Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Tigers not involved in trade talks for SS J.J. Hardy

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November 7

Detroit Free Press

"Although the Tigers have an opening at shortstop, they didn't have an opportunity to deal for J.J. Hardy, the shortstop whom Milwaukee traded Friday to the Twins for outfielder Carlos Gomez. In an e-mail to the Free Press after the deal was announced, Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said he didn't contact the Tigers about Hardy because they didn't have what he sought in return. "I was looking specifically for a center fielder or pitching that was low (in) salary and low (in) service time," Melvin wrote. "I did not see a match so I did not call (the Tigers)." Adam Everett, the Tigers' primary shortstop this season, is headed to free agency. Everett said in a phone interview this ..."

Tigers make Marcus Thames a free agent

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November 7

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Tigers bid good-bye to slugging outfielder Marcus Thames today when they removed him from the 40-man roster. Thames, who spent six seasons with the Tigers, will become a free agent. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said he assumed the club would have "limited interest" in trying to re-sign Thames, 32. "We could have retained him by keeping him on the roster," Dombrowski said. "Marcus has done a very fine job for us throughout the years. He's a quality human being. "In our situation, we have outfield depth with (Ryan) Raburn stepping up. We have (Magglio) Ordonez and (Carlos) Guillen at the corner outfield spots. We have (Clete) Thomas and other young guys coming. "We ..."

Thames' time with Tigers is over

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November 7

Detroit News

"Not surprisingly, his voice was clear and upbeat. Marcus Thames sounded no different from the Thames who had hit his share of home runs during five seasons with the Tigers, who had kept his mouth shut when he did not play as often as he would have preferred, and who now is free to sign with another club after the Tigers decided Friday to release him along with backup catcher Matt Treanor. "I'll be fine, I'm in good spirits," Thames said, speaking from his home state of Mississippi as he traveled north for a weekend with friends in Tennessee. "I talked with Skip (manager Jim Leyland), and it's just business."

Trying offseason awaits Tigers

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November 6

Detroit News

"What a shame for the curious Tigers chroniclers that there are no transcripts from this week's team meetings at Comerica Park. It would be easier to discern where a team is headed with regard to somepersonnel questions: • Will the Tigers sign any of their impending free agents: Placido Polanco, Fernando Rodney, Brandon Lyon and Adam Everett? Will they formally confirm expectations they have no interest in either re-signing, or offering arbitration, to two more free agents: Aubrey Huff and Jarrod Washburn? • Are there any serious trade thoughts in mind as Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, huddles this week with manager Jim Leyland, coaches, scouts, and other ..."

Polanco, four other Tigers file for free agency

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November 6

Detroit News

"Five Tigers filed for free agency Thursday, the first day eligible players were allowed to get the ball rolling toward signing contracts for 2010. Shortstop Adam Everett, first baseman Aubrey Huff, second baseman Placido Polanco, closer Fernando Rodney and starting pitcher Jarrod Washburn now are free agents, but the Tigers hold exclusive negotiating rights until 12:01 a.m. Nov. 20. At that point, free agents are free to begin negotiating will all 30 teams. Reliever Brandon Lyon hadn't filed as of Thursday night, but likely will do so soon. With a payroll of well over $100 million, it appears the Tigers won't have much flexibility in terms of player additions this offseason. It's ..."

Rick Porcello named Tigers Rookie of the Year

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November 5

Detroit News

"Right-hander Rick Porcello has been named Tigers Rookie of the Year by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters' Association. Porcello, 20, led all American League rookies with 14 wins. He was 14-9 with a 3.96 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 170 2/3 innings. He is the fourth pitcher 20 or younger since 1970 to record 14 victories, according to Elias Sports Bureau. The others are Cincinnati's Don Gullett in 1971 (16 wins), Minnesota's Bert Blyleven in 1971 (16) and the Mets' Dwight Gooden in 1984 (17) and 1985 (24)."

Surprise! Rick Porcello named Tigers' rookie of the year

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November 5

Detroit Free Press

"Rick Porcello, who burst onto the Tigers roster in spring training and then recorded one of the best seasons in decades by a big-league pitcher less than 21 years old, was named the Tigers' rookie of the year today by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association. Porcello, who doesn't turn 21 until next month, went 14-9 for the Tigers. According to research by the Elias Sports Bureau, he became the fourth big-league pitcher 20 or younger to win at least 14 games since 1970. The others are the Mets' Dwight Gooden (who had 24 wins when he was 20), Minnesota's Bert Blyleven and Cincinnati's Don Gullett. And Porcello set the Tigers' mark for wins in a season by a pitcher under 21. The previous ..."

