Being Humble

Ok this will be a quick update since this is Sunday. And this is supposed to be the day of rest.

Atlanta Braves

This week has been a bunch of ups and downs this week. They opened the week up in Colorado and lost 3 games straight. Most of them by one run. Jair had a bad outing and the Braves spoiled Glavine's 2 hit outing. After Colorado (which had one game SNOWED out) the Braves visited the nations' capital. And they won one close game, and just smashed the Nationals in yesterday's game. Frenchy had a 3-for-5 day with 2 HR and a career high 7 RBIs. While Tim Hudson had a fantastic night allowing only 2 hits no runs 5 Ks. John Smoltz had a similar line. The Braves are 5-6 overall and look good pitching wise and lineup wise.

Detroit Tigers


I will only say 1 phrase/sentence for the Tigers. Aweful, Pathetic Disappointing $135 million Team. God aweful performances. I don't know they just are really sucking right now. And I don't see this team turning any corner until they start hitting consistently. Only bright spot has been JV with his great outings except for last sunday night. But being left out to dry yesterday. Edgar Renteria and Brandon Inge have been hitting pretty good. Inge with a team high 7 RBIs. And of course the rookie phenom Clete Thomas and his nice lead off batting. Walks, singles couple of doubles and sac. bunts he's our man. Otherwise this whole team sucks and will stay that way until we got some solid pitching outings and a lot more hitting.


AL CENTRAL
Tigers: 2-10 Last place
NL EAST
Braves 5-6 3rd place

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 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.

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.

Loose End Rumors

It's been a while since I have posted. So I will sort out the news by Team.

Atlanta Braves-

First was the bad news that Mike Hampton again has falling to an injury while trying to make a comeback from 3 injury plagued seasons. While pitching in the first inning in the Mexican Winter League he apparently put a strain on his hamstring and thus stopped his comeback and will be shelved until pitchers report in January. Hampton entering his final year in a $121 million contract. As the braves see it now and as do i, they don't expect him to be in the rotation this year. This in fact now limits it down to two individuals for the 5th spot: Jair Jurrjens and Jo-Jo- Reyes. I hope Mike can make a recovery but I highly doubt he can come back. Good luck to Mike with his new team next year or with what ever new endeavors he pursues.

On to the rumor mill, A report with the Boston Herald, says the Braves are interested in a 4th outfielder. They named Bobby Kielty as this outfielder. Bobby coming off a injury year also hit the final homerun of the World Series and was a hero as the Sox won that game 4-3. Kielty's move should stem on the fact if the Sox gain Santana for Crisp, and or Ellesbury and other players. He thinks that his fate in the BoSox organization is if Crisp is there or not and then he'll make that decision. Kielty would make a good addition to the Braves but the thing is we already have platoon in LF with Jones/Diaz. But If we are making a trade move for Crisp we might have to move Diaz and or Jones, I believe that It would be a nice package to send Diaz/Jones/and a Pitching prospect to Boston for the combo of Bobby Kielty and Coco Crisp. That way LF and CF are set and CF is easily a stopgap.

Ron Mahay, is still being considered by the Braves but with the Yankees and Mets involved it looks like the bidding could keep the Braves out of the negotiations. Ron Mahay with the Braves went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA with 23 Ks and 16 BB in 60 innings. Mahay would be a welcome sight back in Atlanta but with bidding for RP FA it probably wont happen. I predict a 2 yrs/$12 million contract for Mahay with the NYY.

Detroit Tigers-

Well It looks like good old Kenny isn't totally ready to accept the $8 million deal with the Tigers just yet. We are still waiting on Kenny Rogers to negotiate a deal with DD before the Winter Meetings. Kenny says he needs time to get situated as his own free agent. I think he still wants a one year $10 million contract. Kenny needs to cool down after his injury plagued season last year, he should take that $8 million easily maybe negotiate for incentives, and maybe he is doing that now but I don't know. We need Kenny for a year and we also need his leadership for the younger kids.

As for our new reliever corp, It looks like we lost out on the Herges sweepstakes as the Rox have signed him for a year. We are now going for LaTroy Hawkins for a multi year deal. I'm not sure about this deal. Sure Hawkins had a phenomenal post season and a decent 2-5 3.42 ERA this season but still a 34 year old getting a multi year contract who is already possible on the decline(especially strikeouts 1.8 Ks/9 innings) is not a very wise. Did we not learn from the Mesa disaster from last year. LaTroy for one year would be very valuable but two or more years, I'm not to sure about that. Guess we shall see.

Apparently the Interest in Octavio Dotel has cooled since Dotel seems to be wanting $12 million two year contract. Dotel's health risk and not reaching the 100 game plateau combined the last three seasons, do not meet the ends. Dotel would still be a good risk for us, but a one year deal worth less then $5 million would not spark an interest with the injury plagued Dotel.

Finally for both the Braves and the Tigers interest in Kei Igawa, is there. Why the Braves are interested is possible to replace the now injured Mike Hampton, The Tigers may want him for depth in case Miller falters or actually for the 5th spot for the rotation. Other then that the Braves are set for their rotation and Dave Dombrowski has said once Rogers is signed they will not pursue a SP.

That is it for now.

Tigers and Livan Hernandez?

According to Paul Morosi, the Tigers are interested in Livan Hernandez. MLBTR has their analysis, and I completely agree. Hernandez was a Diamondback last year and was a nice innings eater. In fact he has had over 200 innings in the last 9 of the past 10 years. Hernandez would be an interesting acquisition but I am totally against it. Being 33 Hernandez would require around a 3-4 year deal for $33-44 million. That is too much for a pitcher who is in a decline mode. He has had a lot of innings but also given up many runs as well. He went 11-11 last year with a ERA of 4.93. That is not a good #3 or 4 pitcher nor a good choice for the Tigers team chemistry. This acquisition would be not seen as a good signing by the majority of Tigers fans. Still Carlos Silva and Willis are on the Tigers list. I really wish the Tigers would consider Kyle Lohse though.