Tiger Trouble

The season that passed for the Tigers was a very disappointing one. The preseason concensus seemed to be that the Tigers would be making it back to the World Series based on the returning core of players (particularly pitchers). However their pitching was suspect all season (injuries did not help) and at times the offense seemed to sputter (again injuries). Injuries in sports are not a valid excuse, as every team must go through with them. However I will tell you all what the Tigers should do to fix the team and be legit contenders next season.

First, do not bring Pudge back unless it is a two year deal worth $12 million. He is too expensive at $13 million for one season and honestly his .280 average, nine walks, medicore fielding and lack of power can be duplicated by another less expensive player. That being said, there is something to be said about a player who came to a dead franchise to help revive it to promenance, which is why you bring him back to finish out his career at a decent pay rate. Prediction: Pudge signs with the Mets at $8 million a year for the next two seasons (Tigers sign Barrett, one year deal).

Secondly if Arod declines his option (which is a distinct possibility if he struggles in the post season and the Yankees do not win a title) then go after him and hard. Overpay if you have to, the man is worth $30 million dollars over the next 6 years, so pay him. The added bonus is that he can move back to short for a few season (while he still has range and ability) before moving him back to third at the end of his career (where range is less important). The guy would be a force in an already very good lineup (imagine the three bats of Shef, Arod, and Maggs). Prediction: If Arod opts out (25% chance) he is going to the Angels who will offer him 7 years $252 million (sound familiar?).

Realistically however since Arod is a stretch they need to get Wilson from Pittsburgh to play short. Vizquel would not be a bad choice for one season as that guy can straight out field and in our lineup as an 8 hitter he would be servicable at least for one season. Prediction: Omar Vizquel is a cheaper and better short term fix at short (as Pittsburgh knows we need a shortstop).

Bring back Jones, yes for one year. He almost assurdly get two year offers from many teams in the league, but once again if you have to overpay for him for one season than do so. While Zumaya is the next closer, he could use a season of splitting the duties or if he cannot get the job done, then you have a sound back-up. Prediction: one year, $7 million. Bring back Rogers. You are probably thinking why? and the post season last year is all the evidence you need. He is contemplating retirement but if he comes back he wont be able to pitch the whole season, so you bring him in a quarter of the way through the season, much like Clemens. Gives them experience on top, with a guy who can still get the job done, and would come at a reasonable price.

If you do not bring Rogers back then Paul Byrd would seem to be a good fit for the short term. Solid pitcher that can give you innings and quality outings, allowing your offense to win games. Would give you a solid SP rotation of Verlander, Robertson, Bonderman, Byrd, and (insert fifth starter here:Miller, Jurrens, etc). Prediction: Byrd reups with Cleveland.

Lastly outfielder needs to be addressed and there are some interesting choices... Abreu is the first person that comes to mind for free agent outfielders. He gets on base, and steals some bases giving the lineup another Shef type player in that regard except less power. After a slow start he had a solid second half and his ability to run and hit the gaps make him a good fit for the Tigers and Comerica Park. Would be an interesting fit between Shef and Maggs and could potentially give Maggs even more opportunities to knock in runs. Would not come cheap however. Cliff Floyd is another interesting choice as he would be the left handed bat the Tigers would want and he has experience pitch hitting in late innings and at his age would not be an everyday player, allowing Marcus Thames to play an increased role. Prediction: Tigers go after Abreu and settle for Floyd at 2 years $13 million (to $15). Bonds is not a choice here (although it would be interesting he cannot play defense).

With all this insight here is how I see the lineups:

CF Granderson
2B Polanco
DH Sheffield
RF Maggs
1B Guillen
LF Floyd/Thames (depending on pitcher)
C Barrett
SS Viquel
3B Inge

Bench:
Snatiago
Thames
Rabelo (or Vance if back)

Starters:
Veralnder
Rogers
Robertson
Bonderman
Miller

Bullpen:
Jones
Zunaya
Rodney
Byrdak
Seay
Miner
Grilli (although i hate him)