If Detroit is Selling Locals Should Take Notice
By Mike Silva ~ November 11th, 2009. Filed under: Offseason Speculation.
Yesterday it was Edwin Jackson and now today there are reports that Curtis Granderson has been made available by the Tigers. We all know the economy is going to hit some markets harder than others and I am starting to get the feeling that Detroit might be one of the “have nots” this offseason. Michigan’s unemployment rate is around 15% and Detroit has been in the high twenties this year. Obviously disposable income is scarce in the motor city and that is sure to impact the bottom line of the local professional sports franchises. The Tigers had a $115 million dollar payroll in 2009 which was about 15% less than 2008. If that type of trend continues expect about another $20 million to be loped off the books.
Sherman believes the Yankees would be interested in Granderson. Although Austin Jackson is probably still over a year away I am not sure that Granderson, who strikes out a ton, is worth giving up premium prospects. Austin Jackson very well could develop to every bit the player of Granderson- if not better. The two players that both local teams should inquire to see if available are Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander.
Cabrera is on the third year of his 8 year/$152 million dollar deal. His salary will balloon to $20 million in 2010. He is a perfect fit for the Mets (1b), but also could be a DH/OF for the Yankees. Personal problems aside I would take the career .925 OPS and find a spot for him anywhere on the diamond.
Verlander is arbitration eligible and will definitely want a raise from his 2009 salary of 3.6 million. If there was a pitcher outside of Roy Halladay worth going after Verlander would be the guy to target. It seems inevitable that he is headed to arbitration where I think his salary could triple. I would trade Joba Chamberlain to Detroit in a second if it meant Verlander was on the receiving end. He very well could be a young version of Halladay. As for the Mets it probably would take a volume of very good prospects to entice Detroit. Knowing there may possibly be an adverse financial situation the Tigers might need some quantity to fill numerous holes inexpensively.
Obviously this is all speculation, but Cabrera, and more importantly, Verlander are two players that Brian Cashman and Omar Minaya should inquire about.
