Feb. 23, 12:10pm: The Tigers have announced the deal via a press release. Harrison is officially a member of the Detroit Tigers.
8:33pm: Harrison will be guaranteed $2MM and can earn an additional $1MM worth of incentives, tweets Jon Heyman of the MLB Network.
Feb. 20, 2:40pm: The Tigers have struck a one-year deal with infielder Josh Harrison, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (Twitter link). Harrison will step in as the regular at second base for Detroit, per the report, though he’ll need to pass a physical for the deal to be finalized.
Harrison, 31, is a versatile defender and quality baserunner whose bat has seen its ups and downs in recent years. Defensive metrics have favorably reviewed his work at both second base and third base, and he also has ample experience in the outfield corners. He hit the open market when the Pirates declined a $10.5MM option at the end of the 2018 season in which he managed just a .250/.293/.363 batting line in 374 plate appearances.
While he has had one big season at the plate, back in 2014, Harrison hasn’t come close to replicating it. Since, he has alternated between league-average and lesser seasons, with a cumulative .274/.319/.396 slash line in the four subsequent seasons. That sort of slightly below-average offensive output seems a reasonable expectation moving forward. Statcast hasn’t seen cause to expect better results in Harrison’s batted-ball profile; last year, for instance, he was graded at a meager .275 xwOBA that lagged his .285 wOBA.
Harrison will follow former Pittsburgh teammate and double-play partner Jordy Mercer to Detroit. They’ll bring plenty of experience and familiarity with one another to the Tigers’ middle infield mix. That doesn’t leave a ton of room for young players to emerge, but there really aren’t any who seem ready to force their way up at those positions, as the bulk of the high-end talent acquired in the Detroit rebuild to this point has been of the pitching variety.
The short-term nature of the contract makes it likely that Harrison will emerge as a trade chip alongside Mercer, Nicholas Castellanos and other appealing short-term Tigers assets this summer as Detroit continues stockpiling youthful pieces with an eye toward a return to contention in the American League Central.
Nice signing for Detroit.
They were waiting for Machado to sign.
Yep, this is his plan b.
hahahahah
Mr. I probably would have signed Machado. Mayhaps Harper too.
R.I.Pizza
And upped them to $6 Hot n Ready’s
Gives them another reason to sit Goodrum
They might use Goodrum at 1B and DH Cabrera more.
If Detroit wants Miggy to last more than 2 more seasons the better use him a whole lot at DH
Goodrum could be a good PR and late defense, he is still an important key on bench
Why would they want reasons to sit Goodrum? He was one of their most consistent hitters down the stretch for them last year
Goodwin probably goes to left. They had Mahtook planned for left and he’s a AAAA player. Niko will get plenty of playing time.
Niko over Mikey all day
Christian Stewart in LF.
Not really. They’ve openly stated they prefer to keep him as a utility player instead of a full time 2B. Goodrum will find plenty of playing time if he hits like he did with regular ABs last season.
lowball money…give the dude a full 500 abs so he can cash in
Confused
josh and jordy up the middle again!? hopefully they both stay healthy had have good seasons.
Happy for both of them. I’ve got nothing bad to say about their time with the Pirates, but it was time for both team and players to move on. Not only did bith end up with a pretty secure job, they get to play together. I hope both of them do well.
Can’t say I saw this one coming. Can’t believe the Angels are good with Cozart and Fletcher having no competition for jobs. Maybe that’s where Marwin ends up because I liked Harrison as a fit there.
No, you stay away from Marwin!
You think the stros are even still considering him? I feel like team and player have moved on.
I don’t necessarily think the Astros are still considering him although I wouldn’t rule him or Keuchel out to return. I just would rather him sign somewhere not in the same division.
I want Marwin in Boston!!!!!!!
Boston would be wise to spend on that bullpen before signing Marwin and giving away more luxury tax dollars.
I like Marwin.
Why? We already have Brock Holt. Marwin would be an unnecessary addition even if we had any payroll flexibility
I like Martin.
arte stopped epp from spending for one extra relief pitcher. where would epp get that money?
