Fox Sports: Tigers talking Maybin, Miller for Willis, Cabrera

Posted by Scott Warheit (http://blog.mlive.com/cutoffman/about.html) December 04, 2007 11:50AM

Categories: Statewide (http://blog.mlive.com/cutoffman/statewide/)
In what could be a blockbuster trade which would shake up the Tigers present (and their future) Fox Sports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Tigers and Dave Dombrowski's former team, the Florida Marlins, are talking trade which would include both Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera coming to the Tigers for a package of minor league players, which likely could include Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller.
This trade rumor has also been reported on XM Radio


Miguel Cabrera providing stronger body of evidence

Joel Auerbach / US Presswire
Says Angels catcher Mike Napoli of Miguel Cabrera, "He's starting to slim down, and he's getting real strong."

Florida third baseman, whom the Angels are trying to trade for, has begun a rigorous off-season workout/nutritional program to address questions about his weight and conditioning.

by Mike DiGiovanna, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
December 4, 2007

Fox Sports: Tigers talking Maybin, Miller for Willis, Cabrera - Detroit Tigers Cutoff Man - MLive.com (http://blog.mlive.com/cutoffman/2007/12/fox_sports_tigers_talking_mayb.html)

Miguel Cabrera providing stronger body of evidence - Los Angeles Times (http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/angels/la-sp-angrep4dec04,0,4327971.story?coll=la-home-center)

Man, we're really going for it, eh?

2008/09 WS or bust.

Man, we're really going for it, eh?

2008/09 WS or bust.

It appears that way. Cabrera has played left field so

Grandy
Poly
Shef
Mags
Miggy
Guillen
Renteria
Pudge
Inge

Starters
-------------
Verlander
Rogers
Bondo
Willis
Robertson


:hoops:

Replace Inge with Cabrera and we would have the greatest lineup ever.

.280 would be our lowest batting average.

The starting 9 could average .300 combined!


Jones in LF and Inge as the utility man.


Also, we would be so star studded, that we could trade for a proven pitcher next year if we suffer more injuries.

Replace Inge with Cabrera and we would have the greatest lineup ever.

.280 would be our lowest batting average.

The starting 9 could average .300 combined!


Jones in LF and Inge as the utility man.


Also, we would be so star studded, that we could trade for a proven pitcher next year if we suffer more injuries.

Could you imagine what a lineup like this would have done in Tiger Stadium?

:hoops:

Interesting idea. I don't really like Willis though. Dude sucked last season. Somehow I sense this one doesn't get done. I don't mind parting with Andrew Miller though. Pretty tough to part with Maybin after how much the organization has hyped him.

Pretty tough to part with Maybin after how much the organization has hyped him.

Unless they were trying to hype him up to increase his trade value (JD take notes).

If this trade doesn't get done, it wasn't because we decided not to part with one of these guys. It will be because FL doesn't want to trade a young all-star and a young pitcher with tons of experience for a couple minor leaguers with "potential."

Unless they were trying to hype him up to increase his trade value (JD take notes).

If this trade doesn't get done, it wasn't because we decided not to part with one of these guys. It will be because FL doesn't want to trade a young all-star and a young pitcher with tons of experience for a couple minor leaguers with "potential."

Also, FL could be using it as leverage to get a deal with another team. Tigers are probably competing with other teams for Cabrera's services.

Tigers set to acquire Cabrera, Willis
The Marlins and Tigers are on the verge of completing a blockbuster deal that will send Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit for a package of six players.
A source familiar with the negotiations has told MLB.com that the Tigers are parting with outfielder Cameron Maybin and lefty starter Andrew Miller and four prospects for the final two players from the Marlins' 2003 World Series championship squad.
The deal was all but finalized as of late afternoon at the Winter Meetings.
The Tigers swooped into the sweepstakes for Cabrera and Willis on Tuesday and put together a package of players that the Marlins felt too tempting to pass up.
The Official Site of Detroit Tigers: News: Detroit Tigers News (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071204&content_id=2317414&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det)

Also, ESPN is reporting the deal is complete and is just waiting for physicals to take place.