Ex-Tiger has eye on first-base coach opening

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November 5

Detroit Free Press

"Tom Brookens, who throughout his 10 seasons (1979-88) as a Tigers infielder played with a soundness that coaches admire, has interest in becoming a major league coach. The Tigers have a vacancy on the coaching staff, created when first-base coach Andy Van Slyke decided not to return. Manager Jim Leyland wants to fill the job with someone who's managing or coaching in the farm system. Brookens qualifies; he has managed in the Tigers' system the past five years, the past two with Double-A Erie. "At the time I got into managing five years ago, it wasn't a goal of mine to coach in the big leagues," Brookens said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "I wanted to work in the minor leagues. I ..."

Tigers free agent Washburn eyes return to Seattle

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November 5

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Tigers this summer made an investment in pitcher Jarrod Washburn that didn't pay off. Now the lefty could be returning to the team that sent him to Detroit, the Seattle Mariners. Washburn, a free agent, told the Mariners' Web site that Seattle is among the teams at the top of his list. He didn't name any other teams. Washburn, 35, went 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 20 starts for Seattle before being dealt to Detroit for rookie left-hander Luke French. Washburn was AL pitcher of the month in July with Seattle. But soon after the Tigers acquired him at the July 31 trading deadline, a knee injury prevented him from pitching effectively. After missing the last few weeks of the season, ..."

Report: Tigers' Jarrod Washburn would like to return to Mariners

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November 4

Detroit News

"Free-agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn, not likely to re-sign with the Tigers, says a return to the Seattle Mariners would be among his top choices. "Seattle definitely is toward the top of my list," Washburn told MLB.com. "I'll just have to see what happens when the free-agent season begins.""

Tigers' free-agent Washburn eyes return to Seattle

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November 4

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers this summer made an investment in pitcher Jarrod Washburn that didn't pay off. Now the lefty could be returning to the team that sent him to Detroit, the Seattle Mariners. Washburn, a free agent, told the Mariners' Web site that Seattle is among the teams at the top of his list. Washburn, 35, went 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 20 starts for Seattle before being dealt to Detroit for rookie left-hander Luke French. Washburn was AL pitcher of the month in July with Seattle. But soon after the Tigers acquired him at the July 31 trading deadline, a knee injury prevented him from pitching effectively."

Tigers minor leaguers Andrew Oliver, Casper Wells to play in Arizona Fall League showcase

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November 4

Michigan Live

"Detroit Tigers prospects Andrew Oliver and Casper Wells are turning heads in the Arizona Fall League. Oliver, a pitcher drafted in the second round in June from Oklahoma State, and Wells, a center fielder who had an impressive 2009 spring training with the Tigers, were named to the league's Rising Star Showcase teams for Saturday night's All-Star game in Surprise, Ariz. Players were selected for two 25-man teams by scouting and minor league directors with input from AFL executive director Steve Cobb. Wells and Oliver play for the Peoria Javelinas and are managed by Tigers minor league infield coordinator Kevin Bradshaw on a club that consists of minor leaguers from the Tigers, Dodgers, ..."

Tigers manager Jim Leyland retains title as intentional walk king

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November 4

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers manager Jim Leyland called 21 fewer intentional walks in 2009 after leading all managers with 63 in 2008, according to John Dewan, owner of Baseball Info Solutions, which publishes "The Bill James Handbook" on statistics. The 2010 version is now available. Dewan said that of Leyland's 63 intentional walks in 2008, 26 "resulted in a bad outcome." "Both numbers (2008-09) were league-leading numbers," Dewan said. "This season, Leyland had 42 intentional walks, 26 were good, 16 were no good, and six were bombs. A bomb is where an inning just blew up and multiple runs were scored." Dewan said Leyland's 42 intentional walks ranked well above the American League average of 28 per manager."

Schwartz explains why Lions were burned by fake field goal

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November 3

Detroit Free Press

"After the Rams burned the Lions for a touchdown on a fake field goal Sunday, they said they had exploited something they saw on film. Lions coach Jim Schwartz said the Lions were trying to block the field-goal attempt, using the same rush they had used to block a field-goal attempt in the opener at New Orleans, the same rush they had used to almost block a 41-yard field goal earlier Sunday. "It's a good rush," Schwartz said Monday. "What we did is we went to it once too often." The play came late in the first half as the Rams lined up for a 54-yard field-goal attempt. Holder Donnie Jones flipped the ball to kicker Josh Brown, who tossed it to tight end Daniel Fells, who outraced defensive ..."

