Tigers 0-4 and Braves 1-3

Well this is avery very bad start for both of these VERY talented teams. I guess I'll tackle the Braves first.

The Braves had a very good first 4 games losing all 3 games by 1 and winning a game by 7 lol.

First off Jair Jurrjens was just great. The Tigers traded him and Gorkys for Renteria this off season. And boy with his spring and his first start he is looking just awesome. His 5 Ks in 5.2 IP was a very nice start. The Braves bullpen has been sketchy at best, Bennett Moylan and Soriano have been pretty stellar except for Moylan's walk off homerun to the Nationals on opening night. But Others in the bullpen such as Acosta, Ohman, and Resop have been pretty bad. Acosta's bad first night and mediocre second and third nights doesn't help his cause. The rookie Resop is for some strange reason being used a lot and has 2 of the Braves 3 loses.

Going to the Braves offense a slow start has disappeared. Scoring 11,10 and then 3 runs a piece in games 1 and 4 aren't too bad. Texiera has been on a slow start with a Homer and only a couple of hits. Escobar, Diaz, Chipper have been carrying the offense these first 4 games. Diaz is 5-for-17 with a HR and 4 RBIs. That is outstanding considering he was supposed to platoon this year with Brandon Jones. Escobar is 6-for-16 with a HR and 6 RBIs. Yunel is filling in Renteria's shoes just fine as he has added some pop to his offense. Chipper is 8-for-18 and a HR and 6 RBIs as well. Chipper will be close to the MVP for the NL if he keeps this up. And he will be a great asset if he stays healthy.

Hampton being scratched from the start is also not surprising but it hurt. With Hampton out the Braves loss one of their strong veterans. With James being activated for Hampton with Mike going on 15-day DL the Braves rotation becomes weaker. Glavine did great with a 5 IP, 3Ks, and only 2ER. Along with Hudson pitching 7 IP, 3Ks, 2ER. Both of these pitchers did great. Hudson pitched like a CY Young award winner. Glavine pitched just smoothly. And proved he still has some fuel in his tank.

Now on to the winless Tigers. Several sites have picked the Tigers to win it all. Well with a $100 million lineup the Tigers very VERY surprisingly have started out with being swept by the Royals and losing today to the White Sox to open up at 0-4 record. There are many reasons why this has happened.

The Offense and their $100 million lineup is really starting to scare us. In the first four games the Tigers have scored only 10 runs. Most of the heart of the lineup is only 4 for 28 with 7 walks.
The rest of the Tigers are not very good. The leadoff position shared between Clete Thomas and Edgar Renteria, have gone 8-for-17 with 2 RBIs. And Brandon Inge has gone 4-for-12, which has been a great surprise. While Carlos Guillen has gone 5-for-13 with 3 walks and a HR.

The Rotation has arguably been the best part of the team excluding Nate's performance today. Bondo, Verlander, and Rogers have combined for 8 runs total from all of them. All of them have gone a total of 18.2 IP and have at least 3Ks except for Bondo who only has struckout 1 batter.

The Bullpen is the worst thing next to last years bullpen. It was and still is ablaze. Grilli let the lead go in the first game with 1ER and on three day rest, gave up 3 runs today. Seay, Lopez and Bautista along with Jones have been great. The have combined for 1ER. Miner has allowed 2 runs but still is throwing pretty nicely.

Things really need to shape and start up for both of these teams. There still a ton of games left in teh season but right now the Tigers need all the luck in the world otherwise we might be waiting for the 2009 season sooner rather then after October. As for the Braves they are in better shape besides going 1-3. The bullpen and rotation look pretty good and the offense should click almost every game for at least 4-5 runs.

2008 Standings through 4/4

0-4 Detroit Tigers- 5th place AL Central
1-3 Atlanta Braves- 5th place NL East


(Pictures credited to MLB.com)

Evaluating Tigers First Basemen

The Detroit Tigers have a familiar face manning first base this year. Guillen moves from SS to 1B to help his ailing knees and help make him more of a power hitter. Here are my evaluations.