If anything we should go after Kuchel I’m fine Fletcher and Cozart
I don’t know that angels lineup could have some serious holes in it. Calhoun, Cozart, Lucroy, and Fletcher all were below ML average with the bat last year. That’s 4/9 guys in the lineup. Calhoun was better in the 2nd half and might return to being above ML average but it wouldn’t be completely shocking if they all were below average hitters. Moose seemed to fit well as a LH power bat at 3B in the lineup. Or even taking a chance on a guy like Harrison. Cozart was a below average defensive 3B and you take away 2017 and he’s really never been a very good hitter.
I like Marwin.
I doubt the Angels would sign any Boras clients. Matt Harvey was a rare exception.
Angels have prospects in AAA who could take a job with a hot spring training. Ward has a career OBP of .388 in the minors and got a taste of MLB life last year, Rengifo is coming off a stellar season.
If not for the trade for La Stella, Harrison would be perfect. And, honestly, I’d rather have Harrison.
he is always happy to play!
Makes no sense, how do you develop the players of the future.
We just need warm bodies right now Robert, most of our young hopeful infielders aren’t ready to try the big leagues.
I thought Goodrum was an option? They might like him better at other positions defensively or as a util option though.
Good rum is always a good option lol
DH and OF
Phil Coke with good rum. My go to drink.
Good job Mr Avila.
The Tigers look a little more solid that they did last season… That’s the way they did it in the late 1970s.
Before the off season, I never thought the Tigers would be able to sign Josh Harrison. I predicted he would sign for the Angels or Brewers.
Ron Gardenhire stated that he wanted to utilize Niko Goodrum’s versatility and use him in different roles. I assume that meant he would be a Supersub.
Inexpensive stop gaps like this until they are actually ready. It’s a pretty common practice.
At Toledo?
They’ll flip him for prospects in July
They’ll worry about that once they get some players of the future
Spot on
You let them mature their skills in the minors instead of throwing them to the wolves before they are ready.
Perhaps a good signing if cheap enough. Hopefully can flip in July.
Cant believe people eat peanut butter and mayo sandwiches
Prove it. I don’t believe it. I have to swallow my vomit just thinking about that combination. Haha
Ewwwwwww. Mayo is horrible, and to do that to innocent peanut butter? A crime.
Yeah that’s pretty disgusting
Dude PB and Mayo sandwiches are AWESOME! Lol, I even occasionally throw a piece of bologna on there!
Sounds disgusting, but when I lived in Philly for a brief stint, I made the mistake of trying scrapple. Essentially a poor man’s spam (redundant I know) but it was AWFUL. I think I’d rather try and stomach PB&Mayo.
Spam, slice of sweet onion, and grape jelly sandwich. (Don’t knock it til you try it.)
Good for road trips because no need for refrigeration. Open & slice the spam, slice the onion, and spread the jelly on.
Scrapple an acquired taste, but quite good when slices are browned on a fry pan.
Just don’t ask what goes in it!
Teach the youngsters, maybe rack up a 2 WAR and get flipped in July for prospects. Smart move.
I thought he wanted to play for a contender ♂️
He did not specify the year.
Or the decade
He will be in July
Pirates couldn’t give him away what makes you think the Tigers will be able to?
He wont be at a $10mm salary
He sucks, no contender is going to want to put a guy who is 20% below average out there.
They are contending for the #1 draft pick.
Detroit Pirates.
Now the Pirates sign Iglesias and it’s a swap
Cleveland picked up some, too, while Pittsburgh acquired some Indians.
Cleveland Pirates? Pittsburgh Indians?
With Mac & Leyland former managers. I know they know exactly who they have in Mercer & Harrison.
Preferred Josh to Ian Kinsler for a stop gap but the price was right on Kinsler.
This will let them flex Niko to 1b, Miggy to DH and Hicks to the bench where he is better as a part time catcher/PH/1b and DH rest relief.
Or they could be close to trading Castellanos and be able to put Hicks or Niko in RF on a rotating basis too.
I wish Harrison had more pop in his bat though.
