Sabathia

[kingofdetroit57]

From MLBTR...

There's growing sentiment that C.C. Sabathia will opt out of his contract with the Yankees. The Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers, Tigers, and Giants are among the usual suspects if the lefty hits the open market. Boston, however, might have doubts about Sabathia. Cafardo wonders if the front office would take on another sizeable pitching contract and add another overweight pitcher.


As much as I make fun of C Cups, I'd LOVE it if we signed him. He's tight with VMart and Peralta so that helps, he is the best lefty available (assuming he opts out) by far, we've got a ton of cash coming off the books from Maggs and Guillen and Mr. I basically said he'll spend on a big time FA or two. Could you imagine Verlander, Sabathia, Fister, Scherzer, Porcello/Turner as our rotation? *drool* Hell, you sign a guy like him and you could trade off one or two of Porcello, Scherzer or Turner for a young stud position player.

 

[pr0tege]

Currently factoring in the increases in salary we actually only have around 17.5 coming off the books after the season and that is not figuring in resigning Santiago.

CC currently is making 23 million over the next 4 years of his current deal so for sure he would be looking to get an additional 2 years on top of that which would push the contract to at least 6 years 138 Million+

Even though the Tigers are mentioned there I can honestly say I think that move would hinder us more then help us because it would limit other options that we could do to help the team.

 

[tigers99888]

He would demand 20 million a year.. I think we could find a slightly younger starting lefty that's not as great but overall solid.. Starting pitching isn't the only hole to fill, we also have a void at 2nd base, corner OF and 3rd base.. If we are going to waste most of our money on one player, it mightest well be Fielder, or Reyes, which both would be a NO for me as well..

 

[tigers99888]

I would see how much a C.J Wilson commands as far as starting lefties go... He should be cheaper than C.C regardless what happens but I would also use him as the barometer for the general range of salary for starting pitching on the market.. Some say he will command a $100 million contract, and others say he could be had or $12 million a year..

 

[kingofdetroit57]

I really don't think the market is there to pay him that much. The only team I could see besting the current contract is the Yankees, but I could also see him wanting to move on from there since it's such a tough place to play. He knows this division quite well and has a couple good friends on this team. Sometimes that's more important than a few million dollars more.

 

[pr0tege]

With the Yankees involved on CJ Wilson you can expect nothing short of 5 to 6 years probably in the 75-100 range. IF were going to add a left handed arm to our rotation were probably going to be looking at Mark Buehrle maybe on a 2 year probably 7.5 to 8 a year. This would then keep our options open to pick up the bat in the lineup Mr Ilitch would like to add.

The only problem with that is that there is so few impact bats available this year unlike in 2013 when there are several available. The problem this creates for us is with so few available your more then likely bidding against the big markets which could drive up prices tremendously.

 

[tigers99888]

Isn't John Danks on the open market as well? I would definitely open the checkbook up for him... I think Buerhle is entering a decline. As for your statements on C.J Wilson, if I were the Yankees, my first choice would be to try to resign C.C.. C.C is better than C.J and both are the same age... C.J has dynamite stuff, but doesn't harness it 100% If C.J is to be the second choice for them, there is no way they sign him to a C.C like contract... I'd say $100 million would be the max for him if a team is desperate and yes that could be the Yanks or Red Sox...

 

[kingofdetroit57]

Did you read Mr. I's interview in the Detroit News the other day? If not, he talks about wanting to win a WS more than anything else, talking about not having long left to do it, and talking about realizing the importance of having superstars in MLB. He talked about signing one or two big free agents this offseason as well. As crazy as this may sound, I could see him giving the okay to go hard after Sabathia and/or Reyes. I think the days of unending loyalty to Inge, Bondo and the likes are over. As are the days of us targeting lesser players on the open market just because we don't have the cash to spend.

I'm not saying he's going to get reckless or stupid, but I think he's giving the Tigers his priority going forward and we'll start to see that more and more.

