From Transaction Analysis:
“Meanwhile, this is a roster clogged with a unique blend of DHs, utility men, and punchless corner infielders and outfielders.”

Well, the DT Weblog has moved to a new home for the time being. This is mostly because I wanted to go ad-free without paying anything. We’ll see how things work out at our new digs. I know the URL isn’t as friendly, but hopefully you’ll mark it as a favorite, or chances are you’re linking here from somewhere else anyways. This is all part of a bigger change when we’ll start actually posting again, we’ll have a new author or two, and a new look. Stay tuned

Chris Karhl’s Transaction Analysis has some nice things to say about some recent Tiger moves. Besides signing Anderson and Weaver for the next few years, they have made some nice waiver wire moves.

Peter Gammons lists Nate Cornejo as a rookie to watch on a team “that may surprise some people.” He also lists shortstop Omar Infante as a midseason name to remember.

So I attended TigerFest this year, and I was pretty disappointed. This was the first year that Tigerfest was held at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, and I believe it was also put on by a different company. My main problems with it was that it needed a bigger facility. Due to the size of the displays, and the sheer number of people it made it difficult to even move. In addition, the autograph system wasn’t very fan-friendly. When you entered you received a numbered ticket. The number on the ticket indicated when you could get in line for autographs. The problem was we were there about 40 minutes before we even heard them call numbers, and when they did our numbers were still over a thousand away. The last TigerFest I attended, Russ and I were able to get a half dozen autographs in about 2 hours.

All this being said, the Tigers did try to make it a good experience. I’m sure the size of the crowd surprised them as much as it surprised me. The area set up for the clinics seemed to be a decent size with quite a bit of bleacher seating. Also, just the fact they tried to appeal to the common fan was refreshing. So while I thought this years Tigerfest was a let down, hopefully they can take what they learned this year and make some improvements. If they hold it some place bigger, and improve the autograph system I think it could be a great event.

The Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: TIGERS PR 313-471-2000
www.detroittigers.com
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2002

TIGERS SIGN WEAVER TO FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT
Righthander Signed Through 2005 Season

DETROIT

Baseball Prospectus debunks The Legend of Jack Morris

In the Detroit News today…
-Todd Jones signed with Colorado
-Bryce Florie wasn’t offered a contract with Detroit so he signed with Oakland
-Nobody wants Deivi Cruz
-Richie Hebner is still digging graves

ESPN.com’s Hot Stove Heaters preview of the Tigers leaves us with little to hope for this season.

The Tigers have agreed to a one year contract with Robert Fick for $1.15 Million.

To recap, the Tigers will have Dean Palmer, Dmitri Young, Mitch Meluskey, Craig Paquette, and Robert Fick. How many DH’s do you really need on one team? Paquette looks like the best option at third, and Phil Garner told Young he would get plenty of action at first base. That leaves Mitch Meluskey to catch (frightening) and Robert Fick to play right field. That wouldn’t scare me too much as long as there was a legitimate centerfielder, which there isn’t. Palmer becomes the full time DH. I’m just not seeing this team in a much better position than last year.

The Tigers have released their 2002 Schedule. The home opener is April 5th against Cleveland.

After skipping the popular Tigerfest last year in favor of a hoittie-toittie party for suite holders, the Tiger have decided hold the popular event this year. It will take place on January 26th at the State Fairgrounds and the cost is $7 for adults and $5 for kids.
It’s nice to see the Tigers once again trying to cater to those fans who can’t afford suites.