His swing will find the gaps in CoPa
Perhaps moving Nick to DH, putting Niko Goodrum in RF.
He’s also genuinely smart on the basepaths and has a good feel for taking an extra base and when not to try. He pulled off a pair of miracle run downs that got attention but I’ve seen him almost halfway to second base reading the play in front of him before getting back to first instead of getting thrown out at second plenty of times.
You’ll love him as a player so much you may not even notice that his stats were very average. Lots of energy and hustle. Nice defense too.
Niko Goodrum would be a much better offensive choice. But Mercer & Harrison combo should work nicely.
I second that gee.He brings a lot of enthusiasm and team spirit to a club that cannot be measured by WAR.
I am somewhat surprised that he got a full time gig,but may have found the one place for it.
He got many clutch hits for the Pirates but it was time to cut the cord.
I wish him and Jordy nothing but the best as they are both still pretty decent players and great guys.
I wish he had more soda.
Hicks is Not an OF.
Miggy is gonna stay at 1b and their plan is to have hicks be their main DH, if he hit like he did last year he should keep that role. The chances of them trading castellanos until the deadline are pretty high now that spring training has started so castellanos will stay in right field. No point in misplacing hicks goodrum and castellanos just for a possible slight defensive upgrade
Really wanted to see what Goodrum could do if they let him settle in at a position. I guess they need to utilize his versatility, and he’ll still get plenty of at bats.
Niko Goodrum has a 70-grade name
Ughhhh, the AL Central is easily the worst division in baseball.
Don’t count anyone out in this division. These moves like picking up Harrison might be big.
I will count the Tigers and the Royals out. The White Sox would have to strike gold. It’s a two team race and if the Twins don’t get bounce backs from half their lineup, the Indians will win by default. It is objectively the worst division in baseball.
Well I think it will come down to pitching. The team that pitches the best will be right there. With young pitchers & a chance of injured veteran pitchers, a lot can happen.
It’s Indians division and no one else is close. Tigers won’t win the 69 games they are projected to.
They were on pace to win 74-75 when Miggy went down in June. It’s a long season!
Idk the AL West is pretty weak too. Mariners and rangers will both probably lose 100 games, angels haven’t really made any moves to get much better nor have the A’s. That leaves just the Astros and maybe the A’s but they seem like kinda a 2018 twins team where they just had one fluke season where they made the wild card and then go back to mediocracy
Great guy. He and Mercer have been friends and teammates for a long time. Good for them.
Don’t get why the Tigers are signing vets with no upside. Especially Harrison, what was wrong with Goodrum? At least he has some upside. Let the kids play, they’ll never break out if they don’t play.
Harrison’s ’18 OPS- .656
Goodrum’s OPS- .747 and Goodrum is 5 years younger.
I just remembered who the GM is which pretty much explains everything.
Goodrum will play over 150 games this season. They just want him in the super utility role, as he is a plus defender at multiple positions. And this allows Detroit to move the DH around.
Goodrum is versatile, but plus defender is a stretch so far. His bat and speed look made for Comerica. These signings are only good, if they do not take ABs away from Niko and Willi Castro, when he is ready.
The signing was for depth and to get some pressure of goodrum who would really be playing in his first full season of starting everyday. Plus there’s no point in rushing any of the young guys down in the minors if they’re not ready. Might as well wait until they’re ready to contend with the team before the clock starts ticking on their contracts
Love this signing for Detroit. I only wish they would have waited later into the off-season on their other signings. There’s still quality pieces available, likely willing to sign for less than expected, and they had to snatch up Jordy Mercer, Matt Moore, and Tyson Ross at the beginning of the off-season. I would have preferred higher-upside signings instead of that trio.
The missing part of the equation Detroit was looking for so they can capture their division. Their mission is now fully operational
The best part about this is that the Giants didn’t sign him
I’m thinking Castellanos will be traded or moved to DH. Goodrum to RF, shore up the defense there. Harrison with veteran defense at 2nd.
