The Tigers are confusing me right now, and I just don’t know what to make of what’s happening.

First, there is the whole Carlos Pena thing. As Jeff asked, what is going on here? My guess is this is simply a hot streak. Of course he won’t hit multiple home runs every game, just like he wasn’t going to continue to be the .180 hitter he was when he was demoted. What’s most frustrating is that this is another glimpse at just how good Pena can be. The trouble is that all these glimpses seem to come in August.

Now I don’t subscribe to the theory that, “he only does it when it doesn’t mean anything.” Because at least for Pena, it does mean something. He’s essentially in a “walk year” so he is playing minimally for his next contract. Not to mention the guy is trying to earn playing time. He has pressure on him.

Now a couple days ago I said there was no way that he would be with the Tiger next year given his contract status. With all of one more game under his belt, I’m starting to question that a little bit. What if Pena really has figured something out? What if his time in Toledo has helped him the way that Inge’s demotion in 2003 helped Brandon? Could the Tigers end up regretting this move the way Minnesota regrets non-tendering David Ortiz? A one year deal for $2 million might be a gamble, but it wouldn’t be crippling to the organization. The question is whether or not you want to pay that much for a left handed bat off the bench/spot starter because I don’t want to see ABs taken away from Chris Shelton. I’m still on the side of letting him walk, but I’m willing to consider the other options.

In any case, Pena has been a big part of the 3 games he’s started so far, and regardless of what happens next year he’s helping the team win now. (without compromising Shelton’s playing time)

The other thing confusing me is the Cameron Maybin situation. John Lowe is reporting that under the direction of Mike Illitch the Tigers have pulled not only their $3.2 million offer, but the previous offer of $2.75 million as well.

While classes have started at Southern, it isn’t too late for Maybin to enroll so he still has some leverage – but why turn down that much money? Of course I’m not in the negotiations and everything is speculation, but I have to believe that the kid is getting some very bad advice. I understand wanting more money than what is slotted given the circumstances, but the Tigers came through with a suitable offer. Now his advisors appear to have lost out on three-quarters of a million of guaranteed money as well. I still believe a deal will get done, it’s just too bad that Maybin lost out on a year of development in the process.