Here's another source on it. I'll believe it when more people are reporting it:

The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Major League Baseball News (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071204&content_id=2317414&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp)

More info:
The Tigers have won the Miguel Cabrera sweepstakes. The Marlins get six players -- Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, catcher Mike Rabelo and three minor league prospects -- for the slugging third baseman
From: ESPN.com - Blogs - Winter Meetings Blog (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3140986&name=winter_meetings)

ESPN now heard the confirmation is complete, the Florida Marlins have agreed, and the deal is final.

What about moving Inge to shortstop and Guillen to first base to make room for Cabrerra? There would be no ground balls through the left side of the infield with that defense.

Holy cow.

The starting 9 had a combined average of .309 with 168 HRs in 2007!!!

What about moving Inge to shortstop and Guillen to first base to make room for Cabrerra? There would be no ground balls through the left side of the infield with that defense.

Where would Renteria play?

Where would Renteria play?

Forgot about him. I just hate to see Inge's defense on the bench. Doesn't defense still win Championships? Does he just end up as the utility infielder?

Holy cow.

The starting 9 had a combined average of .309 with 168 HRs in 2007!!!We're gonna need that considering the way Bonderman gets shelled in early innings.

Forgot about him. I just hate to see Inge's defense on the bench. Doesn't defense still win Championships? Does he just end up as the utility infielder?

Package him up and trade for a pitcher. I think he's too talented to be a utility guy. Although we could certainly use him as that. He a former catcher too I believe.

Here's another source on it. I'll believe it when more people are reporting it:

The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Major League Baseball News (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071204&content_id=2317414&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp)

If Lynn Henning of the Det News is reporting it as basically done, it is a done deal except for some minor details.

Make my friggin day, my friggen week. Holy Sheet. UF believable.

:hoops:

Inge has been worthless at the plate. Like TaShawn said, you either trade him or use him as a backup utility guy. With all of the old guys on the roster, I'm sure Inge would still see plenty (perhaps too much) of action.

We're gonna need that considering the way Bonderman gets shelled in early innings.

Bondo's problems were elbow related we shall see.

Tigers did this because evidently they have seen enough of Porcello since they signed him to know that he is the real deal and will probably be pitching in Comerica by 2009 at the latest so Miller became expendable.

:hoops:

Forgot about him. I just hate to see Inge's defense on the bench. Doesn't defense still win Championships? Does he just end up as the utility infielder?Inge could get Vance Wilson's job.

Omar Infante got traded by the Cubs already:

ESPN - Braves add bullpen, infield depth in deal with Cubs - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3141224)

Inge could get Vance Wilson's job.

I think Rabelo and Wilson have the backup catcher position covered.

I know he sucked at the plate last year but heis a wiz defensively. Maybe he would embrace the utility role but I think he has too much talent for that too. I think he has a high contract so I don't think they will be able to move. I hope he is with us to start the season. Like to see him fill the back up role with this club all the way to the World Series.

I think Rabelo and Wilson have the backup catcher position covered.Rabelo went in the trade and we don't know if Wilson's healthy PLUS Wilson's old

I think Rabelo and Wilson have the backup catcher position covered.

Rabelo gone in todays trade. Wilson missed all of last season due to injury - will he be right by next season? Big gamble if you're counting on him - unless he's already proven himself to be fully healed, which he hasn't to my knowledge.

Inge has been worthless at the plate. Like TaShawn said, you either trade him or use him as a backup utility guy. With all of the old guys on the roster, I'm sure Inge would still see plenty (perhaps too much) of action.

Actually most of the guys are still in their prime. Pudge and Sheffield are the only old guys among the 9 starters.

All the other nine guys are 33 or under except for Mags who will be 34 when the season starts.

So while they are a bit on the older side I wouldn't say that they are old.

This could be one of the greatest offenses in history.

