tigersfan1

Jonnylons, Ckeck out the least post. I wouldn't consider runners in scoring position 144 times out of 511 at bats the great amount of opportunites you are making it out to be. I'm sorry but 53 AB is too small of a sample size to give you a good read on what Castro will produce next season. It's nice that he had a .937 OPS last season in those few at bats, but Baseball Prospectus expects him to be significantly inferior to Rodriguez next season (Last season Pudge's VORP was 46.3 and Castro's projected VORP next season is 22.1). If you are expecting the same production out of Castro, you will probably be dissapointed. When you factor in the cost difference between Castro and Pudge, your team is probably better off with Castro than Pudge, but it's doubtful that he will put up the same kind of numbers. It's probably better than Pudge is with an AL team now where he can DH which will extend his career. And I don't expect him to catch 140 games, but Trammell said he wants Pudge to catch 125-140 games next season. Also, someone posted this on the Tigers board. These are Pudge's OPS+ over the last 3 seasons: 01-130 02-123 03-124 I don't really see a huge decline.

if that aint enough i dont knwo what is ... and they would also steal a base or two to make pudges work easier.... basically he always had a man on scoring position when he stepped up to bat.... but those darn double plays and you said he was moving to a worse lineup ... as if the tigers one is better? learn the facts and than speak sonny boy "(he) basically he always had a man on scoring position when he stepped up to bat." Always? He had 511 at bats last year, only in 144 of those did he have at least one runner in scoring position. In those at bats he hit .375/.463/.583. That's a 1.046 OPS. "and you said he was moving to a worse lineup ... as if the tigers one is better?" I said the Marlins' lineup was worse than the Rangers' lineup. Of course the Marlins' lineup is better than the Tigers' lineup. The Marlins' lineup will be worse in 2004 than it was in 2003, however. Lee's VORP last season was 45.0 while Choi's is only projected to be 25.6. Pudge's VORP last season was 46.3 while Castro's projected VORP is 22.1. It is projected that your lineup will score about 40 runs less than last season.

Loved the Fudge analysis. It seems in the evaluations of that situation, the most obvious - a statistical decline - has eluded everyone. Where is this huge statistical decline that the writer speaks of? Evaluating players by average, HR and RBI is awful analysis. RBI is the worst stat because that's team dependent. Pudge hit .375 with RISP last season; he can't drive in runners who aren't on the bases for him. It's easy to point to a drop in stats when a player is injured (as a Ranger) and his drop in power numbers can be attributed to switching leagues, moving into a worse lineup and moving from one of the best hitters parks to one of the worst. He was actually on pace to equal his career average in HR until a late season swoon where he hit only 2 HR after July 15. His average also dropped in the final month because of a slump where he hit under .250. Scott Boras (not that I believe what he says) attributed that to playing catcher in the humid Florida heat that was exhausting to Pudge (He caught almost 140 games during the regular season.) Despite all these words, Pudge was still the best hitter on your team at Pro Player Stadium last season, posting a .909 OPS there and his .843 OPS was not that huge of a drop from his Texas numbers as the writer makes it seem. Win Shares rated him the second best catcher in the NL last season, only behind Javy Lopez and his career year. Obviously his numbers were not on par with some of the excellent seasons he had in Texas, but there wasn't as huge of a drop off as the writer of this article makes it seem. He is also 32, not 33.

he is right though on the two year issue, however i believe that pudge wanted a guarentee of 4 years and not have to renegociate. However i think 2 years from now detroit will try to get him redo the deal or looking to trade him. Just my opinion. Fudge wont make it through this year. This is a ridiculous contract and a shame that the Tigers have to be so desperate. I credit them for trying to turn their franchise around, but I think this is the wrong way to do it. You are already a losing franchise - go out and get the best talent you can. They should be building with the best college pitching the game can offer. Spend the money on scouting, player development. Fudge isnt going to help this franchise out - he is only in it for the money. The team is spending money on good college pitching. Last year they used the #3 overall pick in the draft on a college pitcher and they have the #2 pick this year which they will probably use on a pitcher. I don't buy this theory that you can't spend money on free agents to make your team respectable while spending money on player development/scouting. It is possible to do both at the same time. Even at the Press Conference yesterday, Dombrowski emphasized that player development is the key and that he has told everyone in the organization that. However, I am curious as to why you think Pudge won't last a year. I don't see him getting traded.

Great article??? That was one of the worst articles I have ever read. There was nothing substantial to it at all. Just the usual Tiger bashing ... They were the worst team in baseball and one of the worst teams in Major League history last year. What do you want him to say? I don't have a problem with him saying that. I'm sick of hearing about it, but it's true. What I didn't like was how he compared the team/city to Siberia, Iraq and Hell. That wasn't necessary. He just went overboard with it. He could have gotten the point across without going to the extremes he did. In fact, he sounds like he has sour grapes. BTW, LeBatard was on Detroit radio this morning and they were bashing him pretty good over this article.

Great article??? That was one of the worst articles I have ever read. There was nothing substantial to it at all. Just the usual Tiger bashing ...

