The non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone and we are now stuck with the pieces we have for the remainder of the season. That is, unless we are able to acquire someone via the waiver-wire or work out a deal for a player that can clear waivers.
All of the hysteria and hoopla surrounding the Tigers before the 2008 season began, the hopes, dreams and anticipation of a long and deep playoff run, we are here after 108 games sitting 5.5 games back of first place in the Central, as well as in the wild card race. Not necessarily out of it, but with the way lack of drive the Tigers have shown coming out of the gates in the second half, it doesn’t look as if they are too concerned with that. This is extremely disappointing, as they headed into the All-Star break with so much momentum, certainly they must realize that time is of the essence.
Maybe the Tigers took this motivational poster a bit too literally?
Heading into Thursdays’ deadline, many fans were wondering if they Tigers were going to be buyers, or sellers. I for one assumed that moving a player like Pudge would be in the best interest of the club, as well as possibly another star player that had some interest. I figured that a team loaded with prospects like the Marlins, or a team that is always willing to take a chance such as the Yankees would seem to be the logical fit.
YES! I’m going to New York!
When Florida couldn’t work anything out, (they are the most in need of an upgrade at the backstop position) of course the Yankees stepped up and made it happen. While I was excited to hear when the news broke that Pudge had been dealt, I was a bit nervous to hear exactly what they received in return. I was irresponsibly thinking that perhaps Dombrowski was able to squeeze away one of the few blue-chippers that the Yanks have left in their system (a quality young arm like Ian Kennedy or Dellin Betancess, prospect catcher like Jesus Montero, or even take a shot at the likes of Austin Jackson or Phil Hughes…maybe a reach) but no, they go after a hard-throwing reliever, Kyle Farnsworth.
High-Five! Let’s get traded for each other in a couple years?
Now don’t get me wrong, I like Farnsy and what he brings to the team. And, with the constant drubbing this ‘pen receives, his arrival will be welcomed. He will challenge, and keep Fernando Rodney honest in his tryout as the newly annointed closer in Tiger-Town. The problem that I do have though, is this is a short-term move that doesn’t have the long-range plan in thought. Farnsworth is signed only through the remainder of the season (just like Pudge) so this could end up being a swap for the remaining 54 games.
Farnsworth may be remembered mostly for his right-cross more than his fastball!
Yes, it gaps a need that the Tigers have struggled with all year; however, should they be unable to re-sign the big, burly hard-thrower this deal is nothing more than a parallel move. They had a shot to get better not just for now, but for next year and they somewhat blew it.
There was a market for a veteran backstop, and teams were more than likely willing to pay a price. With the ability that Brandon Inge has shown in being able to be the Tigers everyday catcher, Pudge’s value was lessened in Detroit. With the repeat All-Star/Gold Glove winner being expendable, they could have used the opportunity to re-stock the shelves a bit, but instead chose to try to keep the dream alive of acting as if they are in the mix of things.
While you can’t fault them for not raising the white flag, you can certainly tack it on to the long line of short-sighted moves that the Tigers GM has signed his name off on.
Let’s hope the Tigers prove me wrong and shut me up, making me eat my words. To be honest though, I have little fear that that day will come, as I just don’t see any signs that this team deserves to be in contention.
