The Tigers announced that they have hired Rich Dubee as their new pitching coach, as MLB.com’s Jason Beck first reported would be the case. The former Braves pitching coach brings with him 13 years of experience as a Major League pitching coach, most notably serving as the Phillies’ pitching coach when the team won the World Series in 2008. The 58-year-old Dubee, who has spent the past two seasons as Atlanta’s minor league pitching coordinator, will replace pitching coach Jeff Jones, who retired abruptly following the season’s completion.
A few more notes from around the AL Central…
- While many Tigers fans are disappointed with the development (or lack thereof) of Nick Castellanos, MLive.com’s Chris Iott preaches patience and notes that the approximate $550K salary Castellanos will receive next season will keep him in the team’s plans. Iott notes that while he isn’t a good defender at third base, Castellanos did make strides. He’s also still just 23 years of age, and though he may not reach the star-level ceiling to which some thought he might ascend, there’s still hope for further improvement. Iott also points out that with enormous salaries for Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, Victor Martinez and others, Detroit needs to rely somewhat on contributions from pre-arbitration players like Castellanos, Anthony Gose and James McCann, as the team simply cannot afford to stack the roster with significant salaries. Iott writes that it “would be a shock” to see the Tigers pursue an upgrade at third base via trade or free agency.
- The Twins were planning their offseason as if Torii Hunter would return next year, tweets La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Neal adds that some within the organization are “crushed” by his decision to hang it up. Meanwhile, Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN tweets a quote from assistant GM Rob Antony regarding Hunter’s retirement. “We have some people that will be able to handle the leadership part of things,” Antony said in reference to Hunter’s role within the clubhouse. However, Minnesota’s AGM still stressed the impact that Hunter had in that regard this past season.
- The $17.7 billion sale of Cablevision, a company owned by the Dolan family, who also own the Indians, will not impact Cleveland’s payroll, writes Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. At the time Larry Dolan purchased the Indians, he noted that his brother, Charles (who owns Cablevision), and Cablevision were “not involved” in his purchase of the team. Larry’s son, Paul, now serves as the CEO and offered the following statement on the sale: “Cablevision’s pending sale is entirely separate from us and has no impact on us.” Paul Dolan, however, is looking to sell as much as a 30 percent ownership stake in the Indians, as was reported in late August, though he’s made it clear that the Dolan family will maintain a controlling interest in the Indians. Cleveland typically operates with one of the league’s lowest payrolls and has averaged an Opening Day mark of $84.7MM over the past three seasons.
The best thing the Tigers could do right now is to sign Heyward longterm and trade JD Martinez for both a younger and an older pitcher.
The younger pitcher should be at the Fulmer/Norris level. Young, huge upside and ready for 2016. Then you have three guys fighting for 2 spots in the rotation.
The older pitcher should have a reasonable salary, and be innings eating #4. Like Porcello in 2014.
Do all of that, the Tigers are in better financial shape year to year v. getting 2 expensive, older, low upside starting pitchers and paying JD his arbitration raises.
I completely agree, unless JD signs to an extremely team friendly deal. I think trading him would be very bold, especially since he’s put up MVP type numbers the past two years, but we need good young starting pitching.
I doubt we would trade JD because of the numbers he produced also the illich wants a World Series before he kicks the bucket. Illich upped the payroll, I think we should trade Collins, and maybe, maybe sign Heyward and put JD in Left since that’s the position he played in Houston. Gose in center. Kinsler would be a good trade because his contract is gold. Also a resign of soria would be good since him and Wilson were the only two to produce. Our bullpen with VerHagen, maybe Clippard (Avila take notes) and soria would be solidified, idk of Joe Nathan is coming back but you know Bruce Rondon if they could work him right we could maybe do something in the coming years. Alberquerque needs to go. Pick up Zimmerman by the least and that should be good on rotation. On Nicky C, he’s to big to play 3rd he’s like 6’3 we could trade him but it’s kind of hard because he’s not producing even though he had an up year.
JD played an extremely good RF this year, and has the strong and accurate arm to remain there. LF is larger in Comerica, which is why Heyward would be a good fit (though I doubt they can afford him along with the pitching they need), because he can cover more ground. Like Cespedes, his arm in LF would be a plus. With Gose and Collins being LH, I see a RH OF who could fill in as more likely. Raja is always a possible re-sign, and I don’t know if any team sees Austin Jackson as a full time player.
I don’t really care what financial shape they are in. I care what quality of baseball they play and they are better with JD than without him. Heyward is a long shot signing because of the length of contract. He would be Ideal in the leadoff role for the Tigers, however. Keeping JD at his low cost contract does not preclude the Tigers from signing him, but he is not the type of hitter that could protect Miggy in the lineup. Victor is an unknown, until proven otherwise. Who, besides JD can be counted on behind Miggy? It is much easier to find two back end starters in Free Agency, than a strong bat, at an affordable price. Fister, Gallardo, Latos, etc… are players that could fill until all of the young arms are ready. Verlander, Sanchez, and Norris should be the top 3. Lobstein can fill the 5th spot if necessary. Boyd, and Fullmer may show that they can handle a spot in spring training, but cant be counted on. The Tigers will need at least a platoon option in LF, but I would rather see them spend the money on a bullpen, and one starter, if all things are not possible.
Bold thinking but not possible or wise. First of all nobody is going to trade 2 front line starting pitchers for only 2 years of JD. Second, Heyward is going to get an 8-10 year deal with a possible 4 year walk out. Tigers are trying to get out from under the financial stress of long term deals and the walk out clause is not team friendly. They would still be one outfielder short and need a solid #2-3 SP to compete in 2016, not just a #4 and possible #5. That younger pitcher with huge upside should come to Detroit with their #10 protected pick.
To be clear, you’re talking about JD Martinez and not me.
Of course!! I bet they could get at least 2 front line starting pitchers for you!!
I am not aware that the Tigers are trying to get out from under the financial stress of long term deals. JV isn’t being shopped, and they have stated a wish to sign JD to an extension. Nor have they indicated any desire to rid themselves of Miggy and his contract. To the contrary, they are rumored to be looking to add to this core, not subtract. While their current payroll flexibility is limited, they also don’t need a lot. What indicators have you seen that they wish to get out of long term deals?
Love the hire by the tigers! This guy’s been in the league forever and he’s been around the best.