 

[tigers99888]

Did you read Mr. I's interview in the Detroit News the other day? If not, he talks about wanting to win a WS more than anything else, talking about not having long left to do it, and talking about realizing the importance of having superstars in MLB. He talked about signing one or two big free agents this offseason as well. As crazy as this may sound, I could see him giving the okay to go hard after Sabathia and/or Reyes. I think the days of unending loyalty to Inge, Bondo and the likes are over. As are the days of us targeting lesser players on the open market just because we don't have the cash to spend.

I'm not saying he's going to get reckless or stupid, but I think he's giving the Tigers his priority going forward and we'll start to see that more and more.

The problem is you don't blow your load over bigtime players for ridiculous contracts.. More often than not it backfires... I would love Reyes but there are huge concerns concerning his health and whether he can go a full season as is with C.C...

 

[kingofdetroit57]

CC is fat, but he's as reliable and proven as it gets. You can pencil him in for a 17-9 record or better, 225IP+, 200Ks, and an ERA in the 3.50 range or lower.

 

[tigers99888]

CC is fat, but he's as reliable and proven as it gets. You can pencil him in for a 17-9 record or better, 225IP+, 200Ks, and an ERA in the 3.50 range or lower.

It's not about his weight, but he's never been good in the postseason, and he has a lot of innings and pitches thrown having been in the majors since 2001.. People are starting to think he may be on the decline.. Personally, I want to go after players 27 and younger..

 

[kingofdetroit57]

CC is fat, but he's as reliable and proven as it gets. You can pencil him in for a 17-9 record or better, 225IP+, 200Ks, and an ERA in the 3.50 range or lower.

It's not about his weight, but he's never been good in the postseason, and he has a lot of innings and pitches thrown having been in the majors since 2001.. People are starting to think he may be on the decline.. Personally, I want to go after players 27 and younger..

Nobody is saying he's on the decline. He's gotten better each of the last four years and won the Cy Young 5yrs back.

The statement about his post season stats is also flat wrong. He's 7-4 in his post season starts. He got shelled in one start in the '07 ALCS where he gave up 8ER and had a bad start in the '08 NLDS where he gave up 5ER over 3.2IP, but he's been solid to great in his other starts. In the '09 ALDS and WS, he was money.

 

[tigers99888]

It's not about his weight, but he's never been good in the postseason, and he has a lot of innings and pitches thrown having been in the majors since 2001.. People are starting to think he may be on the decline.. Personally, I want to go after players 27 and younger..

Nobody is saying he's on the decline. He's gotten better each of the last four years and won the Cy Young 5yrs back.

The statement about his post season stats is also flat wrong. He's 7-4 in his post season starts. He got shelled in one start in the '07 ALCS where he gave up 8ER and had a bad start in the '08 NLDS where he gave up 5ER over 3.2IP, but he's been solid to great in his other starts. In the '09 ALDS and WS, he was money.

He's a 30+ year old pitcher that will probably command a 6 or 7 year salary and at or above $20 million a year.. NO thanks.. We already have 20 million tied up to two guys as is.. If you are going to pay someone that type of money, they better be 27 or younger..

 

[kingofdetroit57]

Nobody is giving him that kind of contract... not even the Yankees.

 

[tigers99888]

Nobody is giving him that kind of contract... not even the Yankees.

Someone will give him that kind of contract.. The reason I say this is because many analysts believe C.J Wilson will command a similar contract whom is the same age and doesn't have as good of a career... If he commands that, so would C.C..


If we are able to land him for 3 to 4 years I'm all for it but at 15-18 million.. Other than that, neigh.. Personally I'd go after a John Danks... He's only 26 and has proven to be a very good 3rd starter with decent stuff.. I'd pay him 14-15 million a year for 5 years.. He would be worth it IMO..

 

[kingofdetroit57]

I like Danks too, but CC is better.

I can't see the Yankees pulling another ARod deal with CC, nor can I see the Red Sox going after him too seriously. I think the two teams that will really be after him if he opts out will be us and the Angels. In terms of what deal he'd get, I think it'd probably be similar to Lee's deal, but I don't think it will be as pricey each year. I'm thinking 5yrs @ $105mil or there abouts. I'd have no issue with us handing out that sort of deal to him either.

