XM To have Press Conference in moments.

[DennisDubay]

XM Just announced that the press conference will happen within the next minutes. And that they will cut into their programming for it.

[Oblong]

so I guess it's official?

[DennisDubay]

Looks to be!!

[HawkeyeTiger445]

so I guess it's official?

Yup. Anyway someone could post updates of the press conference for those at work? Thanks in advance.

[DennisDubay]

I'll try, Hawkeye, as much as work permits.

Just started.

It's OFFICIAL.

[dt35456884]

Thanks for the heads-up. I'm listening now.

[HawkeyeTiger445]

I'll try, Hawkeye, as much as work permits.

Just started.

It's OFFICIAL.

Thanks Dennis appreciate it. All I can listen to right now is the shooting in Omaha and its not very good.

[DennisDubay]

Dave Dobrowski:

Hard time parting with the players we did.
But aquiring two good ballplayers.
Trade will benefit both teams.

[dt35456884]

Dombrowski on Willis and Cabrera: "quality players and quality people." That's our Dom.

[DennisDubay]

Not to beat a dead horse, but in regards to "steroids" ..

would that kind of information be found in a physical? Forgive me if that's a dumb question.

[Yoda]

Between the draft and the offseason, what a fantastic job Dave is doing this year.

[dt35456884]

DD: Ilitch had some impetus in this.

[tigersfandm]

Not to beat a dead horse, but in regards to "steroids" ..

would that kind of information be found in a physical? Forgive me if that's a dumb question.

I am more worried about the Mitchell report that is supposed to come out before Christmas, but I would assume DD covered all his tracks on that so nobody involved in the trade would show up on that report.

[Yoda]

Not to beat a dead horse, but in regards to "steroids" ..

would that kind of information be found in a physical? Forgive me if that's a dumb question.

Hopefully none. If he's on them then I just assume they remain undetected.

[dt35456884]

No long terms deals in place. Marlins (rightly) wouldn't let the Tigers talk to the players before the trade. Something the Tigers will pursue/look into.

[Shelton]

Good thing ESPNews isn't covering this.

[Yoda]

I am more worried about the Mitchell report that is supposed to come out before Christmas, but I would assume DD covered all his tracks on that so nobody involved in the trade would show up on that report.

I don't know that GM's have even seen the report. But there could likely be players already on the team in that report, so I doubt that would really cause him to not make this trade.

[HawkeyeTiger445]

No long terms deals in place. Marlins (rightly) wouldn't let the Tigers talk to the players before the trade. Something the Tigers will pursue/look into.

A big thanks to the people updating this, dt, dennis, thanks to all!

[tigersfandm]

Man, 4 years ago we couldn't get anybody to show up in Detroit, now we have basically an All-Star team out there. It was well worth being a Tiger fan for all the hell of the 90's and early 2k's

[DennisDubay]

Good thing ESPNews isn't covering this.

They are busy talking to NY and Boston about Santana still.

Who here thinks the Twins will end up getting nothing for Mr. Santana?

[BaconDrips]

Awesome, so it's official!

Anyone have any transcripts or uploaded video/audio anywhere?

[HawkeyeTiger445]

They are busy talking to NY and Boston about Santana still.

Who here thinks the Twins will end up getting nothing for Mr. Santana?

I thought at one point I heard Lester & Ellsbury but I havent seen anything since.

[tigersfandm]

They are busy talking to NY and Boston about Santana still.

Who here thinks the Twins will end up getting nothing for Mr. Santana?

My guess they hang onto Santana and try trading him during the July deadline. They may demand BOTH Lester and Ellsbury plus whoever else from Boston after we just gave up our top 2 guys in Miller and Maybin.

[thewave84]

Man, 4 years ago we couldn't get anybody to show up in Detroit, now we have basically an All-Star team out there. It was well worth being a Tiger fan for all the hell of the 90's and early 2k's

Thank You, Fernando Vina!!! :wink:

[Yoda]

Awesome, so it's official!

Anyone have any transcripts or uploaded video/audio anywhere?

I'm sure it will be on tigers.com this evening.

[DennisDubay]

I thought at one point I heard Lester & Ellsbury but I havent seen anything since.

