By H. Jose Bosch
Detroit, who for the last few seasons has been among the ranks of the highest payroll teams in baseball, may not be at the top following this off season. With news breaking that the Tigers are looking to trade All-star Edwin Jackson, it appears the economy is finally catching up.
When I first heard the news, I was very upset. As disappointing as the season was, I was optimistic about 2010 and a starting rotation anchored by Justin Verlander, Jackson and Porcello as the Nos. 1-3 pitchers. But according to this Foxports.com report (the outlet that initially broke the story) the move is probably an economic one more than anything else.
The thinking goes that if the Tigers want to sign top free agents, it needs to free up some space because the payroll can’t get any bigger. (So in reality they might still have a high payroll, but now they’ll have to be signing players and evaluating talent with a small payroll mentality).
But after thinking about it I realized that this is a huge make or break off season for Detroit in terms of the team’s the future. If the Tigers are at a disadvantage in terms of building a winner now, why sacrifice the future?
Technically the Tigers were one game off from being a playoff team, but let’s be honest; they were much worse than that. This off season could be the Tigers’ chance to stock up for the future with draft picks and prospects for some of their arbitration-eligible players.
This year’s free agent crop isn’t strong enough for the Tigers to build a contender through free agency and the Tigers don’t have enough talent internally, either.
Plus Detroit is freed from three debilitating contracts after next season: Jeremy Bonderman (4 years/ $38 million), Dontrelle Willis (3 years/ $29 million) and Nate Robertson (3 years/$21.25 million) are free agents in 2010. Add Brandon Inge (4 years/$24 million) and the Tigers could have a lot of money to play with after the 2010 season.
So, will 2010 hurt? You bet. But since the Tigers are better set up for future success rather than immediate success, I don’t think fans should worry too much about the loss of a Jackson or Placido Polanco.
Later today I’m going to start breaking down what roster moves Detroit should make with it’s free agents and arbitration-eligible players.
Read more about the Tigers at Jose’s blog, Michigan and Trumbull
Photo courtesy of powerbooktrance/Flickr