Tiger Geist

I was preparing to do a post on thoughts for the recent Tiger roster movement, and then this day really has turned into one of the more entertaining ones (in terms of Tiger news) in recent memory.

So let’s start:

Dontrelle Willis goes to the DL; Alfredo Figaro promoted.  Big news here, as I didn’t see a DL stint coming.  Also, I think Alfredo Figaro might have the second best name on the team (I still like how Armando Galarraga rolls off the tongue);  We can call him Fredo.  Or Freddy.  Or F-squared.  Or F^2 (which technically is F-squared but gives me more leeway in my writing).  Problem here because I’d rather have a Sonny or Michael vs Fredo.  But when life gives you lemons…

Fredo impressed in spring training and has talent, but hasn’t pitched above AA.  I still think the team needs a left handed starter at some point, and Armando Galarraga might equally be on a short leash.  Let’s see how this one plays out.  Its always exciting to see the youngsters get a shot, but how often does a team make the playoffs with two rookie starting pitchers giving significant contributions?  Still, lets see where this goes.

For Dontrelle… I’m perplexed.  I know its been reported that Detroit has been submitting medical records to the MLB office to prove their diagnosis on his anxiety disorder, but I really really think they’re on thin ice (though they’re not the only team to use this excuse this year).  I’m guessing there will be some rules passed this offseason on how to handle these situations.  I don’t quite understand how the system works either, since Dontrelle could just agree to take a demotion to Toledo and deal with a DL stint.  Maybe its money/insurance related.

Magglio Ordonez remains on the team, but not on the field. Not too big of a surprise.  Interesting quotes from Leyland:

“I think he’s just befuddled right now,” Leyland said. “I don’t think he can figure it out. I don’t think I can figure it out. I don’t think Mac [Lloyd McClendon] can figure it out. I don’t think anybody can figure it out right now. If anybody can, I’m open for suggestions.”

So if no one can figure it out, and Magglio is so befuddled, I’m not going to try to figure it out either.  I don’t think they’re getting out from under the contract (at least not for 2010 anyway), so I’m hoping they’re just working on his swing and not building a legal case.  Otherwise its just going to get nasty in terms of PR.  Scott Boras already started taking shots at management.  I’d never compare Mr Boras with a cuddly teddy bear, but I have to say… he kind of has a point.  However, I still don’t understand why Magglio was playing when his wife was having so many medical complications; would anyone have been upset if he took two weeks off instead of just four days?  That screams “i need to guarantee my contract” more then “I’m playing to help the team”.

And onto today’s news, in no particular order:

Jim Leyland’s contract is extended. Now that this has happened, I don’t know what Lynn Henning will start complaining about next.  For a manager who claims there is no such thing as clubhouse chemistry, and from a guy who seems to demand respect from his players, I don’t see why this became such a big deal.  But its done, he deserved his extension, let’s move on.

Dusty Ryan called up (technically replacing Dontrelle Willis on the 25 man roster).  Needed and not unexpected;  once i realized Gerald Laird had caught every St Louis game in the stifling heat, it was a signal that something was coming quickly.  I don’t know if they’re hoping to do a ‘knowledge transfer’ between Sardinha and Ryan for a night or what, but I guess they didn’t have to send down Sardinha so they won’t until this weekend.  We all know Ryan — big, strapping lad.  If Ryan can give Leyland the confidence to rest Laird more often, this could be very beneficial.

With these moves, Detroit accomplished 2.. well… 1.5 of my 4 suggested cheap and easy moves to improve the club.  Dontrelle is off the 25 man roster, but that issue hasn’t been resolved yet.