2008-09 MLB Hot Stove

**BillD1984** · 10-30-2008 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I would like to see Andy Pettete in Detroit, but I really doubt that will happen ...

Jimbo,

IMO, Derek Lowe would be a good fit for the Tigers.

**Jimbo** · 10-30-2008 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by SabresRule

Could this be the most anticipated hot-stove/free-agent season ever?

All Hot Stove seasons are anticipated, thats how we all make it thru the winters

Jimbo

**Mets82** · 10-30-2008 10:46 PM

It seems like the Mets are targeting Derek Lowe of the Dodgers and Brian Fuentes of the Rockies(?). I guess they can't Sabathia and/or K-Rod but at least it's something. I think the Mets have to find at least 2 relief pitchers besides Fuentes.

**Jimbo** · 10-30-2008 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by BillD1984

Jimbo,

IMO, Derek Lowe would be a good fit for the Tigers.

I'd like to see that as well, how old is he ?
Heck, it really doesn't matter, the resident Old man Rogers will be gone come spring, may as well have another.

Jimbo

**Jimbo** · 10-30-2008 10:49 PM

Detroit need a bit of everything

Remember it was the RELIEF that let them down mostly as well as the Starters (only going 3 inning before 5 runs were scored) and the Defense and the timely hitting from the year before ....

I think I covered most areas of the team now

**BillD1984** · 10-30-2008 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I'd like to see that as well, how old is he ?
Heck, it really doesn't matter, the resident Old man Rogers will be gone come spring, may as well have another.

Jimbo

Lowe is 35 and he's a native of Michigan.

**BillD1984** · 10-30-2008 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by Mets82

It seems like the Mets are targeting Derek Lowe of the Dodgers and Brian Fuentes of the Rockies(?). I guess they can't Sabathia and/or K-Rod but at least it's something. I think the Mets have to find at least 2 relief pitchers besides Fuentes.

Mets,

if the Mets can get Sabathia and Fuentes, that would be a GREAT offseason!

**Mets82** · 10-30-2008 10:53 PM

Agreed!!

**BillD1984** · 10-30-2008 10:54 PM

Here ya go, Jimbo:

Offseason Outlook: Detroit Tigers

By Tim Dierkes

Here's what they have for 2009:

C - Brandon Inge - $6.3MM
C - Dusty Ryan - $400K
1B - Miguel Cabrera - $15MM
2B - Placido Polanco - $4.6MM
SS - Ramon Santiago - $575K+
3B - Carlos Guillen - $10MM
IF - Michael Hollimon - $400K
IF/OF - Ryan Raburn - $400K
LF - Matt Joyce - $400K
CF - Curtis Granderson - $3.5MM
RF - Magglio Ordonez - $18MM
OF - Marcus Thames - $1.275MM+
DH - Gary Sheffield - $14MM
SP - Justin Verlander - $500K+
SP - Jeremy Bonderman - $12.5MM
SP - Armando Galarraga - $400K
SP - Zach Miner - $410K
SP - Nate Robertson - $7MM
RP - Fernando Rodney - $1.7MM+
RP - Gary Glover - $1.075MM+
RP - Bobby Seay - $780K+
RP - Joel Zumaya - $420K+
RP - Aquilino Lopez - $400K
RP - Clay Rapada - $400K
RP - Freddy Dolsi - $400K
Other commitments: Edgar Renteria - $3MM buyout, Rick Porcello - $1.2MM, Dontrelle Willis - $10MM
The Tigers have about $115MM committed for 2009, not including arbitration raises to Santiago, Thames, Rodney, Glover, Seay, Zumaya, and Verlander. So, they should be over $120MM with the current group. The Tigers had an opening day payroll of $137.7MM in 2008.
Lynn Henning says

to expect a drastic payroll reduction - "perhaps by $40 million or more."
As Henning notes, the Tigers may need to trade Ordonez to slice payroll down to the $100MM range. Maggs is the team's highest-paid player, and he has a fine .892 OPS. Ordonez essentially comes with a three-year, $48MM contract. Certain teams might find that contract acceptable, but not if the price also includes quality young players. The Braves might be a good match if the Tigers are mainly looking for salary relief.
No team would assume the contracts of Sheffield, Robertson, or Willis, so there's no point in trading them. Polanco, Bonderman, and Thames probably have trade value, but the Tigers don't necessarily have ready replacements.
Even if the Tigers move Ordonez's contract, they won't have much left over for free agents. It's hard to picture marquee free agents like Francisco Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, or Rafael Furcal being considered if Henning's report is accurate. They might be able to dig around the bargain bin, re-upping Freddy Garcia and adding a nondescript veteran reliever.
The Tigers can contend in 2009, but it'll probably require comebacks from current players such as Bonderman, Willis, Verlander, Robertson, Sheffield, Rodney, and Zumaya. The Tigers have one blue-chip prospect in Rick Porcello, who might be able to contribute in the second half.

**FIREBIRD81** · 10-30-2008 10:55 PM

I think Tex stays with the Angels. They just chose not to pick up GA's option, so that frees a ton of money. They have plenty to play with to keep him and Scott Boras seemed to indicate in an interview that Tex would be open to a fair deal from the Angels. He is their #1 priority. CC would be nice, but we don't need him. Vladdy got the knee surgery, Napoli is getting shoulder surgery and Tex is the final piece of the puzzle. I'm goin' out on a limb and saying he was really impressed with the team and we will keep him. And Scott Boras is a regular in his own personal box at what stadium? KCK, keep your fingers crossed!!!