Granderson preparing for leadoff role

11/18/2005
Before Curtis Granderson leads off for the Tigers, Detroit hopes he can finish strong in Winter Ball.
The Tigers don't have as many players in the Winter Leagues now compared to previous offseasons, for reasons including injuries to key young players and a more veteran squad with more players spending the winter working out on their own. However, the ones that are playing all have something to prove.
Granderson's continuing campaign in the Dominican League is an important one. He isn't converting to a new position, but his regular at-bats are meant to give him a chance to work on his hitting before he returns to Detroit, where he's expected to take a regular role in the Tigers lineup.
It was important enough for new manager Jim Leyland to visit the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago and watch Granderson in action. He only saw two games, one of them on television, but it was enough to make an impression. It didn't hurt that one of those games featured one of the emerging trademarks of Granderson's game, an opposite-field home run to left-center.
"He looks like an interesting guy," Leyland said. "He has some ability, came off as a real polished, high-class individual. I was very impressed."
Before Leyland took over the Tigers, the front office and previous coaching regime wanted Granderson to play this winter and see more live pitching in preparation for regular play and a possible leadoff role. The Tigers wanted him to work counts and lower his strikeout total after tallying 129 in 445 at-bats at Triple-A Toledo this past summer and 43 strikeouts in 143 at-bats in the big leagues.
That hasn't changed with Leyland, who said Friday he plans to use Granderson and Nook Logan in the leadoff spot to take advantage of their speed. Placido Polanco, who hit leadoff for much of the season's second half, will hit second. However, Leyland isn't overly fretting Granderson's plate discipline.
"A lot of that goes along with being a young player," Leyland said. "You can work on that all you want. You're going to fail some more at it before you become real good at it."
So far, Granderson has had his share of limited success for the Licey Tigers. He entered Friday batting .212 with a double, home run, eight RBIs and nine runs scored. He has about as many walks as strikeouts and as many strikeouts as hits.
Granderson has not been leading off for Licey, nor has he played in center. However, he has been just about an everyday player in right field, batting third to start the year before moving to the lower third of the order around the end of October after starting the season with a 3-for-22 slump. He bounced back by going 6-for-20, including two multihit games in a four-game span to raise his average to .227.
Granderson isn't the only Tiger in Winter Ball with something to prove. Omar Infante returned to his native Venezuela to play this winter, as he does every winter. He entered Wednesday batting .288 (21-for-73) for Oriente with seven doubles, three triples, three home runs, 11 RBIs and 13 runs scored.
So far, those are the only Tigers garnering regular play this winter. Minor League infielder Juan Francia went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in one game of action this winter in the Dominican League, while highly-touted pitching prospect Eulogio de la Cruz pitched one inning of relief there.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Thankful Tigers give back to community

11/23/2005
DETROIT -- The Tigers endured plenty of relative troubles this year, from an injury-plagued season to a clubhouse drama to a new manager and coaching staff. Yet they're realistic enough to know they have plenty to be thankful for.
Though Ivan Rodriguez earned plenty of well-deserved attention for his charitable efforts, especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, giving back to the community was a teamwide effort for the Tigers.
Rodriguez has been known for giving generously throughout his Hall of Fame career, but this year marked the first time since joining the Tigers he's been recognized for it. The team set up a September ceremony allowing him to greet four families displaced by Katrina who were relocated to the Detroit area. To help out, Rodriguez donated $48,000 from his foundation to help pay for their living expenses for six months, a contribution that's still paying off today.
"Believe me, I don't do this stuff very often, because I like to do things quietly," he said at the time. "I think it's a big moment to let the people know I've been doing this for years. It was a hard decision for me to make, but the people around me told me it's time to let people know what you're doing in the community."
In this case, the attention actually helped. By holding a charity dinner and auction in suburban Detroit in August, Pudge raised nearly $100,000 for his foundation with an evening that drew 180 people. The proceeds helped lead to the creation of the Rodriguez Fund for Families at the Children's Hospital of Michigan, which helps families of children stricken with cancer to meet kids' needs and improve their quality of life with meals, food, toys and home essentials, among other things.
Like Rodriguez, Tigers left-hander Mike Maroth doesn't like to draw attention to himself with his community work. But the more he gives back, the more recognition comes his way.
More than money, Maroth gives his time. Much of his work, from his regular visits to patients in VA Hospitals to his work with kids, has been going on for several years. This year, he was recognized for the first time as the Tigers' nominee for Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Award as well as the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award from the MLB Players Association.
Maroth's wife, Brooke, also takes part in community activities. She visited Children's Hospital of Michigan this season to welcome Major League Baseball's donation of a Starlight Fun Center, a mobile entertainment unit containing a liquid crystal television, DVD player and Nintendo GameCube.
"All I'm trying to do is serve others," Mike Maroth said earlier this year, "and God has given me a lot. With the platform that I have and the resources, that's what's required. When you're given more than you need, that's to be able to help others and serve others. That's why Brooke and I do it."
Other current and former Tigers also donated their money and time this year to causes close to them. Lefty reliever Jamie Walker did his part for military families by donating $150 for each of his strikeouts to Army Emergency Relief, a private nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to active and retired soldiers and their families, including the spouses and children of soldiers killed in active duty.
"Army Emergency Relief does great things for the people that do great things for this country," Walker said at the time. "This is my way of supporting the men and women of the U.S. Army."
Right-hander Jason Johnson, now a free agent, continued his work to help children with diabetes. He tells his story to kids to provide an example that people with diabetes can still live a full life, even as an athlete. He hosted more than 500 kids on a Saturday afternoon in June to tell his story and educate kids and families on handling their diabetes, even though it was a day he was scheduled to pitch.
"Pitching comes second," he said that day, "because the young kids out there, they need to see somebody to look up to that had the same decisions they do."
At some point this season, just about every Tigers player and coach gave to a cause, including local civic organizations and causes like the children's Miracle League and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Many Tigers hosted families or groups at games, notably Carlos Guillen, who started a weekly program to reward community groups and kids by hosting 25 individuals for each Wednesday home game.
The Tigers' community work doesn't take a break during the offseason. The club will be active in advance of the holidays, sponsoring a family for gift-giving and sending team mascot Paws to visit children in area hospitals.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers mailbag: Pitching staff in flux

11/21/2005
Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson and Mike Maroth are the only starters back. That might leave Roman Colon, Kenny Baugh, Wilfredo Ledezma and Justin Verlander as the starters for the last two spots if we don't sign a starter. How do you rate each one going into Spring Training?
Verlander has the most ability out of the bunch. I think he has the best chance of taking the fifth spot in the rotation. Colon is better than he showed after coming over in the Kyle Farnsworth trade, and he pitched very well as a starter filling in for Mike Hampton in Atlanta earlier in the year. With the Tigers bullpen in flux, though, he might be able to do the most good in relief.
Though Baugh has put together back-to-back solid, healthy seasons and had a very underrated summer at Triple-A Toledo, the Tigers' preference towards hard throwers in recent years doesn't seem likely to change. Ledezma has to prove himself again to the new coaching staff and show he's healthy before he can be considered a strong candidate to start. Again, his ability to pitch in relief could prove more useful on a team that hasn't found a solid long man. While we're at it, don't forget about Joel Zumaya in the fifth spot.
I love what the Tigers have going on in their Minor League system. I hear a lot of talk about guys such as Verlander and Zumaya being part of the big league team in '06. Is this a wise move? Both pitchers were shut down early this past year and Zumaya has a history of injuries. Are we expecting too much too soon? Where do guys such as Cameron Maybin, Tony Giarratano and the prospects that played in the Arizona Fall League end up? I want the Tigers to win now, but I don't want to sacrifice promising young careers for just a .500 season. -- Nervous Tigers fan in Chicago
I think it would be more of a concern if the injuries were more serious. True, both Zumaya and Verlander were shut down, but neither had what was seen as a major arm injury. As for Verlander, he pitched more innings than expected in the Instructional League and looked completely healthy from his tired shoulder. Coaches like his delivery, and his business-like mentality seems ready to handle the Majors. Though he still has things he can work on in the Minors, I think if he hasn't yet outgrown the competition level of Minor League ball, he's close to it. He could dominate at Erie or Toledo again, but the question for the Tigers is whether he'd learn more there or at Detroit.
Zumaya is a little different case because of his age and his game. He bases so much of his game off his fastball that he showed some learning when he reached Toledo late this past season.
Why on Earth did the Tigers allow Dmitri Young's $8 million option for '06 to kick in? Isn't that a lot of money to watch him hack at pitches out of the strike zone all summer? If they want to squander money on poor plate discipline, I'd rather spend $3M on Carlos Pena and hope Don Slaught can figure out how to fix him. -- Joe B, Buffalo, N.Y.
To say they "allowed" it is Monday morning quarterbacking. When Young was near the plate-appearance count to trigger his option, Rondell White was out, and the Tigers needed healthy bodies late in the season. Young all but admitted later his contract option was an obvious reason he wanted to keep playing, but he was healthy enough to go out there and healthy enough to play left field, and Alan Trammell needed a bat. If the Tigers didn't play him, fans would've ridiculed them for worrying more about money than wins, and I have no doubt the players association would've been curious.
Do you think the Tigers would be better if they moved Carlos Guillen to third and made a play at Rafael Furcal, which would give them speed at the top of their lineup and really complete it? -- Anthony M.
And pay a five- or six-year contract worth close to $10 million a year for a leadoff hitter who has topped .350 in on-base percentage only once in the last five years? I'd rather keep Guillen at short for now with Omar Infante and Giarratano ready if needed. As much as critics caution against big money for pitchers, I think free agent shortstops are some of the most overpriced assets on the market in recent years. If the Tigers want speed atop their lineup, they'll find playing time for Nook Logan.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Mailbag: How damaging were injuries?

