Tiger Geist

Been reading around and people seemed split on the Pudge trade.

More thoughts I have:

• I did think they should have gotten something else in the trade.
• Detroit must feel their bullpen is really shaky;  I think Zumaya’s tricep tightness showed how fragile they are at the moment.
• All reports indicate that Pudge wanted out.  I don’t think its exactly a “Dmitri Young wants to leave and he’ll help the bullpen”.  I also think Farnsworth is an ass, so there can’t be any expectation that he won’t come in here and be everyone’s BFF.
• A Couple of teams (Marlins, Yankees, Reds) wanted a catcher.  Even with his salary, i bet Pudge wouldn’t have passed through waivers.  Therefore he had to be traded now if they wanted to trade him.
• Maybe Farnsworth was as good as they could get.  They weren’t going to get a starting shortstop;  they don’t need any slow power hitters.
• Depending on whether the espn rumors are true, there are a lot of catchers available right now (Bengie Molina, Greg Zaun, Rangers duo, Yorvit Torrealba).  Some are better hitters, most are younger.  Pudge was at his best lately NOT playing full time.
• In other words… lets not over-value Pudge.  You could get a catcher if you wanted one.  Detroit got a setup man on a team with a better record in a better division.
• Let’s not get too crazy about these sandwich draft picks.  Even with Pudge being unhappy, he could have accepted the arbitration tender, and then Detroit is stuck with him.  Would you rather improve the bullpen or hope that you get a draft pick that might help out in 2012?
• Personally… I think Kyle Farnsworth is kind of a douchebag.  I’d be happier trading for someone with his same skills, same stats, same birthday.  Just not Kyle Farnsworth.  I wonder how many other Tiger fans would feel better about this trade if it wasn’t the big KF coming back to town.