Thread: 2008-09 MLB Hot Stove

Originally Posted by BillD1984

Varitek a Tiger???


Boras pitching Varitek to Tigers?


Is agent Scott Boras planning a game of musical chairs with his clients, one that might result in Varitek ending up as a Detroit Tiger? FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal thinks it's a possibility, writing: "Boras, according to a rival executive, is trying to sell catcher Jason Varitek to the Tigers as a replacement for another of his clients, Ivan Rodriguez. The idea is not without merit; the Tigers' lineup is strong enough to carry Varitek's declining offense, and his defense and leadership would greatly benefit their pitching staff." . . . The Globe's Adam Kilgore writes that the Red Sox and Varitek have not initiated contract discussions, which is not unusual this soon after the season, according to Boras. Boras did not offer any specific figures Varitek is aiming for, but he outlined an argument - - based on leadership and defense -- as to why Varitek is still an elite catcher. When Varitek signed his four-year contract at the end of 2004, the fourth year was a sticking point. Boras seemed to indicate that Varitek, who will turn 37 in April, will want another multiyear deal this offseason.

37 yrs. old? No thanks. It's just a matter of time till the defense starts slipping, and we don't need another long term contract for an aging catcher. Maybe a 2 yr. deal with clauses. I think Dombrowski will be looking for a journeyman type with good defensive skills. We have enough bats to hide weak bats at C, and 3rd base (Inge).

I can see Lowe in a Detroit uniform next season, to replace Rogers.

Originally Posted by Paul Wozniak

37 yrs. old? No thanks. It's just a matter of time till the defense starts slipping, and we don't need another long term contract for an aging catcher. Maybe a 2 yr. deal with clauses. I think Dombrowski will be looking for a journeyman type with good defensive skills. We have enough bats to hide weak bats at C, and 3rd base (Inge).

I thought the whole idea of trading Pudge, was to give Inge the opportunity to take over the helm at catcher full time? Why would Detroit be interested in another veteran catcher?

No, that wasn't it. They needed relief help. At the time, I think we were about 5-6 games out of first. Pudge was going to be a free agent , and didn't figure into the next season's plans, and his skill set was slipping. (He just wasn't getting in front of balls in the dirt as well as he used to). Inge will be back at third base, where his defense was sorely missed. Inge is not that good of a catcher, and everyone knows his heart wasn't in it, but he is a phenominal glove at third.
I think Dusty Ryan will get the nod at C, if the Tigers are unable to find a replacement, which in that case he'll be on the roster as the back-up. He has a lot of potential, and a bat with a lot of pop. Needs to improve defensively, but that will come with playing time.

Not sure if it's in the news yet, but Catcher Kelly Shoppach may be available for the right price. With Victor Martinez out for a good chunk of time in '07, Shoppach certainly showed that he can play catcher full time and with good success. We also have a few young catchers coming up through the minors, so the Indians may want to trade this sirplus for additional relief pitching or another power bat.

Originally Posted by HD MM

Not sure if it's in the news yet, but Catcher Kelly Shoppach may be available for the right price. With Victor Martinez out for a good chunk of time in '07, Shoppach certainly showed that he can play catcher full time and with good success. We also have a few young catchers coming up through the minors, so the Indians may want to trade this sirplus for additional relief pitching or another power bat.

Oh yes, how about Kelly back to the Red Sox and Coco back to the Tribe???


I know, I know, but a man can dream!

Who will play 1B for the Angels? I hear the Marlins are shopping big, switch-hitting Mike Jacobs.

Originally Posted by KCK_Halo

Who will play 1B for the Angels? I hear the Marlins are shopping big, switch-hitting Mike Jacobs.

KCK,

look at post #10. Jacobs may be headed for the Royals.

Originally Posted by BillD1984

KCK,

look at post #10. Jacobs may be headed for the Royals.

OOPS! My bad. Well, we have a great farm system. I was just dreaming. Thanks.