mike Maroth. I felt he got a raw deal when he was traded in 07. As it is, he pitched poorly for St. Louis following the trade, and hasn’t been close to the bigs since.
Wil Ledezma. This former Rule 5 pick has bounced around so much since the 07 trade to the Braves it isn’t funny anymore. Add in stops with San Diego and Arizona, plus I think he was in camp with the Nationals this year.
Jason Grilli. Wrote a check with his mouth that his arm couldn’t cash.
Todd Jones. Retired due to injury. I bought his jersey soon after.
Kenny Rogers. Can’t remember if he ever made his retirement official. Can’t be mad at his peformance at all. Gave us everything his body had left in it.
Mike Rabelo
Kevin Hooper
Jack Hannahan
Neifi Perez
Alexis Gomez. The other player to leave the team of his own accord. He wanted to get a bigger role that he thought he earned from his 2006 season. Maybe he had a point. But he never saw the bigs again. Spent this spring back in Tigers camp. Just sent to minor league camp last week.
Vance Wilson. Injuries have killed his career.
Dmitri Young. Released just before September callups in 06.
Chris Spurling. Released early in 06.
Sean Casey. Told he wasn’t needed anymore after 07.
Omar Infante. Traded away after 07 season for Jacque Jones. Not the best idea ever.
Chris Shelton. Big Red fizzled after a hot start in 2006. Just got back to the majors last year with Texas. I think he was in camp with Seattle this year.
Craig Monroe. Stopped being useful midway through 2007. Been with Cubs and Twins since. In camp with Pirates now.
Ivan Rodriguez. Traded last August to the Yankees. Didn’t produce much. In camp with Astros now to prove something left in the tank.
Matt Stairs. A post deadline pickup who wasn’t able to be on the post season roster. Sometimes overlooked for his time here. Stops with Toronto and the World Champion Phillies since here. A much cheaper DH than Sheffield. Also, I did the math, since acquiring Sheffield, Stairs has had a slightly higher home runs per at bat ratio than Sheff. So despite Gary knocking 44 since becoming a Tiger and Stairs 34 since leaving, Matt Stairs with Gary Sheffield’s at bats could have done better.
There you have it. 24 players who did something in 2006 no longer with the club. Yes, Alexis Gomez has since come back, but he was one of two players to leave on his own. Todd Jones’ retirement was something that was coming anyways. The other 21 were all moved because the team decided that they weren’t wanted anymore. Kenny Rodgers, while probably done, was shown by the team that he wasn’t wanted, otherwise Rodgers would have taken another one year deal if offered. I’d throw in more players from 07 or 08 who aren’t here any longer, but the trend is the same. Players no longer leave Detroit becase they want to get the hell out of here. They leave because the baseball club no longer wants them. Remember that, when you shout good riddance or bemoan the loss of the next future Hall of Famer.
I…Did…Not… See That Coming
Like everyone has said the Tigers released Gary Sheffield in a surprise move today. Yeah, he wasn’t playing well this spring. Yeah, he’s 40. Yeah. he was injured a lot. But still, you just didn’t expect it to happen. I mean, he had 499 career home runs! 24 players have ever hit 500 home runs. Do you know how many 500 home run hitters ever wore a Tigers uniform? One. Eddie Mathews. And he hit 9 home runs as a Tiger out of his 512.Gary Sheffield, whom I can confident will catch on with another team and hit at least one more shot, cranked 44 homers as a Tiger. One more jack as Tiger would have made him the first to do it in our uniform, Mathews was a member of the Astros between Tigers stints when he nabed number 500.
In moves that were more expected on my part, the team has now officially put Jeremy Bonderman on the DL . Clete Thomas, Will Rhymes, and Timo Perez were all sent down to either AAA Toledo or minor league camp. Rymes wasn’t going to play a role in the infield this year anyways. Thomas is still getting his arm right after surgery. Perez is getting the shaft again, but I knew this was going to happen after the acquisition of Josh Anderson (like I said yesturday). So now the team has 31 players in camp. 10 pitchers are on the 40 man roster, which means we’ll need two more before breaking camp. Luckily there are only 38 players on the 40 man roster right now. And, there are more than enogh arms in camp as non-roster invitees that have earned spots on the team if Jim Leyland wants them.
