Sheffield injury may require deal

**Starflyer** · 08-25-2007, 08:21 AM

Via Jon Paul Morosi in the Freep this morning.

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...708250360/1048

Who are the players that fit his description?

**Madmanrick** · 08-25-2007, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Starflyer

Who are the players that fit his description?

Tough to say, without first knowing who all cleared waivers. 'Tis a shame about Stairs, I really wanted the Tigs to keep him last winter. I was able to locate a partial list and there are some real stinkers on it:

Pat Burrell - $13MM in '07, $14MM in '08, full no-trade clause

Troy Glaus - $10.75MM in '07, $12.75MM in '08, $11.25MM player option in '09, full no-trade clause

Mike Piazza - $8.5MM in '07

Sammy Sosa - $0.5MM + a possible $2.2MM in playing time incentives

Jack Wilson - $5.25MM in '07, $6.5MM in '08, $7.25MM in '09, $8.4MM club option in '10 with $0.6MM buyout

Dmitri Young - $5MM in '08, $5MM in '09, $6MM option in '10 that may vest based on plate appearances

To me the most overall reliable hitters on this list are DY (.333/12 HR/69 RBI) & Glaus .249/16 HR/51 RBI). Glaus probably would block any deal here, unless his option were picked up (too expensive for what we need). DY is also too expensive for what we are looking for, particularly with what the Nats would probably demand. That leaves Sosa and Piazza, yikes! Piazza is hitting .278 with 5 HR's & 33 RBI's in limited action with Oakland. Sosa would be the cheapest option and perhaps the "best" overall option out there, he's hitting .246 with 16 HR's & 72 RBI's. Lastly, Sosa is only signed for this year and could/would be dumped in the off-season.

I'm sure there are others out there that have cleared waivers, but aren't on this list. Perhaps someone else can update others they may have heard about.

**DaYooperASBDT** · 08-25-2007, 09:05 AM

Can't imagine Leyland wants anything to do with Young, so the Tigers will have to hope somebody gets hot, like Thames. But it's definitely not the same offense without Sheff at #3. He makes everyone around him in that lineup better.

**wockenfussy** · 08-25-2007, 10:06 AM

Though bleary from last nights' game (even though I'm on the west coast) I read this article with interest this morning. I was going to post a thread posing the same question and was glad that someone already had.

Of those names and bearing in mind the financial consequences, I'd say Sosa is the best choice. He'd be fired up about participating in a pennant race and he'd welcome the opportunity to play, instead of sitting which is what he's doing now in Texas. He can't really relish that reduced role. Piazza would be interesting as well - he showed he can still hit now and again - with a double and HR the other day with 5 RBI's. He can only DH though, but he might bring a needed spark.

I dunno. Just hypothesizing....

**Yoda** · 08-25-2007, 10:07 AM

Wanted: No. 3 hitter: Sheffield's injury may require deal
August 25, 2007

BY JON PAUL MOROSI

FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

For months, Tigers manager Jim Leyland had one easy decision among the myriad he makes every day: In the third spot on his lineup card, he wrote Gary Sheffield's name.

Now, Sheffield is out indefinitely with an injured right shoulder. Sean Casey hit third on Wednesday and Thursday, and Marcus Thames was scheduled to bat there in Friday's rain-delayed game against Roger Clemens.

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"We've got to find somebody to hit third," Leyland said.

Leyland would like Sheffield to be that someone, but it's not clear when he will return. Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Thursday that Sheffield could be back by the middle of next week.

If the absence continues, though, Leyland acknowledged that it's possible the Tigers will acquire a hitter to fill in for Sheffield.

The club has declined to provide specifics about Sheffield's condition, but Leyland said the results of a magnetic resonance imaging exam earlier this week were "no different" from earlier findings.

Sheffield, 38, said earlier this month that his collarbone shifted out of place following a July 21 outfield collision with second baseman Placido Polanco, and that fluid collected in the AC joint at the top of his shoulder as a result. The Tigers had the best record in baseball (57-37) at the time of the collision, and are 11-22 since.

