First Pitch 7:15 Verlander v. Halladay (I really like those old AL East Rivals, its too bad the unbalanced schedule is so unbalanced). No turning back now folks, keep on reading to see why this season is going to be better than everyone thinks. Go Tigers!
Let's look at the lineups for a refresher
2006:
CF Granderson
2B Polanco
C Rodriguez
RF Ordonez
DH Young
1B Shelton
SS Guillen
LF Monroe
3B Inge
2009:
CF Granderson
2B Polanco
RF Ordonez
1B Cabrera
DH Guillen
C Laird
3B Inge
SS Everett
LF Anderson
These seem relatively comparable, no? Of the players in 2006 that are no longer on the roster, Shelton was just cut by the Mariners, Young is on the DL for the nationals, the ever-dangerous Monroe just made the Pirates as a reserve and Rodriguez will be catching in Houston--Rodriguez aside, these are replacement level players.
Of the additions, Cabrera is an upgrade over anybody from 2006, while the other three are offensive downgrades. On balance, it looks like a parallel shift, especially when you consider that Thames will see major at-bats throughout the season. This is a good lineup, and should result in a good team.
2008 Clouded the vision of many people. With expectations so high, the crash was especially memorable. The culprits were Pitching and Defense--the offense was fine. What we see now is a vastly improved Defense and plenty of pitching question marks. If the pitching doesn't improve, then the team will fail. If the pitching outperforms, the team will be in the playoffs. If the pitching is average, I think that the offense will be able to carry this team down to the wire.
Prediction: The Tigers will be in the hunt for a playoff spot up until the final week, at which point, the hot team will win out. This team has tremendous potential, it's just a matter of putting it all together.
I hope that you all enjoyed my rapid-fire look at the 2009 team and can see why the 2006 team came out of nowhere and how this team has the potential to do it all again. Go Tigers and I hope everyone had a Happy Opening Day!
Showing posts with label 2006 vs. 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2006 vs. 2009. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2009
If 06 was 09: The Bench
The 2006 Bench created some good depth for the Tigers but wasn't spectacular. There was a mix of speed, power and defensive replacements (Representative Bench Players--in case you can't tell, I was a bit rushed trying to get all of this together before Opening Day)
Ramon Santiago
Alexis Gomez
Omar Infante
Marcus Thames
Neifi Perez
Vance Wilson
Marcus Thames had the most impact during the year, while Santiago and Gomez each had great playoff performances and Wilson was an ideal backup catcher.
The 2009 Bench should do the same.
Thames/Anderson
Larish
Santiago
Treanor
Nothing special here, except that Larish adds some young lefty pop to the lineup and we don't have to suffer Neifi Perez. With a good mix of speed, power and defense, the bench is fine. In my opinion, the bench was not a make or break in 2006, and it will not be in 2009.
Ramon Santiago
Alexis Gomez
Omar Infante
Marcus Thames
Neifi Perez
Vance Wilson
Marcus Thames had the most impact during the year, while Santiago and Gomez each had great playoff performances and Wilson was an ideal backup catcher.
The 2009 Bench should do the same.
Thames/Anderson
Larish
Santiago
Treanor
Nothing special here, except that Larish adds some young lefty pop to the lineup and we don't have to suffer Neifi Perez. With a good mix of speed, power and defense, the bench is fine. In my opinion, the bench was not a make or break in 2006, and it will not be in 2009.
If 06 was 09: Relief Pitchers
Take a deep breath Tigers Fans:
2006 Bullpen (Opening Day):
Jason Grilli, Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay, Jamie Walker, Chris Spurling, Jordan Tata.
On the DL at the time: Troy Percival, Todd Jones. Jones would come back to take over the closers role and perform admirably from 2006-2008
2009 Bullpen (Opening Day):
Fernando Rodney, Bobby Seay, Brandon Lyon, Juan Rincon, Nate Robertson, Ryan Perry, Eddie Bonine
On the DL: Joel Zumaya
(With this much new blood, my card selection is drastically weakened. Apologies.)
Let's take a look at the common factors:
Rodney=Rodney
Seay=Seay
2006 had shut-down lefty specialist Jamie Walker, Seay has tried to take over that role, with Robertson filling in as the other lefty. Obvious downgrade. (However, I do think that Robertson could be an outstanding reliever, I guess we'll see how that plays out)
Bonine=Spurling aka, an unknown and unremarkable relief pitcher.
Perry=Zumaya aka, a highly touted flamethrowing rookie able to dominate opposing hitters. There is little chance that Perry dominates in 2009 the way that Zumaya did in 2006, but if he does, ooh boy!
Rincon is seeking to resurrect his major league career and had a tremendous spring. Lyon was acquired as a free agent but appears to be on his way out. In this sense, Lyon is a less good version of Todd Jones (yikes), and Rincon doesn't have a direct comparison.
The 2006 Bullpen was exception for three reasons: Zumaya, Rodney, Jones. An argument could be made that Walker was a fourth reason. 2009 is missing a piece of that puzzle, there is no closer on this team. Rodney has flashes of brilliance, but he doesn't have the closer mentality that he needs. Perry, Rodney, Zumaya would be excellent, but for Zumaya's injury history and chance that he will never return to form. If Lyon could resurrect himself it could be a different story, but that's a big If.