Before I forget, with Sheffield now gone, I must officially retract my statements from yesturday about Marcus Thames being done as a Tiger. In fact, Thames now has new life on this team. Thames will now resume the role of backup corner outfielder and also get a lot more at bats as the DH now. However, don’t think that he’ll only DH. We now have the ability to keep bats in the lineup without putting them into the field every day, such as Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, and Miguel Cabrera, as well as Thames. Again, I think that Jeff Larish will make the roster now, and I also think that there is now some wiggle room to not be hosed if the Carlos Guillen, left fielder, move doesn’t pan out.
It’s Nice to be Listened to
Today, the Tigers traded Rudy Darrow to the Atlanta Braves for Josh Anderson. Darrow was a pitcher in the organization that did not figure into the big league club’s plans any time soon. Anderson is an outfield, specifically center fielder. This means that he will be the backup center fielder that I have been calling for over the past few entries. This also means that Ryan Raburn, Timo Perez, and Brent Clevlen are screwed as far as this years team is concerned. Clete Thomas is also effected by this move, but his recovery from arm surgery last year meant he is still getting his arm strength up and wasn’t in the running for a backup outfield position.
This could possibly signal the end for Marcus Thames as well. It is no secret that he is often on the trade block each spring in hopes of finding a good pitcher. With Anderson in CF on Granderson’s off days, the Tigers now have a reason to not keep Raburn in the big leagues. Also, with no Raburn, the Tigers have their excuse to keep Jeff Larish, the lefty corner infielder/outfielder that they’ve wanted since winter ball. Larish being a lefty bat and can play corner outfield now eliminates both Thames and Raburn in one stroke. Also, both Clevlen and Perez are out of Minor League options, which means that they’d have to go through waviers to be sent down. Most people predict that some team will take a chance on Clevlen, and I’d say odds are in the Tigers’ favor in retaining Perez.
I’d definately say that it’s almost forgone that Thames is now done as a Tiger. I think the team is looking for a good reason to send Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry straight to the minors so that they can keep their conditioning going well, rather than being harmed by Jim Leyland protecting them against Major League hitters. What I’m getting at is that this probably will be the time that Thames gets traded for a pitcher. Granted, there are a variety of pitchers on the free agent market after being released from other team’s camps. However, there are reasons that they were released. An interesting thought I had the other day was that Mike Maroth was let go by the Blue Jays the day after he pitched against the Tigers. I know he hasn’t done well at all since being traded in mid 2007, but Maroth could be the short term stopper the Tigers need in the rotation until Jeremy Bonderman is ready to go. Once that happens, either waive Maroth, or send him to the minors to find himself again.
Let’s see if the baseball God’s listened to that one…
Yikes
So a lot has happened since my last post. Of today’s news alone, Joel Zumaya and Dontrelle Willis have been placed on the disabled list for the sake of getting themselves righted. I heard that Jeremy Bonderman might also end up on the DL to finish getting his arm strength up enough to be good to go.
There were a few more camp cuts. Kyle Bloom was given back to Pittsburgh. Freddy Dolsi, Casey Fien, and Fu-Te Ni were sent down shortly after my last post. Wilkin Ramirez, Don Kelly, Max St. Pierre, and Alexis Gomez have also been sent down. So, really out of who is left, you’re looking at the Tigers opening day roster.
However, that isn’t to say that there aren’t still further issues. Magglio Ordonez is having a terrible spring if you look at his Grapefruit League numbers. Matt Treanor, Gary Sheffield, Ryan Raburn, Marcus Thames, and Clete Thomas are all batting under .200 as well. I also heard today that Thames and Raburn were being shopped around to look for 1.) experienced arms and 2.) to make roster space.
If you look at the current 40-man roster, you have less than 12 pitchers to go north with. With those sent down and on the DL, and if Bonderman does indeed get put there too, you have 2 guys not yet on the 40-man who will pitch in April for the Tigers. My best hunches are Juan Rincon and Ryan Perry, although I see Perry being someone who will not stay on the roster as to get some more seasoning. Although, Eddie Bonine is still pitching very well, and Scott Williamson is still in camp too.
The team hasn’t yet figured out its outfield situation. Like I said before, there is no one really to play backup centerfield. By evidence of putting Raburn on the trading block, he might not be here much longer. Brent Clevlen is still in camp, and I didn’t hear of him being shopped around. Timo Perez is still in camp, so we can’t rule him out either.