If Detroit decides to trade for a hitter, the club would probably look to acquire someone from a noncontending team who (a) is not signed beyond this year, (b) has pennant race or postseason experience, and (c) could provide power and/or patience in a lineup that could use more of both.

Toronto veteran Matt Stairs, whom the Tigers claimed on waivers last September, was blocked on waivers this year and is therefore unavailable via trade. San Francisco slugger Barry Bonds has cleared waivers, but the Tigers do not have interest in him.

WATCHFUL EYE: Leyland said reliever Joel Zumaya would not pitch Friday night, after taking the loss (and throwing 30 pitches) Thursday afternoon.

"I'm watching him close," Leyland said. "His arm strength's not totally there yet, but we knew that. You don't know that his arm strength is going to be there for the rest of the year.

"It might be. It might not. I'll still take my chances with him."

Zumaya said his right arm felt healthy but "a little tender" on Friday, after making his second appearance since missing more than three months after finger surgery.

"I have it in me," Zumaya said, when asked about his renowned arm strength. "I still have it in me. It's just three months, man.

"The first time I picked up a baseball, my arm was just not the same. It was weak. It's coming along. I can feel it coming along, but to me it's just like the beginning of spring training."

DOWN TIME: After learning of his demotion to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, reliever Zach Miner told the Free Press, "I'm upset and disappointed, and I don't agree with it. ... even though I'm gonna respect it."

Leyland said Miner, who went 2-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 24 big-league games this year, must "make some adjustments" to reach his potential.

"He's done as well as some other guys who are here, but it wasn't like he was setting the world on fire," Leyland said. "I really like him. His stuff's good enough. But he's got to learn how to do some things."

When asked to elaborate, Leyland said: "He's got to go after hitters more, use his pitches, and have more confidence in his sinker."

NOTEBOOK: Leyland, on Ramon Santiago's defensive ability: "It's one of those things where, if you want to play him at shortstop on a more regular basis, then you've got to have more production elsewhere. But he can play shortstop."

.

**monkeytargets37** · 08-25-2007, 10:18 AM

what, he's not just gonna plug Casey in there?

**spikesglaring** · 08-25-2007, 10:20 AM

Piazza seems to make the most sense. His contract is up after this year and you could plug him into the DH slot while Sheffield isn't able to play. When and if Shef comes back, you have one heck of a bat off the bench.

**baseball3** · 08-25-2007, 10:22 AM

I REALLY wonder about our lack of production at 3B relative to Leyland's last statement about Santiago? Do we just accept NO production at third and expect double at ss to compensate for the difference? Guess so!

**Yoda** · 08-25-2007, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by baseball3

I REALLY wonder about our lack of production at 3B relative to Leyland's last statement about Santiago? Do we just accept NO production at third and expect double at ss to compensate for the difference? Guess so!

Well considering that he benched Inge for a couple games until Sheff couldn't play anymore... I'm pretty sure Leyland isn't ok with his lack of production. He was very outspoken about it. He also said that if Santiago is at SS then they have to compensate ELSEWHERE. He didn't say the production at ss needs to be doubled.

**baseball3** · 08-25-2007, 10:41 AM

DUH, since we're getting NOTHING at 3B, we must get more elsewhere.....that's what he said, meaning we need to get more (or double) at ss.

Wonder what we could do at 1B as well?

If Thames gets hot, it would be welcomed relief and we could move Casey in the offseason. Then, get us a third baseman and some quality depth in relief and we'd be ready to dominate in '08. All the while, looking every day for Pudge's replacement for '09.

**Yoda** · 08-25-2007, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by baseball3

DUH, since we're getting NOTHING at 3B, we must get more elsewhere.....that's what he said, meaning we need to get more (or double) at ss.

No it doesn't. He specifically said we must get from places not including shortstop, since that's where Santiago is going to be playing.