What are you supposed to do if your The Tigers, continue to squander just because you don't want to overpay players because they will only come if they overpay? It's nice to see an owner who even though he knows he's overpaying actually has a set where he's ready to move on. If I was A Tigers fan, I would be thrilled to at least have an owner who doesn't want to be in last. This is the kind of thinking that usually keeps last place teams in last place though. Overpaying for players is never a smart strategy, then you've got them stuck on your payroll when your young players come up for free agency and you can't resign them cause you overpaid on some free agents. Most teams that end up in last place repeatedly are there because they overpaid players. The contracts these same Tigers gave the likes of Bobby Higginson and Dean Palmer are the reason they are where they are in the first place. I can see your argument on some level, but I don't think it applies when you overpay to this kind of degree. Overpaying a 2 million dollar a year guy by giving him 3 isn't going to kill you, but (as far as I know) no one else was offering Pudge this kind of deal. In this particular case though, if Pudge can help their young pitchers improve, this may be worth the investment. He's certainly not going to put up the numbers alone to justify it. You do not know anything about the Tigers' financial situation, so I don't see where you are coming from. Payroll is under $60 million dollars right now, hardly huge. Also, if Pudge doesn't hurt his back, he's currently the ONLY contract that the team has on their payroll for the 2006 season and beyond. I don't see how that's going to hurt the team long term to have one contract on the books. I also wouldn't compare this to a Bobby Higginson or Damion Easley situation. Those guys are significantly worse players than Pudge. The reason why we are where we are has more to do with a farm system that hasn't been producing players since the '80's, than any contract the team gave out. I don't see what people expect the Tigers to do. They rip them if they make free agent signings; they would still rip them if they stayed with the same team last year that lost 119 games. The Tigers are overpaying, and they know it, but what player comes to a team that lost 119 games for a good deal.

Did anybody force him to sign the contract with the Tigers? No, he made his own decision, so there's nothing for you to feel sorry about. I realize he's on a bad team, but I don't feel sorry for anybody making 40 million over four years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1725282

There is absolutely nothing on ESPN, Sporting News or any of those sites about a Maddux signing. Cubs fans aren't discussing it on their boards either. Are you sure you heard it right? Could it have been "if" Maddux signs with the Cubs? Last I knew he and Borass rejected their offer.

From MLB.com ... MIAMI -- The Marlins will be honored by President Bush Friday at the White House for winning the World Series. During the expected one-hour visit with the President, catcher Ivan Rodriguez is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., with the team. But just because the 32-year-old who was the Most Valuable Player of the NLCS is joining the Marlins for the day doesn't mean he will wear teal and black this season. General manager Admin Beinfest on Thursday dismissed speculation that Rodriguez will somehow rejoin the team, either on May 1 or through a trade. Because the Marlins were unable to reach agreement with Rodriguez by a Dec. 7 deadline, the earliest the Marlins can talk again with the 10-time All-Star free agent would be May 1, an unlikely situation because Rodriguez is in the midst of negotiations with the Tigers. "There is no deal," Beinfest said. "I think it was unfortunate because this was a great marriage. I think for all the reasons except money, Pudge should be a Marlin." The Tigers reportedly have a four-year, $40 million offer to Rodriguez, who rejected a two-year, $16 million proposal from the Marlins in early December. Florida's offer is believed to have included a third year option for another $8 million. "He is a free agent," Beinfest said. "We cannot talk to him." Beinfest also diffused rumors that a team could sign Rodriguez and then trade him to Florida. Beinfest says that would circumvent a league rule, and is not possible. So as speculation about where Rodriguez ends up this season continues, the Marlins are planning to enter Spring Training with Ramon Castro and Mike Redmond sharing the catcher position.

They are all b***hing and whining, saying Pudge is all about the money and enjoy his time and Detroit's wasteland. But you can really tell that they are jealous! THe Marlins won a World Series Championship, they lost 119 games and WE are jealous?!?!?! :lol :laugh :lolup :rofl He's a little tip for those boys in Detroit: It takes more than 1 player to win a championship. Do not judge all Detroit fans just because of one uneducated, immature poster. Most of us don't think that at all.

Yes, I joined when Redman got traded to the Marlins because he was my favorite pitcher on the Tigers in 2002 (I'm glad he got a ring, although he didn't pitch well in the playoffs). I haven't visited for a while; I came back because I wanted to get your impression on the Pudge offer. I wondered if it was the same "Ha Ha, the Tigers suck" jokes that you hear from all the national media. There were some posters who stated things like that, but for the most part, there were good opinions. Also, from what I understand, Pudge has two options right now (unless a new bidder emerages for his services): come to the Tigers or go back to the Marlins on May, 1.

Forgive me for not knowing, but what did Castro do that he faces prison time?

well their offense should be much improved in 04.... it could be the best in the Central.... but the pitching is a problem(although that park is perfect for young pitching) I agree, although I am hoping Jeremy Bonderman can improve in the next two years and someone with good stuff like Kyle Sleeth can be ready in 2005. The Tigers aren't going to win in Comerica without good pitching. I think acquiring good (preferably young) pitching should be their priority.