:hoops:

Rabelo gone in todays trade. Wilson missed all of last season due to injury - will he be right by next season? Big gamble if you're counting on him - unless he's already proven himself to be fully healed, which he hasn't to my knowledge.

Inge can catch. He probably is a better defensive catcher than Robelo and Wilson and maybe even Pudge at this point in Pudge's career.

:hoops:

I say keep Inge. Like Laimbeer says, he's a good fill-in. Besides, he won't fetch much in pitching talent in a trade and at this point, there is nobody to package him with except for
Thames and who wants TWO guys that strike out all the time.

Inge could get Vance Wilson's job.

Exactly

:hoops:

who wants TWO guys that strike out all the time.

You mean, besides the Tigers?

Rabelo went in the trade and we don't know if Wilson's healthy PLUS Wilson's old

I didn't notice that initially. Wow, the Tigers gave up quite a bit in this deal. I guess the Tigers are now in the market for a backup catcher. I don't think Inge will be converted back to be a catcher.

I didn't notice that initially. Wow, the Tigers gave up quite a bit in this deal. I guess the Tigers are now in the market for a backup catcher. I don't think Inge will be converted back to be a catcher.

Maybe this is why they were able to do the deal? Inge can play all the infield positions except pitcher. Maybe in subbing for guys on a nightly basis he gets the playing time he needs to be successfull? Maybe his versatility allowed them to make this deal?

Maybe this is why they were able to do the deal? Inge can play all the infield positions except pitcher. Maybe in subbing for guys on a nightly basis he gets the playing time he needs to be successfull? Maybe his versatility allowed them to make this deal?

They should try Inge in middle relief. That's an area where the Tigers have grown weaker.

They should try Inge in middle relief. That's an area where the Tigers have grown weaker.

He does have a Cannon for an Arm.

Wow. I gotta hand it to Dombrowski. On the surface, this seems like a great trade for the Tigers. Cabrera is a big time hitter who puts up spectacular numbers, and is only 24 years old. If he stays healthy, he could play third and hit in the heart of the lineup for the next 12 to 15 years. If he stays healthy he could even be a HOFer.

And Willis is a proven veteran starter, who's only 25. Again, he could be the 2nd or 3rd starter in the rotation for the next 10 years.

Amazing trade. Whatever Dombrowski makes, he's worth every penny of it.

I didn't notice that initially. Wow, the Tigers gave up quite a bit in this deal. I guess the Tigers are now in the market for a backup catcher. I don't think Inge will be converted back to be a catcher.

You could be right. James Skelton and Devin Thomas are both at least 3 years away (2010) before they will be ready.

:hoops:

National media reaction to Tigers-Marlins deal - Detroit Tigers Cutoff Man - MLive.com (http://blog.mlive.com/cutoffman/2007/12/national_media_reaction_to_tig.html)

Here is a summary of all the analysis from other parts of the Country.


The fun part about this is that it isn't our money and we don't have to worry about going over the salary cap. It's just fun to have an owner and a GM who are this aggressive.

Great deal for Tigers. Getting two proven players who are very young for a two potentials and fill ins. The Tigers farm system is pretty deep and they have others who will come up and contribute so they haven't lost as much.

Amazing. Absolutely couldn't have turned this one down. Nice to see a GM and Owner that won't sit on their hands all offseason.

Now we need to make a play for some bullpen help.

National media reaction to Tigers-Marlins deal - Detroit Tigers Cutoff Man - MLive.com (http://blog.mlive.com/cutoffman/2007/12/national_media_reaction_to_tig.html)

Here is a summary of all the analysis from other parts of the Country.


The fun part about this is that it isn't our money and we don't have to worry about going over the salary cap. It's just fun to have an owner and a GM who are this aggressive.

First of all Maybin and Miller were not our two best prospects. Off of his showing since we signed him Porcello had moved ahead of Miller on the prospect charts.

Secondly, the Tigers didn't give up half their farm system. We have had a very deep and good draft the last two years and have a lot of excellent talent at the low levels which most teams in the bigs would die to have.

