Recent Acquisitions

[Jackgrey]

Hey everyone:2guns:

I would like to hear some opinions on the new players the Tigers have acquired recently. Dimitri Young, and Craig Paquette.

This time of the year my mind is usually on AUTO-PILOT, crunching stats for the next Fantasy season. I have seen some reports about Dimitri Young that state that he should have a great season in the spacious Comerica Park. I noticed that his HR production has increased over the last 3 years, as well as his BB totals. Even considering that he played in 10 fewer games last year than in 2000. He also has a decent number of OF assists, but they are talking about having him play 1B. His 1B defense appears to be quite good, so we will see how that turns out. I am just wondering how happy he will be to see his HR numbers dwindle this season. After all, this is the era of BIG numbers. If he can bat .300, hit 35 2B's, and walk 80 times, he should be a wonderful addition. He has average speed, with good gap power, so time will tell. As long as Tony Clark is gone, I am happy. That guy had to be the most inconsistent player in MLB history...so...cheers to that.:biggrinpa

Now, Craig Paquette. This guy seems to be a big ???. I don't see how he fits into Garner's plan. I see his value as a utility man. He has played every position besides C at one time or another during his career. But, he strikes out an awful lot, and does not draw very many BB. I must admit, I have seen very little of his playing time. But, I seem to recall him producing some base hits in some clutch moments when I did see him play.

Last season he had 94 PA with runner's in scoring position and he batted .372. Producing 44 RBI. His slugging % was .521, and his OB % jumped to .435. Not bad for a guy who's career numbers are BA .245, SLG .426, and OB .281 (ouch). But, he has shown production potential, and I guess it all depends on what roles he gets used in. I am sure that he will get many AB's as a late-inning PH with runners on. He has shown his worth in that scenario. Let's just hope that the Tiggers can get people on-base. :hmm:

So, anyways. These are just a few of the things that I have observed about these players. If anyone would like to add anything, please do. Also, if anyone has any comments about that players who we have lost, and the imapct that will have? Please feel free to comment. I would love to hear it.

:uzi:
Mat
(Jackgrey)

[Trots]

Quite frankly, Mat, I think you've done a fairly reasonable job of assessing both Young and Paquette. Like you, I think Young is capable of having a pretty good season in Comerica Park. Of course, he is also in the last year of his contract and that tends to bring out the best in a number of players.

Paquette's role does seem to be as a utility player. At this point, I don't think we can expect any dramatic increases in his production.

As for the departed players, well, when you finish near the bottom every year for a decade, are the Tigers really going to miss any of them? Personally, I'd love to see a few more guys get traded away. Of the group, Encarnacion still has potential, but lots of players never live up to expectations. He also has lots of competition from other youngsters in the Reds farm system. I do believe of the group shipped out this off-season, Encarnacion is the only one who fans around here might miss.

Unlike you, I liked Clark in spite of his shortcomings. Injuries will probably shorten his career, so he won't be a thorn in Smith's side for too long, but TC is still capable of hitting 30HR a year in this "arena-baseball" era.

Good luck with your number crunching. I just got in a fantasy league myself and will have to start working on that, too.

[Jackgrey]

Hey Trots,

First off, I would like to say. It is nice to see a true Tigers fan showing interest during the off-season. Considering your # or posts? Probably nicer for you to see one! :P

I agree...Juan Encarnacion will probably be the biggest potential loss from this off-season. Although, as much as I liked him as a player? He never really showed mr this "5-tool" skill that scouts claimed he had. He lacked in speed. Also in HR power. But...I hope you will join me in toasting to him and TC. They lived through some very dismal years in this organization. I wish them great success. Although, Juan has a tough time in Cincy. Considering the talent that organization holds.

As far as TC? Let's just agree to disagree. Ha Ha. I personally do not feel that his heart is fully in baseball, which is why his numbers fluctuate so drastically month to month. Injury-prone? Yes...without a doubt. But...(Cal......as an example) some players are WITH baseball....and they play. Tony? He just seems like he doesn't really care. I hate to pass a judgement on his character without knowing him, but that is just the sense I get.

As far as your fantasy league? I will keep you posted on any sleepers that I see out there. I have my own formulas that have proven quite successful over the years. You can see the info I provide, and make your own judgement. I have no problem helping out a Tigers fan...and local, I presume? (I am from Sterling Heights).