For all the question marks in the starting rotation, the bullpen is even worse. On paper, there were question marks in 2006 too, (Who's this Zumaya fella, can Jones remain effective) and youth, and the team outperformed expectations. For that to happen, Seay needs to become Jamie Walker, Somebody needs to become Todd Jones, and Perry must become Zumaya. If that happens, Robertson, Rincon and Bonine are essentially equivalents of the no-name middle relievers on the roster in 2006. In fact, Rincon has a track record as an exceptional set-up man, for what its worth, and Lyon has been an effective closer.
I don't really know what to make out of it, but the bullpen is neither a strength or a weakness. With major turnover from the dismal 2008 bullpen (Goodbye: Dolsi, Farnsworth, Fossum, Grilli, Glover, Rapada, Beltran, Bazardo, Bautista, Cruceta all of whom were terrible at one point or another during the year), there is little reason to expect as bad a year as they had in 2008. At the same time, it is unreasonable to expect anything that resembles 2006. Put me at a league average bullpen and that's ok by me.
2006 Bullpen (Opening Day):
Jason Grilli, Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay, Jamie Walker, Chris Spurling, Jordan Tata.
On the DL at the time: Troy Percival, Todd Jones. Jones would come back to take over the closers role and perform admirably from 2006-2008
2009 Bullpen (Opening Day):
Fernando Rodney, Bobby Seay, Brandon Lyon, Juan Rincon, Nate Robertson, Ryan Perry, Eddie Bonine
On the DL: Joel Zumaya
(With this much new blood, my card selection is drastically weakened. Apologies.)
Let's take a look at the common factors:
Rodney=Rodney
Seay=Seay
2006 had shut-down lefty specialist Jamie Walker, Seay has tried to take over that role, with Robertson filling in as the other lefty. Obvious downgrade. (However, I do think that Robertson could be an outstanding reliever, I guess we'll see how that plays out)
Bonine=Spurling aka, an unknown and unremarkable relief pitcher.
Perry=Zumaya aka, a highly touted flamethrowing rookie able to dominate opposing hitters. There is little chance that Perry dominates in 2009 the way that Zumaya did in 2006, but if he does, ooh boy!
Rincon is seeking to resurrect his major league career and had a tremendous spring. Lyon was acquired as a free agent but appears to be on his way out. In this sense, Lyon is a less good version of Todd Jones (yikes), and Rincon doesn't have a direct comparison.
The 2006 Bullpen was exception for three reasons: Zumaya, Rodney, Jones. An argument could be made that Walker was a fourth reason. 2009 is missing a piece of that puzzle, there is no closer on this team. Rodney has flashes of brilliance, but he doesn't have the closer mentality that he needs. Perry, Rodney, Zumaya would be excellent, but for Zumaya's injury history and chance that he will never return to form. If Lyon could resurrect himself it could be a different story, but that's a big If.
For all the question marks in the starting rotation, the bullpen is even worse. On paper, there were question marks in 2006 too, (Who's this Zumaya fella, can Jones remain effective) and youth, and the team outperformed expectations. For that to happen, Seay needs to become Jamie Walker, Somebody needs to become Todd Jones, and Perry must become Zumaya. If that happens, Robertson, Rincon and Bonine are essentially equivalents of the no-name middle relievers on the roster in 2006. In fact, Rincon has a track record as an exceptional set-up man, for what its worth, and Lyon has been an effective closer.
I don't really know what to make out of it, but the bullpen is neither a strength or a weakness. With major turnover from the dismal 2008 bullpen (Goodbye: Dolsi, Farnsworth, Fossum, Grilli, Glover, Rapada, Beltran, Bazardo, Bautista, Cruceta all of whom were terrible at one point or another during the year), there is little reason to expect as bad a year as they had in 2008. At the same time, it is unreasonable to expect anything that resembles 2006. Put me at a league average bullpen and that's ok by me.
If 06 was 09: Starting Pitchers
Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2006 Opening Day Pitching Rotation:
(Robertson, Verlander, Rogers, Bonderman, Maroth)
Here's what I see:
Grizzled Veteran looking to extend his career (Rogers)
Highly Touted Rookie with high upside but little professional experience (Verlander)
Young fireballer who hasn't quite lived up to Potential (Bonderman)
Mid-level Pitchers who are serviceable but generally unimpressive (Robertson, Maroth)
It is important to note that a mid-year injury to Maroth pushed Zach Miner into the rotation.
The 2009 Opening Day Rotation:
(Verlander, Miner, Jackson, Porcello, Galarraga)
Or,
Highly Touted Rookie with high upside but little professional experience (Porcello)
Young fireballer who hasn't quite lived up to potential (Jackson)
Mid-level Pitchers who are serviceable but generally unimpressive (Miner)
and, some new categories:
Legitimate Ace looking to rebound after an off-year (Verlander)
Surprising diamond in the rough looking to follow up on a tremendous Rookie Campaign (Galarraga).
Hmm.
That 2006 rotation should not have been as good as it was. It required a decline-free year from Kenny Rogers an apparent breakout year from Nate Robertson and playoff Heroics from both of them. In 2006, every pitcher in the rotation had the best year of their respective careers. In 2008, every pitcher had their worst. Robertson currently finds himself in the bullpen and has been awful. Maroth is out of baseball. Bonderman is recovering from injury, and has been replaced by Miner.
2006 featured 1 new acquisition and 1 rookie sensation
2009 stands to do the same, with Jackson and Porcello in place of Rogers and Verlander.