Thirdly - Maybin in my opinion is way over rated. He is very injury prone which at only 20 is a physical disaster waiting to happen when he gets older and I don't mean not until he is 40 plus. He also strikes out a lot. He also gets terrible jumps on on the ball in the outfield and is basically a mediocre outfielder at best. The Tigers did the smart thing in getting rid of him when his value was still high and found a sucker in the Marlins to take him.

Miller has big time mechanics problems with his pitching motion. He sling shots the ball and as a result has a very difficult time with finding and maintaining good location. This is probably fixable, but Porcello will most likely be a far better pitcher.

Fourthly - "Might be the best lineup in baseball next year" Are you kidding. This could possibly be the best lineup in the majors in the last few decades at least especially if Leyland plays Raburn along with Cabrera.

Fiftly - Chris Harris is ignorant of the Tigers farm system.

Sixth - Deveny - I don't know anything about this guys background and he does have a point but a weak one. Yes the Tigers could do better than Seay, Rodney and Jones in the 8th and 9th, but the winter isn't over and the Tigers have Thames and Inge and maybe even Raburn to offer for a top notch reliever, so we shall see. I am not counting on Zumaya contributing in 2008. If he does and is effective I will consider it a big plus.

I am more concerned about the catching. If Wilson doesn't make it back in 2008 then that leaves Inge as Pudge's backup unless the Tigers trade him. Too much is riding on Pudge, which 5 or even 3 years ago would not have been a big deal, but his defense definitely deteriorated last year, despite any awards he might have won and at his age I will be happy if we can get 110 games from him behind the plate. However, the winter is not over so hopefully the catching problem will be addressed. I would not be opposed to see Inge go back there as a backup but I don't know if he is willing and the Tigers are even considering it.
:hoops:

One paper mentioned moving Cabrera to right field and keeping Inge at third. This would probably be a better defensive alignment, as Cabrera is purported to be a sub-par fielder at third. Then again, Cabrera is also purported to be working out in the off season, to have lost 15 lbs, and to be focusing on his defense.

I was never impressed with Miller and that funky wind-up of his. Willis is a proven winner on the major league level.

And even if everying works out perfectly with Maybin's development, and he matures into a dominant major league hitter, chances are he will still never be as good a hitter as Cabrera.

Great trade.

One paper mentioned moving Cabrera to right field and keeping Inge at third. This would probably be a better defensive alignment, as Cabrera is purported to be a sub-par fielder at third. Then again, Cabrera is also purported to be working out in the off season, to have lost 15 lbs, and to be focusing on his defense.

I was never impressed with Miller and that funky wind-up of his. Willis is a proven winner on the major league level.

And even if everying works out perfectly with Maybin's development, and he matures into a dominant major league hitter, chances are he will still never be as good a hitter as Cabrera.

Great trade.

Cabrera has played left and right field. However, I think that there might have been a typo on playing him in right field, (I saw that too), because Mags is in right field and if Mags becomes the DH then Shef is out. So I can only see Cabrera in right field if Shef can't come back from the surgery and on days when Leyland wants to give Mags the day off. So instead of doing the stupid thing he did last year and play Shef in right when Mags was resting, which resulted in that outfield collision which messed up Shef's shoulder, Cabrera would play right field on days that Mags was resting. However, I don't see Cabrera being the regular right fielder unless Shef can't come back from the surgery or Mags gets injured. More likely, Cabrera might play left field.

The the question is what to do with Jones, Thames and Raburn? We shall find out.

If Cabrera plays third, the the question is what to do with Inge.

Personally I prefer to see Inge at 3rd. We have enough offense that I would like to see his glove at 3rd and not Cabrera who even on good day couldn't come close to Inge with regard to defense. Inge still makes some bad throws and what not but he makes a lot of spectacular plays that stop big innings and save games for us.

:hoops:

Thirdly - Maybin in my opinion is way over rated.

I always have thoughts of Juan Encarnacion when I hear all the hype over Maybin. We gave up Luis Gonzalez in order to play the young, over-hyped, five tool Encarnacion. That was a mistake.