11/28/2005
Hi, what are your thoughts on Kyle Sleeth? Will we see him in Detroit any time soon? He has impressive college stats, and I'd hate to see this guy go down the tube. Thanks.-- Tim
Sleeth underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and isn't expected to be ready until sometime during the 2006 season. It's hard to tell his future until he pitches again, but it's safe to say he won't be in the Majors until 2007 at the very earliest. With that operation, it usually takes pitchers around 18 months from surgery before they can throw at full velocity and command. Plus, the Tigers are usually cautious with starting pitchers coming back from surgery. And with Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya knocking on the door of the big leagues, they're not likely to need Sleeth in the Majors in the near future.
Jason, I'm sick and tired of hearing that injuries are part of the game. Of course they are a part of the game, but they are a much better excuse for a team underachieving than most reporters and fans give credit. I don't know why Alan Trammell was fired, but if not for all of their acute injuries, the Tigers would have shown progress. GM Dave Dombrowski would have been hard-pressed to fire Trammell under those circumstances. Don't you think injuries can be devastating to a small- or middle-market team? They are at a huge disadvantage when trying to replace their damaged higher-priced players. Don't you think? Thanks.-- Searching for reality in Virginia
Yes, injuries can have a drastic effect on a team. To an extent, they're an expected part of the game, especially when a team such as this one has several players with a history of injuries. They become an issue when the injuries are in abundance and happen to significant players. In the Tigers' case, injuries were part of the reason only four players finished the season with more than 500 plate appearances for the club, not including Placido Polanco's half-season in Philadelphia. One of those four, Ivan Rodriguez, played through several injuries on his way to a subpar season offensively. Another standout player, Jeremy Bonderman, wasn't the same down the stretch while dealing with a sore elbow.
Bring back even a couple of players at full health and, yes, the Tigers would've been a better team than they ended up being. Would they have been good enough to save Trammell's managerial job? Perhaps, but not for certain. Carlos Guillen went from an All-Star season in which he accounted for 22 Win Shares in 2004, according to the Bill James Handbook, to just eight Win Shares this past season. However, to use another example, Rondell White's Win Shares actually increased, from 11 in 2004 to 12 in 2005, despite 24 fewer games played and 74 fewer at-bats. I think they would've finished fourth in the division regardless, but they would've been closer to .500.
Hi, Jason. Is there any chance the Tigers could sign a free agent such as A.J. Burnett or Kevin Millwood and then in addition to that trade for Javier Vazquez or Carl Pavano? I think we need to do that in order to really contend based upon the White Sox rotation. Plus, Cleveland won 93 games, and we still can't pass the Twins. I heard before that we may trade Mike Maroth or Nate Robertson. Now, that's the big three? Bonderman, Maroth and Robertson?
Seems like our pitching is good for the first 80-90 games and then they really peter out, so to speak. How come I don't see that happening with other teams? I think it's happened the past two years for us. Do you know why?-- Mike
The Tigers' plan all offseason has been to add one veteran starter through trade or free agency. Considering the cost of acquiring pitchers through either method, I don't see them doing both. Assuming the Tigers add a starter, he'd be one of the top three alongside Bonderman and Maroth, with Robertson and one of the youngsters rounding out the rotation. So no, Maroth, Bonderman and Robertson aren't the big three, but they're the young core around which Detroit is building its rotation for next year.
Getting Burnett and Pavano both would be great, no question, but the chase for Burnett and Millwood has already shown how many teams are on the market for pitching and how inflated the market is going to be. What made the White Sox rotation reconstruction work last year was that they were able to acquire Freddy Garcia, Jose Conteras and Orlando Hernandez without having to overpay or mortgage their farm system. I don't think you'll see that happen this year. The Red Sox had to give up two top youngsters in the Josh Beckett trade, and that was a unique situation given that the Marlins were set on dealing him.
I want your honest thoughts about Carlos Pena. Does he have a future in Detroit? He's a left-handed power hitter who plays a great defensive first base. When Carlos is swinging a good bat, he's impressive. Currently, he leads all Tigers for career homers at Comerica Park. Can new hitting coach Don Slaught work to improve his plate discipline and working into hitters' counts? We need left-handed power, and there isn't much in the free agent market and I'd rather spend money on pitchers. Will Pena remain wearing the English 'D'?-- Patrick D.
Of all the first basemen the Tigers have, Pena is the most likely to go. He's been passed by Chris Shelton as the starting first baseman, he isn't anchored to a contract like Dmitri Young and he seems to have the most to benefit from a change of scenery and a chance at more regular at-bats. It's hard to say whether Slaught could make him a disciplined hitter, because Slaught doesn't have a track record as a hitting coach. However, Slaught's focus is on putting hitters in a position to make a good swing. That could help, though in the end Pena's pitch recognition is key.
Jason, does a full 40-man roster mean that the Tigers cannot select players in the Rule 5 Draft in December? Could the Tigers drop or release a player before the draft in order to select someone they might like? It seems like a great opportunity to select a young bullpen arm for the future, plus, it's something that Dombrowski is good at.-- Eric
The Tigers can make moves between now and the Winter Meetings to open up some room on the 40-man roster. Given the emphasis they've placed on winning now, though, I'm not anticipating them drafting anyone unless they feel like they can contribute immediately.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers add two to scouting ranks

11/30/2005
DETROIT -- The Tigers added two former Red Sox front office officials to their international scouting department Wednesday, hiring Miguel Garcia and Tom Moore while promoting Ramon Pena to special assistant to the general manager.
Garcia will take over as the director of Venezuelan operations and Central American scouting. He spent the past four years as Boston's coordinator for Latin American scouting. Before that, he served five years under the Tigers' current front office group while they were with the Florida Marlins. As a scout and supervisor of operations in Venezuela, Garcia helped then-Marlins assistant GM Al Avila sign Miguel Cabrera, now the heart and soul of Florida's lineup.
Moore worked seven seasons in the Red Sox front office, the last three of them as the assistant director of professional and international scouting. He'll have the same title in Detroit.
Next season will be Pena's 22nd with the Tigers. He worked the last seven years under the title of assistant to baseball operations in charge of foreign affairs. As much, he was heavily involved in the club's international scouting efforts, signing eventual Major Leaguers such as Omar Infante, Fernando Rodney, Francisco Cordero, Juan Encarnacion, Bobby Higginson and Frank Catalanotto.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers release Spring Training schedule