 

[tigers99888]

I like Danks too, but CC is better.

I can't see the Yankees pulling another ARod deal with CC, nor can I see the Red Sox going after him too seriously. I think the two teams that will really be after him if he opts out will be us and the Angels. In terms of what deal he'd get, I think it'd probably be similar to Lee's deal, but I don't think it will be as pricey each year. I'm thinking 5yrs @ $105mil or there abouts. I'd have no issue with us handing out that sort of deal to him either.

Correct it will probably be a west coast team like the Angels considering he's from Vallejo I believe.. The Angels are a team that could pay him that type of contract and put it this way, he will command more money than C.J Wilson.. C.C and his agent will see what CJ signs for and ask for more, it's that simple.. Btw I wouldnt pay C.C $105 million for 5 years.. Tigers don't need an ace really, just a reliable lefty starter.. If they get the cheaper reliable guy, they can land a 2nd and/or 3rd baseman as well which are arguably bigger holes..

 

[pr0tege]

Q . Your payroll is in better shape with some big contracts going away. You feel good about the direction of the Tigers?

A . Yeah, but I'm challenged to keep it there like the Yankees and the Red Sox. I haven't totally zeroed in on our payroll yet. What I'm still trying to figure out is what we need for next year. I want to be in a position to make one or two additions, and generally, they're pretty big additions.

Q . So you could add a couple of big-time players?

A . Yes. I'm already thinking about that. Can you imagine another big bat in our lineup?

Now with that said you have to understand the holes currently on the team. As of now we have holes at OF, 2B and 3B. The talk about CC when you have to remember his current deal remaining is 4 years 92 million (23 average) is what he is opting OUT of and the only reason you opt out of that deal is if you want MORE money or just out of New York for whatever reason and he has not shown that to be the cause at all.

So lets look at the holes now in our lineup for the upcoming season. Ramon is a FA so unless Raburn or Worth is our starting 2B which clearly did not work this year then we have to resign him or someone else. Inge has shown his best days are clearly behind him and Betemit I have no idea what has happened to him this postseason but clearly we need an upgrade at 3rd. The OF situation is unclear as to whether or not we offer Young (and he accepts) arbitration after the season. From the looks of it unless there is a trade it looks as if Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch will occupy CF and LF or RF depending so.

Mr Ilitch would really like to add an impact bat to the lineup so lets look over the options that are out there for that impact bat at least the ones in Free Agency.

Jose Reyes (SS)
Jimmy Rollins (SS)
Aramis Ramirez (3B)
Josh Willingham (LF/RF)
Carlos Beltran (OF)

Reyes - Is more then likely going to cost 6-120+ especially IF the Brewers lose Prince after this season which most expect to happen. I really believe that puts us out of the play on him which is probably a good thing.

Rollins - The Phillies have several Free Agents this off season and quite honestly are not sure they can afford to bring back Rollins. Could be an interesting signing but it would mean moving Peralta to 3B and honestly he has expressed his displeasure in playing 3rd in Cleveland so not sure it would be a good move chemistry wise and would probably have to be followed with additional moves unless Peralta accepted the move without an issue IDK. Would improve our Defense at SS as well as install a clear cut leadoff hitter to our lineup that we sorely need.

Aramis Ramirez - Unless Florida offers some unrealistic contract (which some believe they will) I believe this might be the biggest bat that we go after this offseason. Would fill the hole at 3B as well as give us someone we could slide right into either the 3 hole or cleanup in the lineup.

Josh Willingham - Delmon Young version II IMO at the plate. Has more power but also strikes out more.

Carlos Beltran - Horrible option IMO. Cannot stay healthy except in contract year. Might turn into Guillen type deal where he is setting more then playing.

 

[Thumb]

We spend that kind of money on C.C. and we have great pitching, shitty lineup.

IMO the money is betetr spent on a solid starter but not an ace, and some infield help.

 

[tigers99888]

We spend that kind of money on C.C. and we have great pitching, shitty lineup.

IMO the money is betetr spent on a solid starter but not an ace, and some infield help.

+1 My thoughts exactly..