Winter Meetings Day 4: the closing
posted in 2007-08 offseason, Winter Meetings |Nothing much of excitement occurred for the Tigers on the final day of MLB’s Winter Meetings. Not that nothing happened.
The Tigers lost Randor Bierd, one of their players just outside of protection to the Rule 5 draft. Dave Dombrowski said the player was essentialy No. 41 on the list of 40 protected. The Orioles took advantage.
He had a 4-3 record and 2.93 ERA in 42 appearances between the two clubs. (Freep)
Tigers minor league expert Matt Wallace was disappointed in the loss at Take 75 North. It’s a tough time to be Matt. All he’s done the past few weeks or so is watch the players he writes about be traded out of the organization. Miller, Maybin, Jurrjens, Trahern, Badenhop, De La Cruz, Hernandez… man. It’s a good thing he did a position by position look this offseason so at least HE knows who’s left.
But I digress.
There were some players exchanged in the minor league portion of the draft, too. The Tigers lost two and gained two to break even.
Nothing new happened on the Inge front. There were some talks, as Ian recorded at Bless You Boys, but nothing concrete.
At Detroit Tigers Weblog, Bilfer looked at whether Cabrera should play in left field with Brandon Inge continuing at third with his superior defense. It turns out, Cabrera at third is still the best play but it’s almost a wash. (Lee looked at the same and concurred at Tiger Tales).
The Tigers also announced their spring schedule. I can never go down to Florida during February/March due to work, but some may find it worthwhile to glance and make plans!
Sphere It
Thanks for the link, Kurt. As for the trades, I’m a Tiger fan first so this is a very exciting time.
The minor leagues will still be very interesting this season. Hernandez and Maybin were the top position prospects, but they were also going to play the position that is a) most settled at the major league level and b) one of the easiest to find production.
I’m also very excited that they’re the only true position prospects the Tigers have lost this offseason.
Finally, there’s the fresh draftees to watch and a prospect is always just a good season away from showing up on the radar (see James Skelton).
I know you realize all these things, but all I keep reading is how the Tigers have submarined their farm system. I know it’s taken a hit, but the purpose of the farm is to provide help for the major league team when it’s needed. I think the Tigers’ farm system will still provide a lot of help to the big club in the next couple/few years.