Curtis Granderson wins man of year award

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October 31

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers centerfielder Curtis Granderson has won the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award. ESPN Radio's "Mike"

Tigers' Curtis Granderson makes 'Best Dressed' list

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October 29

Michigan Live

"He was named to his first American League All-Star team this season. And now Detroit Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson has been recognized for the way he looks in something beside a baseball uniform. Granderson was named to the "16 Best-Dressed Detroiters" list by Hour Detroit magazine in its November issue. He was the lone athlete on the list compiled by the magazine's society writer, Chuck Bennett, who did not rank his choices in any order. He posed for the magazine wearing a custom-made suit, shirt and tie from Douglass Wayne of Atlanta."

Tigers' Scott Sizemore has surgery on broken ankle

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October 28

Detroit News

"Tigers second base prospect Scott Sizemore had surgery Tuesday at the Detroit Medical Center to repair his broken left ankle. Screws were inserted to stabilize the ankle and he will be in a splint for two weeks, the Tigers said. The screws will be removed in January, and he is expected to be ready for the start of spring training. Sizemore was injured turning a double play in an Arizona Fall League game on Oct. 22."

Tigers want hard-throwing Cuban Aroldis Chapman

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October 28

Detroit News

"The Tigers are interested in Cuban-born left-hander Aroldis Chapman, according to numerous sources. He's a 21-year-old with triple-digit speed. At this point, however, the Tigers' interest amounts to nothing more than attempting to schedule a meeting with Chapman -- as several clubs are trying to do. Chapman defected July 1 and according to SI.com, "a shallow free-agent pitching pool (is) expected to make him one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason." It's thought Chapman could get contract offers of more than $30 million. The Tigers do not comment on their level of interest in free agents."

Tigers prospect Scott Sizemore has ankle surgery, out for 4 months

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October 27

Michigan Live

"Detroit Tigers prospect Scott Sizemore underwent left ankle surgery today at the Detroit Medical Center. Sizemore, projected to replace Placido Polanco if the free agent second baseman signs elsewhere, was injured Thursday in an Arizona Fall League game, fracturing his fibula. According to a release by the club, he is expected to be ready for spring training in mid-February. Team orthopedist Stephen Lemos performed the procedures. Screws were inserted to stabilize his ankle joint and he will be in a splint for two weeks. Sizemore will wear a cam boot once the splint is removed, and is scheduled to have the screws removed in January. He would then begin full weight-bearing activities. ..."

Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes

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October 27

SI.com

"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."

Tigers prospect Scott Sizemore needs surgery

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October 27

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Tigers rookie second baseman Scott Sizemore will undergo surgery Tuesday to repair tendon damage in his broken ankle. Sizemore relayed the details of the surgery today after he underwent an MRI exam on the ankle in Detroit. Sizemore said he still hopes to be ready for the start of spring training, which is almost four months away. But he acknowledged that the "recovery time will be a little longer" than if the surgery wasn't required. If incumbent second baseman Placido Polanco leaves as a free agent, Sizemore is in line to replace him in the Tigers' starting lineup. Sizemore suffered the broken left ankle while playing second base Thursday in the Arizona Fall League. A runner ..."

Dearth of doubles gauges Tigers' weakness at plate

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October 26

Detroit Free Press

"With its huge power alleys, Comerica Park would seem to be built for doubles. But its tenants, the Tigers, finished last in the American League in doubles this season. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski calls this "the most surprising statistic" produced by the '09 Tigers. Stranger still: the Tigers had fewer doubles at home (120) than on the road (125). The lack of doubles represented one more sign of how the Tigers' offense didn't function as expected. "When you talk about the Tigers and our ability not to score runs and not hit the way we should, it's the lack of doubles," Dombrowski said. "We have a ballpark that is conducive to a doubles-hitting club. It has tremendous gaps." This ..."

