It is that time of year again when every team in MLB tries to improve their team either at the present time, or for future seasons. Despite the fact that the Detroit Tigers were able to stay within striking distance of the division, it became clear close to the trade deadline what they should do. Sell. They had several pieces to deal to entice other teams. From pitchers to some position players, all could be of some value to other teams. Players that could be the most attractive included Michael Lorenzen and Eduardo Rodriguez. Needless to say, on the surface, the trade deadline was less than successful for the Tigers.
With a brief look at what occurred on trade deadline day, one would conclude that the results were quite underwhelming. Yes, they got a couple prospects through the Micheal Lorenzen trade and the cash transaction with Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Dodgers respectively, but were unable to deal anyone else. The much anticipated move of Eduardo Rodriguez never came to fruition. Yes, the deal was in place to move him to the Dodgers, but it was nixed by Rodriguez, as they were one of the 10 MLB teams he refused to go to. It seems as though President Scott Harris would have had logistics such as these ironed out long before the deadline. Was it error on his part or did he simply not want to part with one of the team’s best pitchers. We may never know. There were also other valuable players that could have been moved to help us get good players for future seasons. What about Matt Vierling, or some valuable pieces in the bullpen like Jose Cisnero or Tyler Holton, these guys could have been dealt to get assets back that could help us in the near future. Was Harris unprepared, or was there no deals to be had? Hopefully, it was the latter.
One question we must explore is, What players were on the trading block? Was it just a couple players? Or was everyone available for the right price? Everyone should have been available. We may have gotten someone ready to play right now in the majors, or a few guys that could be ready in a couple years. In addition, I think Baez should have been dealt for cash considerations, at least we could use the money to acquire players that will be more effective than he’s been. It’s quite apparent that Javy is severely overrated and we got a raw deal. We need to find a way to get rid of his dead weight. He’s simply holding a spot on this roster right now. Had Harris had a more open minded approach at the deadline, the team could have gotten many more assists for future campaigns.
Had everyone been made available, we could have acquired talent that could have helped us now, as well as, in the future. Too many times, teams are focused on getting players for the future, when I think getting talent for the present and future can be done simultaneously. When conducting trades get a player that can help now, as well, as players that will sustain success in the future. If the Tigers had done this, they could have more success in 2023, and continued success in 2024.
Preparation is pivotal when it comes to coming out on top at the trade deadline. Whether it was true or not , Harris seemed wholly caught off guard when it came to handling issues that can hinder getting the best possible deals in trades. Yes, this is his first season in Detroit, so maybe he deserves some slack, but at the same time, he is dealing with some of the best baseball minds in the world, so it’s imperative he be at the top of his game. For Detroit’s sake, hopefully Harris is able to get better results in the future, otherwise we need to anticipate several more dismal seasons as Detroit fans.
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