The last report I'd heard, was they were pulling away from talks. Might have been a ploy to hurry negotiations.

[dt35456884]

Ilitch heard Cabrera's name floating around out there. He called Dombrowski and asked "are we in on this guy, and if not, why not?"

Dave said "yes, we like him" (i.e. we're not really pursuing him).

Ilitch: "let's have a serious conversation with the Marlins about this."

Everything else was falling apart with the other teams and so we stepped in.

[BaconDrips]

Think of how far this team has come in just 4 short years.

It's remarkable.

I mean, after 2003, how many of us could have expected this?

How fun is it to be a Tigers fan right now!!

[DennisDubay]

My guess they hang onto Santana and try trading him during the July deadline. They may demand BOTH Lester and Ellsbury plus whoever else from Boston after we just gave up our top 2 guys in Miller and Maybin.

Johan has already stated this off-season that he will not drop his no-trade clause during the season.

[Yoda]

So is anyone still pissed that we didn't trade Maybin for Soriano?

[Yoda]

Johan has already stated this off-season that he will not drop his no-trade clause during the season.

And the Yankees won't negotiate with ARod if he opts out. :)

[dt35456884]

So is anyone still pissed that we didn't trade Maybin for Soriano?

Dave doesn't have the courage to pull off a big trade. Soriano would put us over the top this year.

[BostonTigersFan]

They are busy talking to NY and Boston about Santana still.

Who here thinks the Twins will end up getting nothing for Mr. Santana?

They should take the best deal they can right now b/c they'll get less in July than they would now and only draft picks when he doesn't re-sign after this season.

The sense in Boston though is that the Sox have backed off a bit and may not actually be willing to trade Ellsbury to get him. I think the female population of Boston would storm Theo's office if he traded Ellsbury, much like trading Sizemore in Cleveland.

[Shelton]

Johan has already stated this off-season that he will not drop his no-trade clause during the season.

When the Twins are 15 games behind the Tigers on July 31, I have a feeling he might accept a trade to a contender.

[jadefalcon]

Thank God for Mike Illitch. He has his Steve Yzerman Tigers-version now.

[JAYB]

So is anyone still pissed that we didn't trade Maybin for Soriano?

:grin:

[tigersfandm]

Ahh so NOW I understand why they always go for the BEST talent in the amateur draft and not necessarily what needs to fill.

DD is obviously flourishing in his role as a GM for the long run. This is the first time he has been GM this long for a franchise correct?

[tigersfandm]

Thank God for Mike Illitch. He has his Steve Yzerman Tigers-version now.

And thank god for the many that bought his Little Caesars pizza. :)

[markmeista]

Cameron Maybin on XM 176 MLB the Show right now.

[tigersfandm]

Did DD say anything about Inge's role?

[DennisDubay]

175, Mark.

[DetroitFolly]

Here is the official press release from the Tigers:

Detroit Tigers,Inc. 2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, Michigan 48201-3474




Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE CONTACT: MEDIA RELATIONS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007
www.tigers.com

TIGERS ACQUIRE MIGUEL CABRERA AND DONTRELLE WILLIS FROM THE FLORIDA MARLINS IN AN EIGHT-PLAYER DEAL

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired lefthanded pitcher Dontrelle Willis and third baseman Miguel Cabrera from the Florida Marlins in exchange for righthanded pitchers Burke Badenhop, Eulogio De La Cruz and Dallas Trahern, lefthanded pitcher Andrew Miller, catcher Mike Rabelo and outfielder Cameron Maybin.

“The Tigers are extremely excited to add two all-star caliber players in Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the organization,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “Our ability to add both Cabrera and Willis is a testament to the organization’s commitment to fielding a championship club.”

Cabrera batted .320 (188x588) with 91 runs scored, 38 doubles, 34 home runs and 119 RBI in 157 games for the Marlins in 2007. He tied for third in the National League with 119 RBI, while he tied for fifth with 34 home runs and tied for eighth with a .320 batting average.