First Basemen- Detroit Tigers

1. Carlos Guillen 2007 stats- .296 AVG, 21 HRs, and 102 RBIs, .859 OPS, .955 FPCT

Carlos will be the first to admit he wasn't pleased to be manning first base a year before he was thinking about moving over there. Guillen also said he would only move if they got a All-Star or Gold Glove defender replacing him at SS. Well Guillen did make the move to first base for the upcoming '08 season and replacing him is All-Star Gold Glover Edgar Renteria. Guillen got his wish(good replacement at SS and his contract) and now will man first base for the rest of his Tiger contract. Guillen's experience as a SS will provide added range at the 1B position. First, His contact bat,hitting for AVG will undoubtedly be needed as Guillen is to bat probably 6th. His display of possible power surge at the end of last season should continue to grow as he rests his knees playing first. Rod Allen and Dan Dickerson say that Guillen is expected to be a possible Gold Glover next year because of his years covering SS. His range is phenomenal and will be quite good this great offensive team. Secondly, moving to first will rest Guillen's knees and maybe provide him with some 1B power in his bat so his numbers will increase at this position. Lastly, with his knees resting the DL shouldn't be a common cause for the ailing knees of Guillen. With Guillen's range and possible increase in his power he should turn out to be one great first basemen in the AL if not the best.

2008 Projected Stats: .302 AVG, 25 HRs, 109 RBIs, .921 OPS, .995 FPCT

2. Marcus Thames 2007 stats- .242 AVG, 18 HRs, 54 RBIs, .776 OPS, .975 FPCT

Marcus Thames should be named as the backup first basemen for the Tigers as soon as Spring Training begins. Thames a power hitter in his own right, hit 18 HRs in only 86 Games and half of those games he only pinch hit. With Thames being a power hitter he K's a lot and also has a low OBP and AVG. Even with these added disadvantages Thames continues to be a force to be reckoned with and Marcus should be great again this year. With Guillen more then likely needed days off to rest his knees and Jaques Jones needing a platoon partner(JJ can't hit LHP for jack), Thames should be getting a ton of playing this year. Both as a 1B and LF. Thames in '08 should still improve his number as he is entering the prime of his career.

2008 Projected Stats: .243 AVG, 22 HRs, 58 RBIs, .776 OPS, .985 FPCT

In a few days I will start with our Atlanta Braves 3rd Basemen and Shortstop.

Evaluating Atlanta First Basemen

Its time for First Basemen evaluations. But, first off the Braves finished their trade for Mark Kotsay. Mark Kotsay and cash for Joey Devine and Jamie Richmond. Both RP, Devine is projected to be a closer in the future and Jamie is projected at best as a #5 or spot starter in a rotation.

And the Tigers inked Nate Robertson for $21 million and Dontrelle Willis $31 million both for 3 years. Both of these are great signings and I must admit that DD is doing very well and showing why the Tigers and Dombrowski are both elite in baseball either as a team and in the front office. Nate's contract buys out two years of arbitration and one year free agency. The same goes for Dontrelle. The move solidifies the rotation with 4 pitchers set for the next 3 seasons in the rotation. Now onto 1B men.


First Basemen- Atlanta Braves

1. Mark Teixeira 2007 Combined Stats- .307 AVG, 30 HRs, 105 RBIs, .971 OPS, .995 FPCT

Mark Teixeira is by far probably the best first basemen in the game today. Tex has a outstanding bat and usually a nice glove. Tex is a nice switching hitting power and hit for average hitter. With Chipper Jones in front of him and McCann behind Tex has some really awesome power and an awesome chances to be a premium player. Tex in 2008 will be a foundation for the Braves organization. Talks of an extension is hopeful but with Boras as his agent talks are only in the preliminary stage. Tex is an all star type caliber player and will push to be the best he can for his possible FA year in '09. While he is still a Brave Atlanta wants to push themselves into the playoffs for the first time since '05. Tex will improve and be absolutely the glue that holds the Braves offense together in '08.

