Tiger Geist

From all I’ve read, I can’t tell if there are one or two outstanding issues this spring:  fix the bullpen or to trade Brandon Inge.  Most articles / blogs I’ve read seem to lean towards a BI trade that involves pitching in return.  Could you make another move to improve the pitching and leave Inge on the active roster?  Let’s examine this.

Must the Tigers trade Inge because of his contract?  I don’t think so… they’ve thrown enough money around AND they’ve successfully traded all of their pitching prospects that they have to win in the next year or two.  And to continue winning they’re looking at a decent priced free agent pitcher next off-season.

Must the Tigers trade BI because of clubhouse chemistry?  Jim Leyland doesn’t seem to think so.

Must they trade BI to keep him happy?  I doubt they care at this point.  He took his gigantic contract and, the first year in, layed an egg.

Now, what about the bullpen?  How bad is it?  This seems to be everyone’s concern.  That said, what are they willing to do to fix it?  Would they consider keeping Inge and trading a lower cost (and younger player)?  What about a combo deal?

Giants are looking for partners, and have some average (yet apossible upgrade) arms (Steve Kline), as well as some young talent that they probably won’t part with.  But what about for BOTH Raburn and Thames?  Raburn would be an upgrade at any position in SF, and his versatility would be great in the NL.  Thames?  Lots of power on a team lacking it.  Not sure how happy the Giants would be playing him at first, but probably serviceable in spot starts, and probably ideal for double switch situations.  The Giants say they are not interested in trading pitching for offense, but what about obtaining TWO possible cheap starters?  Would that be enough?  And to what extent would the Tigers be content to trade two cheap utility players with ‘upside’ and keep Inge as a utility player?  At what point will Inge just agree to learn how to catch for next year so I can put away my voodoo doll of him with an infielders glove on?

Not a huge Thames fan, but it would pain me to trade away Raburn.  But maybe a Mike Hessman could step up as the firstbase / DH backup, with Inge roaming around?  Jeff Larish maybe?

Another thought — Brian Sabean can say what he wants, but the Giants have a huge debt remaining on their stadium (no private funds to build AT&T park); they’re going to have some MAJOR issues drawing fans this year.  And, if Rich Harden can stay healthy, Oakland might have a decent team this year (15-5 so far in Cactus league action).  Might be harder for SF to draw the casual fan to the ballpark this summer (Note:  I work 6 blocks from AT&T park, so i’m willing to take any free tickets Brian Sabean is willing to throw at me).