A four-time all-star selection in the National League (2004-07), Cabrera has compiled a .313 batting average (842x2694), 449 runs scored, 183 doubles, 138 home runs and 523 RBI in 720 games during his five seasons in the majors. He saw action in all 17 of Florida’s post-season games in 2003, connecting for four home runs and driving in 12 runs.

Willis started a National League-leading 35 games for the Marlins last season, posting a 10-15 record and 5.17 ERA (205.1IP/118ER). A National League all-star selection in 2005, Willis has posted a 68-54 record and 3.78 ERA (1022.2IP/430ER) in 162 starts during his five seasons at the major league level.

Badenhop saw action with both Single A Lakeland and Double A Erie in 2007, combining to post a 12-6 record and 2.92 ERA (154.0IP/50ER) in 26 starts.

De La Cruz combined to post a 7-5 record and 3.45 ERA (104.1IP/40ER) in 33 outings between Double A Erie and Triple A Toledo in 2007. He saw action in six games with the Tigers during the season, posting a 6.75 ERA (6.2IP/5ER).

--MORE--

Trahern started 26 games for Double A Erie this past season, posting a 12-6 record and 3.87 ERA (162.2IP/70ER). He started one game for Triple A Toledo during the season, earning the win.

Miller started 13 games for Detroit in 2007, compiling a 5-5 record and 5.63 ERA (64.0IP/40ER). In 13 starts at the minor league level with Single A Lakeland, Double A Erie and Triple A Toledo, he combined to post a 3-4 record and 2.77 ERA (78.0IP/24ER).

Rabelo served as Detroit’s back-up catcher during this past season, hitting .256 (43x168) with a home run and 18 RBI in 51 games.

Maybin saw his first major league action with the Tigers in 2007, playing in 24 games. He batted .310 (98x316) with 15 doubles, five triples, 14 home runs, 52 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 89 games between Single A Lakeland and Double A Erie.

--TIGERS--

[DennisDubay]

Did DD say anything about Inge's role?

No. It was a rather short press conference. Unless, XM pulled away before it was over.

[markmeista]

Maybin states that he understands the move, "baseball is a business," etc. Talks about how he liked the Braves when he was a kid, how his dad helped nurture his baseball skills, etc.

Says that he's excited about going to Florida with Miller and some of the other Tigers' prospects in addition to playing with Hanley Ramirez, etc.

[markmeista]

175, Mark.

I should probably clean the screen :laugh:

[dt35456884]

Dombrowski apparently will be speaking at 5 o'clock on ESPN's Winter Meeting special. I think it is running on ESPN2.

[monkeynuts]

Dombrowski apparently will be speaking at 5 o'clock on ESPN's Winter Meeting special. I think it is running on ESPN2.

Yeah, they mentioned that they are going to try to talk to DD or Leyland...but didn't sound like they had them officially lined up...

[DennisDubay]

Dombrowski apparently will be speaking at 5 o'clock on ESPN's Winter Meeting special. I think it is running on ESPN2.

Ugh. This is why I wished i was retired. I could watch ESPN all day.

[lordstanley]

Full 22-minute press conference, audio and video, available at Detroittigers.com (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071205&content_id=2318459&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp)

[DennisDubay]

Full 22-minute press conference, audio and video, available at Detroittigers.com (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071205&content_id=2318459&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp)

Thanks buddy.

[Oblong]

WDFN played the presser on the air. Someone asked about Inge and they just said they haven't had time to sort all that out yet. It all happened in 24 hours.

[dt35456884]

They joked about the Ilitch phone call on ESPN as the kind of call "you want to receive." Dombrowski chuckled and agreed, and also spoke of Maybin in noticeably less glowing terms than he normally does. The man is a master salesman, no doubt.

The Ilitch factor is fascinating to me. I don't like the idea of him interfering with personnel decisions, but I think this is a good trade and it seems as though the balls-out boldness of it came straight from the top.

[DennisDubay]

Watching the press conference on MLB.com, Jimmy L looked a bit emotional about the whole thing. That or just very tired. If I was in the business of speculating, I don't think he'd get that emotional about Miller or Maybin just because they weren't up that much ...maybe over Rabelo ..or the ensuing deal that could possibly be in the works for Inge?

