alex

I have been on SHarris (and Greenberg) a bit in the past. With said I always felt he had/has done well with all the upgrades: scouting, drafting, player development, facility upgrades, international awareness, training facilities, etc. This trade deadline I think he fared well. It is hard to believe that he would not know what he was doing. They knew the packages that were offered for both SPs. He/they picked what they felt was best - and he said they had to think about it. This notion to where they should have waited, get a bidding war to the end was ridiculous, because either a team was in on Skubal or they were not and they knew any package they were to put together had to compete with LA. If the team would have waited other clubs would have simply pivoted before being left with nothing. From what it sounded like and from beat writers later, the Tigers decided to go with ZHope and the SPs potential as opposed to say what Milwaukee's last offer was. I can see that. I think he is gaining experience in this area. IMHO, he may have indeed waited in the case of Mize to see who did offer the most til the end. My question with Harris for a long time has been can he deal for MLB talent? There will be a point, and we may be getting closer in the next year, where he will need to trade for MLB talent. He will at some point have to give up prospects. I guess this experience can only help. With regards to RP - that has become a total crapshoot for what seems to be 3 of every 4 pitchers. There is just no way to really get a 'good' handle on who and when a RP gets things together. Then just as soon as they do for a couple months they can lose it for the same time. Throw in (pun?) all the injuries to Ps and there is no real way to get this down it seems. Sure there are a few exceptions - but they are few and far between. Look at what the Tigers did in '24 with pitching chaos! Who could have seen that coming? Where are all those 'shut down' relievers now? Injured, AAA, one here and there is doing ok 'some times'. You get the jest here. I was watching last Sunday eves game and one announcer spoke that the Red Sox were down at one point Crochet, Bello, Suarez, etc. and the 'bullpen' came out of nowhere and has really contributed to this run - again go figure. The game is becoming a 'war of attrition' IMHO. Pitching is the worst of it. Somehow the brain trusts of MLB need to get a handle on the incredible amount of injuries. I have thoughts on just some of it and sent letters to many who could have a look and put additional thoughts to it. I am not saying there is a definite answer - but I am saying it is only getting worst each year and some people really need to look at this - and start implementing some changes. More rest for the over extended arms, IMHO, is a start and how to begin a change to allow that is a start.

Hmm, lets take another angle on this. All IMHO. If the Tigers were trying to get Skubal now, with their own prospects/players what would it take? You have to also consider the competition (LAD, Milw., etc.). Then say to ACTUALLY get him in a trade - what would it take? The one problem few consider is that SPs like RRay, KGausmen, FPeralta, etc. are also out there. They are not Skubal nor the 'seemingly' difference maker he could be - but teams might settle. With said I do not see the Dodgers really going that far for anyone on the SP market except Skubal. One big reason is that they will consider they may not wish to face him in a series (remember, the LADs have several LH bats in their lineup). The other SPs, more than likely, do not scare them as much. Point for the aforementioned is that Milw., etc., will have to put forth a pretty strong package to obtain him, rental or not. BTW, the LADS also wish to three-peat. That will motivate them and the fact that they have surplus prospects does not hurt. So, I ask again what would the Tigers, hypothetically speaking, have to come up with to ACTUALLY beat the offers from other teams? That is why Detroit should get a stronger package (IF they do decide to deal him) than maybe what some pundits feel (ex BA). I am not saying it will be earth shattering - but it should be 2 pretty good prospect/players (and an addition or two) or one top level type plus a couple other pieces (here scouting is important).

This day and age this is soooo true. Look at 2024 and the 'pitching chaos' - who could have known. RPs are so volatile. Did we not have Paul Sewald last year and no one was complaining when we did not re-sign him for this year? Now he has 23 saves for the year so far. Is Dylan Smith for SF doing 'alright'? Yet, neither is by no means any sure thing at all. We had going into the season three guys with 20+ save a year ago - now the team may not get 30 saves this whole year! Unfortunately starting pitching simply does not hold the same importance it did 15, 25 and further than that of years ago. Just look at today's game, Skubal does well, pitches 6.2 innings, leading 7-0. Then look at Tyler Rogers 6IP 7 runs (4ER) - and what team won the game? Regardless if the team trades Skubal or not, there will be more injuries as well to ALL teams. All of the aforementioned is in part why there is so much parody today. A week from now Detroit could go on roll and win 6 of 8 and be right back in the thick of it - again. The sport is becoming a game of attrition. Yes, bullpens are very unpredictable as teams try to add/subtract, match up, etc. Then they have to be rested adequately and schedules are too excessive for that and IMHO too few roster spots.