11/29/2005
DETROIT -- Just as winter has started to settle in around the Motor City, the Tigers provided a peek towards spring on Tuesday, releasing their Spring Training schedule for 2006. Four dates with the National League champion Houston Astros and three with the AL East champion New York Yankees are among the highlights as the Tigers head to Lakeland for another spring.
The spring slate begins on Wednesday, March 1, with the Tigers' traditional opening exhibition game against Lakeland school and NCAA Division II national champion Florida Southern College at 1:05 p.m. ET. A day later, Detroit will open the Major League portion of the schedule at home with a 1:05 p.m. matchup against the Reds, part of a home-and-home slate with Cincinnati.
The big change this coming spring will be an almost total schedule of afternoon games. All but one of the Tigers' 34 Spring Training contests will start around 1 p.m. The only night game is a 6:05 p.m. split-squad matchup with the Astros at Marchant Stadium on Tuesday, March 21, the evening before the Tigers' only off-day of the spring.
Though the schedule is evenly split between home and road games, including three split-squad days, the Tigers have a lengthy stretch of games at or near home in mid-March. After a three-day road swing through Dunedin, Tampa, Vero Beach and Fort Myers, they'll play in Lakeland eight out of 10 days from Sunday, March 12 through Tuesday, March 21, then every other day over the final week and a half of Spring Training.
The Tigers will host the Blue Jays, Pirates and Indians consecutively March 12-14, then welcome the Yankees, Twins and Dodgers to Lakeland from March 16-18. The only days in the stretch when the Tigers are on road will be March 15 against the Devil Rays at St. Petersburg and March 19 against the Astros at Kissimmee.
The longest-running relationship between a Major League team and its Spring Training home celebrates a pair of milestones next spring. It'll mark the Tigers' 70th year in Lakeland and their 40th consecutive season of play at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Ticket prices for games at Marchant Stadium will be split between premium games -- all games against the Yankees and Braves, plus all Saturday and Sunday games -- and the remaining games. Tickets for premium games are priced at $18 for field box seats, $17 for regular box and $15 for reserved and wheelchair accessible seats. Other games are priced at $16 for field box, $15 for regular box and $13 for reserved and wheelchair accessible seats. Left field reserved and general admission seats are priced the same for all games at $12 and $9, respectively.
Individual game tickets go on sale online through the Tigers' Web site on Sunday, Jan. 8. Single-game tickets will be available through the stadium box office and in person or by phone at Ticketmaster outlets on Saturday, Jan. 7.
Spring Training season ticket packages are on sale now at the Marchant Stadium box office. Ticket plans can also be ordered by mail at:
Detroit Tigers Attn. Ticket Office2125 N. Lake AvenueLakeland, Fla. 33805
Special group pricing or other ticket information can be obtained through the Tigers' ticket office in Lakeland at 863-686-8075.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Closer search down to Gordon, Hoffman

11/30/2005
DETROIT -- How will the Tigers spell relief in 2006? A week before the Winter Meetings, it's anyone's guess.
When the Tigers pounced early last offseason and signed closer Troy Percival, critics wondered whether the team overpaid, but the addition gave Detroit what was supposed to be a formidable veteran presence in the late innings. Now, the Tigers are watching unbelievable deals unfold and wonder who will take the mound with a ninth-inning lead.
Spurned in their pursuit of B.J. Ryan and set to be disappointed in their quest to bring back former closer Kyle Farnsworth, the Tigers are shifting focus to the remaining closers on the market. As the list of available relievers shortens, it's possible that incumbent Fernando Rodney will hold onto the closer's role for next year.
While the Tigers were never more than secondary participants in the bidding for Billy Wagner, believed to be the top closer on the market, they had hopes of signing either Ryan or Farnsworth, two younger arms entering the prime of their careers.
Ryan came to town for a visit two weeks ago and was high on Detroit's list when he and the Blue Jays shocked baseball with a five-year, $47 million deal. Soon after that, former Indians setup man Bobby Howry spurned Detroit, signing a three-year contract to join the Cubs and passing up a reported three-year, $13.5 million offer from the Tigers.
Team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski denied published reports that the Tigers made Ryan a five-year offer.
"We were willing to offer him a deal," Dombrowski said.
Talks never advanced to that point, and the Tigers weren't going to match what Toronto was offering in terms of years or money.
The Tigers and Farnsworth had mutual interest in a reunion. Dombrowski said all along that he hadn't shut the door on Farnsworth returning, and agent Barry Meister said Farnsworth would be interested in coming back to the team that gave him a shot at closing. Once Ryan signed, however, the interest level in Farnsworth picked up dramatically. One industry source cited a half-dozen clubs that had Ryan and Farnsworth ranked 1-2 on their wish list for free agent relievers, the Tigers among them.
As of Wednesday, Farnsworth was close to a three-year deal to join the Yankees as setup man to Mariano Rivera. Meanwhile, the Tigers have jumped into discussions with the agents for Tom Gordon and Trevor Hoffman, two relievers with whom they had not had contact until recently.
Unlike Ryan and Farnsworth, two hard throwers under 30 years old, both Hoffman and Gordon are in their late 30s. Though they have greater, deeper track records -- especially Hoffman -- their age makes a long-term deal more of a risk. By all accounts, the Tigers were more than willing to talk about at least a three-year contract with Ryan and Farnsworth. That becomes a trickier proposition with older closers such as Gordon and Hoffman after Percival lasted barely half a season as the Tigers' closer before injuries put his career in question.
Gordon reportedly wants a three-year offer from the Phillies, who are aggressively pursuing him along with the Tigers and four other teams. Hoffman's side reportedly asked for a three-year deal from the Padres in October before he hit the open market.
After Gordon and Hoffman, the market becomes much more of a question. The Tigers have not shown interest in Bob Wickman, who posted a career-best 45 saves for Cleveland this past season but who has topped 35 innings only once in the last four years. Nor is it believed they have interest in a lengthy deal with former Tiger Todd Jones, who saved 40 games for the Marlins last year after struggling as a setup man each of the previous three years.
At some point, the Tigers could turn their attention back to Rodney, who saved nine games in 13 opportunities after Detroit dealt Farnsworth to Atlanta. He's under contract for next year and just missed being eligible for arbitration, so it wouldn't take a financial leap. However, his fatigue and occasional control problems down the stretch were cause for concern, though part of that stemmed from the downtime following his Tommy John surgery in 2004.
The Tigers have been cautious in their assessment of Rodney. While Dombrowski stated their hope to add a veteran closer earlier this offseason, he added that they still believe he can close games.
"We like Fernando Rodney," Dombrowski said last month. "We think he can pitch at the end of the game. This year [was] probably a tough year, when you talk about coming back from Tommy John surgery. We've always felt he could close, but he can [also] pitch in the eighth inning and seventh inning."
The Tigers did add one reliever Wednesday, agreeing to a Minor League contract with left-hander Bobby Seay. The 27-year-old is best known for becoming a free agent on a technicality two months after being taken with the 12th pick in the 1996 First-Year Player Draft.
Seay posted an 8.49 ERA in 17 games for Colorado last season before being outrighted to Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he posted a 2.38 ERA over 22 2/3 innings.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers looking to trade at meetings

12/02/2005
DETROIT -- Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski summed up the offseason simply: "It's a good year to be a free agent player so far."
Whether it's a good year to be the Tigers, who are looking for pitching, will become evident at next week's Winter Meetings.
Detroit's priorities heading into Dallas for the meetings are the same as they were when the offseason began. Dombrowski still wants to add a starting pitcher and continues to look for a closer, and the big contracts dotting the market the last two weeks haven't deterred him from that. But the free agent landscape might change the route he takes to get there.
"There's been a lot of money out there so far," Dombrowski said. "I can't say I'm surprised. I kind of felt it was a market where you could tell clubs had the ability to spend some money."
The Tigers have that ability, too, but they have plenty of competition. While free agent starters such as A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood and Matt Morris attract plenty of interest, industry sources have indicated the Tigers have turned their attention to adding a starter via trade. Between teams looking to shed salaries and other clubs trying to get something in return for potential future free agents before they hit the market next winter, it's a growing market.
The Tigers have shown interest in Diamondbacks right-hander Javier Vazquez, who has requested a trade to a team closer to the East Coast, and Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano, whom Detroit pursued heavily as a free agent last offseason before he signed with New York. It's not clear whether they'll jump into bidding for A's ace Barry Zito, who could be available now that Oakland added free agent Esteban Loaiza, but who might not fit Detroit's plans as another finesse left-hander in the mold of current Tiger Mike Maroth.
The trade talks have been more active lately than discussions with free agents. Several agents of free agent starters have said they have not heard from the Tigers recently. However, Dombrowski said he remains interested in any pitcher who could help his team, including A.J. Burnett and other free agents.
"We're open to both [options]," Dombrowski said about trades and free agents. "We continue to have conversations with free agents and we continue to have talks with trades."
Through Dombrowski said he can't predict which route the Tigers will go, it's expected that the Tigers would rather make a trade and will turn to free agency as a second option.
One major motivation for a trade, Dombrowski admitted, is that the Tigers have a logjam at first base that they would like to clear. With Chris Shelton established as Detroit's regular first baseman, Dmitri Young tied to an $8 million salary for 2006 and Carlos Pena eligible for arbitration, Detroit not only has a lot of talent at the position, but a lot of salary, as well. By most accounts, Pena is the most appealing trade bait.
While the Tigers' search for a closer has drawn more attention, in light of a reported three-year, $13.5 million offer to Bobby Howry and an aggressive pursuit of closer B.J. Ryan before he signed with Toronto, Detroit's need for a starter is more pressing. New manager Jim Leyland has repeatedly said he'd like a more veteran presence in the bullpen, but Dombrowski has said he still believes incumbent Fernando Rodney can close games.
The Tigers have no such luxury in their rotation, which has two open spots. One of those spots will be an open competition for a fifth starter between young right-hander Roman Colon and prospects Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya. The other spot opened when the Tigers didn't re-sign free agent Jason Johnson, and Detroit wants to fill it with an established starter who can improve the club immediately.
That's easier said than done, but it's an easier position for the Tigers than they had going into last year's Winter Meetings, when they were scouring the free agent market and trying to convince several players to come to Detroit. Pavano, Steve Finley, Troy Glaus and others spurned Detroit to sign deals elsewhere at the meetings, leaving the Tigers empty-handed as they returned home. The Tigers never signed a starter as they had hoped, and they went into 2005 with the same rotation that they had in 2004.
Dombrowski will head to this year's Winter Meetings hoping to get something done, but not pressing for it.
"I never really feel the pressure of the Winter Meetings, other than following up on conversations and having new conversations," he said. "There isn't pressure to get something done [there], but that doesn't mean we won't get something done."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Five Tigers could be headed to WBC