Scott Sizemore's promotion still likely despite injury

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October 26

Detroit News

"Scott Sizemore was made for the Detroit Tigers. His 2009 season, and its abrupt crash landing, certify it. Sizemore had just wrapped up a dandy of a year at Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo, hitting .307 and .308, respectively, at those stops, and banging 17 home runs along the way, all before he showed up two weeks ago for the showcase Arizona Fall League, where the best prospects in big league baseball go for additional grooming. Sizemore, 24, and the Tigers' likely next starting second baseman, debuted big: three home runs, two doubles, and nine RBIs in his first five games for the Peoria Javelinas. Then, it was on to Thursday's game against the Phoenix Desert Dogs. Sizemore planted ..."

Broken ankle KOs Tigers' 2B prospect Sizemore

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October 25

Detroit Free Press

"Scott Sizemore, in line to become the Tigers' second baseman next season if Placido Polanco leaves as a free agent, suffered a broken left ankle Thursday in the Arizona Fall League. Sizemore said Saturday he expects to heal before spring training. "If all goes according to plan, I should be ready for spring training without a problem," Sizemore said via telephone from Arizona. "The radiologist that I saw here said it was a clean break. (The radiologist) didn't see any reason why it would require surgery or anything like that." To make sure there isn't further damage, Sizemore will undergo an MRI exam Monday in Detroit. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said that if the MRI shows ..."

Tigers' Scott Sizemore fractures ankle bone

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October 24

Detroit News

"Scott Sizemore, who has been tabbed as the Tigers' next starting second baseman, fractured a bone in his left ankle during Thursday's game in the Arizona Fall League. Sizemore will miss the remainder of the AFL schedule but should be fully recovered well ahead of spring training, said Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager. Sizemore, 24, suffered the fracture when he planted his left leg on a double-play ball during Thursday's game between the Peoria Javelinas, for whom he plays, and the Peoria Desert Dogs. He was rocked by the baserunner's hard slide and suffered a "nondisplaced" fracture, which would be considered the best of some bad news for Sizemore and the ..."

Inge to have surgery on both knees

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October 23

Detroit Free Press

"Third baseman Brandon Inge, who defied knee pain that he called "excruciating" to tie for the American League lead in games played this season, will soon undergo surgery on both of his knees, the Tigers announced today. The club said Inge is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February. Inge had more evident trouble with his left knee than with his right knee. But he will have surgery on both knees Nov. 3 for patellar tendinitis. Kevin Rand, the Tigers' head athletic trainer, said Inge's problem in the right knee "is not as extensive" as in his left. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Stephen Lemos at the Detroit Medical Center. Inge's left knee pain became ..."

Brandon Inge to have surgery on knees

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October 23

Detroit News

"Rehab or surgery? The decision has been made. Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge will undergo surgery on Nov. 3 -- but on both knees, not just his troublesome left knee. The procedures will address the patella tendonitis that slowed and bothered Inge for much of the 2009 season, eventually taking a toll on his offensive performance. On defense, however, he remained a Gold Glove candidate. Inge hit .268 with 21 home runs and 58 RBI in 86 games before the All-Star break, but slumped to .186 with six home runs and 26 RBI after the break, playing in considerable pain for more than half the season. Failing to overcome the limitations of his condition, Inge hit .182 in July, .184 in August ..."

Tigers' Inge to have surgery on knees

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October 22

Detroit News

"Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge will have surgery not just on his troublesome left knee -- but on both knees. The surgery, to address the patella tendinitis that hobbled him this past season, will be done Nov. 3 by Dr. Stephen Lemos at the Detroit Medical Center. Inge is expected to make a full recovery by the start of spring training."

Inge to have surgery on left knee

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October 22

MLB.com

"Third baseman Brandon Inge will undergo surgery on his left knee to repair the damage inflicted this summer that hobbled him the past few months. Inge confirmed the surgery to MLB.com on Wednesday evening; the Tigers haven't made an announcement. The procedure will be scheduled sometime around the end of October or early November, giving Inge what's expected to be enough recovery time to be ready for Spring Training."

Tigers LF Carlos Guillen, Jim Leyland have long talk

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October 22

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday that he and Carlos Guillen have "no hard feelings" toward each other and that Guillen remains the Tigers' full-time leftfielder. Guillen recently said he didn't want to play left. Leyland and Guillen then had a long talk on the phone Monday. "We were talking a lot about playing time and about (his) playing nine innings," Leyland said. "There is absolutely no problem there. We talked for quite a while. "Carlos wants to play, and we want Carlos to play." Guillen, 34, has two years remaining on a four-year contract. In a recent interview with MLB.com, Guillen said he didn't want to play leftfield and that Leyland "doesn't have confidence in me" in left. ..."