I think Goodrum is going to stay in the super utility role he played so well in last year. He will still play in over 150 games but this allows Detroit to have a “roaming” DH (Cabrera, Castellanos,etc) and keep Miggy happy b/c he doesn’t want to be a full time DH no matter what he tells the press
Harrison and Mercer are honest to goodness BEST FRIENDS. Whatever we can say about Detroit signing older players with little upside, it is a cool side story that they obviously wanted to stay together.
This is a great signing for Detroit. Mercer and Harrison will be able to show the young INF’s Detroit has coming up through the system what professionalism is. They aren’t going to hit a ton but can play good D and Harrison still has gap power that will play up at Comerica. And this allows Goodrum to be a super utility player as he was last year. Great signing for Avila
I’d rather see Goodrum’s bat in the lineup every day in RF. It depends on how Beckham performs in the spring, I look for him to be the utility guy. Nick C to DH.
How much??
2 good players to help a rebuilding squad get to 2020. You will like their hustle and solid fundamentals. Harrison in particular still has upside at 31 years.
Remember that time when the Pirates were tearing it all down and didnt trade Harrison? You know, the one that made the most sense to trade? Ha
Do you also remember that time the Pirates traded Cole for Moran, Musgrove, Feliz, and a prospect after demanding Andujar+? haha
Oh oh oh, remember that time the Pirates traded Glasnow, Meadows, AND Baz for CHRIS ARCHER??? ahahahahahahaha omg
Good times. Anyway, I think the Tigers are gonna see if they can flip Harrison at the deadline, even though 2 months of Harrison wont net them much at all.
Remember that time Glasnow, Meadows and Baz were all consistently productive Major League ball players? Yea me neither. Everybody thinks “Oh well they got so screwed out of that trade”, yet there hasn’t been a real winner of it. Glasnow was inconsistent before and after he went to TB. Baz gave up 6 walks and 6 earned runs in 7 innings once he was sent to Tampa. Meadows is the only one who truly looks like he could be good, even though he was bad after 1 good month. Archer, though he struggled through his first month with the Pirates, really heated up throughout September.
As for Cole, the return wasn’t ‘that’ bad. Sure it wasn’t Andujar+, but Moran looked decent in his rookie year, and Musgrove has been very solid. The prospect, Jason Martin, was really good in AA last season. Though he struggled in AAA later in the year, there’s not too much reason to not believe the 23 year old prospect can’t adapt to the pitching and become a productive player.
Glasnow himself is worth more than current Archer. If the Pirates wanted a 4.30 ERA pitcher they couldve just kept Glasnow (who, since joining the Rays and starting games again, posted a 4.20 ERA, ERA+ of 99). Glasnow is young, so he could still vastly improve and has more years of control than Archer. Then, for kicks, the Pirates decided to trade away their 2017 1st round pick in Baz and then their top OF prospect in Meadows! The players the Pirates sent over can all bust and they still lost that trade. The Pirates lost that trade simply because they couldve made a 100 better trades with that package and ended up with Archer. Its only insult to injury that Glasnow performed better than Archer since the trade and the other players have the potential to perform.
I would say Musgrove is meh, not solid. Posting a 96 ERA+ isnt what I would call solid. Moran is slightly above average, but he isnt blowing anyone away. I figure he still has room to grow, though. The prospect is still a prospect. But much like the Archer trade, they lost the trade simply due to the fact that they couldve gotten much more in terms of value for Cole and scuffed it by asking way too much from the Yankees. I would be willing to bet that the Pirates asked more from the Yankees than any other team out of spite, and when they couldnt hard ball the Yankees into agreeing they settled for a lesser package.
Pirates are run by fools. Dont get me started about how they shouldve spent money to capitalize on a playoff roster but refused to, only to make the worst decisions from then on out.
They can’t lose a trade just because they could get a lot more back for that package. If every player turns out to be a bust, and Archer becomes a decent 4th pitcher (3.70 ERA/FIP, or something around there) and neither of the 3 players even become semi-decent, then it’s still a bad trade for the Rays, regardless of the potential they could have gotten back in other trades. Also, Glasnow did not do better than Archer post trade. If anything, they did about the same. Glasnow had a 4.20 ERA and 4.38 FIP. Archer had a 4.30 ERA, and 4.00 FIP. I’m not going to deny that this trade could turn out bad. It absolutely could. All I’m saying is that it’s too early to tell.
On the topic of Musgrove, he had a 3.56 FIP, lowered his BB/9 from 2.3 in 2017 to just 1.8 in 2018, and gave up only 12 home runs in 115 and a third innings. Compared to last season, he gave up 18 in 109 and a third innings. He’s definitely a solid middle rotation guy. But I don’t think they could have gotten that much more out of Cole. He was coming off a season where his ERA was 4.26, and gave up 31 home runs on a team that played in a pitcher friendly park.
I’m by no means praising this front office/ownership. I also think they needed to put up the big bucks back in 2013-2015, and that they have made bad trades in the past. All I’m saying is that we should give Archer, Glasnow, and Meadows a full year before calling it a bust, which it is totally possible it could be, and the Cole trade isn’t the worst they could possibly do.
Good way to deal with all of the armchair GMs. Trades sometimes cannot be valued until several yrs later. The Archer and Cole trades are probably 2 of those.
In both instances they were dealing with a guy who weren’t traded at peak value. Archer certainly wasnt at a high point when he was traded or anything of that sort immediately after the deal. When they sold Cole he was obviously at a low point as well. The only thing is the package they received was significantly less regarded than the one they gave up for Archer. IT may turn out okay in the end for them but there’s no way you can deny that they gave up a higher touted package. I’m very high on Glasnow if he can consistently throw strikes. I’d be willing to bet he’s the best player you gave up. Baz and Meadows are significantly better prospects than Moran or MArtin or anyone else in that deal was. Musgrove is a good mid-back end rotation guy. But you definitely gave up a lot more to acquire archer than you received for Cole. ***And Jason MArtin was god awful in AAA. He raked in AA due to an unsustainable .396 BABIP. Once he hit AAA and his BABIP normalized down to .270 you see what you got. He’s a 4th OFer in the big leagues at best.
+mlb1225
I mean, im only evaluating the trade from the Pirates standpoint. Im not denying that it could go sour from the Rays perspective. The Pirates gave up so much value for and got so little for what they couldve gotten. They couldve gotten a pitcher with Archers numbers or better for much much less. Just look at the Happ to Yanks trade. Much better performance for much much less.
I think they couldve gotten more from the Yankees than the (probably) 2nd best package from the Astros that they ended up taking. The Yankees had a better farm and were more desperate for a SP at that time than the Astros. However, the Pirates effectively got rid of their highest bidder by demanding far too much from them. I mean, they ask for Andujar/Gleyber+ but settle for Moran? Please. I’d rather take the package the Yankees gave for Paxton than the package from the Astros, and Cole is arguably a better pitcher (he did come with concerns before that season though, even i was skeptical. tbh i dont think he wouldve had the success he had in HOU if he was traded to NYY. HOU pitching coaches seem to have made a lot of pitchers return to form/exceed to their highest potential. the yankees wouldve probably gave up a similar package for Cole tho, since Paxton comes with his own baggage)
The Pirates scuffed a lot of opportunities to be a much better ball club. Terrible management
The the Yankees didn’t have to give up a boatload for Happ is because Happ was a rental. Archer is affordable and controllable through 2021. That’s why they had to give up some higher end prospects. Plus, even if they gave up potential, it’s just that, potential. If all or 2/3 prospects turn out bad and Archer pitches semi-decent, then it’s not that bad of a trade.
Also, just because you ask one team for their best pieces doesn’t mean that that’s what Cole is worth. They got back a little under market value for what Cole was worth at the time. A struggling RHP who wasn’t too old, but only had 2 years of control remaining. They probably could have gotten a bit more back out out Cole, but not a significant amount more.
Right, I understand the different factors that surrounded the two trades (Happ & Archer trades), but the point was that if they wanted someone better than Archer, they couldve easily gotten that and gave up less. The Yankees gave away an injured utility guy and a former highly rated prospect to get someone better than Archer. If you put 2-3 more years on Happs contract I doubt the Yankees wouldve been sending over a package equivalent to that of which the Pirates gave up. If you look at the Gray trade (where Gray looked much better than Archer did at the time of their respective trades), the the Yankees gave up a significantly weaker package (i mean, two injured guys and Mateo, who for all accounts was overrated but had a hot streak at the right time to artificially bump his value up) than the package the Pirates sent to TB for Archer. The Pirates did bad on that trade. Real bad. They couldve gotten so much more for that package or given up so much less to get equivalent/better production than Archer.
I also understand that a teams asking price is not necessarily equal to the worth of what theyd send in return. I mean, the whole reason why I’ve been saying the Pirates asked way too much from the Yankees is because of that point. If they asked for a return closer to what Coles value at the time was, they couldve gotten a better package from the Yankees than they did from Astros. The Pirates, out of spite, gave the Yankees a high-ball offer while playing hard ball, hoping to cash in on the leverage that the Yankees needed a SP, but because they asked for too much, this effectively ruled the Yankees out and so they had to settle for whatever the 2nd best package was. Its similar to the “It doesnt matter if the Patriots have the best offer for A. Brown, the Steelers wont take it out of spite and would rather settle for whatever the next best option is unless the Patriots would give us an offer we really cant turn down” scenario. They werent interested in taking the best offer. Thats why theyre fools, and thats why you and I both believe they couldve gotten more back from Cole.
I mean, the Cole return was lighter (in terms of value at the time of the trades) than what they sent out for Archer by a longshot. That should tell you something about the Pirates FO.
+gee
Please, you dont even understand the criticisms I have with the Pirates. This isnt about whether or not the players involved in the trade will pan out. This is about how the Pirates failed to recognize the value of their packages at the times of these trades. They couldve easily gotten more for Cole and they couldve easily given up less for Archer. At the times of their respective trades, the value they got back for Cole wasnt on par with the Coles value and the value of Archer wasnt on par what they gave up to get him.
This isnt a “oh you never know, that prospect could be really good and make it worth the trade!” because it would be possibly that if they really wanted that prospect they probably couldve given up Harrison or someone like that (veteran on expiring contract) and landed that prospect in a separate trade all while trading Cole for a better package than they got originally.
The critique is that they obviously couldve made better trades and failed to do so, to their own detriment, not that the trades dont have the possibility of having some positive output.
Like I said earlier, I’m not here to praise this front office. They’ve made moves in the past that I have criticized, and I wasn’t too on board with the Archer trade all that much. You just seem to think that it was horrible and there’s no way the Pirates could ever win the trade. All I’m pointing out is that even though they gave up some guys with high potential, they could still make out fairly well in that trade. Now the possibility of that is likely low, but there’s still the possibility of it. Just because they gave up guys of potential doesn’t mean they automatically lose the trade. Now if the guys of potential do breakout, and Archer stays around the same or only improves slightly, then the Pirates lose the trade. If none or most of the guys don’t breakout, and Archer does improve even a little bit. then it’s not a total loss.
Good pick up! The Tigers needed a defensive standout at second. Think of all the lefthanders lining the ball toward the right side of the infield.: Miggy has no range, and if it gets through the infield, Castellanos gets to juggle with it in right field.
Not a bad signing. Harrison is a solid veteran and if they get him for a decent price, all the better. But they had plenty of in house options, no less than 6 guys that could have competed for the job. And for a team rebuilding, allowing someone to win the job in spring and show going forward that they can play would have been helpful for the longer term. Still, thinking that they can allow these kids to play in Toledo to gain further seasoning and hope they can open a job by flipping Harrison is a pretty good plan as well.
If you look at the legitimate advanced stats this contract’s value is WELL above Johnny Hustle’s deal!!! Stay woke (/eyesemoji/endemoji)
Lot of options for the utility role now.
Tigers need major help everywhere but utility.
This might just be cabin fever setting in but..If we can’t meet an extension w/ Nicky, I say sign Hanley Ramirez next!
Harrison’s stats kind of look like Omar Infante’s. Might turn out to be better.
I do not see this as a needed signing. As Cabrera will continue at 1B (gotta keep him happy), and Nick will continue in RF (gotta enhance his trade value), they appear to be limiting Niko’s ABs. I hope they have a plan to prevent that.
Zimmerman & Fulmer to the Padres for Myers & A Very Good Position Prospect.
Nick to the Angels for a Loto Ticket Prospect. or a Three Team Trade.
The only landing spots I can see for Nick would be with the Angels or Rays outside of the American League Central, the other two that may have an open spot for Nick would be the Indians or White Sox.
So wouldn’t you rather sign Nick to an extension? Eduardo Escobar signed a 3 yr – 21m! He’s worth more than a lotto, and he’s 26
If he was worth more than a Loto, teams would be lined up with offers. As it is, I could only find 4 possible landing spots for him. With Cabrera heading for DH soon, the Tigers need to move on from Nick.
Myers is only 28 & can take over Firstbase.
If he was worth only a lotto they would’ve resigned Jim Adduci, and not cut him a $9+m contract.
Nick is younger and will be cheaper. He, too, could play 1b. Trading Fulmer for salary relief is not happening.
I would trade him to the Rays for Catcher Michael Pérez. if they were interested.
So basically give Fulmer and Nick away for nothing? Not to mention if Zimm is in form this year and they are willing to eat a large chunk of his remaining salary, it should be easier to trade him at the deadline with only a year and a half left on his contract. Fulmer, if healthy, has frontline starter stuff. AA needs to hold firm on not dealing Fulmer until he rebuilds value and then demand two top 100s
The Padres have the best Farm System in all of Baseball & are in need of young controlled pitching. The Tigers & Padres make good trade partners.
Tigers don’t need to trade Fulmer unless they get a Good Position Prospect coming back.
You must mean several position prospects.
Zimmerman will never bring back a player better than Wil Myers, now or at the Trade Deadline.
I doubt the Padres would even do the trade but would be worth it to both teams I think. Zimmerman was good in the National League & just might fit in good there.
At this juncture, the Tigers will trade Jordan Zimmermann for what they can get in order to dump his salary. They won’t take for trade another high salaried player. Zimmermann has the possibility to return to his previous form and be much more valuable to trade to a mid season contender. Then they will ask for a descent return. Otherwise, he still eats innings whenever he’s healthy.
In short, no Wil Myers.
I’m hoping the Tigers trade Nicholas Castellanos to the Phillies for Roman Quinn and Nick Williams. Castellanos was a better hitter than Bryce Harper the last two seasons and significantly less costly with less drama. The Tigers fill two OF positions.
Everyone in Detroit knows this signing is an obvious endorsement that the Tigers think they are World Series ready and Josh will provide the missing link. Pitching, hitting and coaching bless the Tigers with a team which will easily have over 100 wins. Great pick up.
You better check your carbon monoxide detector!
Confusing signing. You would think a real contending team would have coughed up enough to sign him. What is it with these garbage teams signing good free agents……
I can’t believe he only got 2 million. Maybe nobody else wanted him
I like this. I just think his bat is more good than bad. He had to start in the middle of the season last year against “warm” pitching without having his timing down. I think he did as well as can be expected and is due for a nice bounce back to a .280 or better hitter with a little pop from time to time. Low risk, high reward.
Adds another position player who has pitched in the past. Lethal bullpen of Cowart, Dixon and Harrison.
I am lost by this move. The Tigers had a 2B in Goodrum. They have a veteran clubhouse presence in several players already. Harrison has not been good in several years and he now commands a roster spot. Considering how few teams were lining up for his services now, what would lead anyone to believe he will be more valuable later in the season?
All signs have pointed to Goodrum not being their future second baseman. On defense with his speed and arm he is better suited for more time in the OF and as a super utility guy some time in the IF. This will not impede his progress at 2b. I like the signing being he and Mercer have their history. If he has a comeback season they flip him for a prospect. If not then second base won’t be the hole it was last year. And per Det News Miggy has already been told he will be dh’ing, maybe a lot, and he is ok with it, at least he is saying that.
