I'm seeing a lot of hints about Verlander being dealt. I think he's instigating it because he has a full no-trade clause. It wouldn't make sense to even really discuss him moving unless he was in on it. Tbh, a move to LA or New York makes sense for his social life.
I don't really think he's pushing for a trade, I'm sure the team knows if he went to a contender he'd be willing to waive his NTC. He's been one of the most outspoken optimists about this team for years, including this year. He believes in the Tigers and loves the organization.
That being said, Al Avila would absolutely trade him if a team offers the right package. They're not willing to do it just to dump salary though, so it's going to take a lot and I'm not sure many teams are going to be willing to overpay for him since he's been pretty mediocre so far this year.
It's just that the Tigers are kinda positioning themselves for a rebuild right now. Especially if they don't win this year. Verlander only has so many bullets left, and he knows that. He's right around the same age now that Halladay was before his arm gave out. They don't make them like they used to. The days of guys like Jack Morris tossing 240 innings at 38 have gone the way of the dodo. We may never see another 300 game winner again. Who wants to spend their last years of potential elite status rotting away on a team that's gonna lose 90 games?
I'm not against trading anybody on the Triggers except for Fulmer. I just think they're going to have a problem getting what they want for JV. His contract is prohibitive even if he were pitching lights out like last year. He'd absolutely be a great fit with the Dodgers, and if the Astros really wanted to go for it, I think he makes sense for them too. But I don't think he's asked for a trade, these rumors have been swirling since last season ended.
I think JD Martinez, Alex Avila, and Justin Wilson are gone no matter what. They'd like to move Kinsler but no contender needs a second baseman right now and he's got his own no-trade issues.
The Dodgers and Yankees both have a lot of money coming off the books after this year, a fairly cheap core emerging, some maddening rotation injuries, stocked farm systems, and a lot of money to play with if needed. I don't think the Astros are the right income level for a contract like Verlander. He would prolly be 1/3 of their payroll. They could chance it if this was his free agent year, but the possibility of him being on a full downward trajectory while making that much money could cripple them for years. I think the Cubs might be a dark horse. They haven't made much noise yet, but they have a farm system that's overflowing with MLB ready talent and nowhere to put them along with motivation to strike while the iron is hot. Both Jake Arrieta and John Lackey are underachieving and free agents after this season
You keep saying that, and I'll keep saying this: firing him changes nothing. We're not suddenly a playoff team if Maddon or Bochy or Francona is our manager. It falls on Avila, Dombrowski, and the players.
They asked for Fulmer and the Tigers told them to fuck off. That White Sox farm system is ridiculous now. Quintana is underrated as hell, but worth that much?
None of the prospect the Cubs sent over are higher than Class A ball. That's the best rationalization for sending that much talent. The risk/reward is higher when they're young like that
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That being said, Al Avila would absolutely trade him if a team offers the right package. They're not willing to do it just to dump salary though, so it's going to take a lot and I'm not sure many teams are going to be willing to overpay for him since he's been pretty mediocre so far this year.
I think JD Martinez, Alex Avila, and Justin Wilson are gone no matter what. They'd like to move Kinsler but no contender needs a second baseman right now and he's got his own no-trade issues.
Basically how i feel about the coming weeks after tonight.
http://nypost.com/2017/07/09/the-aces-who-could-surprisingly-juice-up-mlb-trade-deadline/
Michael Pineda needs Tommy John surgery
Red Sox designated Pablo Sandoval for assignment
Nationals cut K-Rod