Well, this 'may' be a way to get someone to trade for him in the next week. I am not sure if he could be part of another deal (once DFA). Maybe the more concerning Q is who is going to pitch in relief now?

I agree, there are some 'hits' per say and all CEO/GMs when dealing have various degrees of success and failures. You have to try. IMHO, and have said several times, is that SHarris has not acquired any MLB 'talent' type players in trades. That he is perhaps too hesitant to include even 'good but not top' type prospects to acquire real MLB types. We have yet to see a creative type deal per say. They have been either sell off of vets (Jack, Lorenzen, etc.) or marginal MLB types for lesser Tiger prospects (Morton, Paddock, etc.). If the team chooses to deal Skubal they need to get talented types back - or just do not do it. This will be a real test. IMHO, a good GM (at trading) should be able to do such. Yet, any deal involving getting younger type players back, top prospects or not, will take time to evaluate. Many felt the JV return, at that time, was a good deal.

All IMHO, but that was always why I felt Bregman was the right player for this team at the time. Before everyone points out his current stats, I get it he is not having a 'statistical' great year, but he has that certain air about him and is a leader. This would have been what his second year in Detroit (if we did the 6 years). He did help Boston last year and in beantown most all do know that. I also get he (and Boras) may have upset Harris. In hindsight they more than likely would have: 1) not offered Torres the QO (BTW, Torres is also good for this team) and 2) no Framber. McG would still be who he is, maybe at 2B and SS (instead of 3B and SS). That is all history now. Leadership comes in many forms. Stats are part of it but 'example, shear will and determination' are big as well. Look at Jose Ramirez and the cast he is surrounded by. He has an influence on that team regardless if he is 'always' coming through for them. Another thing with baseball today that has really changed - SP, although important, is simply not as important as it used to be. Simply, pitchers are just going 5 & 6 innings these days and there are more IL stints than ever. With said, relief pitching is such a crap shot from one year to the next and even one month to the next. Teams are winning with such randomness from one month to the next and RP is often a big part of it. Throw in health and a lot of this has become simple luck and winning a war of attrition! It could be said the Tigers have the most talent of any A.L. Central team (certainly the highest payroll). However, they have more blown saves than any team and the month of May was terrible (note the RP that month). The Tigers could still sneak up in the standings as we inch closer to the trade deadline. If they play below .500 from now until Aug. 1st, they more than likely will 'have' to sell. They will simply take themselves out of any potential late run. If they play say 5 games above until then, they will be back in the Central race (let alone WC). Let's face it, this division is simply not that strong - and for that matter neither is the entire A.L. Oddly, IF the latter is the case (ex the Tigers play a few above .500 now through Aug. 1), they could still trade Skubal if the right package was there (ex LAD, Milw). They could still compete this year and put themselves in better position for the future. IMO, I just do not think they will sign Tarik long term and long term pitcher friendly contracts are not good business for small to mid market clubs (ex injuries are just too often).

It is all pretty entertaining. Nobody can predict anything with any real regularity. That is why the house most always wins and why sports betting feeds that machine. Heck, with the amount of injuries in sports - it may be the safest bet to never bet, lol.

I remember that. He did have a decent stay with Detroit. Helping a lineup which really needed help. Never understood that one.

Makes sense. From SHarris' background (Cubs, SF and here) this has been a good part of the philosophy that he has engaged in. Also, IMHO, looking at a few previous posts here, predicting rosters in 3 years is - well, not very easy. There is a good size turnover rate for almost all teams. Look at 3 years ago from today for Detroit... Even if teams are 'good' 3 years still lends to a good % turned over ex waiver wire pickups, trades, FAs, players you thought were mainstays regress, players in an organization come out of nowhere, etc. That is part of what makes it all interesting and somewhat 'unpredictable'. Go Tigs.

... and Lee with an oblique... what looks like depth (C & Inf.) soon becomes challenged. This will continue. Every team goes through this as well. Teams need a lot of players and a lot of depth. I have said it before and will again the LAD won last year with a lot of talent - but only 3 pitchers pitched more than 100 innings!

Agree on that (if not happening already?). The Tigs may really need more SP depth. Maybe to acquire 1-2 AAAA types? Maybe a PCorbin type on a minors deal with incentives? KMontero is looking 'very' important theses days and it may get more challenging (for every team).