As far as where we'll get it from, i have no idea. Casey is worthless as a hitter again. Maggs and Guillen are red hot again though. And Hopefully Granderson is too after what he did last night.

**iceteebone** · 08-25-2007, 10:49 AM

This maybe a wild idea, but why not try Maybin leadoff, and Granderson 3rd? Maybin has demonstrated some plate discipline, and perhaps with Polanco and Granderson behind him, he would be more comfortable. Then you have L-R-L through your 3-4-5.

**keystone** · 08-25-2007, 11:05 AM

Rumor is that the Braves will trade Renteria & keep Escobar at short. I think DD would swing that trade now if Renteria wasn't on the DL.

**BostonTigersFan** · 08-25-2007, 11:21 AM

Wily Mo Pena could have been a decent solution, but he was DFA'd and went to the Nats for a PTBNL last week. The Sox never really gave him enough AB's to develop. I think with a chance to be in the line-up every day, he could have become a solid middle-of-the-lineup power hitter. At least not much worse than any of the guys being speculated about.

**Madmanrick** · 08-25-2007, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by keystone

Rumor is that the Braves will trade Renteria & keep Escobar at short. I think DD would swing that trade now if Renteria wasn't on the DL.

I would not be against acquiring Renteria, as long as we got the Braves Renteria and not the Renteria that played for Boston a few years back. I guess it would really depend upon what we would have to give up for him though. Renteria would sure be better than Jack Wilson/Infante/Santiago and his glove would be marginally better than Guillen.

**JonBenke** · 08-25-2007, 11:39 AM

Mike Piazza .. that's my guess.

**FloridaTigers** · 08-25-2007, 11:41 AM

Mike Piazza would be a great acquisition. When Sheff returns, put him in LF and start Piazza at DH

**Madmanrick** · 08-25-2007, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Jwalewander

Of those names and bearing in mind the financial consequences, I'd say Sosa is the best choice. He'd be fired up about participating in a pennant race and he'd welcome the opportunity to play, instead of sitting which is what he's doing now in Texas. He can't really relish that reduced role. Piazza would be interesting as well - he showed he can still hit now and again - with a double and HR the other day with 5 RBI's. He can only DH though, but he might bring a needed spark.

I dunno. Just hypothesizing....

I would not be opposed to Sosa filling in for Sheffield for the last month of the season. My only hesitation would be in what Texas would want for him. If we could get him for a PTBNL and cash, I'd do it today! My feeling is that they'll probably wait and see how Sheffield feels early next week. If he cannot go, then they probably try and pull the trigger on a deal before Aug. 31 (Friday).

**holygoat** · 08-25-2007, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by FloridaTigers

Mike Piazza would be a great acquisition. When Sheff returns, put him in LF and start Piazza at DH

And cut Magglio?

EDIT: DOH! I misread that completely.

**iceteebone** · 08-25-2007, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by holygoat

And cut Magglio?

I don't understand where you got cut Magglio from that

**holygoat** · 08-25-2007, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by iceteebone

I don't understand where you got cut Magglio from that

Go up and read it again.

**iceteebone** · 08-25-2007, 12:08 PM

In case anybody didn't notice, but Piazza is having a bad season and I don't see how he is an upgrade over anything we currently have.

**Systematic Chaos** · 08-25-2007, 12:28 PM

I haven't read any posts in this topic, but I want Glaus. I've always been a huge fan of him for some reason. I'd prefer for us to trade for Glaus and Sheff come back healthy, though. Then we can get Inge out of the lineup. Have Thames and Casey split time at first, and Raburn play left.

**ToledoTigerFan** · 08-25-2007, 12:40 PM

Interesting that Chris Shelton's name goes unmentioned. It's amazing how far he has fallen since May of 2006.

**FloridaTigers** · 08-25-2007, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by holygoat

And cut Magglio?

EDIT: DOH! I misread that completely.