Here's the upside: There is more talent in the 2009 rotation than there was on the 2006 rotation. The downside, is that so much of that potential hasn't been tapped yet. If Galarraga can live up to 2008, Porcello can break out Verlander-style and Jackson can be Bonderman-esque, then this team will be good. Really good. However, if Galarraga's 2008 was an anomaly (as many suspect), Porcello pitches like a rookie--good, but not great--and Jackson pitches like Jackson has in the past, then the team will be mediocre. Verlander will be fine.
Question marks abound. But you know what? Looking at that 2006 rotation, there was no reason to expect that team to be as good as it was. With the revamped defense, I don't see how this rotation can be as bad as they were last year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a mid-season pick up for a Lefty if they're in the hunt. Wait and be surprised people, there are some good arms on this club.
Maybe its just me, but I thing that starting rotation will be All Right (! Credit to my lovely wife for that one)
(Robertson, Verlander, Rogers, Bonderman, Maroth)
Here's what I see:
Grizzled Veteran looking to extend his career (Rogers)
Highly Touted Rookie with high upside but little professional experience (Verlander)
Young fireballer who hasn't quite lived up to Potential (Bonderman)
Mid-level Pitchers who are serviceable but generally unimpressive (Robertson, Maroth)
It is important to note that a mid-year injury to Maroth pushed Zach Miner into the rotation.
The 2009 Opening Day Rotation:
(Verlander, Miner, Jackson, Porcello, Galarraga)
Or,
Highly Touted Rookie with high upside but little professional experience (Porcello)
Not Mine (*Sigh*) From Los Gatos at the Detroit Sports Collectors Forum
Young fireballer who hasn't quite lived up to potential (Jackson)
Mid-level Pitchers who are serviceable but generally unimpressive (Miner)
and, some new categories:
Legitimate Ace looking to rebound after an off-year (Verlander)
Surprising diamond in the rough looking to follow up on a tremendous Rookie Campaign (Galarraga).
Hmm.
That 2006 rotation should not have been as good as it was. It required a decline-free year from Kenny Rogers an apparent breakout year from Nate Robertson and playoff Heroics from both of them. In 2006, every pitcher in the rotation had the best year of their respective careers. In 2008, every pitcher had their worst. Robertson currently finds himself in the bullpen and has been awful. Maroth is out of baseball. Bonderman is recovering from injury, and has been replaced by Miner.
2006 featured 1 new acquisition and 1 rookie sensation
2009 stands to do the same, with Jackson and Porcello in place of Rogers and Verlander.
Here's the upside: There is more talent in the 2009 rotation than there was on the 2006 rotation. The downside, is that so much of that potential hasn't been tapped yet. If Galarraga can live up to 2008, Porcello can break out Verlander-style and Jackson can be Bonderman-esque, then this team will be good. Really good. However, if Galarraga's 2008 was an anomaly (as many suspect), Porcello pitches like a rookie--good, but not great--and Jackson pitches like Jackson has in the past, then the team will be mediocre. Verlander will be fine.
Question marks abound. But you know what? Looking at that 2006 rotation, there was no reason to expect that team to be as good as it was. With the revamped defense, I don't see how this rotation can be as bad as they were last year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a mid-season pick up for a Lefty if they're in the hunt. Wait and be surprised people, there are some good arms on this club.
Maybe its just me, but I thing that starting rotation will be All Right (! Credit to my lovely wife for that one)
If 06 was 09: DH
Posting at 1:05, the traditional afternoon start time. Why are the Tigers playing a night game? Why is the Home Opener on a Friday?
Eerie similarities in the DH Position.
In 2006, the Tigers started the season with Dmitri Young as the DH.
He was jettisoned for Marcus Thames. In 2009, the Tigers intended to start with Gary Sheffield as the DH. He was jettisoned for Marcus Thames.
The DH position was unusual for the Tigers in 2006, unlike many other teams (including the 2007 and 2008 teams) they did not have a traditional DH, an Ortiz/Thome/Hafner type if you will. Instead, in traditional national league style, they had a high power low average player on the bench, whom they moved into a DH role. Think Matt Stairs for the Phillies (ironically, Matt Stairs was on the Tigers at the end of 2006 and had a few huge hits that helped them win a playoff spot). This was Marcus Thames in 2006 and it appears as though it will be Marcus Thames in 2009, with a bunch of Guillen mixed in.
What does this mean? The team continues to have a good, but not great DH. If it is Thames than it is a major power threat. If it is Guillen, then they have a very good gap to gap hitter capable of getting on base and scoring. Neither option is something to complain about. Gary Sheffield, the Tigers' DH in 2007 and 2008 was very, very productive when he was healthy. I actually think that he will continue to be productive in 2009 with the Mets. The man is a tremendous talent and a valuable weapon. However, with Guillen serving as the DH, it is actually an upgrade. With Thames, we're probably looking at a downgrade. On balance, it is a parallel shift on what you could expect with a reasonably healthy, but old Gary Sheffield.
Comparing 2006 to 2005, it seemed like the team was facing a downgrade as well, after losing one of the team's most recognized and dangerous players. However, it actually added flexibilty to the roster and the younger team went out there with something to prove. Sound familiar?
The Breakdown:
Defense: Nope
Offense: 2009
Upgrade: 2009
DH looks better in 2009, because Carlos Guillen's production has been moved to that slot. That is better than the rag-tag DH position in 2006, which held its own very well. Using the position to provide rotating rest to Ordonez and Cabrera will help the team stay fresh and able to make a sustained playoff push.
