I can't help gravitating to these boards in the offseason to get my baseball fix.  I wasn't on here much during the season, but I'm anxious to pick up where I left off in offseason discussions...
Last year, IMO we had way too many offseason threads, and I figured if we stuck (for the most part) to one thread it would be a lot tidier, and easier to discuss rather than surfing through 5-6 per topic to make your point known.
Tough way to end the season with that hosing, but the Tigers were simply beat by a better team (I wish JV could have got a chance to get into a groove in game one, but thats the past.)
So now which Tiger BUM should I pick on all offseason in order to transform him into an All-Star starter? (mmmmm Alex Avila seasoned crow tastes gooood) How about... Ryan Perry?

I see a trade for a 2B or 3B this winter. The free agents available are not impressive. The Tigers HAVE to find someone who can hit leadoff. I don't care that much about stolen bases, but they need a guy with a good OBP (and a good deal fewer than 180 Ks). The only possible free agent I see worth anything (if Brandon Phillips stays with the Reds) is Marco Scutaro...and the Red Sox have an option on him. I know everyone will be screaming to sign Jose Reyes....but he'll ask for mega bucks and then miss 40+ games next year. *
Now I know, it will be tough to try and keep Inge and Raburn on the bench, but I guess that is DD's biggest goal this off-season....along with finding one or two good relief pitchers.

*I hate when fans say "let's go after this guy and sign him".....of course it isn't THEIR money they are spending....so the average fan is all about signing the biggest STAR for their team, hang the cost. Yet, of course, after the superstar falls on his face, breaks an ankle, or is otherwise made useless (see Adam Dunn, Carl Crawford), those same fans will be screaming that the Tiger's front office is not getting good players....forgetting they were so happy when the team signed "the man". (Or they'll blame the manager? But what Tiger fan(s) would do THAT?)

Big problem with trading for a 2B or 3B is that the Tigers have very little depth (in either majors or minors) from which to trade from.  I think we should trade Porcello, but he would need to net us multiple players that can help in Detroit next year.  DD has an interesting challenge in front of him during this off-season.

I still like Rick, and I think he will be a solid #4 starter for the Tigers next year.  It would have been nice to trade Turner and/or Oliver before they came up and showed next to nothing (I'm not saying they won't pan out, just saying their value has to have dropped a little bit.)
In the bullpen, Javier Lopez might be the best LH option in the FA pool... but he reaks of a Benoit bust IMO.  He'll need a lot of money to get him out of SF too.
Does anyone have a decent link to all of the free agents this year?  I can't seem to find an up to date one.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/
03/2012-mlb-free-agents.html

Betemit is listed as a FA, I thought DD resigned him. Either way, I like Kevin Kouzmanoff and Jose Lopez. Kouzmanoff is very underrated. He is not flashy, but has the range and a decent arm strength to forget all about Inge's defense. Both Kouz and Lopez are coming off unsuccessful stints in NL and will come cheap, and both have .270-15-70 potential. 2B FAs are scarce and no way to get anything done without a trade. For the sake of naming someone, Neil Walker. I seriously doubt he will come cheap (yes, I WOULD give away both Oilver and Turner for him), but all players I listed will come much cheaper than prime-time players and are a bit of a gamble, but that gamble is worth it much more than a "sure money" to someone like Reyes or Jimmy Rollins (btw Renteria is available too... ). Whoever DD gets for 2B and 3B I would like defense and range to be one of the priorities if not THE priority.
Overall, the targets are a leadoff hitter (Jackson must slide to 9th) and defensive 2B and 3B. Or 2B and SS and moving Peralta to 3B. But the first one prefered. Just my two cents.

Peg glad to see that you finally got over that Winnipeg all summer long hockey party.  Believe it  Iffy's right the free agent market is pretty thin this year at 3b and 2b. I see 4 needs that should be filled lefthanded starting pitcher, 2b,3b, and back up catcher.   With 75 mil in contracts plus options of 10.5 mil for Valverde and Porcello then Coke and Scherzer with arbitration the payroll could be pushing 95 mil even with 28 mil coming off the books.  One possible at 2b in free agency could be Kelly Johnson but he would come with a mid level price, some pop in his bat and a lot of k's. Just to spell Little Al I wouldn't mind even at age 40 bringing Pudge back, at least he still has a gun throwing out runners and for 40 to 45 games spelling AA he's an upgrade over anything coming out of the minors right now. Lefthanded starting pitchers isn't a great list either with the best being Buehrle and Wilson and they may get priced out of the market but for around 2 to 3 mil Jeff Francis could be had. Looking at 3b not much there and Betemit may have to be resigned as a free agent. As far as the big name free agents I just don't think they fit into DD's wallet. Oh yeah forget about Perry even one game from Zoomer is better than him.

