Valenti's Blog: The Limited Tigers
Yesterday I mentioned how limited the Tigers were in what they could do to fix this mess. Today I want to elaborate a bit.
Let's assume this team as currently constructed won't win this division and thus, won't make the playoffs.
What could realistically be done to fix this to a point where they would contend? Simple answer...empty your limited farm system for one final if not ill-advised run.
Why? Because you have no choice.
This team has been in "win now" mode for several years. Your GM and Manager are on the last year of their deals respectively. Neither will return if this team flounders. Yes that's an opinion but a reasonable one. If neither come back a brand new mindset and way of doing business walks through that door. Guys who might have been valued under the old regime likely would have a different cache with the new one.
Bottom line the farm system stinks. It's rated 26th by Baseball America and this upcoming draft, which is loaded, the Tigers don't select until 76th.
Take what little you have and package it for the best player possible. Maybe it's Jose Reyes. Maybe it's David Wright. Maybe it's a guy who we don't even know is available.
This is your last call. Your one shot. The mistakes have added up, the options have dwindled. This is what Dombrowski and Co. are facing.
There is no future, not with this nucleus. Not with this management. Not yet. They have to earn their future. Until then, this is the only bullet left to fire.
