Kerry Wood
Reliever/Closer
The Vitals:
Height: 6′5″
Weight: 211 Lbs
Born: 6/16/1977
Age: 32
 
Former closer Todd Jones put an Idea in my head in his latest article in The Sporting News. When asked about a few free agents, Kerry Wood’s name came up. He said that he thought Wood was a good candidate to take over his former title in Detroit, because “Jim Leyland knows how to protect relievers.” I thought, well well Mr. Jones, your career as a journalist might be heading somewhere.
Though Wood seems to be asking for a longer term deal than the Tigers want to explore, It seems like a good fit. [...]

In the offseason, the Tigers have let their center fielder roam freely through the streets of Beijing. And before he was too busy with that, Curtis Granderson was working as an analyst with TBS this post season. It must feel nice for the lead-off hitter to be able to do what he pleases. Especially after a 2008 campaign, in which management held him in check on the basebaths.
Last Season, Granderson was held to twelve stolen bases in sixteen attempts. Ever since getting the call to the big leagues, It seems that Granderson has been held in check. But is there [...]

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It’s quite clear that the Tigers are on the hunt for a shortstop. Those darn rumors have been spread across the last few weeks that possibly Jack Wilson will be on the move to a Comerica Park near you. We also heard that Julio Lugo could be coming to Detroit in a deal for either “defunked” starter Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson.
Management has also made it clear that defense is the top priority at the position. After what we saw on the field last year, that Obviously makes sense. But why do the Tigers need to go through trade to [...]

Twenty six saves later, and a Bronze medal around his neck, free agent Mudhens closer Blaine Neal could be looking for a major league contract. Neal had converted 17 of 17 save chances before the Olympic games. He never got the call to the parent organization in 2008, but his numbers speak louder than words.
If you haven’t heard his story, it also speaks volumes to Neal’s love of the game. Neal, who was drafted by the Marlins in ‘96 was considered to have one of the best power arms of his draft class. Now at the age of 30, he [...]

With big name free agent pitchers, such as CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Derek Lowe will demand a lot of money. It’s true that a Ben Sheets is intriguing. With intrique though, comes the price of a top tier free agent. Randy Johnson, though 45, could be a good addition to the Tiger rotation.
Monday, on TigerTalk, a show hosted by Dan Dickerson and Pat Caputo on 97.1 The Ticket, The topic of Randy Johnson came up and I was automatically bought into the idea. With Kenny Rogers not returning to the Tigers most likely, Johnson could be the elder statesman [...]

He was once one of the best starters in the japanese league. He led the league in strikeouts in 2002, 2004 and  2006. But since coming over to the Major Leagues, the starter has struggled. In 16 appearances and 13 starts, Igawa is 2-4 with a 6.66 ERA. Oh man, does this mean he could be the Devil in disguise? Maybe. But he could also be worth the shot.
Igawa throws a fastball that touches 92 MPH and has a great changeup that sits anywhere between 77-81 MPH. The major issue with Igawa seems to be his delivery. When his stuff [...]

At points last season, I was so frustrated with the play of Mr. Edgar Renteria (I’m sure we all were), that I wanted anyone to replace him at shortstop position. When Ramon Santiago did that though, I felt, at least in sperts, that he could be a capable starter on our squad? Was I way off Base? Who knows.
One thing that is clear though, is that Santiago took advantage of his at bats in 2008. The utility infielder put together a nice .411 On Base percentage and showed the ability to move runners on a consistent basis. He has good [...]