Yes, I admit at times I question SHarris and his ability to acquire MLB talent. The above post is a good thing to know (Greenberg also hinted at possibly being opportunistic later on in the off-season). I do feel AJ had a lot to do with Valdez signing however and JV, as we now know, wanted to come back here. Yet to hear CIlitch say Scott came to him early on about this possibility as the off season went on is a good thing to know. I have always said I like the direction and am all good with the improvements: scouting, player development, fitness/nutrition/rest/psychology, international attempts, facility upgrades, etc. - they are improved for sure since Harris took over. I personally like that he does not like long term deals for Ps as they are more volatile than position players. Not every GM/CEO can be good at 'everything'. The only thing I have not seen is if Harris has the ability to trade for MLB talent (ex last seasons deadline approach) and can he deal a prospect in position of strength for an MLB talent and/or prospect of position of need ex an Inf prospect which we have many of for say a young SP or deadline help ex RH bat (if even needed later on). I also like that SHarris recognizes that depth is of utmost importance. I have said many times the following: the days of a team with 6-7 position players starting 140+ games a year are gone as is also multiple teams with 3-4 SPs throwing 180+ innings. That is sooo unfortunate. All IMHO and perhaps another thread for another day. MLB really needs to look at having less games played (ex 150), bye-weekends for each team (ex 2 per team per season), maybe scheduled DHs 1-2 a year so more off days. Maybe 27-28 man rosters (at least). All of this for more actual rest and recovery time as the players of today are so fine tuned physically they actually, from that standpoint, are more readily over taxed/trained and their bodies are simply breaking down faster (the travel days and time zone changes are hard as well). The increased IL times that teams are all using this day and age, again IMHO, are proof of this. Maybe the next CBA will consider some of these mentioned things.

Looks like they signed Austin Slater as well - maybe a minor league deal?

I like the JV signing (andof course Framber). I do not think they should trade Mize at all - however, they could do so for a 'one' year bat.

NOT that this would happen either, but deal Skubal for Schlitter and Weathers. In reality only a few teams can afford Skubal anyways - and IF the NYY do NOT get Bellinger they will be prompted to do something. Then Detroit could also sign another FA SP. The above two scenarios are fantasy perhaps as our GM/CEO has not shown any propensity to make talent based MLB player type deals. Hopefully this ability is there. I am really suspecting it is not as the Tigers now for 3+ years under his / their guidance and simply have not made any trades for adding proven MLB talents (besides Finnegan). I am not buying the team is not good enough yet (two years in a row now advancing in the playoffs) or the old 'We need a core' line (c'mon - Skubal, Olsen, Vest, Greene, Tork, Keith, Carp, etc.) is not in place. Those who think once McGonigle, Clark, Briceno, etc. are up and the team automatically will go to the playoffs and the CEO/GM will THEN add FAs and talented MLB players in trades are fooling themselves. It is then, if back to mediocrity and less, they to will be questioning the brass and asking for ANOTHER change. IMHO, this team has been and is pretty good right NOW and really has not added. I actually think Illitch would add if Harris thought it be the right type of player.

NOT that I would think any of this can happen - but we could simply sign Valdez first and almost force the NYM hand.

We could say that in both instances, after each of the last two seasons trade deadlines ('24 and '25), the exact opposite happened (team Ws and Ls) that Scott Harris was more than likely thinking would happen - as a result of his moves. Think about it.

Is there a link to the 'Tiger Talk' podcast on 97.1 Tuesday, Jan. 6 '26 with AJ joining DD/Marc Ryan? I looked and could not find one as of yet... Thanks

I agree for the 'most' part. However, IMHO, I think they will try to add still with what they feel comfortable with ex maybe up to a 2-4 year offer for a legit SP ex King, Suarez, Gallen, or try to trade. Although Harris has not/shown he can trade for an established MLB player, one would think he has to be able to trade a prospect or two at some point and do this? Now is the time and I do not mean trading a top 4 or 5 prospect (McG, Clark, Rainer, ... ) but we have several 2B, C types ex Anderson, Jung, Lee, etc. Problem here is that most teams are looking for P and we are thin there. With said they have to know where their SP is at after this yr (Skubal, Mize and Flaherty all FAs). I also think they may strongly consider making offers, that they are comfortable with again, to a few position players ex Bichette, Kim, etc. or even Bregman as they monitor each situation. This does mean they are going to land anyone (a SP or bat), but they will still go along with each one they may be interested in and make an offer when the time is right.