Something else...with the losses the Indians have taken. Do you think the Tigers have a chance? I mean...the media might attempt to downplay the losses...but CLE has suffered heavily this off-season. Losing Alomar is as bad as it could get for any team, and (I hate to mention this team on this site...Ha Ha) the Mets will benefit HUGE from that. If the Tigers take some chances on some of their young talent? And reap benefits from it? We will be in the hunt for the Central Title. Too name a few?

Wheatland? Pettyjohn? Chipperfield? Marx? I will provide you the link. Let me know what you think. I think it is time for them to take some chances on some young arms...especially since we have a pitcher friendly park.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/tigers/prospect.htm

Mat McGee
(Jackgrey)

[Baseball Guru]

Mat, I totally agree with your assessment of this division being wide open...The Tribe has lost a few pitchers and key players...Juan, Alomar....These are darn good players and any team would feel the loss...
But which teams can contend???
Can the Tigers be the suprise team in baseball like the Twins last year?? After all, it seem that we always have some team that make a run that no one expects to see...
Questions to be answered in the AL Central??
Will we see the same Twins compete that made a magic run in 2001???
Which White Sox team will we see?? 2000 version or the 2001 version???
How will the Tribe react to all the losses in the offseason???
As I see it, the Central is wide open...Lets just see who will be there heading into August....
Good luck Tiger fans:biggrin:

[Trots]

Mat, I really would like to believe the Tigers have a chance to win the Central, but I don't. Sure, this is baseball and just about anything can happen for one season, but the Tigers would need just so many things to dramatically improve that the odds seem almost mathematically impossible.

At the MLB level, it wasn't all that long ago when TC, Higgy, Justin Thompson and Easley were the core of a team considered on the verge of contending and they had lots more "potential" than the current Tigers. Guys like Macias and Halter are great role players, not everyday big leaguers, IMO. It would take a small miracle to get all-star caliber seasons out of so many mediocre players.

I know they've got some potential in the system. However, I really don't want any of the kids rushed to the majors. I believe the Tigers desire to get players to The Show has hurt guys like Weaver and Encarnacion. I'd hate to see Van Hekken, Marx, Wheatland or Baugh, in particular (due to his high NCAA pitch counts) in Comerica Park too early. Honestly, I would also be worried the losing attitude might rub off on them. I'd be much happier if they waited another year or two and have the majority of their future (Munson, Torres, Infante, Rivera, etc...) all come up together.

Like both of you, I do think the Indians have taken a big hit and the division appears wide open. Let's hope I am wrong, as usual, and the Tigers can make it an interesting summer.

I'd appreciate your fantasy league insights. I'm in a league with a few of the posters/moderators here and I'll need all the help I can get. What do you think of Matt Anderson as a fantasy pick for 2002?

[Baseball Guru]

Brian, did you get into that Yahoo league and get a team assigned to you yet???

[Jackgrey]

Hey Trots,

I am short on time this evening, but just to post a quick reply to one of your questions. I feel that Matt Anderson will be a great fantasy player this year. Mostly because he should have his best year yet, and his salary should not reflect that. I have a few little formulas that I use, and although I have not compared potential point value to salary yet...too find some bargains. I am sure that he will be a steal. I have got him showing to be pretty much on the same level as the following pitchers. Kim, ARI. Yan, TB. Foulke, CWS. M. Williams, HOU. J. Shaw, LA. And this only takes into account the last season and a half...with a few adjustments for potential statistical growth. He should be the RP with a breakout year this season. So, if you can find him at a good value? Namely, less than or equal to the above mentioned players? I would consider him a quality player. It also depends on the point system for your league...though most leagues are quite similar in regards to RP.

Mat
(Jackgrey)
:uzi:

[Trots]

Yes, James I am in. Apparently, the squad I inherited finished second last year. Now that I am in charge, their road to the cellar should begin. I am reviewing my keepers for '02 between checking in here and trying to finish one of my WWI books. I'd be happy to talk trades if you are interested. You know where to find me.

Mat, I agree with your opinion on Anderson. However, the league I'm in is a 5x5 keeper league with a draft, so I'm not sure about the relevance of dollar values. I just have to figure out who has him, if not, when to draft him. (The stats are WHIP, ERA, W, K, SV.)