Detroit Tigers: Eyebrow-Raising Transactions #10-1

Jul 26, 2015; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame Inductee John Smoltz puts on a wig to combat all the comments about how he has no hair during his acceptance speech during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 4, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Servicemen line the infield before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Luis Salazar

In 1989, Sparky Anderson was still managing the Tigers and he appreciated the work of Luis Salazar. He was even quoted as saying: “I never thought we’d (1988 Detroit Tigers) get this much out of him (Luis Salazar). We wouldn’t even be a .500 club without him.” With the gracious appreciation that Salazar received from Anderson, it was odd when the Tigers decided to trade him for utility man Mike Brumley during spring training of 1989.

In 1988, Salazar batted .270/.305/.690. In 1989, Brumley batted .198/.251/.506. The Tigers traded Salazar, who finished the season with a low, but positive WAR for a player who finished the season with a negative WAR. The trade did not make sense and it still doesn’t. The only good thing about the trade was that Brumley left Detroit in 1990 in exchange for Larry Sheets, who also only last one year, but finished batting .261/.308/.710. It was all just ugly.

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