Dan Gilmore

I wanted to quote this and keep the discussion going on this idea. I’d like to see the Tigers sign some mid-tier free agents during the next off season. Not the Mercers or Harrisons of the world, but solid players that can improve the offense as the young pitchers come up. They hit on a few lottery tickets last year that they traded at the deadline. That could still happen with the potential new signings, but they wouldn’t be the main targets or plan. As has been documented here, there were some good players to be had cheaply last winter. Thoughts?

Merci

I am of a similar mind to TD-they will tank, but they won't suck quite as bad. And if they bring back some more young talent by selling a FA or two, all the better. None of this should stand in the way of developing/evaluating the core of players they see as important in several years.

I am fine with letting Jones have CF as the regular, but think it's smart to look for a cheap option that provides insurance in case he isn't ready, or isn't capable. I don't know if Revere is that guy, but yeah, 2015 Revere would have been, 2016 Revere wouldn't. If he wants a contract like Jon Jay got (1/8mil), I'd pass. If he'd take something like 1/3 or so, I'd be interested.

Thanks

What just happened the last two batters? Gameday is not very helpful. Bad plays by the Sux? TIA

Thanks, did he seem to get better jumps/take better routes/glove work in the outfield-generally play the OF better (before getting to the throw, and not taking any offense into account)?

I assume that the fitness and weight loss would improve his defense to some degree, as a given, but I haven't seen any of the ST games. He was so poor last year that it would require a big step to get up to average. From those that have seem him in ST, how much better is he, if at all?

I'll take Matt Boyd.

This is where I'm at too. The rotation was so weak last year that it needed a decent bullpen to cover for it's shortcomings, and the same was true in reverse. So the failings tended to multiple the negative effects, something that I think is mostly corrected with the rotation, and likely corrected to a major degree with the pen. Plus there are much better call-up options in the minors now–for either the rotation or the pen. Yeah, health issues could derail things, but I am not worried about the team being a contender. Doesn't mean I don't want a better LF, just don;t think the offense will be poor.

Yeah, why not.

I don't understand this, at least with the presumed budget. If there is only about 10-12 million left to spend this year, SD isn't going to eat enough salary to fit in Shields. I think the bigger question is where to allocate that 10-12 million. Another bottom tier starter (basically a Simon) plus a solid RP (a Sipp or similar)? Two more RPs, like ODay plus Kelly, and live with the internal options at SP (hope Greene is fixed, or one of the young guys is ready)? Or the cheap SP/cheap LF (Aoki)?

You're just resting...beautiful plumage...

The story said the GM plans to talk to Fowler, sounds like no deal has even been discussed yet.

I agree having a top SP would help more in most playoff situations than having two mediocre SPs. But two FA pitchers means you have some protection during the long season against injury, plus a potential surplus for mid-season trading should some of the young guys step up. So if Sanchez misses time on the DL, you don't have to run Lobstein or Ryan or Farmer out there for a stretch.