Afternoon Delight: Wilson Reaction, Trade Thames? and Spring Training Schedule

Let’s just say that I am happy that the Tigers are dening the reports that they have acquired Jack Wilson. The Pirate shortstop was according to a report shipped out of the Steel City, right into the motor city. The same writer, Dan Graziano stated that the Tigers have denied the reports. He still believes that a deal could be put in place by the end of the weekend.

I just pray that it wont.

The same day that Edgar Renteria finally left us for good, the rumors that have haunted me the last few weeks are coming to life. It’s not that I am afraid that Wilson wont be a good fit, I am just perturbed by the fact that management feels Jack Wilson is that big of an upgrade over Ramon Santiago.

If this is truly the route that the front office is going, why not give Ramon a shot? The money spent could be used else where to bolster the pen, rotation, bench…. Anything. I would be happy if that money went toward buying the fireworks on weekends.

Another issue that scares me is that after searching far and wide (aka Alex Cora), The Tigers put together a fresh offer. Oh god, what does that mean? Are they really going to offer a prospect for Wilson? Even worse an infield prospect, considering its one of the weakest parts of the system. Giving up a Michael Hollimon, Wilkin Ramirez or Brent Clevlen or anyone near that worth would be foolish in my mind.

Another deal I could see was to make room on the forty man. What if they dealt this Casper Wells character with a Ryan Raburn?  I might be ok with that. Even though I still feel Ryan Raburn could contribute just as much as a Jack Wilson. Ok, enough of that rant, Let’s take look at some other news from across Tiger nation.

Tiger Notes:

• Bless You Boys talks about Joe Beimel today and how it is hard to understand why the Tigers are going after the lefty, considering Bobby Seay and Clay Rapada were decent last season. He notes that the Tigers should aim their money more at a Juan Cruz, or another power righty. I couldn’t agree more. Firstly, Clay Rapada was one of the best at stranding inherited runners in 2008. Of the 25 runners that were on base when he entered the game, only two scored. That is an excellent turnaround that many forget to note. Bobby Seay had a .93 SV/HLD percentage.

• How does Javier Vazquez being traded out of the AL Central affect the Tigers? Not too much. Detroit has hit him pretty well. In 2007, he held the Tigers to a .210 BAA, but in ’08 that bloated to .266. It seems that Chicago got a pretty good deal out of this. Brent Lillibridge could eventually move to third base in the future alonside Alexi Ramirez at short and Gordon Beckham at second.

• The Spot Starters thinks that Marcus Thames could be pretty good trade bait. He suggests maybe a  Jeff Keppinger or Jack Wilson. It is not a bad move. It’s hard to think that I might have to let go of one of my favorite Tigers. He just blasts those baseballs. You have to do, what you have to do though

• The Tigers have announced their spring training schedule. Check it out.

• Also check out this Dave Dombrowski Interview. Pretty good stuff. [via Bless You Boys]