12/05/2005
DALLAS -- Not only are the Tigers giving a generous portion of their roster to the World Baseball Classic, they're giving it to teams on three different continents.
Three All-Stars -- Ivan Rodriguez, Carlos Guillen and Placido Polanco -- are among the five Tigers announced Monday who have agreed to take part, if asked, in Major League Baseball's inaugural international tournament next spring. Two Tigers pitchers, Franklyn German and Jason Grilli, have also agreed to participate.
It's a list that's likely to grow -- including the possible addition of Magglio Ordonez.
Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Monday that the team is prohibited from announcing the players who could take part. However, Dombrowski said, "We have many more players on our list than what was announced today."
Rodriguez's participation was pretty much a given. He was prominently featured in the tournament's advertising campaign, and he's arguably the most famous active player from Puerto Rico. He was supportive of the idea when asked about it earlier.
"It's going to be nice," Rodriguez said at the time. "It'll be in Puerto Rico, so I'll get to see and family and represent my country. It's going to be very exciting."
The rest of the Tigers' involvement in the WBC wasn't quite a guarantee. Though Guillen has a solid track record as one of the best active shortstops in his country, his history of injuries made him somewhat of a question mark. He's spending the winter rehabbing his right knee, which was aching virtually all season following ACL surgery in September 2004. However, he has always been a supporter of baseball in Venezuela, where he still lives for part of his offseason, and he's close with most of his fellow countrymen in the Major Leagues.
In his opinion, his health isn't an issue. Strength and conditioning coach Javair Gillett spent a week with him in Venezuela last month and was happy with his progress working out almost daily, sometimes twice a day. His goal is to be ready to go at full speed by the time Spring Training begins.
"The knee's feeling pretty good," Guillen said. "I expect to keep my body in shape. I just want to stay on the field every day."
Though the Tigers boast fellow Venezuelans Ordonez, Omar Infante and Wilfredo Ledezma, none of them were announced Monday. That should soon change. When Guillen discussed the talent on the Venezuelan play, he mentioned Ordonez without hesitation.
"I think he's going to play," Guillen said. "His knee's normal. He had the hernia, got past that."
Sixty-man rosters must be submitted by Jan. 17 with the ultimate 30-man rosters finalized 24 hours prior to the start of the tournament. The final rosters must include a minimum of 13 pitchers and three catchers. MLB has committed to using 60 percent Major League-affiliated players. All the players announced on Monday have the blessings of the players association and the MLB owners, who have collectively spent months in the initial culling process.
That includes the Dominican Republic's Polanco, who nearly led the Major Leagues in hitting this past season, and German, who went 4-0 with a 3.66 ERA and one save in 58 outings. German spent several winters toiling in the Dominican Republic, but that string ended this year.
The least expected name out of the group was Grilli, who was born in Royal Oak, Mich., but qualifies for Team Italy thanks to his heritage. As players association official Gene Orza explained Monday, any player who qualifies for a passport in a country can play for that country. Because Grilli's grandfather came from Italy, he qualifies for a passport, and just recently renewed it.
If he makes a team, it'll be a bittersweet opportunity for Grilli. He was scheduled to play for Italy in the 1996 Olympics but was unable to after the team's Italian-born players threatened to strike if players in Grilli's situation took the field instead of them.
"I think it'll be good for me just to be part of something like this for the first time," Grilli said. "It'll be a thrill."
The situation couldn't be more convenient for Grilli. The Italian team will train at the Tigers' Spring Training complex in Lakeland from March 3-6, then play its first-round games in nearby Orlando.
By rule, no big league team can lose more than 10 players off its 40-man roster or 14 players off its 40-man roster to this tournament. Though the selection process is still way too early, Detroit could easily lose a handful of players or more once rosters are finalized. Those players will still report to Tigers camp on time in February, but they'll leave for their national camps March 3 and return after their teams are finished.
That's a big reason Dombrowski has mixed emotions about the idea.
"I think it's great for baseball," he said. "I can understand how, in the long run, this will be very good for the international growth of the game. I totally support that. I think it's tremendous. But I'll also be selfish. I really don't like to lose our players during Spring Training. I think with Jim coming on board with a new staff, I really wish he had the club there the whole spring. But it's the same for all the clubs."
The inaugural World Baseball Classic, a 16-team tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), will take place March 3-20 and feature the world's best players competing for their home countries and territories for the first time. Fans will be able to follow all the games live exclusively online at MLB.com.
First-round action will be played at four sites. Pool A, consisting of Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei and China, will meet at the Tokyo Dome, March 3-5. Pool B, featuring USA, Canada, Mexico and South Africa will play at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Scottsdale Stadium, Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants, March 7-10. Pool C is Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama and the Netherlands, and will play at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, March 7-10. Pool D, featuring the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Australia and Italy, will play at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., March 7-10.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the second round, which takes place March 12-15 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico and Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The semifinals and finals will be held at San Diego's PETCO Park, March 18-20.
Tickets go on sale Dec. 10 for games in Puerto Rico and Dec. 12 for games in the United States. For more information, go to worldbaseballclassic.com.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers talk on first day of meetings