Tigers utility man Ryan Raburn enters season with job security

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October 22

Detroit Free Press

"Ryan Raburn went to spring training with the Tigers this year needing to win a job on the big-league club. He won't have that worry next spring. Here is something that manager Jim Leyland said this week about Raburn and next season that shows how surely the 28-year-old outfielder soared this season: "He will come into spring training knowing he's on the team." Raburn didn't make the team last spring. He got called up to the Tigers in mid-April. Over the remainder of the season, he grew into a masher of left-handed pitchers and a deliverer of clutch blows. The right-handed Raburn hit 12 homers off left-handers in only 133 at-bats against them. His season peaked in the 162nd game, when he ..."

Tigers leftfielder Carlos Guillen, Jim Leyland have long talk

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October 21

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday that he and Carlos Guillen have "no hard feelings" toward each other and that Guillen remains the Tigers' full-time leftfielder. Guillen recently said he didn't want to play left. Leyland and Guillen then had a long talk on the phone Monday. "We were talking a lot about playing time and about (his) playing nine innings," Leyland said. "There is absolutely no problem there. We talked for quite a while. "Carlos wants to play, and we want Carlos to play." Guillen, 34, has two years remaining on a four-year contract. In a recent interview with MLB.com, Guillen said he didn't want to play leftfield and that Leyland "doesn't have confidence in me" in left. ..."

Ex-Tiger Travis Fryman interviews to lead Indians

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October 20

Detroit Free Press

"As a player with the Tigers and Cleveland Indians, Travis Fryman often led by example. Might he now lead the Indians with his voice and with the pen for the lineup card? Fryman, 40, was one of several candidates who recently had a first-round interview with the Indians about their managerial vacancy. His advantage is that team officials know him because he has managed a short-season farm club in the organization the past two seasons. His disadvantage is that those two summers in the low minors represent the extent of Fryman's regular-season professional coaching and managing experience. Indians officials will start a second round of interviews today when they meet with Manny Acta, former ..."

Porcello's rookie season nearly mirrors Palmer's Tigers Baseball

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October 18

Detroit Free Press

"In 1966, Orioles right-hander Jim Palmer was 20 years and 11 months old when he pitched a shutout against the Dodgers in the World Series. This October, Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello is 20 years and nine months old -- two months younger than Palmer was in the '66 Series. Porcello held the Twins to one run -- unearned -- in the first five innings of the tiebreaker game in early October. Palmer watched the performance on TV. What did he think of Porcello? "I was a little nervous he was going to break my record for the youngest guy to ever pitch a shutout in the World Series," Palmer said. By the end of the tiebreaker, that concern for Palmer had vanished. The Twins won, and Porcello ..."

Power loss hurts Marcus Thames' '10 role

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October 17

Detroit Free Press

"Marcus Thames hit his final home run of the season in mid-August. He went homerless in his final 25 games. According to Baseball-Reference.com, it was his longest homerless streak in six seasons with the Tigers. General manager Dave Dombrowski said he was surprised by Thames' homerless streak. He said Thames wasn't playing hurt during the power drought. "I kept waiting for him to have one of those hot streaks where he hits seven homers in eight games," Dombrowski said. "It never came this year." When he hit his final homer, Thames was averaging a homer every 14.4 at-bats this season. That roughly equaled his pace for his three previous combined seasons under manager Jim Leyland: a homer ..."

Carlos Guillen to MLB.com: I want to be everyday player

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October 17

Detroit Free Press

"Carlos Guillen says he's not trying to rock the boat, but he's not interested in being a part-time or situation player in 2010 like he was for most of this past season. "I've been doing a lot of moves for the last two years trying to make this team better," Guillen told MLB.com Tuesday night before he returned home to Venezuela. "But I would like to be an everyday player. I would not like to be a part-time player." Guillen, who since 2007 has played shortstop, first base, third base, leftfield and designated hitter, battled a right shoulder injury all summer. What bothered Guillen this year was not only being a DH, but more so getting lifted for a pinch runner or another leftfield late in ..."

