The 2011 Offseason!!

**RatkoVarda** · 12-05-2011, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by ballmich

Well, that's about as interesting of a bench as we might see: Laird, Kelly, Santiago, Raburn (with Murphy at 2B). Raburn and Kelly's ability to play IF/OF makes it work.

Trading Dirks might also bring Clete back into the picture, he's kind of the forgotten guy on the 40-man.

Murphy twice tore his MCL at 2b after getting the Brett Gardner treartment; gotta think it would be Murphy at 3b with Inge, Raburn/Ramon at 2b, and Donnie Baseball backing up Cespedas, AJ, and Boesch.

**itsallgood8989** · 12-05-2011, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by Jeff6851

A Mets fan is very pissed about this. Do it Dave.

Correction! That would be Met Fan is very upset over this!

**itsallgood8989** · 12-05-2011, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by RatkoVarda

Murphy twice tore his MCL at 2b after getting the Brett Gardner treartment; gotta think it would be Murphy at 3b with Inge, Raburn/Ramon at 2b, and Donnie Baseball backing up Cespedas, AJ, and Boesch.

That might be a pretty good guess! Although I would rather move Raburn in a package for a pitcher or prospects. I would rather lean more on Santiago and his defense at 2B as opposed to Raburn's better bat. I just think with Fister and Porcello we have to balance the infield defense the best that we can.

**Who is the Drizzle?** · 12-05-2011, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Ron Burgandy

Returning to the Bowden quotes from this morning, one interesting note is that he claims we've passed on Kelly Johnson. This would mesh with what Henning has been saying (expect a 2B platoon), and is consistent with the lack of any reports linking us to Johnson. I find it surprising and disappointing, though, considering that Johnson looks like a really nice fit on several levels (left handed bat, good glove, potential #2 hitter, likely short-term deal), especially now that he won't require us to forfeit a draft pick.

I would love to hear there reasoning on Johnson. I can think of several reasons why they would and wouldn't want him. He would be interesting test case to see how they evaluate players.

**ROMAD1** · 12-05-2011, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by Gehringer_2

Nice.

So Huey just has to tell us who he saw him standing next to and it will all become clear!

Using my overblown "skill" in political psychology I say that Prince lands in Toronto because his estranged father played there. Prince has a roots issue because of his broken relationship with his father, and his being raised as a gaijin in Japan, and some time in Toronto. It might be the closest to a home that he has.

**froggyvk** · 12-05-2011, 06:17 PM

It looks like Murphy is arbitration eligible for the first time this winter. That means he's under team control through 2014. Also, if he's the guy, then the Tigers cheaply addressed 3B, and they might bid on Kelly Johnson.

**Gehringer_2** · 12-05-2011, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by itsallgood8989

I would think hard and probably do the Dirks for Murphy deal.

Looks like a steal by the numbers, what the knock -- injury history?

EDIT:Nevermind - -just saw the answer upthread....

**irvink** · 12-05-2011, 06:25 PM

Seems like a lot for Harang and for Hairston:

Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
#Dodgers still working on Harang. Deal expected to be north of Capuano. Two years, $12M range. #MLB

Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Sources: Hairston is done with #Dodgers. Passes physical. 2 yrs, 6M plus incentives. #MLB

**froggyvk** · 12-05-2011, 06:27 PM

the dodgers are hilarious

**irvink** · 12-05-2011, 06:29 PM

jamesschmehl James Schmehl
Dombrowski said there is a strong likelihood #Tigers will tender Delmon Young contract before Dec. 12 deadline. #wintermeetings

**Freehan_1968** · 12-05-2011, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by irvink

jamesschmehl James Schmehl
Dombrowski said there is a strong likelihood #Tigers will tender Delmon Young contract before Dec. 12 deadline. #wintermeetings

DD.....ever the used-car salesman.

**irvink** · 12-05-2011, 06:46 PM

Lynn_Henning Lynn G. Henning
Just finished with Dombrowski press session: Says "no problem" using one of the kids as a 5th starter. Also says "fine" with Delmon in LF.

This is known as "cover." Don't say you're looking for upgrades when you might be left with existing personnel. They'll make some moves.

To no one's surprise, also said they'd be fine with Raburn-Santiago at second.

It did sound, conclusively, as if Buehrle is no longer a practical option. They went hard after him -- but obviously too many rigid demands

Dombrowski 'fessed up that he had seen Cespedes last week: "He's in better shape than anybody in this room." That wasn't exactly news.

Didn't go into detail about Cespedes, fearing he'd give away TMI. It's clear they'll be bidding -- heavily.

beckjason Jason Beck
Dombrowski on long-term deal for starter: "I'd say that most likely we would not be heading in that direction." ... Translation: No Buehrle.

**irvink** · 12-05-2011, 06:47 PM

The market for veteran reliever Octavio Dotel continues to take shape.

The Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Tigers and Mets have all inquired about the reliever, according to an industry source. Dotel’s representatives have already met with the Tigers and Brewers.

Market developing for Dotel « MLB.com Hot Stove Blog

**RatkoVarda** · 12-05-2011, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by froggyvk

It looks like Murphy is arbitration eligible for the first time this winter. That means he's under team control through 2014. Also, if he's the guy, then the Tigers cheaply addressed 3B, and they might bid on Kelly Johnson.

no arbitration for Murph until next year (meaning 2013) controled through 2015 (4 more years)

**Oblong** · 12-05-2011, 07:08 PM

Reporter: "DD, do you love your wife and kids"

DD: "I like them a lot. They're good to have around."

**tiger337** · 12-05-2011, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Oblong

Reporter: "DD, do you love your wife and kids"

DD: "I like them a lot. They're good to have around."