12/05/2005
DALLAS -- The Tigers' first day at the Winter Meetings went much like their offseason so far: lots of talk, little action.
President/general manager Dave Dombrowski began meeting at 9:30 a.m. ET, talked throughout the day and had more talks scheduled for Monday evening. But though Dombrowski admitted he was fielding what he called "substantial interest" from other clubs, the Tigers' only move of the day was to open a spot on their 40-man roster.
"There are a lot of talks going on," he said. "I have found people to be a little more eager [at these meetings compared to other years]."
Much of Dombrowski's comments Monday were directed toward who wasn't coming or going from Detroit. As A.J. Burnett stood on the verge of a reported deal elsewhere, Dombrowski admitted they were never really in the running for the market's top free agent starting pitcher.
"I don't think it was ever really a situation for us," he said. "We were not prepared to go the length [of the contract] and the dollars that they wanted."
Nor, Dombrowski said, is he under any sort of pressure to trade All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Contrary to reports, Dombrowski said Rodriguez never came to the club and asked for a trade. Though Dombrowski himself hasn't talked to Pudge since the season ended, assistant GM Al Avila and manager Jim Leyland have, and they expect him to be on board and ready to go in Spring Training.
They don't expect to have a new center fielder next spring, either. Trying to squash rumors that Detroit could get involved in the bidding for free agent Johnny Damon or try to acquire Juan Pierre from Florida, Dombrowski said, "We're not looking for a center fielder. We like the [Curtis] Granderson-[Nook] Logan combo."
That insistence goes back to Dombrowski's goal back in 2002 of rebuilding the Tigers farm system. "I've said it since the first day I've been here: If we're going to be good, we're going to be good because of our farm system," Dombrowski said. "It just doesn't happen overnight. We're getting closer to finally getting some results."
The only scenario here that looks certain for the Tigers is that they're going to get relief help, one way or another. Detroit has reportedly jumped into discussions on former Tigers closer Todd Jones, continues to show interest in Trevor Hoffman and has expressed some level of interest in Bob Wickman. And though Dombrowski admitted the Tigers could end up keeping Fernando Rodney as their closer should the market not go their way, he said he'd still look for setup help behind the incumbent should that happen.
"There are still a lot of relievers in general [on the market]," Dombrowski said. "And at some point, you say, 'Let's just go out and sign an eighth-inning guy and let Rodney be our primary closer.' It hasn't been our preference, but if we made that decision, there are a lot of guys out there that we feel could pitch the eighth inning."
Raburn outrighted: The Tigers' lone move Monday was to outright the contract of second baseman Ryan Raburn to Triple-A Toledo. Once among the more promising prospects in the Tigers organization, the slugging infielder hit .253 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs in 130 games at Triple-A Toledo. He had a brief Major League stint at the end of the 2004 season.
The move opens up a roster spot for one of two reasons -- either the Tigers want a chance to make a selection in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft, or they want an open roster spot if/when they sign a free agent. Dombrowski left open the possibility of either happening this week, but his goal of winning now doesn't make a Rule 5 pick appear likely.
Maintain position: Dombrowski said much of the trade interest so far has focused on Detroit's position players rather than pitchers. Given the predominance of pitching among the Tigers' top prospects, that would be somewhat of a surprise. In the right place, though, it could free up the lineup logjam that has Carlos Pena, Chris Shelton and Dmitri Young cluttering the first base and DH slots.
Make up your mind: The Tigers must decide by Wednesday whether to offer arbitration to free agents Rondell White and Jason Johnson. If Detroit offers arbitration, it'll receive a draft pick as compensation should White and Johnson sign elsewhere as expected. The catch is that the player could decide to accept arbitration and come back under a one-year contract. They also have to decide on fellow free agents Fernando Vina and Bobby Higginson, but the choice to not offer arbitration is more of a formality in their cases.
Speaking of Vina: After missing the last year and a half with knee and hamstring problems, Vina is attempting to make a comeback, according to a baseball source. The veteran second baseman, the first free agent to sign with the Tigers following their 119-loss season of 2003, is trying to earn a camp invite with a team now that his ailing left knee is in better health.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Leyland set to take reins for Tigers

12/06/2005
DALLAS -- Jim Leyland has heard enough about the need for players to step up and provide leadership. He has a better idea.
"I don't buy that," he told reporters Tuesday at baseball's Winter Meetings. "I'm supposed to be the leader. That's why they hired me. I can tell you who the leaders are on the team. They're the guys who hit .330, hit 30 home runs and knock in 140 runs.
"I've never seen a guy hit .200 who was a leader yet. A leader's a guy who shuts the other team down when he pitches and knocks in big runs and gets two-out base hits. Those are the guys who are leaders, to me."
Leyland doesn't buy the notion that the Tigers clubhouse is in need of repair or that it's a ship adrift. In fact, he believes chemistry will be the least of his problems. To Leyland, clubhouse spats stem from expectations not met and losses piling up. He's not going to make too much of it next spring, and he doesn't want to get in the blame game on what happened before he got here.
"It's a better team than what it showed last season, and it certainly wasn't Alan Trammell's fault," Leyland said. "What happened to this team last year, in my opinion, is a team that came out of Spring Training with pretty high expectations, that got to a certain point in the season and realized they couldn't reach those expectations, and everything went to [pieces]. That's what I think happened.
"All of a sudden the clubhouse wasn't as great as everybody wanted it to be. But there's a lot of teams that go through that. When a team realizes it's not going to meet expectations [and] it gets closer to the end of the season, it's easy to start pointing the finger. It's easy to get irritable. It's easy to blame somebody else. And I think a little bit of that happened."
That's not simply what Leyland's experience tells him. It's also his knowledge of people. He prides himself on being able to get through to players and figure out "what makes them tick," in his words. He has talked with some players over the phone since he was hired, but not many. The first words many Tigers will receive from him will be a letter he plans to send out shortly, outlining his expectations and what he thinks is important to create a winning formula.
The first speech they hear from Leyland in Spring Training will not be a teamwide address. In his experience, many players will tune out the manager in a large group like that. Instead, he'll break the team into groups -- such as infielders, outfielders and pitchers -- and make separate speeches.
"That way," Leyland said, "they all have to look you in the eye when you're talking."
Leyland's own motivation is not a problem. He faced the questions he expected about Colorado in 1999, when he quit after one season, and he answered them in much the same way as he did at his Tigers press conference two months ago. Watching the Cardinals work and succeed under Tony La Russa helped get his juices flowing, and he feels the same now as when he took his first Major League job with the Pirates in 1986.
To further the point, he added, he's thinking beyond his current contract. "I'm not thinking three years," he said. "I'm thinking five years, at least."
Javy got a deal or not? Both Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski and Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes dismissed a report that the two clubs had a deal in place to send right-hander Javier Vazquez to Detroit for Curtis Granderson and Joel Zumaya before Vazquez used his no-trade list to veto the deal.
"That is totally not accurate," said Dombrowski. "And I don't mean to downplay [Vazquez] at all, but that is not an appealing situation for us."
In other words, the Tigers wouldn't have agreed to that deal. However, that doesn't mean they weren't close on a trade. Byrnes admitted they had talks on such a deal, but they took place before Vazquez submitted a no-trade list.
"It was a discussion and it didn't happen for a variety of reasons," Byrnes said. "[The discussions] happened before he put in his list."
Dombrowski hesitated to say it never reached a point where Vazquez would be asked to approve or disapprove a possible deal. "Let's put it this way: If it got to that point and they went to him, I can't answer that," he said, "but they didn't have any deal with us."
Vazquez's agent, Seth Levinson, said he and Vazquez were never approached about approving or vetoing any deal. Teams usually go through the agent to get trade approval from a player.
In any case, it's a moot point. Though Levinson wouldn't confirm any teams on Vazquez's no-trade list, an industry source said the Tigers are on it.
No coming back: Though Dombrowski won't yet reveal whether he'll offer arbitration to any of Detroit's free agents, he left open what he called "a very small chance" of re-signing anyone. That chance is expected to rest on right-hander Jason Johnson, whom Dombrowski wouldn't eliminate when asked about him earlier this offseason.
Teams must decide whether to offer arbitration to their own free agents by midnight Wednesday evening.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Young commits to tougher workouts

12/07/2005
DALLAS -- Not only is Dmitri Young ready to slim down, he's preparing to move around. Not to other cities, but to other parts of the field.
"My big [behind] is an athlete," he said.
For all the relative inactivity of the Tigers during the first couple of days of this week's Winter Meetings, one of their biggest moves could be a player sticking put.
Unsatisfied with trade offers they've received for first baseman Carlos Pena, president/general manager Dave Dombrowski told reporters Wednesday afternoon that unless the potential deals improve, he could keep all three of his first basemen -- Pena, Chris Shelton and Dmitri Young -- and return Young to a utility-type role between first base, DH and the corner outfield spots.
"[Manager] Jim [Leyland] would not mind having all three of them," Dombrowski said.
Taken by itself, the statement sounded like a threat that the Tigers won't give away Pena for nothing. To further his point, Dombrowski said -- and Young confirmed -- that he's going through a conditioning program to lose weight.
Young, for his part, wants to lose 20 pounds off a frame that he admits carried more than 260 pounds last season.
"Big bodies, they can only take so much pounding," he said. "So the best thing for me is to get in shape, both for me and for the other 24 guys on the team."
From the outset of the offseason, Dombrowski has hoped to free up his logjam at first base by trading one of his sluggers. With Shelton entrenched as the starting first baseman and Young's $8 million contract for next year all but untradeable, the guy on the block has been Pena. The arbitration-eligible slugger lost the first-base job last summer but hit his way back into Detroit's plans with 15 home runs over the season's final two months.
With Scott Boras as his agent, Pena is likely to get a raise from his $2,575,000 salary from 2005. Nevertheless, Dombrowski said Wednesday they'll offer him a contract rather than non-tender him at the Dec. 20 deadline, going into the season with Pena on the roster.
"We're prepared to do that," he said before cautioning, "It's not Opening Day yet."
The key to the plan is Young's versatility, which has vanished over the course of his four years in Detroit. He came to the Tigers as a corner outfielder who could play either of the corner infield spots, and he did that in his first couple of years. A series of injuries whittled down his options the last couple years. He returned to left field for 19 games last season before a pulled hamstring ended his season in early September.
That, Young said, was a wake-up call. He's had offseason workout programs in past years, but shied away from cardiovascular work. Now, he said he's "tired of being a young knucklehead, trying to buck the program."
Now, the program is bucking him. In addition to running, his workout includes biking up the hills around his home in Camarillo, Calif., with his younger brother, Delmon. "I'm putting myself through some torture," he said, "but the payoff's going to be huge."
The payoff for him isn't just physical. By moving back home to California, he's been able to bond with his younger brother for the first time in years. They're so far apart in age that Young was already in the Minor Leagues by the time Delmon was playing in youth leagues. They've kept in touch mostly by phone as pros, but this is their first extended time together.
"We've been talking long distance for way too long," Dmitri Young said. "I'm learning a lot about him."
He's learning Delmon's workout plans. "He's a freaking maniac," Dmitri said.
If that rubs off, he feels he'll be much more prepared to play the outfield on a part-time basis. For that matter, neither Leyland nor Young would eliminate the chance of him playing third base again. Beyond that, though, he thinks he'll be a more complete player than what he showed last year.
Whether or not the Tigers are serious about it, he insists he is.
"When I come down there [to Spring Training], they're going to know I mean business," he said. "The last thing they're going to have to worry about is me."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Detroit agrees to terms with Jones