The Comparison So Far:
Offensively, this 2009 team is should be very good. Not as good as people expected them to be in 2008 (1000 runs? Please.), but probably as good as they actually were in 2008, which was good for 4th in the American League in Runs Scored. The trick is those two other things, "Pitching" and "Defense". Looking at the starters, the Defense is drastically improved, with the left side of the infield looking rock-solid and with more speed in the outfield. Pitching? Well that is what is coming up next...
Eerie similarities in the DH Position.
In 2006, the Tigers started the season with Dmitri Young as the DH.
He was jettisoned for Marcus Thames. In 2009, the Tigers intended to start with Gary Sheffield as the DH. He was jettisoned for Marcus Thames.
The DH position was unusual for the Tigers in 2006, unlike many other teams (including the 2007 and 2008 teams) they did not have a traditional DH, an Ortiz/Thome/Hafner type if you will. Instead, in traditional national league style, they had a high power low average player on the bench, whom they moved into a DH role. Think Matt Stairs for the Phillies (ironically, Matt Stairs was on the Tigers at the end of 2006 and had a few huge hits that helped them win a playoff spot). This was Marcus Thames in 2006 and it appears as though it will be Marcus Thames in 2009, with a bunch of Guillen mixed in.
What does this mean? The team continues to have a good, but not great DH. If it is Thames than it is a major power threat. If it is Guillen, then they have a very good gap to gap hitter capable of getting on base and scoring. Neither option is something to complain about. Gary Sheffield, the Tigers' DH in 2007 and 2008 was very, very productive when he was healthy. I actually think that he will continue to be productive in 2009 with the Mets. The man is a tremendous talent and a valuable weapon. However, with Guillen serving as the DH, it is actually an upgrade. With Thames, we're probably looking at a downgrade. On balance, it is a parallel shift on what you could expect with a reasonably healthy, but old Gary Sheffield.
Comparing 2006 to 2005, it seemed like the team was facing a downgrade as well, after losing one of the team's most recognized and dangerous players. However, it actually added flexibilty to the roster and the younger team went out there with something to prove. Sound familiar?
The Breakdown:
Defense: Nope
Offense: 2009
Upgrade: 2009
DH looks better in 2009, because Carlos Guillen's production has been moved to that slot. That is better than the rag-tag DH position in 2006, which held its own very well. Using the position to provide rotating rest to Ordonez and Cabrera will help the team stay fresh and able to make a sustained playoff push.
The Comparison So Far:
Offensively, this 2009 team is should be very good. Not as good as people expected them to be in 2008 (1000 runs? Please.), but probably as good as they actually were in 2008, which was good for 4th in the American League in Runs Scored. The trick is those two other things, "Pitching" and "Defense". Looking at the starters, the Defense is drastically improved, with the left side of the infield looking rock-solid and with more speed in the outfield. Pitching? Well that is what is coming up next...
If 06 was 09: Rightfield
Look at Maggs without the hair!
Rightfield, like Second Base, presents the case of a productive player that has moved past his peak. Like with Placido Polanco before, we turn our sights on Magglio Ordonez.
In 2006, Ordonez was coming off an injury plagued season in which he played well when healthy, but it was uncertain whether he would return to the form that he had shown with the White Sox. In 2006, fully mended, he did this (If anybody knows how to embed videos from MLB, please let me know).
His 2007 and 2008 seasons have actually been better than his 2006 campaign, and Tiger fans have now come to expect .300/20/100 out of him, something that he seems to have no trouble producing. The question is, can he keep it up? Maggs isn't getting any younger, but we're yet to see a marked decline in his production. A full season out of him in 2006 was a huge boost to the club, that production is now expected from him.
Breaking it down:
Defense: Push
Offense: Push (may be in decline, but was better in '07 and '08 than he was in '06)
Upgrade: 2006
If the team is going to turn itself around, it won't be because of Magglio. Despite the impact he can make, he represented a huge jump in production from 2005 to 2006, something that the team can't hope to replicate in 2009. Still, his bat is potent and he should have no trouble filling the role that the Tigers need him to fill.
If 06 was 09: Centerfield
Happy Opening Day everyone! I'll be down at Camden Yards today but I enjoy the breakdown of the Tigers up until first pitch tonight!
Centerfield is the home of the one and only Curtis Granderson, and while that should leave itself open for a lengthy post, I'll try to keep it brief.
In 2005 the starting Centerfielder for the Tigers was Nook Logan. They finished in last place. Nook is currently on the (last place) Nationals. In 2006 the starting Centerfielder was Curtis Granderson. The team went to the World Series. Granderson batted .294 with 2 HR and 5 RBIs and scored 3 Runs in the ALDS. In the ALCS he batted .333 with 1 HR and 2 RBIs, scoring 4 Runs. The Tigers cruised through both series. They proceeded to get swept in the World Series. Granderson batted .095 and scored 1 run.
Granderson is the catalyst of this team. I've said it since 2006. As Granderson goes, so go the Tigers. Suffice to say, starting 2008 on the DL with a broken hand was a bad omen.