The Tigers need a lead off hitter first and foremost IMO.  I'm tempted to say at any price, and at any position because the thought of an actual leadoff hitter in front of a lineup with Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez in it excites me.  Imagine the RBI totals with, dare I say Jose Reyes on the bases with Miggy up to bat.  But money money money, I know...

One possible at 2b in free agency could be Kelly Johnson but he would come with a mid level price, some pop in his bat and a lot of k's

Kelly Johnson doesn't float my boat.  Pop isn't really a weakness, and strikeouts are.  I don't really pay attention to the NL so I don't know what his defense is like.

Not sure about his character fitting in but Brandon Phillips at 2nd base and leading off for Detroit would be a big improvement for the team. Brandon is really the best available 2B FA and I know Cinny most likely wants him back. Phillips a career .272 avg. hitter did hit .300 this year leading of foe the Reds. He also some power hitting 18 dingers. He would add some much needed speed to the team and he stole 14 bases. Scoring 94 runs with 82 rbi's and having won 2 gold gloves in 2008 and 2010 as a good defensive player. His .383 OBP was also a good accpomplishment for him this year. Brandon will command some money as he was making 11.44 mil last season with the Reds. Costs some money but fills some big holes for the team next year.

Resigning Jose Valverde is another key move that needs to be made before moving on to the other needs this off season.

The Phillies didn't pick up the option on Roy Oswalt cost would be about 10 mil per for 2 years. He did have a back problem last year. Not a lefty starter but a difinite upgrade over a Bad Penny. Any thoughts about going after him.

He is an upgrade over anyone not named Verlander or Fister. It's a decent pricetag for a number 3-4 starter. His health is a concern of course.

The problem with Brandon Phillips is the $12mil option the Reds have for 2012. Phillips has said he will be "very unhappy" if the team picks up the option and does not give him a longer contract. So IF the Reds buy out his option year (for $1mil, I think) - Phillips is going to be asking for a long term deal. On the other hand...it will be interesting to see if the Reds call Phillips' on his "threat" and pick up his option. Bad news for the Tigers though is -  with the shortage of quality free agent 2B, Phillips will have a lot of teams after him, jacking up the price, if he becomes a free agent.

Between Jose Reyes and Brandon Phillips.....I would take the one that has wants the shortest contract.

BTW...the Tigers don't have to 're-sign' Valverde. They have a team option on him for $9 million for 2012. I'd bet muzzes' Ryan Raburn jersey that the club will pick up that option.

Okay, so looking forward to the Detroit Tigers of 2012.  I don't want to see Delmon Young as the everyday leftfielder.  He's not good out there.  IMO he's not even as steady as Maggs.  So this will be a point I'll hit on, if need be.

I don't want to see Austin Jackson hit leadoff again.(This maybe tough, not a ton of second baseman who can hit leadoff.  Even less thirdbaseman.  Maybe there's a leftfielder out there?)  Atleast not until he can put the ball in play, or draw walks. (Like he did somehow in the playoffs.)  I don't want to see Brandon Inge as the everyday thirdbaseman, but I don't mind him being there some times. (Don Kelly could factor in this.)  I don't want to see 8 guys start at second again. (No idea what the actual number was, but it was a lot of guys.  Namely, I don't want to see Ryan Raburn play again, ever.)  I don't want to see Ryan Perry's name anywhere on the roster, Detroit or Toledo, he's not good.  He's not going to be good, since the man ain't bright. (Mark Schlereth's name isn't anything I'm going to be excited about either.  But since he's a southpaw, he'll be around awhile, most likely.)

I have no problem with the 5th starting spot being Brad Penny's role to lose. (Anybody blown away by Jacob Turner?  I wasn't, he can take his time in the minors, IMO.)

A little seasoned bullpen help would be nice. (There are tons of retreads who know how to pitch out of the pen.  One or two would be nice.)

After the season Jhonny Peralta put up, shortstop might not even be a concern this offseason.  Which concerns me.

Love the top four starters, and the idea that they all can still get better.  (Two, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, almost for sure will with time.  JV might have a hard time topping this season during his career.  But and Doug Fister are at the age of nearing their peak, which is nice.)

That Crow a la lil' Al still tastes great!

Sorry everyone....but I see Ryan Raburn/Don Kelly or Andy Dirks being the 4th and 5th outfielders. However, I would prefer them signing someone like David DeJesus to a one year deal. He can play all three outfield spots and has more experience and (if they can sign him cheap) a lot more upside than the other three.