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- In retrospect, Todd Jones thinks he never should have left the Tigers. In hindsight, the Tigers probably would've rather not had some of the nine closers that have tried the job since.
Neither can turn back the clock, but with a two-year, $11 million contract, they hope he can merely repeat last year.
"Sure, it came down to economics, but at this point in my career I have to find ways to connect," Jones said via conference call Thursday afternoon. "Detroit was an easy connection."
For the better part of five seasons, Detroit was Jones' home. Acquired from Houston in 1997 in one of the Tigers' many deals involving Brad Ausmus, Jones promptly took over as Detroit's closer. He saved 142 games in a Tigers uniform, second only to Mike Henneman on the club's all-time list. His 42 saves in 2000 stands as the franchise single-season record.
The memories still seem fresh for Jones. As he remembered Thursday, he was the last pitcher at Tiger Stadium in 1999 and earned the first save at Comerica Park in 2000. He recalled talking with fans at Nemo's Bar and Grill, hearing their stories and gaining an appreciation for Tigers history.
It was soon after setting his save record when Jones' career took as many different turns as the Tigers' closer situation did. Detroit, set to lose Jones as a free agent and hand the closer's role to Matt Anderson, dealt Jones to Minnesota for Mark Redman on July 28, 2001. He finished out the season as a setup man for the Twins, then spent time in Colorado, Boston, Cincinnati and Philadelphia.
He had mixed success at those stops, and he believes his time at Coors Field had something to do with it. He had a respectable 4.70 ERA and 30 holds with the Rockies in 2002 before his ERA ballooned to 8.24 with Colorado the next year.
"That's the first time I ever questioned my ability to get people out," Jones said. "But I proved myself and I worked through it."
He had his work cut out for him with Florida, where he came to camp last season with a Minor League invite. He was supposed to make the Marlins as a setup man, but became a closer once Guillermo Mota was injured. Pitching the ninth inning regularly for the first time since he left the Tigers, Jones posted 40 saves to go with a 2.10 ERA. He had a 1.10 ERA on Sept. 13 before giving up nine earned runs over his final seven outings.
That success and the Marlins' impending breakup added Jones to the large list of free agent closers this winter. The Tigers called around to get a feel for him and liked what they heard about what he had left in ability and character. Plus, they liked the idea of bringing in a pitcher who genuinely wanted to be in Detroit.
"He's actually been very high on our list all along," president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "We had [Billy] Wagner and [B.J.] Ryan on our list, no question. But we had Todd on our list, too."
Talks "took off," Dombrowski said, last week once the top closers were off the market. Jones, in turn, had something in mind about the Tigers among the eight teams that had expressed interest. There was sentimentality about it, but he had to see the Tigers step up in talks.
"It came down to the Tigers were willing to do a second year on the contract," Jones admitted.
The Tigers hope Jones can step into the role that had been held by Percival, not just as a closer but as a leader. He stands at the back end of a bullpen that leans young with Fernando Rodney, Franklyn German, Chris Spurling and possibly Roman Colon and Wilfredo Ledezma working the middle innings. Lefty specialist Jamie Walker is the only incumbent reliever over 30.
Jones' arrival moves Rodney back to setup duty as part of what manager Jim Leyland said will be a seven-man bullpen.
Like Percival last year, Jones is not the same type of pitcher he was in his younger days, certainly not like his last Detroit stop. But the Tigers like his ability to mix pitches and his stinginess with walks over the last two years. His .206 average allowed to the first batter faced each outing ranked fifth-lowest among NL relievers last year.
"He's a proven, quality Major League player and a proven, quality Major League person," Leyland said. "That's what we're trying to do here. And I know we've done that in this case."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Rogers agrees to deal with Tigers

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- The Tigers and Kenny Rogers agreed to terms Thursday afternoon on a two-year contract worth $16 million, MLB.com has learned.
Industry sources said the deal had been finalized after late-night negotiations Wednesday, and a physical was the final hurdle. Agent Scott Boras told The Associated Press Thursday evening that Rogers passed the physical.
The 41-year-old Rogers is a veteran of 17 Major League seasons between the Rangers, Yankees, A's, Mets and Twins. He went 14-8 for Texas this past season, posting double digits in wins for the 13th time in his career.
He earned notoriety this summer for a pregame incident with a Dallas television cameraman, prompting a suspension from Major League Baseball as well as legal action from the cameraman. He was booed at Comerica Park last July during the MLB All-Star Game, where he was selected to the American League pitching staff over Tigers ace Jeremy Bonderman. However, many believe a fresh start will reveal the better side of Rogers, who will be the veteran leader of Detroit's rotation.
Rogers' consistent performance on the mound made him an attractive option for the Tigers and an alternative to other free agent starting pitchers who have wanted more money and/or longer contracts. His 3.46 ERA ranked seventh among AL starters last season.
By adding him for two years, Detroit essentially plugged the opening in its rotation long enough to allow top prospects Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya to gain more seasoning. Both of them will compete with Roman Colon, Jason Grilli, Wilfredo Ledezma and others for the role of fifth starter.
Rogers' agent, Scott Boras, said Thursday afternoon he believed Rogers could provide veteran leadership for Detroit.
"They have four guys with ... three years service [or less]," Boras said, "and he just loves to talk baseball with young kids. His pitching style, I think, shows that when you don't have your best stuff, going out there and putting in your innings you can still win ballgames, and that gives a lot of pitchers confidence to do that."
The other benefit, Boras pointed out, was Rogers' 6-1 record and 2.01 ERA against the AL Central this past season, though he did not face the world champion White Sox.
What Rogers' arrival means for the future of Detroit's other starters isn't certain. As a finesse left-hander, he has a similar repertoire to Mike Maroth, who is set to receive a hefty raise in arbitration. According to the Bill James Handbook, Maroth and Rogers finish sixth and seventh, respectively, among AL pitchers in pitches thrown registering less than 80 miles per hour.
Detroit has another lefty in Nate Robertson, who pitches closer to a power arm. The Tigers had three left-handers in their rotation for the first half of last season before sending Wilfredo Ledezma to Triple-A Toledo.
Detroit looked to upgrade its rotation in the spot vacated by Jason Johnson, whom the Tigers signed two years ago hoping he would be the answer to a veteran starter. Johnson had mixed results in his Detroit tenure before becoming a free agent, and the Tigers essentially cut ties with him Wednesday night when they decided not to offer him arbitration.
The Tigers had heavy negotiations over the last few days with Boras, who also represents the other three prominent free agent starters left on the market. Dombrowski confirmed Detroit also had expressed interest in Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn, both Boras clients, but their wish for longer deals was believed to be a turnoff to the Tigers' pitching plans.
The Tigers will not have to give up a draft pick for Rogers, to whom the Rangers did not offer arbitration.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers fill two voids at Winter Meetings

