Tiger Geist

Here’s 10 bold predictions that I’ll make for no other reason then I’m procrastinating at work:

1 ) Clap Rapada and Freddy Dolsi will be sent to the minors upon the return of Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney.

– This makes sense since they both have options. This protects against further bullpen injuries, including possible arm issues with Zumaya and Rodney. Not that I have tons of confidence in Aquilino Lopez or Casey Fossum, but i think it makes sense because:

2 ) Detroit will trade Bobby Seay and Todd Jones by the deadline

– I like both guys, but they are both expendable on a team struggling to get to .500, let alone the playoffs. Both would go to contenders and hopefully bring a prospect in return. Jones is the most likely, though he is strictly a closer at this point in his career, and i’m not sure what teams need one. If I had my choice, I’d trade Fossum and keep Seay, but i can’t see how Fossum has any value. Rapada and Dolsi would be the logical choice to return to the team.

3 ) Brent Clevelen and Jeff Larish will remain with the club for a while

– Clevelen’s too good defensively, and he can hit. I think he’ll hit well for a few weeks, prompting either Clete Thomas or Ryan Raburn to return to Toledo (upon Thomas’ return from the DL). I think Leyland will prefer a left handed power hitter (Larish) over an excellent left handed outfielder (Thomas). Larish could probably use more at-bats, but Leyland is about matchups.

4 ) The team will attempt to move Ivan Rodriguez, Marcus Thames, and Edgar Renteria

– None have a place on the team for next year. Renteria is the least likely, but he might have the most value… his contract option will not be picked up following this season. Vance Wilson’s status has little to do with Pudge.. I think they’d be happy to deal Pudge no matter what their other options are. With an abundance of up and coming outfielders who can play almost every position, have speed, and some pop in their bat.. keeping Thames doesn’t make Detroit a better team.

5 ) Brandon Inge behind the plate has more to do with creating value for a trade then for finding him a spot on next year’s team

– This either involves keeping Pudge healthy and productive for a potential suitor, or a way to offload Inge’s contract to a team that likes his versatility. I don’t see how Inge has any more value behind the plate as a solid defender who can’t hit then every other catcher prospect in the league. Inge’s value to Detroit is as a third baseman.

6 ) Nate Robertson will not be moved this year

– With the injury to Bonderman and the issues with Willis, Detroit does not have the luxury of moving Robertson… UNLESS some top rated prospects are included. That won’t happen. Detroit was rumored to be shopping Robertson earlier this year.

7 ) Kenny Rogers is available, though not actively being shopped

– He’s pitching well, we don’t have a lot of depth, but he won’t be on the team next year.

8 ) No firesale will happen to shed salary; Detroit will look for Dan Haren-type deals to restock the farm system.

– Young arms that could pitch next year would be involved. Of course, Detroit doesn’t have any Dan Haren type talent to trade, so they’d have to find a team with an incompetent GM. Detroit has the money and the ticket sales for this year to deal with their current payroll. They need more pitching talent to contend for next year, and have to be smarter then buying up free-agent pitchers next winter.

9 ) One of the following will not be on the team next year: Magglio Ordonez, Gary Sheffield, Carlos Guillen

– Mags can still play everyday and hit… Guillen is becoming a solid DH type player who can field when necessary… Sheffield is a monster when healthy (which hasn’t happened in close to a year).

10 ) Detroit trades for Rich Harden

– Ok, through that one in there to get to 10. No reason to think it actually would happen.