We perhaps avoided making that same mistake in moving Maybin favor of Cabrera.

Cabrera has played left and right field. However, I think that there might have been a typo on playing him in right field, (I saw that too), because Mags is in right field and if Mags becomes the DH then Shef is out. So I can only see Cabrera in right field if Shef can't come back from the surgery and on days when Leyland wants to give Mags the day off. So instead of doing the stupid thing he did last year and play Shef in right when Mags was resting, which resulted in that outfield collision which messed up Shef's shoulder, Cabrera would play right field on days that Mags was resting. However, I don't see Cabrera being the regular right fielder unless Shef can't come back from the surgery or Mags gets injured. More likely, Cabrera might play left field.

The the question is what to do with Jones, Thames and Raburn? We shall find out.

If Cabrera plays third, the the question is what to do with Inge.

Personally I prefer to see Inge at 3rd. We have enough offense that I would like to see his glove at 3rd and not Cabrera who even on good day couldn't come close to Inge with regard to defense. Inge still makes some bad throws and what not but he makes a lot of spectacular plays that stop big innings and save games for us.

:hoops:
Agreed. I think the best option would be Inge at 3B, and an outfield of either Cabrera in RF and Ordonez in LF, or Ordonez in RF and Carbera in LF.

I guess Jones, Thames and Raburn would have to compete for the 4th outfield position. That would be a nice luxury to have players of that quality on the bench.

Perhaps Raburn could be traded for some bullpen help, as he is too good a prospect to let sit.

Lee, it looks like we are going to need some rotations help here.

The window for this team is not that big and it was a right move to bring in players that put Tigers closer to getting to the World Series. Pudge is on the down side, Sheff is coming off another surgery and he's not getting any younger, Rogers is 43, Jones is 39, and Maggs, even though he had a huge season is turing 34 in January. The team still has lots of young talent for the long time, especially if they can re-sign Cabrera and Willis who are 24 and 25. As far other pitching goes: Bonderman is 25, Verlander is 24, Robertson is 30, and we have Tata (26) and Porcello in the minors for the starters. Miner (25) and Bazardo (23) showed capacity in the bullpen in addition to hopefully Zoom (23) getting his injuries behind him. We have the centerfield position filled with Granderson (26). Rayburn (26) could be a contributor in the outfield as well. And if Tigers continue to draft well, they should be restocked in the minors in 2-3 years when all the "older" players are going to be leaving the team. And, in addition, with all those guys leaving, it will free up some salaries to go after the available free agents who will be quite a bit more interested in Tigers with all the success the team is having.

Lee, it looks like we are going to need some rotations help here.

LOL.

Any lineup that still has Inge in it is flawed. The guy is worthless at the plate. An outfield of Jones/Thames, Granderson, and Maggs is pretty solid.

Lee, it looks like we are going to need some rotations help here.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51coaXOfOyL._AA240_.jpg

Here is a tape of some Tiger games that may help. LOL

Amazon.com: MLB Vintage World Series Films - Detroit Tigers 1945, 1968 & 1984: DVD: Al Kaline,Kirk Gibson,Hank Greenberg,Mickey Lolich,Denny McLain,Darrell Evans (http://www.amazon.com/MLB-Vintage-World-Films-Detroit/dp/B000MKXEYC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1196876407&sr=1-1)

:hoops:

LOL.

Any lineup that still has Inge in it is flawed. The guy is worthless at the plate. An outfield of Jones/Thames, Granderson, and Maggs is pretty solid.

I wouldn't call someone who has averaged over 17 home runs and 72 RBIs over the last 4 years batting in the 9th spot worthless at the plate

Brandon Inge Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com (http://www.baseball-reference.com/i/ingebr01.shtml)

:hoops:

The thing that is going to be really interest is the feedback effect with the stacked lineup.

There will be no chance to pitch around anybody. Screw small ball.


Here is a stat with will blow your collective mind.