And when I think of the roster breakdown, time may be running out for many people. 2 catchers, 4 starting infielders, 3 starting outfielders, a backup infielder, a backup outfielder, and a DH equals 12 position players. That leaves one spot left with many men trying to lock it up. Again, like I said before, this person will probably be the one they expect to play CF for the few time Curtis Granderson doesn’t start. However, the team would love a guy who could give real relief to the corner infield spots. I’m not too sure if Ramon Santiago is supposed to backup 2B, SS, and 3B or not. And I wonder if Jim Leyland is thinking of using Carlos Guillen or Marcus Thames as the backup at 1B. All told, I think somone who has been with the club for a little while now will be shipped out, and someone who can be either a super sub or a definate backup and never starter is making the team. This is the first time in all my job hunting I didn’t want to be one of the Tigers staff who has to make these decisions (but I’d still love the opportunty, if any employer is reading this).
This Just In…
Dusty Ryan, Alfredo Figaro, and Scott Sizemore have been cut from Major League camp. All in all the moves are not surprising. Ryan did a fantastic job last September, but did nothing in limited appearances in Grapefruit play this spring. Sizemore was one of the leaders in homers this spring, but is still off the radar as far as making the team out of spring is concerned. I’m a little surprised that Figaro has been optioned to Erie already. Granted, he also is not on the radar for someone who is coming soon, but he had a 0.00 ERA over the course of 6 innings. In my book, that would have kept him in camp for a little longer.
As it is, the Tigers now stand at about 45 players still in camp trying to make the team.
During The Game
I am absolutely thrilled to be watching Tigers baseball this evening. I
thought it would be a nice idea to write down my thoughts on the game
against the Braves as they happen.
Great job by Brandon Inge to hit the homer to leadoff the game.
I was very pleased with Jeremy Bonderman’s outting. No runs against.
Dontrelle
Willis needs to throw strikes. I’d gripe a little less if his strikes
were getting smacked over the field. The walk he gave up scored, and I
had a feeling about it when I saw it.
After listening to the
interview with Jim Leyland, I realized something. Jeff Larish has the
inside track on the left handed bat off the bench. However, he can’t
play center field. So if Larish makes the team, I promise that Inge
will be the backup center fielder for that one day out of nine when
Granderson sits against lefties. So, Ryan Raburn, Timo Perez, and Brent
Clevlen have a positional advantage being able to play center. More
than likely, the Tigers would take a bench player who can play center
field. So, Jeff Larish, you will have to hit .400 for the rest of the
spring to force the team to find a backup CF on this roster.
Thank
you Dontrelle for drawing a walk. You redeemed yourself a little.
But….. I also agree with the analysts on ESPN, Dontrelle will either
get released or sent to the minors. He is not making this team with his
ERA and Rick Porcello’s spring.
I also remember now that Clete
Thomas will not be on the Tigers roster any time soon. He is still
recovering from elbow surgery that cut short last season. He has yet to
take the field defensively as he rehabs his arm and gets back into
throwing shape.
Good outing from Juan Rincon. He is getting it done. I’d take him on the team.
I’m
not disappointed that the Tiger’s lost tonight. Good things were done
on offense and defense. Subtract Dontrelle’s not so good outing, and it
becomes a Tigers shutout win.
Quick Note Before Tonight’s Game
Macay McBride was sent down to the minors today. He didn’t play much of a factor in camp this year. He pitched in 2 games of Grapefruit League ball, going 2 innings and not allowing a run. It seemed he had issues with control, giving up a hit, walking 3, and hitting a batter, compared with 2 strikeouts. Since his is coming off a season where he had surgery on his arm, this is not really a surprise move. I think the overall plan is to get him back to being a lefty reliever, rather than trying to make him a starter like they wanted to last year. If he pitches well and gets his control down, McBride could be a midseason callup win another lefty is called for.
Something I Got From My Dad
So my dad sent me this message on Facebook today, and I decided that it’d be a better blog than just a short answer to him. He said,
“Hey Stat Boy! Do you see an
extended spring training for Bondo and Zoom Zoom? Do you bring
Porcello and Perry instead? Whats this gonna do for calling your shot?”
Well, I don’t think Jeremy Bonderman will need extended spring training. There’s still over two weeks left in the spring. If Bonderman gets properly stretched out, and maybe push his first start of the season to game 4 or 5, he should be fine. Joel Zumaya is another story. He needs to resume pitching right now in order to be ready. If he is still five or more days away, then I do think he’ll either be in extended spring training or have a short DL stint.
