Contracts, Roster Management

Pena tendered

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Carlos Pena, Jeremy Bonderman, Mike Maroth, Brandon Inge, and Craig Monroe were all tendered contracts by the Tigers. Midnight last night was the deadline for teams to offer contracts to players who were arbitration eligible, but not free agent eligible (those with between 3 and 6 years of Major League service time).

Now the question becomes which of that group, if any, receive long term deals. The advantage of signing a player to a long term contract at this point, is that you could secure the player’s first year or two of free agency, and perhaps save some money. The downside for the club is that they will probably have to pay a little more in the early years of the contract than they would going to arbitration each year. Also, they are locked into a long term contract when a series of one year deals would have been possible. From the player’s perspective they may give up some money at the end of the contract, to get a guaranteed 4 year deal.

Of the group, I’d say that Jeremy Bonderman would be the most likely to receive that long term deal. Given that Bonderman hasn’t been ace-like for an entire season yet, it may be cheaper to lock him up before that special season comes along. Also, with the escalation in pitcher salaries, locking him up at a lower rate now my be advantageous.

UPDATE: Here is a complete list of non-tenders from around the league.

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Suggested Reading and Sadness

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All’s quiet in Tiger land, and looks to remain that way. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the tender deadline, and really the only player in question for Detroit is Carlos Pena. I fully expect the Tigers to offer Pena a contract, because if they weren’t planning on it they could have actually retained a player in the Rule 5 draft. Plus, Pena is too good to let walk – although a previous regime let Tony Clark go for nothing.

Other arbitration eligible players such as Brandon Inge, Craig Monroe, and Mike Maroth will most assuredly be offered contracts.

Although things are relatively quiet, my fellow bloggers are keeping things interesting. Brian has posted a tidy recap of the Tiger’s 1901 season. Fortunately there are a lot of Tiger seasons so if Brian gets favorable reviews he might do this some more.

And if you want to get geeky instead of historical, Lee continues his series looking at run production.

Don
Finally, for those who were curious about the family situation I mentioned on Friday, my father-in-law passed away rather unexpectedly. He had some health issues, but his passing took everyone by surprise.

While Don didn’t read this site, he wasn’t so much a computer guy, he was a huge baseball fan. Like so many from his generation and the Detroit area, he spent the majority of summer months with Ernie Harwell plugged into his ear.

During the visitation, one of Don’s old high school classmates reminisced that “Don was a heck of a pitcher, probably the best player on our team.” Don instilled jis love of baseball (and many, many, more admirable traits) in his two sons, and his youngest daughter (aka Mrs. Billfer) who all played as kids.

Don had a tremendous work ethic, and it was a race to see what would happen first, retirement or age 70 – 70 won. Don didn’t argue, but he didn’t give in. He spoke volumes without saying hardly anything. He didn’t ask for help, but always offered it. In short a great man.

After suffering several strokes, Don was relegated to a wheel chair and while his mind was intact, his speech wasn’t. For a proud, self-sufficient man the last couple years were probably very difficult for him, even moreso because he couldn’t communicate. Ultimately, he’s happier now in heaven with his wife who passed away just last year, but it doesn’t mean that those he left behind aren’t hurting.

Thank you for reading this, learning a little bit about Don, and indulging me this off-topic post.

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Weekend Open Thread

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Due to some family related issues, I probably won’t be posting this weekend. However, I had a couple of things to cover:

1. Based on feedback I changed the look of the comments, they should be easier to read and they now match the site colors.

2. I’m in need of help with CSS for the redesign (it’s not massive). I think I get it all figured out, but then it doesn’t work in IE. So I fix it in IE, and break it in Firefox. I’m just not bright enough and have spent too much time with trial and error. If you are a wiz with floats and such and would be willing to donate 30 minutes to help me, please email me at bill@detroittigersweblog.com

Finally, while I said this was an open thread I’ll suggest a topic:
Based on comments others have made in various posts, what about Nomar Garciaparra? Is he worth Kenny Rogers money (as Tim put it)? Do you guarantee a second year or work out a vesting option (be wary based on what happened with Dmitri Young)? Is it worth having him if it means giving up Carlos Pena?

Roster Management

On Vance Wilson Resigning…

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Earlier in the week, Vance Wilson agreed to a one year contract for $750,000. While I hold no grudge against Vance, I’m less than enthused from a roster management stand point. I know it’s not a popular viewpoint, but I’d rather see Brandon Inge resume backup catcher duties.

Now there is nothing wrong with Vance Wilson as the backup catcher. He plays solid defense, the pitching staff seemed comfortable with him, and by all accounts he was the ultimate team player. Any chubby white guy who will break dance in the dugout gets my admiration. He had a very poor year offensively, but teams don’t typically carry a backup catcher for their sticks. But wouldn’t it be great if a team didn’t need to explicitly carry a backup catcher?