2008 Projected Stats: .310 AVG, 41 HRs, 120 RBIs, 1.000 OPS, .997 FPCT.

2. Scott Thorman 2007 stats- .216 AVG, 11 HRs, 36 RBIs, .652 OPS, .991 FPCT

Scott was supposed to be LaRoche v2.0. Things are different now. Thorman was platooning with Wilson after the LaRoche trade. Thorman nor Wilson were produce at any level both were at the mendoza line. With LaRoche also having trouble with platooning the Braves got rid of Wilson to let the (at the time) soring Thorman hit everyday. Thorman instead went into a slump and thus the Braves picked up Julio Franco and later Mark Teixeira. Thorman should report to Spring Training as a backup on the bench to 1B Mark Teixeira and a power hitter off the bench. He should end up plateauing with his statistics neither really improving nor decreasing.

2008 Projected Stats: .230 AVG, 10 HRs, 29 RBIs, .650 OPS, 2 Errors

Tomorrow I'll evaluate the Detroit Tigers 1B men.

Evaluating Tigers Catchers

Time for the Tigers to get evaluated. Before that the Braves made a move to improve CF for 2008.They traded Joey Devine for Mark Kotsay and cash. This deal isn't too bad. Both Blabberin Braves and Talking Chop have the inside scoop. They don't like the trade at all. Braves fans were all complaining about a experienced CF now we have one at a cost, yes, but Wren did what a lot of braves fans were complaining about, saying that CF was not being maned right and obviously Wren did the right move in NOT rushing a possible 5 tool prospect to the Majors. Schafer will man CF maybe by the all star break or maybe by Sept depending on how Kotsay is, but I don't think rushing Schafer is the right move or being fair to Schafer expecting him to be mister incredible only after playing in A ball. He will be a great star soon but don't rush him because of his potential to be a star(ex. Cameron Maybin DET Tigers had a horrible debut this year with errors and not much more then a SB threat if he got on base.) And he was the same as Schafer A ball only with limited AA play.

Overall I give the trade a B-. we need a stop gap experienced CF and the trade is on hold and unless the braves are 100% happy with the physical and health results then the trade is off. we have to accept the trade and hopefully Kotsay will be good to go this year. If not then Schafer, Anderson , and Blanco will be grabbing for playing time in CF. Blanco and Anderson first then Schafer(still needs much seasoning hasn't played above A ball)

CATCHERS- Detroit Tigers

1. Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez 2007 stats- .281 AVG, 11 HRs, 63 RBIs, .714 OPS, .993 FPCT

Pudge had another down year in '07. Pudge had his option picked up this year because of the bad market for Catchers via FA. His career numbers show that he deserved the $13 million option but his '06-'07 numbers showed something else- a decline. No matter what people think Pudge will do everything in his power to make sure that his stats are prime for his 2009 FA market. And he knows that the catchers market is bad since there are more and more catchers awful catchers that his experience and veteran ship will be sought after in '09. Pudge will want to carry at least a 4 year package to get himself to playing to he is 40 and maybe surpass everyone on the number of games caught by the time he retires. I'm looking for Pudge to rebound and get that major 4 year+ deal in the off season so he can play til he is 40. Pudge in '08 will reflect his '06 numbers and he will be a major part of the Tigers dangerous lineup in '08.

2008 projected stats: .301 AVG, 13 HRs, 70 RBIs, .775 OPS .997 FPCT

2. Vance Wilson 2007 injured season~'06 stats- .283 AVG, 5 HRs, 18 RBIs, .745 OPS, .997 FPCT

Vance did not play in '07 because of a torn muscle in his forearm. We were disappointed as was he. In '06 Wilson along with many Tigers had a grand year. his .283 Average was pretty nice considering he is primarily a backup player. Wilson will make the team in '08 easily. Unless he is at risk for an injury he should be the backup opening day. Wilson will regress being out of action for a season but not by much. And this beats paying 5+ million to other catchers that are really declining like Olivo, and La Duca. Wilson is a nice backup with some pop and good hitting off the bench. He is the right choice for Pudge's '08 backup.

2008 projected stats: .250 AVG, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs, .650 OPS, .997 FPCT

3. Dane Sardinha 2007 AAA stats- .202 AVG, 10 HRs, 47 RBIs, .580 OPS

Dane will more then likely serve as a emergency backup in case Wilson cant make a comeback or Pudge or Wilson are injured during the season. His stats aren't all that eye popping. Some will say he is a sort of Andruw Jones with all pop and no OBP. While I wouldn't mind him backing up the main catcher whom ever it would be (depending on who is injured) no way does he make it on the opening day roster or make a good starting catcher someday in Detroit.

