Detroit Tigers: 4 mistakes from last offseason that Scott Harris can't repeat

Being afraid to spend

Yeah, you all knew this was coming. Everything we've discussed up to this point comes back to spending money on this team.

Harris has said time and time again that he has the resources to put a winning team on the field. Yet, he doesn't really use all of them. It almost feels like he's trying to prove to everyone that he can field a winning team with a low payroll.

All this talk about how "they can't spend to build a core," when Dave Dombrowski has done just that with at least three different teams now, and how "spending can set the team back," ($$$) when Harris hasn't even tried spending a significant amount of money yet.

Well, here's his chance.

The Tigers have a ton of payroll room to work with this offseason. They could sign two big name free agents — let's say Matt Chapman and Aaron Nola for simplicity sake — and still have plenty of money left over.

Harris could also take on a big contract via trade. Manny Machado could be available this offseason, as the Padres are trying to shed payroll. He doesn't have to spend big on the free agent market.

One of my biggest criticisms of Harris was that he hasn't taken any risks. He talked about taking calculated risks at his opening press conference, but has yet to take any real risks at all.

It's time to change that. Harris can't be afraid to make a wrong move. This team will stay mediocre for a long time if he keeps trying to play it safe.

It's time to be aggressive. Make some moves. Sign a big name in free agency. Do something, ANYTHING bold. This team cannot afford another boring offseason.