Tigers sign the million dollar man

Two down, only one more opening to go. Dave Dombrowski really must like to roll the dice in vegas. Only 24 hours into the Winter meetings, and he is bringing back two players with him to  Detroit. Overall, I would say not a bad dad day for the Tigers. Adam Everett comes at a real cheap cost.

Sure the day I have final exams all night, is the day the Tigers make these two strong moves that could sure up the offense and defense for teh upcoming season.

What do I think of these moves? Let me just say that I am now a little less tentative when Dave Dombrowski is about to pull the trigger. To get two “starters” for the price of one top ten prospect, a million dollars (plus incentives) and a seventeen year old who hasn’t  yet pitched in the United States. I haven’t been this excited in a while. I am actually a little scared at the excitement in myself. It must be all these textbooks buried in  my face. Anyways after today’s work, here are the questions I keep asking myself.

1.) Will Gerald Laird really be a full timer?–

As you already know, Laird told MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan that he is excited to play everyday.

"“I’m excited,” Laird said. “I get to play every day. Nothing against the Rangers, I love every one of them. I love all those players, I came up with a lot of them. But now I get a change of scenery and do my thing. Play every day.”"

Honestly, I don’t believe that Dusty Ryan is ready for the show. His numbers this summer are just not up to par with a prospect of his level. Currently in 15 games in Puerto Rico, he is hitting .163 with 20 strikeouts in 49 at bats. In 82 games last season with AA Erie, Ryan only hit .253 with 95 strikeouts. I really believe that he is one of the most hyped players in the system. A lot of pressure has been put on him to succeed in a long time. I honestly think by mid-season, he could be finding his way in some more tune up action in AAA. Especially if he is the catcher of the future. So Mr. Laird, I think you might be right. The full time job is yours to lose.

2.) What is next for Management?–

Well, it obviously has to be either a starter or a reliever. Is Kerry Wood the target? He has to be on the radar, but at this juncture, his market has not  developed. So should they just sit on their hands for a while? Of course not.

In a dream world, Dombrowski and company would think about adding another reliever to the mix. Talks are starting to heat up out there. One thing that I have been constant with, is my opinion on lefties. Both Clay Rapada and Bobby Seay should be the lefties that the Tigers go with in ’08. If for some reason neither of these guys get the job done, could it be possible we see Nate Robertson converted to a short reliever? He has the stuff for it. If they feel that is the case. So the target should be another righty to compliment that closers role. Some names to watch out for should include Guillermo Mota, Jason Isringhausen (who could come cheaper than expected), Dennys Reyes, and  Luis Alaya among others.

3. Is the search for hitting over?-

I just wonder if this is all the Tigers plan to work on beyond pitching this off-season. I think it is possible we could see them go after cheap bench players, or depth at AAA. You have to assume that this is it though. Where else can they find room on the roster? The outfield is full (Thames, Thomas, Ordonez, Guillen, Joyce, Thames). The infield is packed.