2008 projected AAA stats: .200 AVG, 11 HRs, 50 RBIs, .550 OPS

Tomorrow I'll start on the Braves Corner fielders of the diamond.

Time to Start Evaluating Positions

Sorry bout being away for so long.....had no Internet at home during the break. I'm back though.The next weeks I will turn away from the hot stove and enter the analysis portion of preseason baseball. First up is the Catchers position.

CATCHERS - Atlanta Braves

1. Brian McCann- 2007 stats, .270 AVG, 18 HRs, 92 RBIs .772 OPS, .987 FPCT

Brian McCann 2 time all star should easily start behind the plate for the Braves. McCann has improved each year technically with last years bad start bringing down his stats for 2007. McCann experience and good eye should easily help McCann to have a exceptional year this year, possibly a career year. If he can stay healthy, and keep his stats up this should be the best year for McCann since coming up from Mississippi AA in 2005. TalkingChop has done a very nice report on McCann and how he shapes up for the '08 season. Defensively McCann should also improve from his 13 error season in '07. Overall McCann I believe should have a career year as long as he remains healthy.

2008 projected stats: .300 AVG, 23 HRs, 102 RBIs, .791 OPS and a .990 FPCT

2. Javy Lopez- 2006 stats(BAL & BOS), .230 AVG, 8 HRs, 35 RBIs, .606 OPS and 3 Errors

Javy Lopez through his career has been a great asset to most teams he has been on. The Best was his 11 year career in Atlanta. He had a career best in 2003 hitting 43 HR and batted a whopping .328. With his recent decline in offensive and especially in his defensive skills he was traded away from the Orioles who signed him in 2003 for full time Catching duties. In 2006, with the Boston Red Sox he pretty much ended his career as a starter. In backup duties on the Sox he was very limited only getting in a bat here and there. After the season the Red Sox released him and the Colorado Rockies signed him and offered him an invite to Spring Training, he then was released and did not play in 2007 at all. I believe that Lopez still has to prove his worth. Hiring Braves bench coach Chino Cadahia he is working on his defensive skills (which have always been a problem), and it seems he is serious about getting back to the majors. If Javy can be a reliable hitting and defensive backup he will get the job hands down mainly because of veteran presence and playoff experience.

2008 Projected stats: .233 AVG, 10 HRs, 38 RBIs, .585 OPS, 3-5 Errors

3. Clint Sammons- 2007 A and AA total stats, .243 AVG, 5 HRs, 35 RBIs, .631 OPS, .951 FPCT

Sammons, who was drafted in the 6th round by the Braves in 2004, is a mid level prospect. He has lived up to that potential and has become a solid defensive backstop with little power and hit for league average. Sammons coming off of a solid defensive year for Myrtle Beach A and Mississippi AA has a chance to get on the 25 man roster after spring training if he brings his A game only. With a recent promotion to AA Mississippi many are wondering if Sammons will be able to forgo AAA and hit the majors as a backup for the Braves this season. Though I believe he would do below average work for a backup catcher there really is no need to rush this prospect to the majors with Lopez most likely getting the backup role this year. Next year is the time in my opinion that Sammons should play and play full time backup for the Braves. It will not only save the Braves money(for Teixeira), but it will allow him to be seasoned at AA and AAA this year to be ready for the MLB in '09.

2008 AA and AAA total Projected stats: .240 AVG, 8 HRs, 40 RBIs, .603 OPS and .950 FPCT

Tomorrow I will put up the Tigers potential Catchers.

(disclaimer- Sammons and Lopez analysis came from my post on Blabberin Braves on Backup Catcher)

Winter Meetings in Nashville and Beyond

WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Forgive my excitement but man o man! What a Winter Meetings. It should be at least for the Tigers the Winter Blast!! MEGA BLOCKBUSTER 8 Player Trade!! Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis for Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, Mike Rabelo and 3 other prospects.