Second base.....the Brandon Phillips idea would not be terrible if he would take a maximum of three years. I can't see Kelly Johnson or Aaron Hill or Aaron Miles as leadoff types, so maybe Marco Scutaro (if the Red Sox let him go) has the potential to have a good enough OBP to bat leadoff. Jamey Carroll might do for one year too.

As for a 5th starter....if Chris Capuano is healthy I think he could be a decent lefty at the bottom of the order. Playing in Detroit might partially solve his problem of home runs. He had a decent season so he is probably going to want more than one year.

Oh yeah....move Gene Lamont to 'bench coach' (or strenght and conditioning coach - lol)and find a younger third base coach.

MLBTradeRumors

 

Offseason Outlook: Detroit Tigers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith[October 25 at 10:45pm CST]

The Tigers have openings at second base, the back of the rotation and in the bullpen, but the AL Central champions' core will return in 2012.

Guaranteed Contracts

• Miguel Cabrera, 1B: $86MM through 2015 
• Justin Verlander, SP: $60.3MM through 2014 
• Victor Martinez, DH: $38MM through 2014 
• Joaquin Benoit, RP: $11MM through 2013 
• Brandon Inge, UT: $6MM through 2012 
• Jhonny Peralta, SS: $6MM through 2012  
• Jacob Turner, SP: $2.35MM through 2013 
• Ryan Raburn, UT: $2.1MM through 2012
  

Arbitration Eligible Players (estimated salaries)

• Delmon Young, OF: $6.3MM (non-tender candidate) 
• Rick Porcello, SP: $4.2MM 
• Max Scherzer, SP: $3.9MM 
• Phil Coke, RP: $1.3MM 
• Don Kelly, UT: $800K 
• Brad Thomas, RP: $700K (non-tender candidate) 

Contract Options

• Jose Valverde, RP: $9MM club option, no buyout (Type A Elias ranking)
  

Free Agents

• Magglio Ordonez (Type B OF), Wilson Betemit (Type B 3B), Carlos Guillen (unranked 2B), Ramon Santiago (unranked SS), Joel Zumaya (Type B RP), Brad Penny (unranked SP)
  

There was a lot to like about the 2011 Tigers team. Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera and Alex Avila were among the best in baseball at their respective positions, Detroit won 95 regular season games and they defeated the Yankees in the Division Series. For the Tigers to return to the postseason in 2012, they'll have to address questions on the infield and add depth to the pitching staff.

If the Tigers retain all of their arbitration eligible players except non-tender candidate Brad Thomas and exercise Jose Valverde's option, as expected, they'll have nearly $100MM in commitments for next year, not including minimum salary players. Nine-figure payrolls are nothing new to the Tigers. They’ve spent more than $100MM in payroll each of the past four seasons, averaging $123MM since 2008. After spending $107MM in 2011 and making a run to the ALCS, it wouldn't be surprising if owner Mike Ilitch boosts payroll. Expect GM Dave Dombrowski to have the cash he needs to address the Tigers' weaknesses.

Manager Jim Leyland got by without an everyday second baseman in 2011. He mixed and matched Ryan Raburn, Ramon Santiago, Carlos Guillen and others, without relying on any one player for more than 62 games at the position. Santiago and Guillen both hit free agency this offseason, which leaves the Tigers with a clear vacancy.

Jamey Carroll, Mark Ellis, Aaron Hill and Kelly Johnson are among the offseason's top available second basemen. Since the free agent market doesn't offer much, the Tigers will likely explore trades for alternatives. Blake DeWitt, Orlando Hudson, Maicer Izturis and Alberto Callaspo are among the second base trade targets for Dombrowski to consider. All four players will have new GMs this offseason, and though that doesn't mean they'll be on the block, it could make them easier to obtain. It will take some creativity for the Tigers to obtain an above-average second baseman given the current options at the position. If Dombrowski doesn't like the market at second base, he could sign a shortstop to play second or simply re-sign Santiago and focus on the left side of the infield.

The team could also use help at third base, as Wilson Betemit hits free agency and Brandon Inge doesn't provide enough offense for the position. The Tigers, never a team to shy away from top free agents, could pursue Aramis Ramirez. He'd keep Inge on the bench and add offense to a team that finished fourth in MLB in runs scored. Signing Ramirez would likely require a two or three-year commitment given the relatively weak class of free agent third basemen. It won't cost a draft pick, though, and 19-year-old prospect Nick Castellanos is not MLB-ready. The Tigers could be tempted to sign Jose Reyes and move Jhonny Peralta back to third base, but an acquisition at second or third seems more likely.