I can see 'some' of this for sure. However, I think each situation is different with each player. One good example is the Tigers signing of 'Pudge' Rodriguez in 2004. At that time Pudge just won the WS with Florida (2003). Nobody was offering him a long term deal (age, injury potential of his back, etc.) and he was seeking a longer term deal at 'that' point of his career. As I said before, I do think Bregman would actually come here. He himself said, while wearing a Boston uniform, in an interview at the beginning of last season that 'They (he and family) thought they may be going to Detroit'. We offered what he wanted, but did not give him an 'opt' out after one year. I still feel at best it is a 40% chance we sign Bregman. Yet the difference is 'he might actually come here.' However, it would not take the 8/300 you mentioned or even near that (maybe you exaggerated?). Offer him something like 5/160. With higher AAV earlier in the deal and an 'opt' out after each of the first two years. Make the first two years high at 40 mil and same 2nd year (then would owe 80 at 3 remaining years). Then he gets what he left on the table in Boston. He gets higher AAV the first two years. He can also get the security of longer term that he was 'said' to sought last year. If he does not wish to play in Detroit potentially without Skubal he can opt out (again, try to sign Skubal). As with last year, I do not think anyone is going to offer him more than 3 or 4 years (after all he is a year older and coming off another injury). With said he has to see that Detroit has a decent pipeline of younger players. He still may be the best fit for Detroit. A good veteran mentor and leader. RH contact bat for the middle of the order. Can play 3B well (later even 2B if needed). It could still work. Everyone has to see this. I say Bregman again with regards to FAs, because as said earlier I feel he really just might choose here IF the offer is enticing, which is unlike most other top FAs. With said, I would still go after P and make a run at Bichette (and maybe even Kim for INF help. Decent RH bat, speed, good glove).

I can see that as well. No doubt he is/has also talked to Jack Flaherty (his teammate for a few years), who thinks well of Fetters, A.J. and the organization.

Again, I am not pro-Avila here, but Norris for Reese Olson was a good deal. That is off the top of my head.

I will agree with this. I am not trying to be diplomatic here - but it is Avila's group mostly that we are working with. With said, I do not think he did a real good job with most areas of the franchise. Some here may think he really took us back and/or buried the franchise. I am not totally on board with that but to me he did NOT surround himself with the right people - and he needed to do just that. Scott Harris, all IMHO, is putting together a solid franchise from the ground up. I will say again he has really helped in several areas: scouting, player development, exercise and nutrition science gains on many fronts (rehab, recovery, etc.), facility upgrades, international look see, waiver wire 'potential' player pick-ups and more. However, I have said repeatedly, he has to show he can acquire MLB talent (not fringe MLB types). It has been apx three years now. We were not in the position 2-3 years ago to add. However, this team has now been to the post-season two straight years. Both times advancing. Most baseball pundits feel it is a talented team. Harris cannot give the previous statement we want to develop a core first (BTW, he has not done that lately). The Tigers can contend 'now'. It does not mean they will win a WS, but they can contend for it. With said they need to add some talented MLB players. Maybe another bat, a top RP or two and 'maybe' a solid starter. I have been questioning all along 'Can Harris add MLB talent, via trade or FA?' I would like to see it. The last trade deadline was nothing to write home about, it may have effected the team (cannot say for sure) but on the positive I feel it gave him some experience in dealing with several clubs GMs and hopefully he is better at evaluating real talent (our MLB scouts as well). So much of sports is a crap-shot. Injuries are one of the biggest factors (this is why depth is sooo important). The Tigers are close. They have Skubal for another year. The have a core. They have another wave coming of young players (and there will/should be less swing-and-miss). IMHO, Harris needs to add THIS off season MLB talent. It will be interesting to see what happens. If it shows up, that he does not have this knack, this skill set - then hopefully he can find someone to help him who can. That is also why I ask/question the ability of GM Greenberg just as much in THIS particular area.

Agreed, IMHO, if they see a real opportunity and without being public about it - they will at least try. I would think Bregman, Bichette, Kim, Arenado and a maybe couple others (an OF?) might be looked at.

Although I still think Bregman is the optimal target - Arenado might be a good addition. I know people here would say WAR, barrel %, not as good as he was, etc. but he is a pro. He has plenty of experience, could mentor by example and I think he really feels he has something to prove on his own. Heck, maybe SP Gray and him in a deal. StL more than likely would pick up a chunk of salary and we would NOT have to give up 'top' prospects which Harris would like. Regardless, if Arenado is moved, I think he personally would like it done well before ST as would StL. simply, it is time for both sides to move on - regardless of what team he is dealt to.