Reporter: "Is there any chance you would ever leave your wife"

DD:"It's not likely. I'm always looking to improve my situation, but I'm very comfortable spending the rest of my life with her.

**DaYooperASBDT** · 12-05-2011, 07:47 PM

Dave Dombrowski rubs down his cellphone with a chicken bone, daily.

**irvink** · 12-05-2011, 08:48 PM

DKnobler DKnobler
Braves still talking both Jurrjens and Prado, 8-10 teams in on JJ, even more on Prado

**New_Age_X** · 12-05-2011, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by irvink

DKnobler DKnobler
Braves still talking both Jurrjens and Prado, 8-10 teams in on JJ, even more on Prado

It would probably take the rest of are farm system to pull that one off I gotta bet but dam would it be sweet.

**Shelton** · 12-05-2011, 09:19 PM

worst winter meetings ever.

**tiger337** · 12-05-2011, 10:43 PM

At least they signed Gerald Laird

**Eric Cioe** · 12-05-2011, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by New_Age_X

It would probably take the rest of are farm system to pull that one off I gotta bet but dam would it be sweet.

Yeah, it'd be sweet to have a non-strikeout, non-great-command right hander who is injury prone and trade away a much higher ceiling arm in Turner to get him.

**wockenfussy** · 12-05-2011, 10:46 PM

Best post of the off season.

Originally Posted by Oblong

Reporter: "DD, do you love your wife and kids"

DD: "I like them a lot. They're good to have around."

**catswithbats** · 12-05-2011, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by Eric Cioe

Yeah, it'd be sweet to have a non-strikeout, non-great-command right hander who is injury prone and trade away a much higher ceiling arm in Turner to get him.

Who in their right mind wouldn't do that?

**froggyvk** · 12-05-2011, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by Shelton

worst winter meetings ever.

saving money for Hamels next year, I guess

**IdahoBert** · 12-05-2011, 11:28 PM

freeptigers Freep Tigers
Dombrowski reiterated today that No. 5 starter will come from system, not in an acquisition of a veteran.

freeptigers Freep Tigers
Dombrowski and Leyland sound ready to go with platoon of Raburn and Santiago at second.

freeptigers Freep Tigers
Dombrowski: "Stay the course. Read my lips. No new acquisitions."

**alwaysthrowheat** · 12-05-2011, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by Eric Cioe

Yeah, it'd be sweet to have a non-strikeout, non-great-command right hander who is injury prone and trade away a much higher ceiling arm in Turner to get him.

But if Jurrjens and Verlander are on the same team, who is the ace? Can't upset clubhouse dynamics.

**macedonian bengal** · 12-05-2011, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by IdahoBert

freeptigers Freep Tigers
Dombrowski reiterated today that No. 5 starter will come from system, not in an acquisition of a veteran.

freeptigers Freep Tigers
Dombrowski and Leyland sound ready to go with platoon of Raburn and Santiago at second.

freeptigers Freep Tigers
Dombrowski: "Stay the course. Read my lips. No new acquisitions."

This is just stupid.
Weak.
Lazy.
Gutless.

Whatever.
Not buying it.

**alwaysthrowheat** · 12-05-2011, 11:54 PM

Let's not take anything Dave says seriously: Will Tigers trade Curtis Granderson? GM Dave Dombrowski says 'nothing is imminent' | MLive.com

**Yoda** · 12-06-2011, 12:06 AM

Originally Posted by macedonian bengal

This is just stupid.
Weak.
Lazy.
Gutless.

Whatever.
Not buying it.

Holy overreaction....

**alwaysthrowheat** · 12-06-2011, 12:08 AM

If Kevin Slowey is non-tendered, he's a cheap option for a 5th starter.

**john doe** · 12-06-2011, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by alwaysthrowheat

Let's not take anything Dave says seriously: Will Tigers trade Curtis Granderson? GM Dave Dombrowski says 'nothing is imminent' | MLive.com

Yep.
Granderson Deal Bad for Diamondbacks, Worse for Tigers « LiveBall Sports

**Gehringer_2** · 12-06-2011, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by alwaysthrowheat

If Kevin Slowey is non-tendered, he's a cheap option for a 5th starter.

Nice pitcher when he is 'on' , but more like half a 5th starter. Has averaged only 116 IP in his 4 yrs as a full time starter.

**alwaysthrowheat** · 12-06-2011, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by Gehringer_2

Nice pitcher when he is 'on' , but more like half a 5th starter. Has averaged only 116 IP in his 4 yrs as a full time starter.

That's fine. Only need him for the first half of the year anyway. I just like that he has such an awesome K/BB ratio, has a FIP around 4, and would cost 1-2MM. At worst, he sucks, and they just use a young guy anyway.

**Eric Cioe** · 12-06-2011, 12:31 AM

Slowey, like a lot of Twins pitchers, throws too many strikes. He'll get 0-2 on someone and chuck 88 right down the ****. They are all so afraid of walking people that they don't try to fish for swings at all. Chuck and duck.

I wouldn't cry if they got him, no, but I wouldn't count on him for more than 100 IP and a 4.25 FIP, which isn't very valuable.

**irvink** · 12-06-2011, 12:31 AM

jonmorosi Jon Morosi
Dombrowski's trip to see Cespedes is strong sign of #Tigers' interest. One team official couldn't recall him taking similar step.

jonmorosi Jon Morosi
#Tigers checked in on Ian Stewart, no serious talks at this point. #Rockies

**New_Age_X** · 12-06-2011, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Eric Cioe

Yeah, it'd be sweet to have a non-strikeout, non-great-command right hander who is injury prone and trade away a much higher ceiling arm in Turner to get him.

Would you be talking crap about him if he still pitched for the Tigers?