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- Better late than never.
The Tigers were one of the quietest clubs in baseball through two days of the Winter Meetings, then managed to fill both of their offseason needs in less than 48 hours. Todd Jones' two-year, $11 million contract fulfilled president/GM Dave Dombrowski's goal of adding a veteran closer, then a two-year agreement with lefty Kenny Rogers filled the void in the rotation with a veteran arm.
They're not exactly the glamorous signings the Tigers might've been pegged for when the offseason began, but they fulfill their purpose without the long-term weight that other free agents draw. By signing two-year deals, the Tigers essentially fill their gap while leaving their long-term spots open for their improving group of pitching prospects.
Deals done: Signed RHP Todd Jones to a two-year, $11 million contract. Agreed to terms with LHP Kenny Rogers on a two-year, $16 million contract. Outrighted the contract of 2B Ryan Raburn to Triple-A Toledo. Declined to offer arbitration to free agents Jason Johnson, Rondell White, Bobby Higginson and Fernando Vina.
Rule 5 activity: Selected RHP Chris Booker from Washington in the Major League phase, then traded him to Philadelphia for cash considerations. Selected RHP Eddie Bonine from San Diego in the Triple-A phase. Lost 2B Eric Rodland to the Los Angeles Angels in the Triple-A phase.
Goals accomplished: The Tigers filled their two biggest needs by adding Jones and Rogers, providing proven veteran presence to their rotation and bullpen while not locking themselves into longer-term contracts.
Unfinished business: Dombrowski would like to add a second left-handed reliever to complement Jamie Walker, but admits that could prove difficult and they might have to try to fill that spot from within. Dombrowski will keep trying to trade one of his first basemen regardless of whether Dmitri Young improves his shape and becomes an outfielder again.
GM's bottom line: "We're just absolutely thrilled. We've talked about having somebody at the back end of the bullpen. Todd has had a tremendous career, had a fantastic year last year."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

TigerFest 2006 tickets on sale

12/09/2005
DETROIT -- Tickets are now on sale for TigerFest 2006, the Tigers' 22nd annual winter event for fans scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21 at Joe Louis Arena.
TigerFest not only allows fans a chance to interact personally with players, coaches and front-office decision-makers, including Detroit's first look at several new faces, it reminds everyone that the new baseball season is just around the corner.
Players and coaches conduct instructional clinics for youngster as well as pose for photos and sign autographs. Interactive games keep kids busy, while a child-sized baseball stadium and a real-life batting cage allow kids to take their swings. Those hoping for a behind-the-scenes look at Comerica Park can take a shuttle bus for special tours of the Tigers home all afternoon.
Adult fans will find activities geared at them, too. Question-and-answer sessions with club officials, coaches and players run each hour and have become a fan favorite. Autograph and photo opportunities run all afternoon.
More information will be announced as the event approaches.
TigerFest 2006 runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages 14 and under. To order, visit detroittigers.com, call 248-25-TIGER or visit the Joe Louis Arena box office.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers finalize signing of Rogers

12/12/2005
DETROIT -- The Tigers officially announced their two-year contract with free agent left-hander Kenny Rogers on Monday while also announcing they've traded former first-round draft pick Kenny Baugh to the Padres for Ricky Steik.
The Rogers deal has been in the news for the past few days. The contract will pay Rogers $16 million over two years to add his veteran presence and consistency to Detroit's otherwise young rotation, filling one of team president/GM Dave Dombrowski's two major offseason goals. The deal was essentially completed on Thursday afternoon, when Rogers passed a physical.
"The Tigers are extremely pleased to sign a pitcher with Kenny's ability," Dombrowski said in a statement. "He is a proven winner who made last year's All-Star team. In addition, he will provide a veteran presence for our young starting rotation."
By adding him for two years, Detroit essentially plugged the opening in its rotation long enough to allow top prospects Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya to gain more seasoning. Both of them will compete with Roman Colon, Jason Grilli, Wilfredo Ledezma and others for the role of fifth starter.
The 41-year-old Rogers is a veteran of 17 Major League seasons between the Rangers, Yankees, A's, Mets and Twins. He went 14-8 for Texas this past season, posting double digits in wins for the 13th time in his career.
For his career, Rogers is 4-1 with a 3.46 ERA in eight regular-season appearances at Comerica Park, six of them starts. That includes his most recent outing there on May 31, when he scattered a run on three hits in seven innings, striking out six.
Rogers earned notoriety this summer for a pregame incident with a Dallas television cameraman, prompting a suspension from Major League Baseball as well as legal action from the cameraman. He was booed at Comerica Park last July during the All-Star Game, where he was selected to the American League pitching staff over Tigers ace Jeremy Bonderman. However, many believe a fresh start will reveal the better side of Rogers, who will be the veteran leader of Detroit's rotation.
Rogers' consistent performance on the mound made him an attractive option for the Tigers and an alternative to other free agent starting pitchers who have wanted more money and/or longer contracts. His 3.46 ERA ranked seventh among AL starters last season, while he went 6-1 with a 2.01 ERA against the AL Central.
Baugh's trade ends his Tigers tenure without an appearance in Detroit. The 11th overall selection in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft underwent surgery a year later to repair a torn labrum and missed the entire 2002 season. He came back in 2003 and made a steady progression to the brink of the big leagues, capped by his role as an anchor in the rotation for this year's International League champions at Triple-A Toledo.
Baugh went 12-8 with a 4.09 ERA for the Mud Hens, allowing 159 hits over 165 1/3 innings, with a complete-game shutout. By season's end, however, the quick rise of Verlander and Zumaya had overshadowed him.
Steik, a seventh-round pick in the 2004 draft, spent this past season as a right-handed reliever at Class A Fort Wayne, where he posted a 2.40 ERA and struck out 53 batters in 60 innings.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Scenery changed, Rogers rejuvenated

12/12/2005
Kenny Rogers didn't make the snap judgment on Detroit that many free agents do. He hopes the fans in Detroit can do the same when looking at him.
The Tigers introduced their newest starting pitcher via conference call with local writers on Monday afternoon after agreeing to terms with Rogers on a two-year, $16 million contract on Thursday. He did not try to run from his past, nor would he characterize his new deal as a fresh start after his last season in Texas was marked by contract talk and a confrontation with a television cameraman. Instead, he thanked the Tigers for looking at his career as a whole rather than one incident.
"On the field, everyone knows what I'm all about," Rogers said. "That hasn't changed, nor will it ever change. I don't apologize for being the type of guy I am. I have many quirks, without a doubt. I would hope people would get to know me, see what I'm all about, see what type of person I am and make their own decisions. That's what I try to do."
What the Tigers saw was one of the better track records available on the free agent market. Rogers' 14-8 record last season earned him his 13th double-digit win season in his 17-year career. His 190 victories rank him 11th among active Major League pitchers. He's coming off the lowest ERA (3.46) in seven years and the third-lowest WHIP ratio (1.32) of his career.
The flip side of that track record, of course, is that he's 41 years old. Given Rogers' recent stats and his reputation for work ethic, the Tigers believe he has something left.
"I think what everybody is missing, the point here, is Kenny Rogers made the All-Star team in the American League," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "We're getting a pretty good pitcher here. He brings a lot to the party."
The city is well aware of Rogers' All-Star appearance. The last time Rogers pitched in Comerica Park, he was booed when introduced and cheered when he gave up hits. Many fans resented him for what they saw was an All-Star spot earned over Tigers staff ace Jeremy Bonderman. The other reason, of course, was the aforementioned incident, when he shoved two cameramen while taking the field for batting practice back in June. Major League Baseball suspended him 20 games for the altercation before an arbitrator reduced the penalty to 13 games.
Rogers knows that's how many people will remember him, but he isn't going to let it define him.
"It doesn't bother me," he said. "For the most part it's not, the first mistake I've made in my life. I've made many and I don't profess to be anywhere close to perfect. So it's not something I dwell on, and I think the people who know me have no doubt what type of guy I am. I hope the fans see what type of guy I am and what I'm all about, and make their decisions from there."
Until that incident, Rogers had a pretty solid reputation as a veteran leader. The worst he was known for was a couple of postseason hiccups during his younger days.
President/general manager Dave Dombrowski liked Rogers enough to pursue him as a free agent two years ago, but Rogers wanted to stay with Texas then.
That's how the Tigers see him now, and that's part of what appealed to Rogers.
"As I spoke with [Leyland] and [scout] Dick Egan and the staff, I felt very comfortable and also very confident that their personalities meshed with mine," Rogers said. "I think they accorded me a certain amount of respect that I appreciated greatly."
Said Leyland: "I just want Kenny to be himself. I hope our young pitchers have enough common sense to ask Kenny a lot of questions. I think we got a tremendous deal here. We just don't call Kenny up and say we'd like to sign him. We did our research. I think we got an outstanding pitcher and an outstanding person."
Rogers should have the experience to give some answers. He's more than a dozen years older than any of the other three pitchers currently in Detroit's rotation -- Mike Maroth, Jeremy Bonderman and Nate Robertson -- and has over 1,000 more career innings than the trio combined. Rogers said he knows a decent amount about them from watching them in the other dugout the past few years.
In turn, Rogers believes he can gain something from them -- at the very least, energy level.
"They all have a lot of upside," Rogers said. "I wish I had that kind of upside still. I think getting around those guys and seeing their routine could benefit me, too. I'm trying to pick their brains just as they're trying to pick mine. I never try to force what my kind of thinking is on everyone. It's valuable experience they have at the young age they're at."
If they can learn some of what Rogers knows now, all the better.
"I think for the type of pitcher I am now lends itself to being consistent, and I think that adds to my success," Rogers said. "I do know how to locate, I do know how to pitch, and I do know to change speeds. I guess it's something I learned later in my career, but it's something that has benefited me greatly. I feel like I have plenty of years left as long as I'm willing to compete."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Infante filling big role for Oriente

