Marcus Thames released...Tigers 2010

[def]

Dark Days in Detroit. Two venerable vets, two quality people, two players on the verge of big things, Grandy and Thames, both dealt this offseason. It goes without saying that winning team evolve with the times, they cut fat during the offseason and acquire hopefuls in the spring. So far in this young year before spring training, we have yet to see many hopefuls in Tiger caps. Thames was the quintessential DH against LH pitching. He was a game changer, who could go yard at any given moment. He has made some big hits in Tigerland, and you mean to tell me he wasn't even worth Vet Minimium? The Tig's front office must be talking to the Lions.

This last week the Yanks signed him to minor league contract, the vet minimium. What a deal I say! I'm not too impressed so far with Dubrowski and company, relying on unproven players, virtual rookies to mend the outfield is not a recipe for success. There could be some surprises...this Austin kid could be something, but history says he won't. How many rooks jump a lineup and are released less than two years later. Tons. Not many make the grade on a continual basis, not many can handle the day-to-day grind of the MLB. We had two, Grandy, who towed the line day in and day out and Thames who could fill a void, or injury without missing a step.

We have taken two steps back to go one step forward. Some say the pitching has improved, signing Verlander to a deal was no doubt a good move, but what about the other guys? Bonderman is a big question mark, no telling if his arm is healed at all. From last years experiment it seems he has a lot of work to do to get back in it.

Our only LH starter is N. Robertson? Oh my, dark days indeed. As of today, Feb 11, 2010 our outfield consists of Magglio, who is in the winter of his career, Austin Mack, a big what if, Ryan Rayburn who is nothing more than a fill in guy, a utility, in case of emergency player, Clete, who is inconsistant to say the least and Wilkin Ramirez, a virtual rook, with a big upside.

Placio is gone, now we have Sizemore? WTF. I say put Santiago in at SS, everyday and deal Everett for another second baseman!

The 2010 roster is filled with unproven what if players. We lost a number of good players, starters and are trying to plug the gaps with no names. That doesn't make the nut, not in my opinion.

I see a lot of 3-2 losses in our future.

[jedema]

the tigers were built around a 1-2 year plan when they put that team together. Next year is going to be tough, but I think the future is brighter because of the moves that he made this season. I can't say that he did a fantastic job in filling our holes, but with shrinking fundage to go out and sign the top dollar agents, there were very few ways to turn.

If the rookies pan out, if bondo comes back healthy, if ryan perry manages to turn into the flame thrower/closer that we need, if if if if.

I agree Def. Dark times this season. hopefully it is only a speedbump on the road to a World series.