Mike Illitch owns the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. Currently both of those teams are looking to add pieces to make their rosters better, and one has to wonder if that takes away from one or both team’s ultimate goal. It is hard to question Illitch’s willingness to spend his money on moves for either organization, but lets’ face it the man is not a spring chicken. Since the Wings have arguably the best General Manger is the NHL running the show, but the Tigers have Dave Dombrowski who himself holds two titles (three if we count his role at Illitch holdings) and one has to wonder if Illitch can pony up big dollars in two sports at teh same time. Not to mention if each team is addressed equally in terms of support and man power.
Of course he can, but the question becomes will he? Sure the NHL has cost certainly and a hard salary cap (not to mention a looming strike/lockout), but the world of baseball is still wide open to the free spenders. Mr. I stepped in and made the Prince Fielder deal happen, and we have seen him do that before (with similar results mind you). Now the Tigers need something, to get this team to perform better. The current state of the roster is unacceptable and fans will begin to show their displeasure by staying at home. The Wings are looking to make a big splash on the free agent market, and we wonder can Illitch remain willing to be the spender he has been?
Today saw a flurry of activity as Wings personnel were dispatched here and there to try and lure big name free agents to the roster. I am more than confident Dombrowski and his staff have been working their smart phones looking for potential deals. However with the payroll already being what it is what is the cap on what Illitch is willing to pay for.
If Mr. I and his team of managers somehow are able to land big name free agents for the Wings, and get trades accomplished for the Tigers at the same time I will be very impressed. If meaningful additions are made to both rosters I will be proven wrong. If they are not I will always wonder if owning two teams is a wise idea.