The Tigers wont lose 119 next year again. Will they lose 90? Possibly. Their pitching still is not that good. Vina is on the downside of his career. White will get hurt next year at some point, of that I am about 70% sure.... Guillen is decent asa shortstop, but I wouldnt expect him to be a savior or anything at shortstop. Palmer sucks and is done these days. DD is counting the days to get him off his roster and off their payroll. Same goes for Higgenson. What happened to him, I am not sure. Alex Sanchez has speed. Nothing more. If people are thinking he should be leading off then I hope Sanchez has figured out how to get on base on a semi-regular basis. German will be a stud. Levine is a decent setup man. The starters are all unproven, although some have decent stuff. PS....welcome to the new Tiger posters and welcome back to those returning. Palmer most likely won't even make the team next season. Eric Munson is the Tigers' 3B. Alex Sanchez also has great ability to bunt for base hits. Even when other teams knew it was coming, he would be successful a lot of the time. He does make a lot of boneheaded plays running the basepaths but he is really the only basestealing threat we have. German needs to demonstrate control in Spring Training or else he will likely start the season in Triple-A Toledo. Higginson stinks as does the starting rotation.

Have fun playing for the worst team in baseball in the worst town in baseball Mr. Rodriguez..... but hey, at least you got that extra year and extra 2 million dollars a year, right? Don't make me laugh!! This coming from a White Sox fan where they have multiple fights at every game and shady people all around their run down stadium in the Ghetto!! Not to mention fans attacking firstbase coaches!! LOL!! No, Chicago is the worst city in MLB and it has nothing to do with the Cubs. P.S. The Pudge signing will just give us a few more wins over your lackluster team next season. We won 8 off of you last season with a Triple-A team. Get a clue son!

I am rooting for you guys too! I was amazed at how you came back in tonight's game. I'm hoping that Redman wins the game tomorrow and sends the flubbies back home. I can't stand the Cubs because of their idiot fans (we have a lot of wannabe Cubs fans here). Anyways, I want the Marlins to win the Series. They are the most exciting team in my opinion. Good luck and hopefully your players will have their "A game" for game seven!

Lima Time is Hurt I think it was obvious Lima wasn't right when he beat the Tigers for his 7th win. His velocity was down, he was grabbing his groin, and throwing all changeups (it didn't hurt him because these pathetic batters don't make adjustments.) He did persuade Tony Pena to let him go five for the win but I don't think he should have been pitching at all. That really wasn't smart of the Royals to put him on the mound twice when he wasn't all healed yet. That could really hurt their post seaosn aspirations because he was pitching so well.

Twins lost to the Tigers.? That there is proof that my Twinkies are done for the year now. If the Twins don't win the division, I hope the Royals do because I hate the Chi Sox with every being of my body. Dude, this is the Jose Lima thread (and I do hate that guy.) It has nothing to do with the Twins. I think you need to put things in persepctive. You lost one game! At least you haven't been beaten by the Tigers 7 times like the White Sox have. Also, Tigs have beaten every AL team they have played (haven't played Anaheim or Texas yet) at least once, does this mean that they are all done? Even crappy teams have their days. I don't understand how your staff gave up 9 runs to this pop gun offense though especially since Munson and Young are both hurt and used sparingly. I do think it is between the Royals and Sox though; I just don't think the Twinkies will be able to make up the ground. However, I think that whichever team makes it will be bounced from the first round of the playoffs. The East and West have much stronger teams.

I thought I heard on ESPN that Kim would be in the bullpen over the weekend and make a start against Pittsburgh next week. Either way, the BoSox have too many offensive players and need help in the rotation and bullpen so I think this is a good deal for them.

Hey Twins fan, I just have one question for you. You have a good team, but is there another division in baseball you would be in first place in? I don't think so. The Royals were hot the first month of the season but those same Royals have the worst record in the AL for the month of May. Like the announcers on ESPN said, the Royals won so many games because they were playing the White Sox, Tigers and Indians. Anyone can beat those teams. Twins have no competition, that's why they are in first.

Good! This guy deserves it!

When I read the title of this topic, I was LMAO. Too bad they don't have Fick anymore... I think Selig would be liked even MORE than he is now (haha) if he made the Tigers forfet their All-Star...That would be great... Robert Fick is even a pathetic excuse for an all-star. He is an average player who also happens to be a drunk and have a foul mouth. The only guy on the team that deserved to go was Weaver but he got traded. Umm, why would it be great to make us forfeit? The game is for the fans that is why every team gets one. I'm not saying that we have a player that would go on any other team, but more teams should forefit too - like the 7-20 Indians!

Hey silly tigersfan, did you notice - while stealing my icon - that you are wearing a YANKEES collar? That is all. :mischief2 I didn't notice that I'll have to change that. No cheering for the Yankees! I just thought the guy was cute; didn't notice the collar. I haven't seen you post either because I don't come here that often. Isn't it the guy from the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch? Well, he's all yours again