Actually, I was thinking the Tigers should trade Magglio for Jack Wilson

**ToledoTigerFan** · 08-25-2007, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by iceteebone

In case anybody didn't notice, but Piazza is having a bad season and I don't see how he is an upgrade over anything we currently have.

Piazza is basically Pudge without the defensive reputation. As hitters, they have both declined significantly.

**tiger337** · 08-25-2007, 12:58 PM

If a number three hitter is what he wants, why not bat Ordonez 3rd and Guillen 4th?

**MrStrunz** · 08-25-2007, 01:09 PM

how about signing todd bertuzzi?

**RestortheRoar** · 08-25-2007, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by tiger337

If a number three hitter is what he wants, why not bat Ordonez 3rd and Guillen 4th?

I was thinking something very similar. I thought they should plop guillen in the 3rd spot, leaving maggs as cleanup. I understand that we want to give maggs protection, but I think that whatever he loses from lack of protection, Guillen can more than make up for by gaining such great protection.

**djhutch** · 08-25-2007, 01:56 PM

We still have a player to be named coming from the Cards & the Cubs, maybe that would provide some help.

Of the names listed, I think Sosa or Piazza makes the most sense.

**ToledoTigerFan** · 08-25-2007, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by djhutch

We still have a player to be named coming from the Cards & the Cubs, maybe that would provide some help.

Of the names listed, I think Sosa or Piazza makes the most sense.

If Sheffield needs to be DL'd, maybe the Cubs will give us Craig Monroe as the player to be named. Craig could become the first player traded for himself. If I were the GM, I'd do that just to get mentioned for eternity whenever weird trades are discussed.

**Madmanrick** · 08-25-2007, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by djhutch

We still have a player to be named coming from the Cards & the Cubs, maybe that would provide some help.

IIRC the PTBNL from the Cards must be named no later than Sept. 15th and the PTBNL from the Cubs, Oct. 15th. Since a player must be on the 40 man roster by Aug. 31st to be eligible for the post season, I doubt any of those will help us this year. Also rumor has it, that the player we may be getting from the Cubs is Clay Rapada and since he is a pitcher, he would not help us with our DH issue.

**ironside** · 08-25-2007, 02:19 PM

I think they should DL Sheff and back infante so we're not a player short. of the players mentioned I like Glaus but I do'nt know what it would take to get him. on a side note what about trading for Wickman he's better than Grilli and it keeps him from Cleveland

**witz57** · 08-25-2007, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by ToledoTigerFan

If Sheffield needs to be DL'd, maybe the Cubs will give us Craig Monroe as the player to be named. Craig could become the first player traded for himself. If I were the GM, I'd do that just to get mentioned for eternity whenever weird trades are discussed.

The Blue Jays traded us John McDonald for himself a few years ago.

**keystone** · 08-25-2007, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by witz57

The Blue Jays traded us John McDonald for himself a few years ago.

Could use him now.

**holygoat** · 08-25-2007, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by MrStrunz

how about signing todd bertuzzi?

I think the Tigers need to get bigger on their blue line first.

**djhutch** · 08-25-2007, 04:11 PM

Just saw Ken Rosenthal on Fox Saturday Baseball mention Piazza as a possibility to the Tigers. He also mentioned the O's may be shopping Kevin Millar.

**ironside** · 08-25-2007, 04:42 PM

I would love Kevin Millar

**Starflyer** · 08-25-2007, 04:53 PM

so far, Maybin at leadoff and Granderson batting third makes the most sense to me.

**ToledoTigerFan** · 08-25-2007, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by witz57

The Blue Jays traded us John McDonald for himself a few years ago.

You're right. I forgot about that. Technically, I think he was sold to the Tigers. McDonald really, really sucked, though. Craig merely sucks. If Sheffield gets DL'd, a Monroe is about all we could get this late. Someone mentioned Millar. I'd take him, but I'm not convineced he's much of an upgrade over Monroe. But he's got some pop, can play 1st, 3rd, and the outfield.