Justin Verlander made 'major adjustments'

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October 15

Detroit Free Press

"Justin Verlander was talking about how he remained ferociously strong through the end of this season. Not only did Verlander lead the majors in pitches, but in each of his last four starts he threw at least 120 pitches. "I think this year in particular I found a good training program that works for me," Verlander said. "It's all about adjustments in this game. Obviously last year's program wasn't too good." Last year the Tigers right-hander had what has now emerged as the one down year in his four-year career. He lacked his normal upper-90s velocity, and he went 11-17 with the highest ERA (4.84) of his career. "I made some major adjustments in my program, and I feel like I found a pretty ..."

Offseason will be challenging for Tigers

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October 15

Detroit News

"The more you look at it, the more you realize how immensely challenging the offseason will be for the Tigers. "Similar to last winter, we'll have to make wise decisions," Tigers general manager and president Dave Dombrowski said. Bargain-based decisions, in other words. As for big-time free agents, no chance. In fact, it's difficult to see how the Tigers will have any extra money to spend this winter. Based on what they've already committed, and projections of salaries for players expected to return, their payroll already is at $119 million for 20 players. That doesn't include Fernando Rodney, or an experienced (and costly) setup man like Brandon Lyon. It also doesn't include the return ..."

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander's numbers add up to amazing season

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October 14

Detroit Free Press

"When it came to pitch counts, Justin Verlander performed a Ruthian feat this season. In 1920, in his first season with the Yankees, Ruth hit a record 54 home runs. That was more homers than any other team in the American League hit for the entire season. Verlander established his parallel with the Babe this way: The Tigers right-hander made 11 starts this season in which he threw at least 120 pitches. According to Baseball-Reference.com, that was more 120-pitch starts than any other team in the majors had for the season. Other than the Tigers, the team with the most 120-pitch starts was Philadelphia, with seven -- four fewer than Verlander. Verlander also led the majors in innings, starts ..."

Tigers didn't get money's worth from big payroll

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October 14

Detroit Free Press

columnist Michael Rosenberg

"What went wrong? The Detroit Tigers were three games up in the American League Central with four to play, and they blew the division. As manager Jim Leyland said, they should have wrapped it up earlier and they didn't. But for the season, the Tigers actually were outscored by two runs. So in that sense, their 86-77 record represents overachievement. The question of "what went wrong?" goes beyond the events of any individual game or any managerial move. Why did the Tigers have a team that was outscored by its opponents for the season? Why did they have such obvious weaknesses, especially offensively? To figure it out, let's follow an old journalism axiom: Follow the money. We can debate ..."

Tigers to fix poor run production with better plate discipline

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October 13

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers finished 10th in the 14-team American League in runs scored this season, and manager Jim Leyland frequently lamented about their hitting woes. "We swing at balls and take strikes," Leyland said over and over. General manager Dave Dombrowski agreed. "We're not disciplined enough at the plate," Dombrowski said. Dombrowski indicated he was referring to some, but not all, Tigers hitters. But he immediately added that he will implement an organizational-wide attack on the lack of plate discipline. "We had a meeting a couple of years ago on some of these topics with our hitting people, and we're going to do that again this winter, to try to get back, from a philosophical perspective, ..."

Curtis Granderson left a lot to be desired

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October 12

Detroit Free Press

"Two years ago, in what seemed his breakthrough season, Curtis Granderson became one of four players in major league history to have at least 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 homers and 20 steals in the same year. He did all that despite hitting under .200 against left-handed pitching. Last season, Granderson improved so much against left-handers that at midseason manager Jim Leyland decided he'd remain at leadoff against all lefties. Granderson previously had hit either down in the order or not started against some lefties. Now Granderson could for the first time be legitimately compared to Cleveland centerfielder Grady Sizemore, because now -- like the lefty-swinging Sizemore -- he would bat ..."

Penalties cost Capitals vs. Red Wings

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October 11

Washington Times

"The effort was better and the execution improved, but the biggest obstacle for the Washington Capitals - their discipline issues - remained. In a battle of the league's top power plays from a season ago, the Caps' penchant for providing those opportunities cost them again. Detroit netted a pair of extra-man markers, each time with one of Washington's young stars in the box, and the Red Wings limited their own penalties in a 3-2 victory Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena. The loss was the Caps' third in a row. "When you take those dumb penalties, it is going to cost you in the end, and it did," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "You can kill the first two or three, but I knew when we took the ..."

