Detroit Tigers Trade Rumors: Does Trading For David Price Make Sense?
By Tony Fischer
Jul 30, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
David Price(14) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Tigers have been targeting bullpen arms so far this trade deadline. Consequently the Tigers have been linked to every quality relief pitcher in the majors. But maybe fans and pundits are looking at filling the Tigers bullpen needs the wrong way. Maybe they could improve their bullpen with a starting pitcher.
The idea was first floated by Detroit News columnist Bob Wojonowski during an airing of the Jamie and Wojo show on 97.1 The Ticket. Wojonowksi is known for his crazy ideas but the idea of targeting a starting pitcher instead of a reliever has merit.
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Arguably the best starting pitcher (and most expensive) on the market right now is David Price. The left-handed Price would be a good fit for the Tigers and would be under-club control until 2016.
When evaluating a trade idea like this it is good to look at the pros and cons.
Here is a list of the pros
- Under club control til 2016
- Left handed starter
- Great insurance policy if Scherzer leaves after 2014 season
- Adds depth to the rotation and bullpen (after moving Smyly to the Bullpen)
- Great response to other AL competitors who have been adding starting pitching
And the cons
- Will likely cost the Tigers two or three top prospects
- Could lose him to free agency in 2016
- Adds $14+ to the payroll
If the Detroit Tigers were to acquire David Price they would likely move Drew Smyly to the bullpen. Symly has seen plenty of success as a starter this year but he has been most successful in the bullpen. Symly would be another stong arm to mix into the back-end rotation and bring some stability from the 7th inning on.
If the Tigers go after a starter it doesn’t have to be David Price. The Red Sox have recently placed Jon Lester and John Lackey on the trading block. If the Tigers were to acquire one of them they could employ the same strategy in moving Smyly to the bullpen.
If you think this whole idea is crazy remember that Dave Dombrowski has pulled trade deadline surprises before. It could happen again.