The last day of a very active winter meetings for Tigers fans is upon us. A look at what took place yesterday and what may take place today follows.
- With all the medical records eventually checking out the trade became complete and the 3 GM’s had their press conference while Leyland fretted about the lack of a leadoff hitter and a lineup that is very right handed.
- The new Tigers met with the media and provided their thoughts on coming to Detroit. Phil Coke is prepared to start or relieve and Daniel Schlereth’s fiancée is from Michigan and the new in-laws were already Tigers fans.Meanwhile old Tiger Curtis Granderson talked about how hard it is to leave Detroit.
- Dusty Ryan and Freddy Dolsi were DFA’d to make room on the big league roster.
- Brandon Lyon signed a 3 year deal with the Astros leaving the Tigers to pursue Fernando Rodney or Kevin Gregg as closer options. J.J. Putz was also linked to the Tigers but he may end up with the White Sox instead.
- The Tigers are reportedly one of five teams interested in Scott Podsednik.
- The Rule 5 draft is this morning. The Tigers roster is full at 40 meaning they can’t participate, but they could still lose players.
This should be old hat by now, but here are all the ways to keep up with the Winter Meetings at DTW.
Couple of comments re: some of your bullet points – ‘Leyland concerned about not having a leadoff hitter’ – confirms how out of touch Mr. Leyland is, the Tigers have not had a decent leadoff hitter in years (Granderson was NOT a good leadoff hitter)
Lyon signs with the Astros – congrats on extracting $15M from the astros (and that tightwad Drayton McClain), but Brandon Minute Maid Park will not be kind to you… so don’t spend your $15M foolishly, you may need it to retire on.
Don’t overpay for Rodney – let him go to the Phillies if it means signing a 2-3 year contract for over $6M per year… he’s not worth it. Also, Fernando see and apply the same advice dispensed to Lyon, as your next big contract very well likely will be your last.
I’m just sick about losing Lyon, but my gosh, that’s a huge contract he got. Actually, I like Rodney, but not for 15 million. He’s probably looking for the big buck, too, and we’ll lose him. For cripes sakes, who’s gonna be our closer?
The Tigers can’t select somebody and then immediately cut somebody to make room? Or couldn’t they release somebody in the final minutes just before they pick if a player is available that they want?
Nope. You have to have room on your roster before the draft starts to play along. Otherwise it wouldn’t be fair to the teams selecting in front of you.
That really sucks, there goes my hope that we draft a catcher and then deal Laird. Well at least we have Audy Ciriaco protected, I’m sure teams would be chomping at the bit for him or Don Kelly.
Bill,
Great job covering the meetings. Really outstanding work. Thanks for keeping us all informed.
Ugh–the Red Sox just basically gave Mike Lowell to the Rangers (they are paying most of his salary)…which means they are signing Beltre, right?
Not that I’d want him for Detroit–I think he’s a good candidate for a “costs more than he’s worth” potential. Still–and they don’t seem to have to worry as much what a thing costs–I’m not looking forward to the prospect of Beltre leaving numerous dents in the Green Monstrosity…