Rick Porcello is making a very good case for himself to be on the starting rotation. It would take Bonderman being healthy and ready, along with Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis, or Zach Miner being completely up to snuff with location and keeping runs down for Porcello not to get a nod. Ryan Perry is a slightly different story. He is showing that is does have the stuff. He can be closely called 1A next to Zumaya. If Jim Leyland wants an exact replacement for Zumaya (if necessary) then yes, I can see Perry in the bullpen. However, I still think that Perry is on the outside looking in, whereas Porcello has the door open to him.
As for the “calling my shot” blog I posted at the start of spring training, I did say that my predictions for the 25-man roster was barring injuries. If Bonderman or Zumaya are on the DL or in extended spring training, I’d call those the injuries that could not be predicted.
Before the First TV Game of the Spring
The Tigers made what I think were the first real cuts of the spring today. Yes, a few pitchers were sent down last week, but we all knew they weren’t going to have an impact on this year’s team anyways. Sent down to the minors/minor league camp were Cale Iorg, Alex Avila, Chris Lambert, Michael Hollimon, Zach Simmons, and Casper Wells. Most would agree that these players were also among the ones not expected to even be under consideration for the team. I don’t completely agree.
Avila was 4-7 on the spring. In my mind, that is good enough to stay in camp until he shows that the “real players” are overpowering him. Iorg had started hot, but has since tapered off. Hollimon didn’t get a hit this spring, but was also slowed by a minor injury to a finger. The important thing for Hollimon is to be healthy so that he can resume his role as infield insurance like he did before injury last year. Wells also did not hit well this spring. Zach Simmons had the worst ERA among Tigers pitchers, so his being sent down is no surprise. Despite getting tagged hard against Flordia Southern, Lambert did not allow an earned run in Grapefruit League competition. In my book, this also should have kept him in camp, considerig some of the ERAs that the “legitimate” contenders have right now.
Speaking of the contenders, I am very happy with Nate Robertson’s last time out. His ERA is much much more acceptable than it was before. In fact, he even has a lower ERA than Justin Verlander right now. Of the big three (Robertson, Dontrelle Willis, Zach Miner), I’d consider Robertson to be the front runner for the rotation spot. However, Rick Porcello is still in the mix.
Time For Calling Out
Thank goodness the Tigers were able to beat the Yankees today. I was starting to get worried. As it is, I’m a little past due on serving notice to some players who need a kick in the pants.
Matt Treanor, I know you’re still recovering from offseason surgery, but when you get back, we need a .200 or better out of you.
Clete Thomas, there is talk of you being one of the players coming north after spring training. Not with a .143 average you won’t.
Ryan Raburn, you have played in the most games this spring. You are being given every chance to make this team. Your .148 average is not going to cut it. Jeff Larish is being billed as a guy who can do almost everything you can, and right now he is doing it better.
Gary Sheffield, thank you for finding your stroke today. Your average jumped by .069 points. Your only job in baseball is to hit the ball. Keep your average on the rise.
Adam Everett, could you hit closer to .250 please? I mean, Brandon Inge is batting .300.
Placido Polanco, .208…. what’s going on?
Marcus Thames, sorry you’re hurt. Good job doing it while trying to make a play. Your .222 average brings up horrible memories of Rob Deer.
Brandon Inge and Ramon Santiago, way to go! Hitting over .300 so far. Keep it up, please.
Notice, that while the numbers are skewed slightly, the top 4 batting averages right now all belong to catchers.
Dontrelle Willis, Nate Robertson, Zach Miner, I would not take any of you on the team right now. Miner, 10 earned runs over 10 innings, disgusting. Dontrelle, 3 walks and a hit batter over 3 innings.
Robertson, you are playing like a guy who is going to get his release before the end of the spring. I bet the Tigers are trying to unload your contract right now. In fact, I’d trade you for cash considerations if a team wanted you. The team has eaten bad contracts before to get rid of players who don’t have it anymore. You’re on notice.
Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson, ERAs need to get closer to 3.0 instead of over 5.0.
Scott Williamson, you are also pitching right now like someone who doesn’t have it anymore. Either bear down or admit that you’re done.
On the brighter notes, Juan Rincon is pitching like a man on a mission. I’d take him on the team right now. Rick Porcello has surprised me pleasantly. With the current stats against Miner, Willis, and Robertson, I’m inclined to take Porcello as my 5th starter until he falls flat or one of the castaways heats up.
My next post will have the newest installment of my fantasy stat team. I’ll praise the surprises, and probably gripe some more about the dissappointments.
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