There's been speculation that the Tigers could pursue top free agent starters, such as C.C. Sabathia and Yu Darvish. While a starter of their caliber would no doubt improve the Tigers' rotation, it's not clear whether Dombrowski has serious interest in adding a top pitcher from the free agent market. The rotation, which includes right-handers Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, only has one opening. Brad Penny will likely depart via free agency and Phil Coke figures to stay in the bullpen, but the Tigers could give 2009 first rounder Jacob Turner an extended look in the rotation. The 20-year-old struggled through three MLB starts this year, but posted a 3.44 ERA with 7.6 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 131 innings in the upper minors. If the Tigers don't add a top free agent starter, they will likely add an affordable arm or two to compete with Turner and Andy Oliver and provide depth in case of an injury.

Valverde, Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke, Ryan Perry, Daniel Schlereth and Al Alburquerque figure to contribute to the Tigers' bullpen in 2012. Free agent Joel Zumaya could return on a minor league deal after missing the entire season with a right elbow injury. With so many holdovers, there may be concern about the 2011 bullpen's walk rate of 4.4 BB/9 -- the highest among MLB 'pens. The Tigers will probably add at least one reliever this offseason to supplement the existing group.

The Magglio Ordonez era may be finished in Detroit, since the Tigers have younger, more affordable options who lack Ordonez’s health concerns. Austin Jackson has solidified his place in center field, Brennan Boesch posted a .799 OPS before tearing a thumb tendon in September, and Raburn and Don Kelly provide Leyland with depth. Delmon Young, who seemed destined for a non-tender with the Twins, probably earned himself an arbitration offer from the Tigers due to a strong finish. He hit eight home runs in the final six weeks of the regular season and added five more homers in the playoffs.

The Tigers have six free agents, including three Type B players, but they won't necessarily have extra draft picks in 2012. The risk that Zumaya and Ordonez would accept arbitration likely outweighs the possible reward of the supplemental pick. Betemit could be the lone candidate for an arbitration offer. He earned just $1MM in 2011 while posting a .795 OPS, so the downside of offering arbitration seems minimal. If he accepts, he's back on an affordable one-year deal, and if he declines and signs elsewhere, the Tigers get a draft pick. However, the Tigers already have Inge and Kelly under team control, so they may decide against carrying three third base options.

Alex Avila emerged as one of the game's top catchers this season, hitting 19 homers and posting a .295/.389/.506 line. Victor Martinez's knees prevented him from catching after August 4th, but he has said he can catch again in 2012. The Tigers will probably still want a third option behind the plate to reduce their reliance on Martinez's knees.

The Tigers may consider extensions for Avila and Jackson this offseason, though both are four seasons away from free agency. There's no rush to lock either player up.

Big name free agents such as Darvish and Reyes could have appeal for the Tigers, but Detroit's most pressing offseason need exists at second base. If Dombrowski can obtain a second baseman and add depth to his pitching staff, the Tigers will enter the 2012 season as favorites to repeat in the AL Central.

However, I would prefer them signing someone like David DeJesus to a one year deal

YES IFFY!!!

can you imagine a run of hitters boesch , Aramis Ramirez, cabrera, v-mart, delmon, avila, peralta? that would be our 2-8 hitters leaving jackson and a 2B. wow! i think we need a lefty starter also.

Sorry, but I have never understood the love for David DeJesus.  He does a lot of things ok, but does nothing especially well.  I know Delmon is not a good defensive player, but with good defensive players in CF and RF (A-Jack and Boesch), I have no problem with a weak fielding LF that could tote a big bat.  Remember that he had a big 2010 for the Twins, and struggled with Twins in 2011 as he battled injuries.  He did well with the Tigers.  I'd much prefer him and his bat over DeJesus.

I didn't suggest David DeJesus take Youngs' place, but be used as a 4th outfielder, since he has experience at all three spots. I know it is unlikely (DeJesus will probably be looking at $4 mil + as a free agent) and money suggests some combination of Raburn/Kelly/Dirks will get the job done - for far less cash. I just like the idea of an experienced outfielder being available if one of Young/Jackson/Boesch goes down for an exteneded period, as well as a good defensive outfielder to replace Young late in the game. Of course, having Ryan Raburn available creates more fun for Tigers fans.

BTW...Boesch's overall fielding was not all that good. A lot of his defensive stats are in the bottom half of RFers. He only looked good because he was being compared to Ordonez.

DeJesus didn't really have an ideal contract year performance wise, so he may not even get 4 million  His average took the Oakland plunge.  I would imagine it will be back up around .280 anywhere else.  In Detroit he would be the 2nd best fielding OF.
He bats his best as a lead off hitter too... a career .365 OBP when he's hitting 1.