Tigers didn't get money's worth from big payroll

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October 11

Detroit Free Press

columnist Michael Rosenberg

"What went wrong? The Detroit Tigers were three games up in the American League Central with four to play, and they blew the division. As manager Jim Leyland said, they should have wrapped it up earlier and they didn't. But for the season, the Tigers actually were outscored by two runs. So in that sense, their 86-77 record represents overachievement. The question of "what went wrong?" goes beyond the events of any individual game or any managerial move. Why did the Tigers have a team that was outscored by its opponents for the season? Why did they have such obvious weaknesses, especially offensively? To figure it out, let's follow an old journalism axiom: Follow the money. We can debate ..."

Justin Verlander's feats of K

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October 11

Detroit Free Press

"Ernie Harwell has observed that what transfixes most baseball fans is power: home runs by hitters, strikeouts by pitchers. In 2009, Justin Verlander gave Tiger fans a fabulous power display. He struck out 269 to lead the majors. When all 269 were in the book, Verlander cited something he has heard about Roger Clemens. "He never tried to strike someone out unless he had two strikes on him," Verlander said. "That's the way I feel about it. It's not like when somebody steps in, I'm thinking strikeout. "But when I get two strikes, I'm always thinking strikeouts." Beyond leading the majors, Verlander performed these strikeout feats: • He struck out more hitters than any American League pitcher ..."

Can't expect Ilitch to overpay

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October 11

Detroit Free Press

columnist Drew Sharp

"It's Mike Ilitch's call now. After all, it's his wallet and he can do whatever he wants. He'll make the final decision on the Tigers' payroll for 2010, but it could be a mistake to throw more money at the team's personnel issues in an attempt to appease those who might seethe about this season's slide. There's no questioning how badly Ilitch wants a World Series championship. There's no doubting that his team's melancholy finish caused him as much consternation as it did any fan, but he can't be impulsive. He needs to roll the dice with those in whom he already is heavily invested and hope that, with a little better health, the Tigers could be significantly better next year with virtually ..."

First base coach Andy Van Slyke will not return to Tigers

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October 10

Detroit News

"Whether he wanted to or not, Andy Van Slyke is now free to explore "other opportunities." The Tigers announced Friday that Van Slyke, their first base and outfield coach, won't be returning after four years with the team. The other five coaches will be back, however. Manager Jim Leyland had great admiration for the job Van Slyke did with the team's outfielders. "He works them," Leyland said more than once. He worked them because Van Slyke always had asked a lot of himself as a five-time Gold Glove outfielder. "I want the good catch to be routine for them, and the exceptional catch to be ordinary," he said about his approach to coaching the Tigers' outfielders. When contacted on the ..."

Verlander, Porcello on short rest wasn't option

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October 9

Florida Today

"Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said Thursday that the club was never close to starting either Rick Porcello or Justin Verlander on short rest in the second-to-last game on the schedule, even though both right-handers volunteered to do so. With rookie right-hander Alfredo Figaro starting that game Saturday, the Tigers lost, 5-1, to Chicago and fell into a first-place tie with Minnesota. "We've nurtured Porcello all year long, been very careful with him," Dombrowski said Thursday. "If you pitched him on Saturday and something happened to him, you'd never forgive yourself. "He'd never done it (pitched on three days') in his career. It's not like he's 35 and he's done it once in a ..."

Sizemore might replace 2B Polanco

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October 9

Florida Today

"Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said Thursday that if pending free agent Placido Polanco isn't re-signed, the most likely replacement at second base is Scott Sizemore, who has never played in the majors but who excelled at the top-two levels of the Tigers' farm system this season. Sizemore, who turns 25 on Jan. 4, was a fifth-round draft pick three years ago. He has climbed through the system, and this season was named the organization's minor league position player of the year. Splitting this season between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo, Sizemore batted a combined .308 with 17 home runs and 69 RBIs. "We think he's ready to play," Dombrowski said at his ..."

Verlander, Porcello on short rest wasn't option

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October 9

Detroit Free Press

"Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said Thursday that the club was never close to starting either Rick Porcello or Justin Verlander on short rest in the second-to-last game on the schedule, even though both right-handers volunteered to do so. With rookie right-hander Alfredo Figaro starting that game Saturday, the Tigers lost, 5-1, to Chicago and fell into a first-place tie with Minnesota. "We've nurtured Porcello all year long, been very careful with him," Dombrowski said Thursday. "If you pitched him on Saturday and something happened to him, you'd never forgive yourself. "He'd never done it (pitched on three days') in his career. It's not like he's 35 and he's done it once in a ..."

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