Our best 9 hitters had a combined on base % of .373 last year. That means that the odds of an opposing pitcher throwing a perfect game on us is about 1 in 300,000. That means that in 1,800 full seasons, it is bound to happen 1 time.

Agreed. I think the best option would be Inge at 3B, and an outfield of either Cabrera in RF and Ordonez in LF, or Ordonez in RF and Carbera in LF.

I guess Jones, Thames and Raburn would have to compete for the 4th outfield position. That would be a nice luxury to have players of that quality on the bench.

Perhaps Raburn could be traded for some bullpen help, as he is too good a prospect to let sit.

I concur with your astute assessment.

LOL.

Any lineup that still has Inge in it is flawed. The guy is worthless at the plate. An outfield of Jones/Thames, Granderson, and Maggs is pretty solid.

He had a bad year at the plate last year. He won some games for us at the plate two years ago.

Roscoe,
I need a new Avatar.

I wouldn't call someone who has averaged over 17 home runs and 72 RBIs over the last 4 years batting in the 9th spot worthless at the plate

Brandon Inge Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com (http://www.baseball-reference.com/i/ingebr01.shtml)




Batting .236 with 150 strikeouts is worthless. Web gems, plenty. Clutch hits, none. The Tigers are shopping him right now. Let's hope someone is in the market for him.

The Tigers are shopping him right now. Let's hope someone is in the market for him.Who reported that?

He may have had an off year at the plate but IMO he's got way too many pluses to send him packing...especially considering all the offensive firepower the team now has.

The thing that is going to be really interest is the feedback effect with the stacked lineup.

There will be no chance to pitch around anybody. Screw small ball.


Here is a stat with will blow your collective mind.

Our best 9 hitters had a combined on base % of .373 last year. That means that the odds of an opposing pitcher throwing a perfect game on us is about 1 in 300,000. That means that in 1,800 full seasons, it is bound to happen 1 time.

This lineup needs to take a page out of Shef's cookbook and learn to take some pitches and get some walks. Pitchers will tread carefully with this lineup. They'll try to be too precise. I expect bases on balls to be had with careful eyes at the plate. Yes I do.

I haven't heard any of you comment on the suggestion that Cabrera move over to first base and let Guillen play third. Then we get to keep every one playing including Jacque Jones or Rayburn or Thames in left.

This lineup needs to take a page out of Shef's cookbook and learn to take some pitches and get some walks. Pitchers will tread carefully with this lineup. They'll try to be too precise. I expect bases on balls to be had with careful eyes at the plate. Yes I do.

Agree, they would have made the post season this year if they were more patient at the plate despite the shaky pitching in the end. Too many first ball hitters and guys like Pudge who like to swing out of strike zone with men in scoring position and a 3-0 count:confused::frusty:

Who reported that?

He may have had an off year at the plate but IMO he's got way too many pluses to send him packing...especially considering all the offensive firepower the team now has.
The Tigers are already working on trading Brandon Inge, and it's pretty certain that he will be dealt, if not before the winter meetings end, then at least before spring training. The Tigers have also told teams they'd like to deal Marcus Thames and Chad Durbin. Inge makes $19.1 million over the next three years, but the Tigers don't believe they'll have to pay any of the salary to get a deal done. Many teams are looking for third basemen, and the Los Angeles Dodgers could be one that has interest. Some people have also mentioned Philadelphia as a possible destination. What would the Tigers like to get in return? Well, they wouldn't mind some more middle relief, but the biggest need is to replenish the talent in the farm system.MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2007/12/the_trade_a_day_later.html)

If Inge gets traded it will probably be for either

1. A catcher
2. A relief pitcher who can pitch effectively in the 7th and 8th inning
3. Prospect or prospects.

:hoops:

I haven't heard any of you comment on the suggestion that Cabrera move over to first base and let Guillen play third. Then we get to keep every one playing including Jacque Jones or Rayburn or Thames in left.