Well, the Tigers have that luxury in Brandon Inge. Inge could still be the main thirdbase man, and also backup Pudge. Omar Infante, could be the extra infielder on days when Inge is behind the plate. Infante, who has talent and is still young, needs playing time. The Tigers (and Infante) need to find out if Omar’s 2004 season was a glimpse at his potential or an abberration. When Inge catches the Tigers would be giving up some defense at third, while gaining some behind the plate.

But then there is the whole, “Brandon Inge can’t hit when he’s catching” belief. With the way Inge started last year, I had even begun to buy into the theory. However, his 236/282/400 line after the All Star break has me doubting that theory. I’m pretty sure Brandon could hit that well even as a catcher, which would be a mild upgrade over Wilson. With Omar taking Brandon’s at-bats at third (or essentially taking Wilson’s at-bats) it stands to be a slight net offensive gain.

Then there is the matter of roster configuration. The Tigers have 3 first base/DH types, which is tough to carry on a roster. By utlizing Inge’s versatility and freeing up the backup catcher position, it would make it easier for both Dmitri Young and Carlos Pena to come back. If it came down to keeping one of Pena/Young or Vance Wilson, I’d have to go with Pena/Young.

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Mike Illitch Talks

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An interview with Mike Illitch was circulating on AP today (oddly enough though not in Detroit papers). In the interview Illitch concedes he screwed up in his GM hirings when he bought the team after Bill Lajoie said no. He also concedes that he’s not happy with his tenure.

“I’m running out of time with the Tigers – we’re in our 13th year,” Ilitch said Tuesday in an interview with The Associated Press. “If we hit the 15-year mark, I’ll be very concerned.”

Illitch has taken a lot of criticism for his ownership of the Tigers. Quite frankly given the team’s record it is deserved. When he clamped down the payroll after the 2000 season he rightly took a lot of flack. The team seemed to be changing direction each year. However, the criticism that he doesn’t care about the Tigers isn’t fair. Given his spending the last 3 offseason it is clear he was embarrased by the disaster that was 2003.

The article concludes with Illitch wanting to spend more money – if the team is competitive:

“If we can make a significant improvement this year, then I can treat it like I treated the Red Wings, and that would be, `OK, you’ve shown me something now, we are legitimate contenders, so whatever you need you’re going to get.’ But you’ve got to work yourself up to that,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of tradition and we’ve got a lot of baseball fans out there just waiting for something good for the city and baseball.”

Bases Contributed Percentage
New Tiger blog Tiger Town is playing with a new stat called bases contributed percentage. The stat combines baserunning with other offensive metrics to provide a more complete picture. Amongst Tigers Chris Shelton still fairs best followed by Carlos Pena and Curtis Granderson. My only quibble with the stat is that Ron removes HBP. Considering it is an offensive event, that some players are more adept at I think it should probably be included.

In any case, it is great to see so much fresh Tiger writing.

Minors, Roster Management

Kenny Baugh Traded

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Former Detroit Tiger first round pick Kenny Baugh was traded today to the San Diego Padres. In return they get low A pitcher Ricky Steik. Steik had a 2.40 ERA as a 21 year old in the Midwest League last year. He had 7.95 K/9IP against 3.6 BB/9IP. Steik was a 7th round selection in the 2004 draft.

As for Baugh, I’m kind of surprised to see him traded. I believe he had one option left. If that was the case he could have stayed in Toledo next year. I know he’s not the same pitcher that the Tigers drafted, but he was effective last year. I thought he could have at least earned a shot as a long starter.

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Soliciting Feedback

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Typically once a year I try and get feedback about the site. I realized I hadn’t done that this year, so here’s your chance to rip me or praise me.

I’m currently working on a redesign, so any comments related to layout would be appreciated. What do you like about the current layout, what don’t you like? Do you mind that there are ads on the site? Are they too prominent or don’t you notice them? Is the site readable? Is the text to big or too small? Is navigation easy or not the least bit intuitive? And any other comments are appreciated as well.

Also, I’d love to know what you think of the content. What are your favorite types of posts? Would you prefer I did more short posts, or do you like it better when I save up a couple days worth of things? Do you like the numbers-heavy posts or simply the commentary.

As always, I won’t promise that I’ll implement everything that gets suggested. However, I appreciate all of you and value your opinions. I also take a lot of pride in the site, and want to make it as useful to the reader as possible.