12/16/2005
Omar Infante's winter season is going a little like his Major League season, an offensive roller coaster with plenty of promise but not enough consistency.
The regular seasons are beginning to wind down for the winter leagues, though more Tigers are playing now than before Thanksgiving. None has played more regularly than the 23-year-old Infante, who again fills a big role for the Venezuelan League's Oriente Caribes.
Infante entered this week batting .264 with five home runs and 15 RBIs, playing almost exclusively at shortstop, but that only tells part of the story. His season has featured peaks and valleys, as he has jumped between the top and bottom of the lineup and was even knocked out of play for a week at the start of the month. A week ago, for instance, he brought his average up to .295 before four consecutive hitless games knocked him down a few pegs.
Much of Infante's run production came during a hot start early in the Venezuelan season. He has just five RBIs since Nov. 3, and two of them came on solo home runs. Interestingly, he's scored more runs during that period, even during the stretches when he batted ninth in the order. He scored seven runs during a four-game stretch, including a three-run effort Nov. 23. He has helped Oriente become an offensive powerhouse this season.
While Infante's home run power has been relatively modest, he has pounded out more than his share of doubles. He had four of them over a four-game stretch in mid-November, two of them in the first game of a doubleheader.
Infante is the only Tigers regular position player still playing winter ball. Outfielder Curtis Granderson returned home earlier this month from the Dominican League, having hit .194 with one home run and eight RBIs in 21 games for Licey. But despite the low batting average, he managed a .326 on-base percentage thanks to 14 walks, which actually matched his hit total for the winter campaign.
Another Tiger has just started his Dominican season. Fernando Rodney has been a vital part of Escogido's bullpen over the last few years, but he decided not to play a full season this winter so he could rest his arm. Considering he returned to action this year after Tommy John surgery in 2004, it was a decision the Tigers supported.
Rodney returned to Escogido this month with a scoreless inning of work Dec. 9. He made his second appearance of winter Tuesday and took the loss, allowing the go-ahead run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings.
Rodney is joined by a couple of familiar faces on the Escogido pitching staff. Roman Colon is a regular member of the rotation, and has posted a 4.07 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 17 2/3 innings through Friday. He had a stellar performance Wednesday, allowing an unearned run with seven strikeouts over six innings. He allowed two runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 innings in a rougher outing Dec. 1, but still tallied five strikeouts.
Franklyn German has had a much rougher season out of the bullpen for Escogido. He entered the week with a 23.60 ERA, having allowed seven runs on 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings over four appearances. He has three walks and two strikeouts.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Any more moves?

12/14/2005
Although the Tigers got their two biggest needs filled, they still need a lefty reliever. Do you see them trying a trade or signing one to bring one in or rely on someone in the system?-- Richard Z., Lansing
I think they still have a lot of options. The problem is that the crop of lefties still on the free agent market isn't great. They could wrestle a lefty from another club as part of a Carlos Pena trade, but I think the most likely option is that they'll sign another reliever to a camp invite and let him compete with Bobby Seay, Hector Mercado and Wilfredo Ledezma. Given how much the Tigers value Ledezma and how many other options they have for a fifth starter, my pick would be Ledezma.
I haven't heard anything lately on the progress of Troy Percival's rehabilitation. Are the Tigers even remotely optimistic that he can contribute in mid-2006? The two-year contract he signed for $12 million last winter seems like a bargain when compared to the contracts being signed this year by even less established closers. Had he only been able to stay healthy ... -- Tyler R., La Maddalena, Italy
Amazing how that contract suddenly looks economical a year later, isn't it? But no, I don't think anybody with the Tigers is expecting to have Percival back. Even if he pulled it off, the history of his type of arm trouble suggests he wouldn't be throwing anywhere near as hard as he was before.
With Miguel Tejada requesting a trade from the Orioles, any chance of the Tigers making a move for him? It seems like we could put him at shortstop, move Carlos Guillen to third and return Brandon Inge to the super utility role. Any inkling that they are thinking of doing that?-- Craig W., Millington, Mich.
No inkling. Tejada has come back to say he never demanded a trade, no doubt after the Orioles had a good talk with him. If Tejada were to be traded, though, it won't be to Detroit. He showed no interest at listening to the Tigers when he was a free agent two years ago. Assuming he has any sort of no-trade clause, I'm pretty sure Detroit is on it.
Where does Vincent Blue fit in the Tigers' future plans? I know he's a burner who appears to be progressing well by looking at his stats. Does he have a legitimate shot at making the Major League club in the next few years?-- Jeff S., Edinburg, Texas
Right now, Blue looks like he's on a similar track as Nook Logan a few years back. He showed some progress as a hitter this year, but he's still very raw in terms of putting his speed to use offensively. He has to steal bases more efficiently and he has to find a way to leg out more extra-base hits. I think he's at least a couple years away from thinking about the Major Leagues.
Is it all rumors for rumors' sake (Marlins, Padres, Cubs, etc.), or have I missed something in the fact that Curtis Granderson's name keeps popping up in possible Tigers trades? Is there a defensive liability? Or, again, is this all idle chatter?-- George, K., Defiance, Ohio
From what I can tell, this is more a matter of other teams showing interest in getting Granderson than the Tigers having interest in trading Granderson. For instance, just because the Diamondbacks were rumored to be close at one time to trading Javier Vazquez to Detroit for Granderson and Joel Zumaya doesn't mean the Tigers were willing to do it. One thing to keep in mind about rumors, especially the first time they appear, is that they can often show one team's thinking rather than something both teams agree about.
How could the Tigers release Jason Johnson? The guy had his best year. I have the MLB channel and watched almost all of his starts. How many times did he get to the eighth inning and get no offensive support? His record should have been much better, but it seemed the offense fell asleep when he pitched. I thought he was without a doubt the Tigers' best starter last year. I guess it is his age or money issues that leave the Tigers in a position to release him. I think it is a shame for a guy who had the year he had. Hopefully he'll get a chance in another organization that will respect what he brings to the game. You have a chance to win when he is pitching.-- Larry L., Piedmont, S.C.
The Tigers only wanted him back under a one-year contract at their terms, while Johnson is seeking a multi-year deal. That translates into the Tigers only being interested in bringing him back if it's at a bargain price, which isn't going to happen in this year's market if your agent is worth his commission. The team made up its mind a while back that it wanted to have someone more established in their rotation. Though Johnson had a better season than his stats show, like you said, he never showed the ability to pull out games without help or post great outings when he wasn't pitching his best. I think Johnson will get a good deal somewhere, and I believe he's a great fit as a third or fourth starter on a team with a good supporting cast. I don't believe he fits as a front-line starter on a team with a losing record.
Everyone keeps saying we might get Manny Ramirez or Johnny Damon. Do you think we will get either? And if we do, who would we trade? Or do you think manager Jim Leyland just wants to focus on first base and pitching?-- Katti S., Bad Axe, Mich.
Not going to happen. The Damon rumor is one of the most misguided rumors of the offseason, and Ramirez would be a disaster waiting to happen in Detroit.
What are the Tigers' plans for Marcus Thames? Every time he's been called up, he's shown plenty of power, which the Tigers have lacked. Will he even make the Major League team to possibly have a chance of having an everyday spot on the team?-- Sam O., Lansing
If Leyland follows through with his plan for a seven-man bullpen and the Tigers don't trade Carlos Pena, it doesn't bode well for Thames making the big league club. Detroit would have just four bench spots, and they'd pretty much all be accounted for -- Vance Wilson, Omar Infante, Pena and Logan or Granderson as the extra outfielder. Thames can hit for a world of power, but he hasn't shown the ability to hit Major League pitching on an everyday basis. He's also a right-handed slugger, something the Tigers already have in abundance.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/