Tiger Geist

Four games into the post-all star break portion of the season, and the Tigers are right where they were previously.  Unless the rest of the division absolutely collapses, its not looking good for a playoff run, since i’m assuming an 81-81 record isn’t going to extend the schedule into October.  They don’t have enough pitching to make a run.  Can they get to 90 wins?  Thats possible.

Who would they look to move?  I can’t imagine the team is going to be blown up.  No one in their right mind would want Sheffield;  Pudge might have some suitors, but on a short lease he isn’t going to draw much talent in return.  The bullpen is still shaky, so moving Rodney doesn’t make much sense either.

More questions have arisen:

• Is Inge ready to catch full time next year?  His bat is still awful.
• Has Inge’s defense at third recently started to make the team realize what they miss when Guillen or Cabrera is playing third?
• Has Ramon Santiago played and hit well enough to get more playing time?
• When will Marcus Thames hit the wall?  Will he hit a wall?
• Who does Matt Joyce think he is?

I wonder if Detroit will make some minor moves to take a step towards next season.  I can’t see them moving any big names (Magglio, Granderson, Guillen).  I can’t see going into next year with Sheffield on the team, either.  They look to have a lot of outfield prospects ready to play in the majors, and Thames has surprised most people with his play, nailing down a starting position.  I think they’re going to want a right handed outfielder who can also play center (Clevlen?  Raburn?), but they’ll need a roster spot.  Joyce has powered his way into the picture, and Clete Thomas has shown a good eye at the plate.  Jeff Larish I think can play in this league as well, but there doesn’t seem to be enough bats to go around.  Its an interesting question whether Larish could play third full time (apparently he played third in college).

Who would seem to have a lot of value right now?  Marcus Thames.  Can I see Detroit trading him?  No.  Should they?  Maybe.  His value will never be higher, and his slugging percentage and batting average are much better then his career averages.  It seems that he might be due for a market correction in the remaining games.. and if not, what are the chances he doesn’t return to a .240 hitter next year?

Always a fan of the young guys, I continue to wonder if Detroit would be better off with a faster, more defensive team that hits for power.  Guys like Clevlen, Joyce, Rayburn, Granderson, Thomas…  Will Dombrowski make a move that opens up some roster spots?