Granderson had a very solid 2006 in his first full season in the majors and 2009 should be even better. While his power and speed has stayed relatively equal, his walks have increased, and strikeouts decreased dramatically. His defense was unimpressive in 2008 (after a stellar 2006/2007) and has been a point of emphasis in the spring. There is no reason to believe that he won't have an excellent defensive season, especially now that he won't need to handicap himself to accommodate sub-par left and right fielders.
In all, the 2009 version of Granderson is one of this team's horses, while 2006 was a bonus. Breaking it down:
Offensive: 2009
Defensive: Push
Upgrade: 2006
I believe that Curtis Granderson was the single greatest factor in pushing the Tigers into the playoffs in 2006. He was a substantial upgrade over the previous centerfield options and was an unexpected bright spot in the lineup. In 2009 it is expected that he was remain in that role, but unlike 2006, he will not be the reason that the Tigers go from worst to first, that will need to come from somewhere else.
Centerfield is the home of the one and only Curtis Granderson, and while that should leave itself open for a lengthy post, I'll try to keep it brief.
In 2005 the starting Centerfielder for the Tigers was Nook Logan. They finished in last place. Nook is currently on the (last place) Nationals. In 2006 the starting Centerfielder was Curtis Granderson. The team went to the World Series. Granderson batted .294 with 2 HR and 5 RBIs and scored 3 Runs in the ALDS. In the ALCS he batted .333 with 1 HR and 2 RBIs, scoring 4 Runs. The Tigers cruised through both series. They proceeded to get swept in the World Series. Granderson batted .095 and scored 1 run.
Granderson is the catalyst of this team. I've said it since 2006. As Granderson goes, so go the Tigers. Suffice to say, starting 2008 on the DL with a broken hand was a bad omen.
Granderson had a very solid 2006 in his first full season in the majors and 2009 should be even better. While his power and speed has stayed relatively equal, his walks have increased, and strikeouts decreased dramatically. His defense was unimpressive in 2008 (after a stellar 2006/2007) and has been a point of emphasis in the spring. There is no reason to believe that he won't have an excellent defensive season, especially now that he won't need to handicap himself to accommodate sub-par left and right fielders.
In all, the 2009 version of Granderson is one of this team's horses, while 2006 was a bonus. Breaking it down:
Offensive: 2009
Defensive: Push
Upgrade: 2006
I believe that Curtis Granderson was the single greatest factor in pushing the Tigers into the playoffs in 2006. He was a substantial upgrade over the previous centerfield options and was an unexpected bright spot in the lineup. In 2009 it is expected that he was remain in that role, but unlike 2006, he will not be the reason that the Tigers go from worst to first, that will need to come from somewhere else.
If 06 was 09: Left Field
Left field has been a spot of uncertainty for the Tigers for many years. In 2006, Craig Monroe started the majority of games but was supplemented by Marcus Thames. In 2009, it appears as though Marcus Thames and new acquisition Josh Anderson will split time there. One thing is for certain, the Tigers haven't had a stable and commanding presence in Left Field in many, many years.
I will say that Craig Monroe (and to a lesser degree Thames) was an invaluable part of the 2006 team and was as clutch as they come.
It pained me to see the Tigers get rid of him in 2007, because despite his low average and OBP, his power was unreal and he could turn a game upside down with one swing of the bat. Interestingly, Thames is capable of doing the exact same thing, and is almost an exact replica of Monroe, although Monroe is the better defender. Still, the book on 2006 LF is straightforward. Power, acceptable defense, low batting average and little speed. It's the recipe for a 3-run homer and little more.
2009 brought with it a last minute, unexpected change. Carlos Guillen was slated to start the season in Left but a last minute trade brought speedster Josh Anderson over from the Braves.
I expect that he will see many starts in Left, but will Platoon with Thames and perhaps Guillen.
This is a departure from the Tigers recent history. Anderson is a left-handed average and speed guy, not the powerful game-changer and brings a much needed element to a team that got old fast. This does two things: it adds a left-handed bat to the lineup that can put himself in position to score (aka take advantage of the big bats in the lineup) and it keeps Curtis Granderson from having to compromise his outfield positioning to try to help BOTH Guillen and Ordonez at the corner outfield position. Anderson's speed alone vastly improves the outfield defense, because it improves the defense of the Tigers' best outfielder.
The Breakdown:
Defense: 2009
Offense: 2006
Upgrade: Push
Left Field is really a push here. 2005 Monroe/Thames vs. 2006 Monroe/Thames was essentially a wash with power and strikeouts galore. Thames and a bevy of Tigers prospects in 2008 are little different than Thames and Anderson, who is a marginally tested player, at best. Maybe he will work out full-time and maybe he won't. While he certainly adds a new element of speed to the team, he lack of a track record is a liability. Personally, I think that he works out, and if he doesn't Thames can fill in just fine. Either way, Timo Perez is only a call away at AAA if they need him!
I will say that Craig Monroe (and to a lesser degree Thames) was an invaluable part of the 2006 team and was as clutch as they come.
It pained me to see the Tigers get rid of him in 2007, because despite his low average and OBP, his power was unreal and he could turn a game upside down with one swing of the bat. Interestingly, Thames is capable of doing the exact same thing, and is almost an exact replica of Monroe, although Monroe is the better defender. Still, the book on 2006 LF is straightforward. Power, acceptable defense, low batting average and little speed. It's the recipe for a 3-run homer and little more.
2009 brought with it a last minute, unexpected change. Carlos Guillen was slated to start the season in Left but a last minute trade brought speedster Josh Anderson over from the Braves.