Guillen 1b
Polanco 2b
Renteria ss
Cabrera 3b
Pudge c
Jones/Thames lf
Granderson ss
Magglio rf
Sheffield dh

Who's not playing?

Guillen 1b
Polanco 2b
Renteria ss
Cabrera 3b
Pudge c
Jones/Thames lf
Granderson ss
Magglio rf
Sheffield dh

Who's not playing?

That's a weird lineup. How come you have Shef batting 9th? :pound:

That's a weird lineup. How come you have Shef batting 9th? :pound:

Cause he has the lowest BA.

Dontrelle’s Agent Matt Sosnick:

He is a huge Rasheed Wallace groupie.

You have a Rasheed Wallace jersey don’t you?

(Laughs). I’m gonna’ fire his butt. (Laughs). I’ve always been a Pistons fan. And I’ve gone and checked them out a few times when they played the Heat and stuff. I’m a huge Rasheed fan. They're always real good to me as far as saying hello. I actually got a chance to see those guys play when I was at home visiting Oakland against the Warriors. And they all came by and said what’s up to me.
DONTRELLE WILLIS: 'I've always been a Pistons fan ... I'm a huge Rasheed fan' (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071206/SPORTS02/312060009/1050)

:hoops:

More from Dontrelle's agent:



In a nutshell, what went wrong with Willis last year?

I would say it was just him having a real crummy year. He made 35 starts threw over 200 innings. He felt a great responsibility to not miss a start, to not rest his arm. He tried to lead by example when the season was falling apart. There’s a lot of stuff that seems like this year will be a good formula for him

He still has arbitration doesn’t he?

Yeah. We’re hoping to do something long term in Detroit and have him get a house there and set up. He wants to be in Detroit as long as they will have him.



It sounds like Dontrelle wants to be a Tiger long-term.

I didn't want to start a new thread for this so I'll post it here. It's hard to believe that a guy hitting .222 last year can get these kind of greenbacks:

ESPN - Preliminary agreement would give Jones $36.2 million - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3143653)

You mean Andruw.

1. The power impaired Dodgers were desperate for some pop.
2. He is still a darn good defender, a far better CF than Juan P.
3. See #1 and #2
4. The casual internet fan of which there are a lot in Los Angeles think that if you spend a lot of money on a guy with a good resume you are doing something good for the team. Besides, what $18 million a year in Los Angeles/Las Vegas, where movie stars make over $100K just to show up for a New Years party.

:hoops:

Pitcher Dontrelle Willis (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7133) has reached an agreement in principle on a three-year, $29 million contract extension with the Detroit Tigers (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det), a source told ESPN.com.


ESPN - Source: Willis agrees to 3-year extension worth $29 million with Tigers - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3163167)

our owner is doing what he has said he would do...... he refused to pay for a loser but when the time came the tigers had turned the corner he's going to pay out like he did with the wings.

players only have to look at the wings on how classy an owner we have and with our success the last two years we are turning into a wonderful place to play year round..... now somehow we need to mind control ford..... lol

our owner is doing what he has said he would do...... he refused to pay for a loser but when the time came the tigers had turned the corner he's going to pay out like he did with the wings.

players only have to look at the wings on how classy an owner we have and with our success the last two years we are turning into a wonderful place to play year round..... now somehow we need to mind control ford..... lol
The big thing was to hire right people. Red Wings have Devellano and Holland, and brought in Bowman, Tigers hired Dombrowski and brought in Leyland. Pistons got Joe D who built the team and then brought in LB who took the team to the championship. Lions got crap. Even when Tuna was available they probably didn't even take a stab at bringing him to fix the organization.

what are these "Lions" I keep hearing about???

Willis was at the game last night and received a very warm reception. I was expecting him to wear a Sheed jersey but I think he didn't want to get teased about it :p

Willis was at the game last night and received a very warm reception. I was expecting him to wear a Sheed jersey but I think he didn't want to get teased about it :p

I think if he wins 17 or more games in 2008 he will be able to wear what ever Pistons jersey he wants.

:hoops: