Month: December 2006

Lynn Henning reports today that the Tigers still see Chris Shelton in the big picture (i.e., 25th man or Toledo’s starting first baseman):

The Tigers, however, are in no mood to trade Shelton. Not yet. And certainly not until they receive better offers.Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, said Monday that three teams had called with inquiries about the first baseman.

“They think they’re gonna get him for nothing,” Dombrowski said on Day 1 of the winter meetings. “But we like him.”

My how things have changed. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather send Alexis Gomez to the plate as a pinch-hitter than Shelton.

Did anyone’s stock rise more than Gomez’s in the post-season? I was at the game in Oakland when he smacked that bomb of a homer.

Speaking of lefty hitters, has anyone seen anything anywhere online about Dmitri Young getting a sniff from any team — even as a non-roster invitee?

Surely the Devil Rays would want both Young brothers in camp wouldn’t they?

Technorati Tags: Alexis Gomez, Chris Shelton, Daily Fungo, Dave Dombrowski, Detroit Tigers

If you haven’t noticed, sometimes I let my heart rule when my head should take the lead. At least I’m honest about it.

Today’s wish list is another one-item-only ditty: Don’t trade Mike Maroth.

Both Detroit papers today feature stories in which Dave Dombrowski talks about how much the Tigers like Maroth and, if healthy, he’s the fifth starter.

True, Double-D admits that his ears are always open but I’ve got a sense that it will take (in the words of George Kell) a whale of a deal to move the face of that 2003 team. Read: “Take Monroe and Maroth and then we’ll start talking.”

This is where the heart/head debate begins.

My heart says: Maroth has endured the lowest of the low in Detroit baseball history. Now that the team is a bona fide contender, let him enjoy the spoils! (Yes, I may have been the only one in Detroit who felt bad that John Wockenfuss couldn’t revel in the 1984 season.)

My head responds: He’s a major-league arm. If he gets us a left-handed bat with some punch, so be it. Make the deal.

I’m still holding out hope for a miracle blockbuster that brings Todd Helton to Detroit.

What do you think?

Technorati Tags: Craig Monroe, Daily Fungo, Detroit Tigers, Mike Maroth