I expect that he will see many starts in Left, but will Platoon with Thames and perhaps Guillen.
This is a departure from the Tigers recent history. Anderson is a left-handed average and speed guy, not the powerful game-changer and brings a much needed element to a team that got old fast. This does two things: it adds a left-handed bat to the lineup that can put himself in position to score (aka take advantage of the big bats in the lineup) and it keeps Curtis Granderson from having to compromise his outfield positioning to try to help BOTH Guillen and Ordonez at the corner outfield position. Anderson's speed alone vastly improves the outfield defense, because it improves the defense of the Tigers' best outfielder.
The Breakdown:
Defense: 2009
Offense: 2006
Upgrade: Push
Left Field is really a push here. 2005 Monroe/Thames vs. 2006 Monroe/Thames was essentially a wash with power and strikeouts galore. Thames and a bevy of Tigers prospects in 2008 are little different than Thames and Anderson, who is a marginally tested player, at best. Maybe he will work out full-time and maybe he won't. While he certainly adds a new element of speed to the team, he lack of a track record is a liability. Personally, I think that he works out, and if he doesn't Thames can fill in just fine. Either way, Timo Perez is only a call away at AAA if they need him!
If 06 was 09: Catcher
Oh boy. How do you replace a double-digit All Star and future Hall of Famer? You trade him away for local villain Kyle Farnsworth. Oops. But more on that in minute.
In 2006 the Tigers were enjoying their second season of Ivan Rodriguez behind the plate. What can I say, he was a stud.
Pudge took a flyer (and big payday) on the the worst team in baseball before the 2004 season and immediately made an impact. His acquisition was the start of the franchise's turnaround and much of the credit goes to Pudge. Not only was he unbelievably productive both offensively and defensively, but he worked with a very young pitching staff and groomed them for success in the league.
Pudge entered the 2006 season after another All Star campaign and did not disappoint. He earned his All Star designation again in 2006 and continued to play at a consistently high level throughout the season. It is safe to say that the Tigers would have had a very hard time making the playoffs in 2006 without Pudge Rodriguez.
Oh, but alas. Just two short years later, Pudge was playing like a shell of his former self.
His power numbers had disappeared, and he was no longer hitting for average. Now, his seeming inability to take walks--a running joke early in his Detroit tenure--was actually hurting the team. Defensively, he was a shell of his former self. He still has a cannon for an arm, but his feet slowed drastically and more and more balls were bouncing past him. Pudge was an average catcher in 2008 at best. So, he was shipped in a trade that can best be described as "nothing for nothing" as both players were released at the end of the season, with no compensatory draft picks earned on either side. His replacement, Brandon Inge, was an equally poor catcher and left the Tigers with a glaring hole to fill.
Which brings us to today. Gerald Laird, was a starter in Texas who split time with major prospects Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. He was shipped to Detroit to play the position full-time. While there is no way to say that Laird will be better than Pudge from 2006--the catching situation is an unambiguous downgrade from that year--he is almost certainly a major upgrade from 2008.
So that brings us to an interesting breakdown:
Offensive: 2006 Pudge
Defensive: 2006 Pudge
Upgrade: 2009 Laird
Pudge was the better player, hands down. But adding Laird this year will help the Tigers improve over 2008 more than having Pudge in 2006 was. To put it another way, Pudge was not the difference between a last-place 2005 and first-place 2006, he was a constant. Laird's acquisition actually improves the team.
Looking around the infield we find that the 2009 team actually stacks up very well to 2006. The massive upgrade at first base helps make up for the offensive downgrades at Catcher and Shortstop. Defensively, the team may be worse than 2006, but not nearly as bad as they were in 2007 and 2008. In all, I think that the Infield is capable of sustaining a successful team in 2009, not accounting for any major breakouts or drop-offs that may occur.
The verdict: 2006 had a better infield, but 2009 stacks up well and represents a bigger improvement over 2008 than '06 was over '05. In sum, the infield was not the reason for a 2006 World Series run. We'll examine the outfield next.
In 2006 the Tigers were enjoying their second season of Ivan Rodriguez behind the plate. What can I say, he was a stud.
Pudge took a flyer (and big payday) on the the worst team in baseball before the 2004 season and immediately made an impact. His acquisition was the start of the franchise's turnaround and much of the credit goes to Pudge. Not only was he unbelievably productive both offensively and defensively, but he worked with a very young pitching staff and groomed them for success in the league.
Pudge entered the 2006 season after another All Star campaign and did not disappoint. He earned his All Star designation again in 2006 and continued to play at a consistently high level throughout the season. It is safe to say that the Tigers would have had a very hard time making the playoffs in 2006 without Pudge Rodriguez.
Oh, but alas. Just two short years later, Pudge was playing like a shell of his former self.
His power numbers had disappeared, and he was no longer hitting for average. Now, his seeming inability to take walks--a running joke early in his Detroit tenure--was actually hurting the team. Defensively, he was a shell of his former self. He still has a cannon for an arm, but his feet slowed drastically and more and more balls were bouncing past him. Pudge was an average catcher in 2008 at best. So, he was shipped in a trade that can best be described as "nothing for nothing" as both players were released at the end of the season, with no compensatory draft picks earned on either side. His replacement, Brandon Inge, was an equally poor catcher and left the Tigers with a glaring hole to fill.
