Tenacious D

At some point very soon, we will want to have the payroll flexibility to extend Skubal, Greene and Carpenter, among others, as well as potentially acquire future less risky free agents. Your second point is the reason that Bregman gives me pause. If he deteriorates quickly, he’ll take an important roster spot and potentially block someone else. I’d be more excited about him had he not shown signs of slipping in his walk year.

Agree with the risk, but it varies. Bregman wants to be paid like his best seasons, but he had a drop off last year and is 30. Was last season an anomaly or sign of his decline? The Astros moving away from him is pretty telling, in my opinion. He was like a Whitaker of Trammell to that organization and they decided he wasn’t worth what he was asking. They got the benefit of his best play, most of it during his arbitration, team controlled years. And now we’re going to reward him for his decline? I wouldn’t make that commitment.

A lot of risk and uncertainty to commit 7+ years and $200M+ to. My heart wants him to sign, but my head says no. Not sure where my spleen stands on this.

Not sure how credible this is, but

I’m more interested in seeing him package some prospects for a proven player who is a fit (and not a rental).

Very well done

Again, there is no evidence that Ilitch doesn’t want to spend. This could be Harris’ call, and outside of Soto and Burnes, this is a largely flawed free agent class that would give you pause to both overpay in terms of dollars and years. I’m good with mostly letting the youngsters get the AB’s and make decisions next offseason. And Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, you filthy animals!

I would rather have Harbaugh coaching the Bears than Ben.

Everything you said was correct, except for your last sentence. Some players might also put a premium on winning environment, team composition, coaching staff, ownership, and, probably most importantly, who will pay me the most?

Was that the same era as the coked out Tigers icon?

We might have dodged a bullet there. Don’t need another Maeda. One reclamation project a season should suffice, and we already have two.

Yes. I think he’ll be there in April, with his ride or die, Kevin McG

Agree. I was referencing position players.

A positive outcome of this drive would be to let the defense rest through the half.

Truly unique, though. Not sure who a comp for him would be.

I think the Tigers are being prudent, waiting out players whose price might drop. I also think they don’t want to block young players, like Jung. They need either a RH bat that can play either OF or 3B, with Vierling filling in the other spot. And 1B insurance for Tork. Ideal acquisition is a 1B/3B that hits RH. Frees up Vierling for the OF, where he can fill in in any spot.

Ok, who do you all think we won’t sign today?

Stocking up on guys to be Fetterized. Hopefully one or two pay off.

If true, time to capitalize.

RH bat options (via free agency) are starting to dwindle. The expensive guys are still there, though (Bregman and Alonzo). Maybe a trade is still possible, or do we pivot and try and solve our RH power bat via the OF (Teoscar or Santander)?

Very few players will ever be replicated. He and Ted Williams. Short list.

He was on mine. Checked every box. Let’s go get Santana now.

These are good and valid points. And I’m not suggesting that Ilitch has been cheap at all, because I think that’s false. However, I do think he takes a measured, businesslike approach, unlike his Dad who led with his emotions and was as much of a fan of the team as the owner. And his actions reflected that. Ishbia strikes me the same way—local billionaire that would throw money at a problem, salary tax be damned. And now he is in the mix for the Twins. One advantage we always had over them was payroll.