Or am I seeing something that really wasn't there?

[One Man's Fool]

I always think it's funny when people say the owner of a business is "interfering" by having a say in how the business he owns is run.

[tigermojo]

I always think it's funny when people say the owner of a business is "interfering" by having a say in how the business he owns is run.

If he`s going to interfere and insist they bring in all-star players like Pudge, Magglio and Cabrera then by all means interfere some more.

[witz57]

I love the fact that the idea started with Illitch. DD doesn't have to use up one of his "ask for permission/we really need this" cards, instead makes his boss happy, and now Dave's in a perfect spot to restock next draft cause he's done Illitch's will, Illitch knows what it cost, and he knows what prospects can be bring. I can't wait till this season, and this draft.

[One Man's Fool]

If I recall correctly the signing of Pudge started with Ilitch in the same way.

[tiger337]

I always think it's funny when people say the owner of a business is "interfering" by having a say in how the business he owns is run.

I don't think it's funny. The owner obviously can do what he wants with his own business but I'd rather see the baseball people run the business.

[One Man's Fool]

I don't think it's funny. The owner obviously can do what he wants with his own business but I'd rather see the baseball people run the business.

It's easy to say that when you're not the person involved, but when the decisions being made may cost many millions of dollars, and they're your dollars, no smart businessman just gives carte blanche to employees and doesn't get involved at all.

People expect team owners to sign off on enormous expenses, but not to get involved in the decisions that lead to those expenses, lest he be "interfering." Interesting way of looking at things.

[tiger337]

It's easy to say that when you're not the person involved, but when the decisions being made may cost many millions of dollars, and they're your dollars, no smart businessman just gives carte blanche to employees and doesn't get involved at all.

People expect team owners to sign off on enormous expenses, but not to get involved in the decisions that lead to those expenses, lest he be "interfering." Interesting way of looking at things.

I know all that. Of course the GM needs to consult with the owner but the GM should be making baseball decisions. The story here seems to be that Illitch spontaneously decided that they would go after Cabrera. When an owner decides spontaneously to go after a player (if that's how it really happened) then that's interference. I did like the result in this case though.

[One Man's Fool]

I understand the notion that you don't want an owner trying to micromanage beyond what his skill and knowledge permit, but the choice of the word "interference" to describe it is really silly.

It is his business. You cannot "interfere" with the running of your own business. People think the best kind of sports owner is one who signs the checks and otherwise "stays out of the way." This is wrong. A good owner sets the major priorities and helps direct his people on how to achieve those priorities.

If Ilitch saw what had been done to date, and didn't think it was enough, and said, "What about this guy?" - he was being a good owner.

[Oblong]

I don't think that's how it played out. A sports owner is mostly a guy who got rich in regular business and bought a team as a toy or to fulfill childhood dreams of being a jock. Success in sports is measured two ways and they don't really need to have anything to do with each other. You can either win on the field or win on the balance sheet. There may be evidence of a relationship but there doesn't have to be. I'll trust an owner on the latter because chances are they got rich by being good businessmen and those are busines decisions. But success on the field is a skill set that they most likely don't have.

Ilitch doesn't know more about these prospects than we do. He saw the rumors in the paper and gave Dave his blessing to go after him if he thought it was the best thing to do. But it would have happened anyway. They're just pumping the image of Ilitch. He's at his best when he lets his talent do their job and he grants them their payroll wishes.

[sagnam]

As I owner I think you hire a General Manager to manage the team in general, as the name implies, that includes the personnel. The goal of an owner should be to hire the best person you can find and set down the goals and rules for the organization, then sit back and make sure they follow your directions. If you trust the person you hired then you shouldn't undermine their decisions in the pursuit of your goals, if you don't trust them then replace them with someone you do trust or do it yourself.

That being said, I read earlier that Ilitch just called Dombrowski to see if they had any interest in Cabrera. I don't think that means he told Dombrowski to go get Cabrera, rather he just reminded Dombrowski that as an owner he was willing to pay the price if the deal was right.

[tiger337]

I understand the notion that you don't want an owner trying to micromanage beyond what his skill and knowledge permit, but the choice of the word "interference" to describe it is really silly.