Which brings us to today. Gerald Laird, was a starter in Texas who split time with major prospects Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. He was shipped to Detroit to play the position full-time. While there is no way to say that Laird will be better than Pudge from 2006--the catching situation is an unambiguous downgrade from that year--he is almost certainly a major upgrade from 2008.
So that brings us to an interesting breakdown:
Offensive: 2006 Pudge
Defensive: 2006 Pudge
Upgrade: 2009 Laird
Pudge was the better player, hands down. But adding Laird this year will help the Tigers improve over 2008 more than having Pudge in 2006 was. To put it another way, Pudge was not the difference between a last-place 2005 and first-place 2006, he was a constant. Laird's acquisition actually improves the team.
Looking around the infield we find that the 2009 team actually stacks up very well to 2006. The massive upgrade at first base helps make up for the offensive downgrades at Catcher and Shortstop. Defensively, the team may be worse than 2006, but not nearly as bad as they were in 2007 and 2008. In all, I think that the Infield is capable of sustaining a successful team in 2009, not accounting for any major breakouts or drop-offs that may occur.
The verdict: 2006 had a better infield, but 2009 stacks up well and represents a bigger improvement over 2008 than '06 was over '05. In sum, the infield was not the reason for a 2006 World Series run. We'll examine the outfield next.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
If 06 was 09: Third Base
Third Base presents an interesting situation for the Tigers. In 2008, the team started off playing Miguel Cabrera at third base, displacing former Brandon Inge to serve as a backup catcher and super-utility player. This move also pushed Carlos Guillen to first base and the result was a defensive disaster at the corners. A few weeks later, the two flip-flopped and Guillen went to third. The result was an upgrade over Cabrera (interestingly, Cabrera was also an upgrade over Guillen at third) and Carlos was rewarded with the Tigers' only All Star nod. Of course, all of those moves left former starter Brandon Inge wearing catcher's gear and carrying a Gatorade bottle.
Not really the picture you're hoping to see out of your 2009 starting third baseman, but I'll take it. Here's why. Inge is an incredible defensive third basemen, with his only notable weakness of a propensity to throw the ball away when he goes to second. While he is renowned for being a poor hitter, he is actually a significantly better hitter as a third baseman than he is elsewhere in the field. Fantasy owner's take note: Inge will provide his 3B production with Catcher eligibility, FYI.
Of course, we didn't really know all of this about Inge in 2006. He had been a catcher and utility man before being displaced by Ivan Rodriguez. By 2006 he was starting at third again, and seems pretty happy about it:
2006 was a breakout year for Inge, offensively. While he strikes out a lot and doesn't hit for a high average, he has substantial power that creeps up out of nowhere. With 20+ HRs in 2006 he landed a major contract to keep his a third base mainstay, a position he returns to in 2009 after his '08 hiatus. So, how does Inge breakdown?
Offensively: Push
Defensively: Push
Upgrade: 2009 Inge
Here's the deal. Offensively and defensively, there is no reason to expect 2009 Brandon Inge to be any better or worse than 2006 Brandon Inge. I say this under the perspective of Inge before the 2006 season not after the breakout. Certainly, Inge's breakout year on 2006 was a large contributor to the Tigers' success that year. As for an upgrade, Inge is actually a downgrade offensively from Carlos Guillen. However, the defensive improvement is SO LARGE and defense was such a problem for the team in 2008 that it makes up for drop-off in average and increase in strikeouts. To say it another way, 2009 Inge is a bigger improvement over 2008 Guillen than 2006 Inge was expected to be over 2005 Inge. In this sense, the re-addition of Brandon Inge to a third base role will have a major impact on this 2009 team, more so than his role at third had on the worst-to-first season of 2006.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
If 06 was 09: Shortstop
With two days until Opening Day, what are the odds that I can complete the roster here? Boy, they sure don't look good, especially because I'll be spending all day today in DC...
In 2006, an injury-plagued infielder with very good offensive numbers and a solid defensive reputation retained his starting job in Detroit:
Guillen went on to have a very good 2006 and solidified the team's defense up the middle. It turns out that his exceptional performance that season was either an aberration or his peak, as his skills markably declined until it was deemed that he should be replaced by Edgar Renteria prior to the 2008 season--a parallel shift at best. Still, heading into 2006 he was regarded to be an above average shortstop on all fronts and played as such.
Enter 2009. The Renteria trade was a disaster, he was a defensive liability and had little offensive impact. Guillen's shift to third, All-Star nod notwithstanding, weakend the left side defense so badly that our sub-par pitching blew up like a Nuclear Bomb. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Answer:
Yes, the defensive wizard Adam Everett, brought on to restore the promise that defense wins championships. While Everett is a light hitter, to say the least, he brings a defensive presence that the team has lacked since 2006 when they led the American League in team defense (not a coincidence that they went to the World Series, I might add). This move is a tremendous upgrade over Edgar Renteria and will go a long way towards avoiding a repeat of 2008.
The Breakdown: (I am removing Continuity for Upgrade. "Upgrade" judges which player is a bigger upgrade over the previous year. In this case, Guillen 2005 vs. Guillen 2006 and Renteria 2008 vs. Everett 2009)
Offense: Guillen 2006
Defense: Everett 2009
Upgrade: Everett 2009
While Guillen 2006 was the overall better player to have on the team, Everett 2009 will help the team improve over 2008 more than Guillen 2006 helped the team improve over 2005. His addition will have a major impact on the team this year and I look forward to seeing him in action. And if he's a bust or gets hurt? There's always Ramon Santiago!
