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Happy Friday!
Another week has passed and the Tigers are less than one week away from reporting for Spring Training. As the equipment trucks head to Lakeland, Florida, the buzz for the looming 2016 season begins. The Tigers have had a very busy offseason and although they are not currently favored for a World Series trip, they are being talked about. With one of the highest payrolls in baseball (#3 behind the Dodgers and Yankees) the Tigers made use of the offseason in a very lucrative way. From San Diego, the Tigers' newly appointed GM, Al Avila, managed to snag Justin Upton to fill the empty spot in left field (formally occupied by Yoenis Cespedes). This 6-year, $132.75 million contract secures a strong outfield presence, as well as a reliable bat. Then again... one would hope $132.75 million would secure something.
Although the Justin Upton deal was the largest for the Tigers this offseason, it was not the only one. Starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann signed a five-year, $110 million agreement. Francisco Rodriguez, closer, signed for 2016 with a 2017 option. Mark Lowe, relief pitcher, signed an $11 million, two-year agreement. Left handed pitcher, Justin Wilson was traded for as well as outfielder Cameron Maybin.
Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia signed a one-year deal. And starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey signed a two-year agreement worth $16 million.
Seems like a lot? That's because it is. The Tiger's ended last season on one of the more disappointing notes of the past countless disappointing years. They've made it a habit of being one of the best and then coming up short in the end. No one ever said that money could buy a winning team (except the Yankees) but in this case, we can only hope that it'll help take the Tigers all the way.
That's all for now... but don't worry, there is always more to talk about.
Go Tigers!
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -Rogers Hornsby