November 5, 2008

For Starters…

By Mike McClary in Hot Stove | 4 comments

I’m not convinced that neither Nate Robertson (one of my favorites) nor Dontrelle Willis will be a long-term solution for the Tigers. Or a short-term one.
Pavano.jpg

That sent me to the growing list of free agent pitchers. Two names that I like for different reasons — and again, I’m talking fifth-starter here: Jon Garland and Carl Pavano. Certainly Detroit would have different negotiating tactics with these two guys, but why not take a shot at one of them?

I know you’re thinking I’m insane with the Pavano thing but hear me out explain. Assuming that he’s healthy, why not offer the guy a low-ball contract loaded with incentives for number of starts, innings pitched, days not on the DL (not unlike they did with Pudge Rodriguez’s early years), etc.?

The guy (4-2, 5.77, seven starts in ‘08) has a history with Dave Dombrowski and maybe he wants to right the wrong of not signing with the Tigers before the 2005 season. I’m just saying.
Garland.jpg

As for Garland (14-8, 4.90, 32 starts in ‘08), I think the guy could give the back-end of the rotation a boost. And, more deliciously, he could face his old club, the White Sox, five times a year and make Ozzie Guillen’s brain turn crispy. That in itself is worth signing Garland.

Discuss.

email this | tag this | digg this | trackback | comment RSS feed

4 Comment(s)

  1. Jim Craddock | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply

    I like the idea of Garland, not so much Pavano. Garland is solid, consistent. Pavano was a one-year wonder even before signing that ridiculous contract with New York. The only way I’d do it is if he came really cheap. Like ML minimum cheap.

  2. Jim Craddock | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply

    just checked last year’s numbers. Garland was 14-8, with almost 200 innings. That probably won’t come cheap.

  3. Mike McClary | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply

    You’re right about Garland’s value over Pavano and his escalating price tag. Too bad the Tigers don’t have Jordan Tata ready to step in. Some homegrown help would be a nice option, no?

  4. Jim Craddock | Nov 10, 2008 | Reply

    Yeah, Tata would be nice. They aren’t axactly flush with talent at the top rungs of the monors, are they? The cupboard isn’t empty, but all the good stuff is way at the back where they can’t reach it yet.

Post a Comment