Thanks for indulging me in this non-baseball activity. Feel free to leave any comments, or if you’d prefer you can email me at bill at detroittigersweblog.com. And in case you were wondering, here is the design I’m currently working on:

Contracts

About Payroll Flexibility

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When I interviewed Dave Dombrowski last January, one question asked was about payroll flexiblity. At the time, the Tigers only had 3 players signed beyond 2005, Ivan Rodriguez, Troy Percival, and Carlos Guillen (Magglio Ordonez had yet to sign, and Dmitri Young had the vesting option). Since then the Tigers have locked up additional players, and lost some of their flexiblity.

So far the Tigers have $65 million commited to 10 players in 2006. Of those 10 players, one of them probably will never throw a pitch (Troy Percival), and the other isn’t even a lock to make the roster (Justin Verlander). The Tigers also have 3 players who are in line for hefty raises in Craig Monroe, Mike Maroth, and Jeremy Bonderman. The trio will probably fetch $10 million between them easily – especially with the contracts given to starting pichers this year. Essentially the Tigers will be paying $75 million for half a roster.

In 2007 things are a little better. Dmitri Young’s salary comes off the books (assuming the team doesn’t pick up the $7 million option, as does Troy Percival’s. But even with that relief the committed payroll is $47 million. By that time, Nate Robertson, Fernando Rodney, Franklyn German, Omar Infante, and probably Chris Shelton, will join the arbitration ranks, and hopefully Bonderman will have shown enough to warrant $5 million a year.

Going forward another year to 2008 probably isn’t worthwhile because I’m not sure how much roster continuity you can count on, but we’ll do it anyways. In 2008 the Tigers only have Placido Polanco, Magglio Ordonez, and Justin Verlander. Pudge has a $13 million team option with a $3 million buyout. Bonderman will be in his last year before free agency, and Joel Zumaya and Curtis Granderson will be in their last years of indentured servitude.

Next year will be expensive for the Tigers, and 2007 won’t be a picnic either. However, they are well positioned to take on contracts in 2008. In addition, if the promise of the 2005 draft class at least partially fulfills itself, there could be a nice mix of cheap young talent and established homegrown talent. I don’t know how this compares to other teams, but things look promising.

And that is what I like about the Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones contracts. I think both are on the steep side – especially given their ages. However, any pain is in the short term. Detroit isn’t hooked into long, potentially crippling contracts. Afterall, they already have one of those with Ordonez.

I don’t think I’ve sat down and looked 3 years out at the Tigers before, but I have to say I’m encouraged. I know another year of development doesn’t sound promising to Tiger fans, but 5/50 contracts aren’t the answer.

Contracts, Free Agents, Roster Management

Kenny Rogers the Signer

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I wish I could have posted this earlier (darn day job), but as everybody has heard Kenny Rogers is a Detroit Tiger pending a physical. The deal is for $16 million over two year, which is line with other contracts. That said, I’m not thrilled.

Rogers has been fairly durable throwing over 190 innings each of the last 4 years. Last year he did a remarkable job preventing homers (only 15) despite pitching in the launching pad that is Texas. However, he also saw his strikeout rate drop to 4.02/9IP. While I expect the Tigers infield defense to be solid next year, that still amounts to a ton of outs left up to fielders. While his 3.46 ERA last year was impressive, his 4.30 DIPS ERA is rather average. I guess the good news is that the Tigers have two of the best pickoff pitchers (Maroth also) in the majors now.

My other issue with this signing and the to a lesser extent the Todd Jones signing, is the age. Rogers is 41 and Jones will be 38. For a team that was severely hampered by injuries last year, Detroit has increased that the chances of that happening again. Luckily the contracts are short term.

In terms of payroll, the Tigers had approximately $18 million come off the books with the departures of Fernando Vina, Bobby Higginson, Rondell White, and Jason Johnson. With these signings the Tigers are $3-$4 million below last year’s payroll. However, Magglio Ordonez goes to $15 million, and the Tigers contingent of arbitration eligible players are inline for big raises (especially Jeremy Bonderman given the starting pitching contracts). I won’t worry about this too much because so far the Tigers heavy investments the last few years haven’t precluded them for investing in scouting and development, or in purusing additional players.

No Offer for Johnson
In what may be the most disappointing move of the last two days, the Tigers decided not to offer arbitration to Jason Johnson. Johnson was very unlikely to have accepted, and even if he had accepted he would have provided similar production at a simliar price as Kenny Rogers. By failing to offer arbitration the Tigers gave up a shot at an additional first or second round draft pick.

Tiger Town
There’s another new Tiger blog – Tiger Town.

Uncategorized

Blogger Hiccups

1 Comment

I apologize for the technical difficulties regarding the Todd Jones post. Blogger was acting up last night, and things got screwed up. Also, if you left comments on one of the superflous posts, those were obliterated also. Again – sorry about that.

But a comment that was posted was that Todd Jones was not offered arbitration so the Tigers will not have to cough up a draft pick.

