Tigers Interested In Laird

Can anyone name any reasonable deal these two teams could work out? The Rangers can't really take on money, so adding to Laird and trying to get Bonderman is out. Obviously the Rangers can't ask for Porcello. But the Tigers farm system has nothing of any real value after that.

I love how now moving Laird is just a salary dump. Laird was actually in demand after his solid first half last year; but Daniels is such a moron he held on to him instead of trading him at the deadline.

If Laird for Homer Bailey is a rumor, then the Tigers have little similar to Bailey to offer the Rangers.

BTW, if I'm the Rangers I take Homer Bailey immediately. Yeah, he's been terrible, but Laird is very expendable. Perhaps the Rangers can duplicate Edinson Volquez, just to their benefit.

I'd like the Tigers to offer one of Hessman, Clevlen, Larish, and Joyce to the D'Backs for Montero. The Tigers would likely have to throw in something extra.

I wonder if Detroit would be willing to part with Zach Miner.

Another guy I'd be interested in is Rodney, although I doubt Detroit wants to move him.

Kinsler5: I don't think Laird is a salary dump. JD said yesterday that if no one offers fair value, they'd definitely keep all 4 catchers going into next season. I think JD is just trying to get the most he can for Laird.

I'm not particularly high on Bailey, but Laird for Bailey is an awful deal for the Reds. Hanigan should be adequate behind the plate next year. If the Reds are going to use prospects to acquire a catcher through trade, then he at least ought to be a significant upgrade. Otherwise, the Reds are better off just plucking someone off the FA market (like Bard) and using him in a platoon with or as a backup to Hanigan.

Can anyone name any reasonable deal these two teams could work out?

Posted by: clark | December 03, 2008 at 10:40 AM

No.

I'd think a 3rd team would have to be involved for Texas to get the pitching they desperately need as Detroit has little to give.

Otherwise, I just can't see the Tigers finding a more appealing offer for Laird then the Red Sox could put together.

I know Laird isn't the Sox top target of the Texas catchers but if thats all Texas will give up, then I'd think the Sox can beat the Tigers offer given the amount of cost controlled pitching they could offer.

Only other way I see Texas dealing Laird to Detroit is if they feel Max Ramirez could be their backup catcher next year; in which case they would still be looking to trade Salty or Teagarden for the pitching and could deal Laird for salary relief instead. That seems like a bad idea to me though.

let me clarify....having Max Ramirez as the backup catcher next year is a bad idea from a business point of view.

Why start the clock on his arbitration/free agency to sit him on the bench.

He could also use some time to develop at AAA as he hasn't spent much time above AA yet, but regardless, why start the clock on this kid if he is just going to sit the bench.

cincy would never trade bailey for a backup catcher in laird id rather roll with hanigan than deal bailey for an overweight backup

Huh? Laird wasn't overweight last year. He actually showed exceptional speed for a catcher. He was bunting for hits last season. And he's definitely not just a 'backup' catcher. He has proven he can hit for a decent average, and he's a top 10 catcher defensively if only because of his throwing arm.

scribble: In fantasy baseball, Laird is definitely a "mediocre veteran." But in real baseball, Laird is a very good defensive player who can hit for average, who has good doubles power, has good speed for the position, and is one of the best in throwing out base stealers in all of baseball. That's not "mediocre."

Wow - fair-mindedness in a blog comment! I'm impressed, scribble. You've restored my faith in humanity at least for today. :)

Yeah, I think you're right. He's (Laird) the kind of guy who can help you, and if he can stay healthy, could be a solid complimentary player. If you're counting on him to hit a bunch of homers, it isn't going to happen. He doesn't have that kind of a swing.

And as you can see above, I don't believe that the Bailey for Laird rumors are grounded in any reality whatsoever. Cincy would be really foolish to sell low on a guy (Bailey) with that kind of an upside.

Sadly, Laird would probably be a great fit for Detroit, since they have a full cache of strong offensive players, and they wouldn't have to count on much from Laird. Too bad they can't spare any pitching. Maybe, like someone above posted, it'll be a 3 way deal.

Should be an exciting next week!

If the Reds are going to go hard after a Catcher then why not Bengie Molina?

He is better than all the other Cacthers mentioned and he has value on Offense AND Defense.

If they don't go after Molina then they should just sign David Ross and be done with it.