All signs point toward Harrison not being their future 2B. I am doubtful Lugo is the answer, either. There are always OF prospects coming. Niko may not be the permanent answer, but he could have filled for a couple years, and developed.
Cody Clemens
Not good news for those trying for an infield roster spot
No commentary on comparing what he signed for vs. the MLBTR offseason prediction?
Detroit has no promising 2b prospects. Gardenhire is the one who said Niko is better suited for the OF. Det has some very young IF prospects, years away. Clearly Avila isn’t looking at Niko as their future 2bman. I think that’s ok. When Det is ready to contend again perhaps they’ll have to look to FA for 2b. Long way off. Harrison will bring some stability but I think Avila is mostly looking to flip for prospects. Dets position prospects are really thin
I think Josh will be the lead off hitter, as he was with the Pirates. He does’nt walk at all, but he will be the lead off hitter Detroit has been lacking.
Now they need a number 8 hitter, who plays first base. Perhaps an all or nothing power hitter(Mike Laga, Marcus Thames type). Adrian Gonzalez would be perfect if he has anything left. Adrian & Miggy were teammates in the Florida system. But they will probably go with Hicks.
I’m still hoping on Logan Morrison. I see him as being younger, faster, and having more trade value. Plus he could bat higher. No need to waste a spot on Adrian Gonzalez.
Logan hit a ton of HR’s in Tampa. He is a lifetime .239 hitter though. Not sure if any of these guys would be a lot better than Hicks.
I still can’t believe we signed Matt Moore, and not Alex Wilson.
Probably a lot more to the story than we know.
Sure, hang on to all who contributed to 95 losses.
He was the one of the few relievers we had who had any respectable #’s. So by your logic fulmer, norris, candelario, boyd, Castellanos,and niko should be off the team just because of last year’s loss total?
Mets could’ve used him… especially after Jed Lowrie’s knee tweaking, which will keep him out for two seasons.
This makes Detroit true contenders in the AL .
They do have some talented young players, you never know when they will hit stride.
Maybe the Central?
Baseball show stated that Harrison might wear number 1, in honor of Lou Whitaker.
I wonder if everyone will yell “Lou, Lou” , when he comes up to bat?
The fans should start a “lou” chant that sounds like ‘boo’ to remember #1 Lou Whitaker
I think Lou & Tram should have been inducted into the HOF as a Combo. I watched them for 19 years, hitters lost a lot of BA by hitting up the middle.
Maybe the Tiger HOF.
One is a career .275 hitter and the other is a .285 hitter with low power and RBI totals. Long careers and nice duo (I watched them as well, being a Tigers fan and all) but not MLB Hall of Famers… not even close.
Perhaps you did’nt get the memo. Tram was inducted this past summer. Comparing RBI totals by a lead off hitter, to a cleanup hitter makes little sense.
Trammell and Whitaker are way better than at least two dozen guys already in the Hall. I would list them all here, but, heck, just look up Tinker, Evers, Maranville and Mazeroski
Baseball Hall of Fame: “Some” of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Mazeroski was not as good of a hitter but a better fielder.He led the National League in double plays eight years in a row which will never be equaled.
The others played during a much different era where records are somewhat difficult to be reasonably compared.
Make a poem of Whitaker-Trammell and Sweet Lou will make it in. They were almost never spoken of individually. It was always, Whitaker-Trammell.
Without that poem, I don’t see any reason Tinker, Evers or Chance should be in the HOF.
From what I read, Rabbit Maranville was pretty entertaining to watch. He was described as “acrobatic”. He really wasn’t an automatic out. Especially after the dead ball.
Luis Aparisio didn’t have high offensive numbers, but had a golden glove.
I believe that Aparicio also lead the American League in stolen bases many years in a row.He was on the Go Go Sox pennant winning 1959 team.For many years he was the best fielding shortstop in the Major Leagues.
The Hall of Fame has a modern era ballot now. So the older players stats aren’t compared to players currently on the ballot.
I usually don’t pay a lot of attention to the Hall ballot. I usually am aware of any Tigers though. I guess players like to be considered. But if they don’t make it, it’s not the end of the world.