Tigers
This has gone down as one of the biggest trades the Detroit Tigers have ever made. The Tigers in sending their #1 and #2 Prospects for two All Star YOUNG and ill say that again YOUNG players. This was a deal that was way to good to pass up. From what I understand Mike Ilitch was the one who was interested in Miggy and without him the deal probably wouldn't have gone down. I will go down every major player in the deal right now:

Miguel Cabrera #24, 3B, 24 years old

Cabrera the centerpiece in the deal is a 4 time all star and a young Pujols stud. A guy who has averaged .320 30+HR and 120RBIs the last 3 seasons will supplant Inge at 3B. Cabrera will be absolutely phenomenal for the Tigers. The Tigers lineup is about 3x as deadly as they were in '07 and 6x as deadly as '06. The lineup is similar to the 2006 Yankees murderers row and Cano. The lineup is so versatile that its just sick. Edgar Renteria 5 time all star is hitting 7th, 7th that is just sick. Then you got Granderson, Polanco, Cabrera, Maggs, and Sheffield in 1-5 that is just an insane lineup. No need for a trip to the All Star Game just go see a tigers game this season. Cabrera is projected at .318 AVG 30 HRs and 118 RBIs in his first year in the AL. This lineup is projected by Bilfers new projections to average 5.83 RPG that is insane. And its pretty darn good.

Dontrelle Willis #21, LHP, 25 years old

Willis the other big guy in the deal is Dontrelle "D-Train" Willis. "D-Train" had a down year last year but is hoping to rebound with a competitive team with a non ace and non stressful role. Willis should bounce back in dominant form. Willis should be able to compile around a 4.50 ERA with around 11-12 wins and 7-9 losses. With the addition of Willis the Tigers rotation should be more than enough to keep Tigers leads as with a huge lineup like we have now. I predict a 12-8 Season for Willis with a 4.32 ERA, 160 K with 75 BB. With a Rotation of Verlander, Rogers, Bonderman, Willis and Robertson the rotation should be in the middle of the top tier of the AL pitching staffs. If the Red Sox get Santana, and Beckett, Dice-K, Wakefield, and Curt Schilling are all staying at the level last year the Red Sox will have the best rotation but the Detroit Tigers should have a solid rotation with a solid pen this year. Willis also contacted his agent and would like a multi year deal with the Tigers. This would present a bargain for the Tigers if they sign him now and he rebounds. If not, it can be seen as a decent acquisition for the Tigers for two years.

This rotation should notch with the addition of around 3 to 4 more wins. While the Lineup should notch 5 to 8 more wins. This should be a completely awesome season next year as the Tigers go for broke and land two young stars and instantly make them favorites in the division on paper.

In other News, Detroit swapped a reliever for a reliever both for a new start in a new league to see if they have what it takes. Danny Bautista from the Rockies for Jose Capellan. Bautista was 2-1 with a 12.46 ERA, Bautista looks to restart his career in Detroit. He has a fire thrower for an arm. But his inaccuracies and control problems will exist. If he doesn't shape up within a month or show signs of improving he needs to be gone.

In the last move of the Tigers winter meetings the Tigers swapped once prized Rule 5 Draft pick Chris Shelton to Texas for Freddy Guzman. Freddy was a top 10 Padres prospect entering 2006. But his value has diminished in AAA he batted .279 with a .366 on-base percentage and 42 stolen bases. Here's hoping maybe he can be effective for the Tigers as a pinch runner or a decent backup OF.

In other news, The Tigers non tendered Chad Durbin. Chad went 7-8 on the year while subbing in for the injured Kenny Rogers. Durbin hopes to pitch somewhere but is quoted with saying “If I had a choice,” the right-hander said Wednesday, laughing, “it wouldn’t be in the AL Central.” I will miss but also say goodbye to Durbin. He was reliable but not on a team that is now all star calibur. Also Tim Brydak has signed a one year/ $712,500 deal with the Tigers to avoid arbitration. Brydak held left-handed batters to a .176 AVG with a 3-0 record and 3.20 ERA in 39 games. Brydak is a very reliable lefty with Bobby Seay out of the pen. I'm glad he has resigned with the Tigers. His good mechanics and control should help the Tigers hold many leads in the season especially in the later months, during the playoff chase.

I will get to the Braves Winter Meetings acquisitions a little later.