It is his business. You cannot "interfere" with the running of your own business. People think the best kind of sports owner is one who signs the checks and otherwise "stays out of the way." This is wrong. A good owner sets the major priorities and helps direct his people on how to achieve those priorities.

If Ilitch saw what had been done to date, and didn't think it was enough, and said, "What about this guy?" - he was being a good owner.

I would call what you are describing "interference" even if it might not be the proper choice of words in the business world. What sagnam and oblong said makes sense. The kind of involvement would not be interference.

[dt35456884]

Sorry to elicit all this outrage from you, OMF.

I guess if you want to get into semantics, there is nothing Ilitch could possibly do to interfere with his team. He could demand that Dombrowski trade Verlander, Granderson, Guillen, Cabrera, and Ordonez for Pedro Martinez. He could also demand that the head groundskeeper pave the field with asphalt. He could contract the team.

Ilitch was awful pre-Dombrowski. Dombrowski was good pre-Ilitch. For that reason, Ilitch doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt when it comes to building the team.

I think Ilitch and Dombrowski make a good team. Ilitch tells Dom what kind of resources he's willing to make available and Dom acts accordingly. However I think Ilitch is crap at such things himself and I have to wonder (hope) how many ideas Dom has had to put the kibosh on.

Thankfully things have once again come up roses, as they almost always have under DD's team presidency.

[Oblong]

Let's not forget that Dombrowski's also the President and CEO of the team. For many clubs the owner takes the CEO title. He knows what's going on with the budgets and long term plans. He doesn't need marching orders from Ilitch on that.

Ilitch's involvement probably meant an explanation by Dave that unless they're willing to sign Cabrera at some point to a contract that'll probably make him among the 2 or 3 highest paid players in the game then the window for perennial contention is 2 years. Ilitch said 'Ok, I'm fine with that. We'll do it when the time comes"

If Ilitch told him to get Cabrera I don't think it would have happened unless Dave thought it was still a good deal and one he'd do if he were the owner. If a deal couldn't get done to terms he thought were acceptable then he'd not do it.

[lordstanley]

Every management team is accountable to shareholders, whether that's comprised of one individual owner or represented by a Board of Directors. I know of few individual owners or boards that give their managers carte blanche to run the business completely how they see fit. Some owners are more hands-off than others, but when you've invested hundreds of millions of dollars in a business you're entitled to input and to regular reports on what is happening. Unless Dombrowski as an employee feels his hands are being tied by the owner, in which case he could quit, he should welcome Illitch's input and perceive Illitch as a resource. I'm not saying that Dombrowski has to follow whatever Illitch says, just as he doesn't have to follow whatever the other important stakeholders - the fanbase - says. But he should take it under consideration - not smart to ignore either the man who cuts you your paycheck or the customers who buy your product. It's easy to say trust Dombrowski, when if he fails all we lose as fans is a chance at watching our team in play in the World Series and all Dombrowski loses is a job - Illitch could lose millions.

[sportz4life]

I always think it's funny when people say the owner of a business is "interfering" by having a say in how the business he owns is run.

prophetic

[BiggieG]

This team reminds me of the Wings of a few years ago. Everyone knew they were suppose to win because they were the greatest team ever assembled. The pressure not to lose was immense. Illich must be giddy at this point, as his own personal dream is becoming a reality.

[Motor City Sonics]

Hope you enjoyed XM's baseball coverage. There will not be an XM (or Sirius) two years from now.

[CapitalTigers]

Hope you enjoyed XM's baseball coverage. There will not be an XM (or Sirius) two years from now.

Why? As a lifetime subscriber of Sirius, I'm curious to why I'll have my Satelite Radio Service stripped away- it's fantastic. Do you have insider info Motor? :dead:

[tigerfanfromchicago]

Hope you enjoyed XM's baseball coverage. There will not be an XM (or Sirius) two years from now.

?

If they do merge, I'm sure Home Plate will still be there.

[DennisDubay]

Hope you enjoyed XM's baseball coverage. There will not be an XM (or Sirius) two years from now.

Huh?

Talk about random malarkey. Explain your reasoning.