In 2006, an injury-plagued infielder with very good offensive numbers and a solid defensive reputation retained his starting job in Detroit:
Guillen went on to have a very good 2006 and solidified the team's defense up the middle. It turns out that his exceptional performance that season was either an aberration or his peak, as his skills markably declined until it was deemed that he should be replaced by Edgar Renteria prior to the 2008 season--a parallel shift at best. Still, heading into 2006 he was regarded to be an above average shortstop on all fronts and played as such.
Enter 2009. The Renteria trade was a disaster, he was a defensive liability and had little offensive impact. Guillen's shift to third, All-Star nod notwithstanding, weakend the left side defense so badly that our sub-par pitching blew up like a Nuclear Bomb. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Answer:
Yes, the defensive wizard Adam Everett, brought on to restore the promise that defense wins championships. While Everett is a light hitter, to say the least, he brings a defensive presence that the team has lacked since 2006 when they led the American League in team defense (not a coincidence that they went to the World Series, I might add). This move is a tremendous upgrade over Edgar Renteria and will go a long way towards avoiding a repeat of 2008.
The Breakdown: (I am removing Continuity for Upgrade. "Upgrade" judges which player is a bigger upgrade over the previous year. In this case, Guillen 2005 vs. Guillen 2006 and Renteria 2008 vs. Everett 2009)
Offense: Guillen 2006
Defense: Everett 2009
Upgrade: Everett 2009
While Guillen 2006 was the overall better player to have on the team, Everett 2009 will help the team improve over 2008 more than Guillen 2006 helped the team improve over 2005. His addition will have a major impact on the team this year and I look forward to seeing him in action. And if he's a bust or gets hurt? There's always Ramon Santiago!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
If 06 was 09: Second Base
Moving around the infield, let's take a look at second base and compare 2006 to what we've got for Opening Day 2009.
In the second half of 2005 the Tigers traded for Placido Polanco, who proceeded to close out the year on a white-hot tear. So much so, that he would have won the batting title in either league for his overall batting average, but didn't have enough at-bats to qualify in either. With expectations for a solid 2006 season, the Tigers started the year with this:
Who would have guessed that we'd end up with this?
Indeed, Polanco has had an excellent run in Detroit, including a top-3 batting average finish and Gold Glove in 2007 and a very respectable .307 average last year. Moving into 2009, we can see that he's still on top of his game, big head and all:
So, how does Placido Polanco stack up to Placido Polanco? Entering 2009, he has established himself as a consistent hitter and proven asset, much more so than he was in 2006. However, with 3 years behind him, it is unlikely that his defense is where it once was and, apologies to his Gold Glove (which he deserved for his errorless year), his defense has always been above average, but not spectacular. Offensively, what you see is what you get. High average, great with two strikes, little power, little speed. That was the case entering 2006 and appears to remain so today. As a contact hitter, there is no reason to expect any drop-off this year. So,
2006 or 2009?
Continuity: 2009 (3.5 years as starting second sacker under his belt)
Offense: Push
Defense: 2006
I would give the edge to 2006, by a hair. Here's why: Polanco is more of a proven offensive commodity now than he was in 2006 and we expect more of him. However, his actual production is quite similar, its just that Tigers fans are more used to it. On the other hand, any drop off in Defense, however slight, weakens the right side of the infield, especially with a first baseman who has not proven himself with a glove just yet. Still, Polanco remains an anchor on the 2009 team and has a huge impact on the Tigers' ultimate success or failure.
It's all knotted up now at 1 apiece. Shortstop to follow, once I can find a decent baseball card of Adam Everett.
In the second half of 2005 the Tigers traded for Placido Polanco, who proceeded to close out the year on a white-hot tear. So much so, that he would have won the batting title in either league for his overall batting average, but didn't have enough at-bats to qualify in either. With expectations for a solid 2006 season, the Tigers started the year with this:
Who would have guessed that we'd end up with this?
Indeed, Polanco has had an excellent run in Detroit, including a top-3 batting average finish and Gold Glove in 2007 and a very respectable .307 average last year. Moving into 2009, we can see that he's still on top of his game, big head and all:
So, how does Placido Polanco stack up to Placido Polanco? Entering 2009, he has established himself as a consistent hitter and proven asset, much more so than he was in 2006. However, with 3 years behind him, it is unlikely that his defense is where it once was and, apologies to his Gold Glove (which he deserved for his errorless year), his defense has always been above average, but not spectacular. Offensively, what you see is what you get. High average, great with two strikes, little power, little speed. That was the case entering 2006 and appears to remain so today. As a contact hitter, there is no reason to expect any drop-off this year. So,
2006 or 2009?
Continuity: 2009 (3.5 years as starting second sacker under his belt)
Offense: Push
Defense: 2006
I would give the edge to 2006, by a hair. Here's why: Polanco is more of a proven offensive commodity now than he was in 2006 and we expect more of him. However, his actual production is quite similar, its just that Tigers fans are more used to it. On the other hand, any drop off in Defense, however slight, weakens the right side of the infield, especially with a first baseman who has not proven himself with a glove just yet. Still, Polanco remains an anchor on the 2009 team and has a huge impact on the Tigers' ultimate success or failure.
It's all knotted up now at 1 apiece. Shortstop to follow, once I can find a decent baseball card of Adam Everett.
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