Contracts, Free Agents, Trade Rumors, Uncategorized

Tigers get Todd Jones

5 Comments

The Detroit News is reporting that the Detroit Tigers have reached an agreement with Todd Jones. It is reportedly a two year deal (Tim points out in the comments it is rumored to be $8-10 million which seems like a lot to me). Jones was quite good last year as he halved his walk rate (1.7) and struck out 7.8/9IP. Most impressive may have been that he allowed only 2 home runs in 73 innings pitched. Granted he was in a park that limits homers, but he’ll be moving to a park that limits homers as well.

While his numbers were better across the board last year, the strength in his strikeouts, walks, and homers, indicates that it probably wasn’t all luck.

Jones is a likable guy who may be a good influence in the bullpen. Matt Anderson’s best season came when he took over closer duties from Jones in 2001. Maybe he can have a similar effect on Fernando Rodney.

The timing is a little curious in that Florida probably wasn’t going to offer arbitration to Jones by midnight tonight. If the deal is closed before midnight, or if the Marlins in fact do offer arbitration, the Tigers will lose a 2nd round draft pick.

Granderson in demand
First there were the rumors about Curtis Granderson to Florida for Josh Beckett. Then it was Granderson in the Javier Vazquez deal. Now it appears that the Red Sox are interested in Curtis as well. At least it further validates Tiger fans’ hope that Granderson is the real deal.

Minors, Roster Management, Trade Rumors

Winter Meeting Roundup

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The Tigers have yet to make a move at the winter meetings, but according to various reports, that hasn’t been their choice.

In what was probably the biggest news (ESPN insider) Javier Vasquez invoked his no-trade clause to block a trade between the Diamondbacks and Tigers. According to Peter Gammons the Tigers were prepared to send Joel Zumaya and Curtis Granderson to Arizona. My first reaction was thank you Javy. I’m a big fan of Granderson, and Zumaya’s future certainly looks bright. Upon a little bit of reflection though, I think that most Tiger fans would be very satisfied if Joel Zumaya ended up being the pitcher that Vazquez is today, yet there is no guarantee. To give up a pitcher of Vazquez’s ability the Diamondbacks would probably demand a player who could contribute today (Granderson) as well as a prospect. The price tag isn’t ridiculous. A lot of fans have called for a top of the rotation starter – and those have a high price.

However, I’m still glad that the trade didn’t happen. First, both Granderson and Zumaya are years away from arbitration, yet alone free agency. Vazquez is signed for the next two seasons for $23 million, which isn’t cheap even in today’s climate. Second, as a long suffering fan I’ve been waiting for the farm system to produce something. I want to see these guys succeed and for them to do it in a Detroit uniform. Third, while the price may have been fair, I still think it would have been a better deal for the Diamondbacks.

The other thing to remember is that just because this trade didn’t happen, it wouldn’t surprise me if Dave Dombrowski has received calls from other GM’s willing to part with pitchers for a Granderson/Zumaya package (ie Billy Beane offering up Zito).

(UPDATE: Dave Dombrowski and Josh Byrnes have denied all reports, acknowledging there was trade talk but that it never got to the point of Vazquez. Dombrowski said, “And I don’t mean to downplay [Vazquez] at all, but that is not an appealing situation for us.”

I don’t think it was an appealing situation for any of us. Phew.)

In addition to the Vazquez news, there was a report that the Tigers and Mets had discussions regarding Pudge Rodriguez. Talks broke down when the Tigers demanded too much. I consider this to be good news. I don’t think the Tigers should trade Rodriguez, because I don’t think they would get fair value with him coming off of a rough season. And while his contract has been mentioned as prohibitive, there are only two years left on it, making it much more manageable.

Rule 5 Primer
With the Tigers dropping Ryan Raburn, they are now able to participate in the Rule 5 draft. If you want to read up on who the Tigers might select, head over to Baseball Analysts where they break down some likely selections (incidentally no current Tiger minor leaguers are listed).

Arbitration Deadline
December 7th is also the deadline for teams to offer arbitration to potential free agents. In the Tigers case this may mean offers to Rondell White and Jason Johnson. Given the way the offseason is going, I’d be surprised if the Tigers don’t offer Johnson arbitration. If he accepts the Tigers have a league average inning eater for one season, and at a somewhat reasonable price. If he declines they get a draft pick. I’d imagine that Johnson is likely to decline arbitration given the fact the can get a multi-year deal. White may be more likely to accept because a one year deal will give him a chance to prove his shoulder is healed. The trouble is the Tigers don’t really have room for him.

Erie’s Coaching Staff
The Tigers announced that the coaching staff at AA Erie will return next year.

News, views, and analysis on the Detroit Tigers and baseball