Detroit Tigers: Buying or Selling at the Trade Deadline?
The Detroit Tigers have one single, simple question to answer: To buy, or to sell?
That is really the question, isn’t it? It is being discussed on the radio, and in the papers, and in social media. And now, in case you missed all those other places, here now (for your reading pleasure!) on Detroit Jock City.
It is choosing optimism vs. pessimism. Do you think the Tiger’s are good enough to make it to the playoffs? Do you think the defense and the hitting can carry this team? Or do you think that the pitching and the depth of the team just isn’t good enough, so why sell off future assets for a chance this year?
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It is a question of worrying about today, vs. worrying about tomorrow. Do you mortgage what little future you have left (in the form of minor league talent) for a potential shot at a winner-take-all wild card playoff game? Or do you try to picture a team a few years down the road – with Victor retired and Miggy approaching 35 –that can still compete?
Do you budget, or spend? As a billionaire owner, do you care that you have a 170 million dollar budget for what is basically a hobby? Or do you a decide that things are a little tight in the Illitch household and maybe you should only spend 120 million or so?
If you are a buyer, do you have confidence that you can find someone that can help now? Are you sure that you are getting a Doug Fister, or are you getting an Aubrey Huff? If you are selling – do you think what you might get for a Cespedes or a Price will keep your team in contention in the next years? Will it be worth the talk of giving up on the season that will be all over news and talk radio? More importantly, will it be worth the drop in tickets sales for the remainder of the season?
Do you think they are a player away? Or do you think that there are just too many holes, too many places where the team isn’t good enough?
This is the question that the Tigers are asking themselves right now. Such a simple question, but such a big question. A question with short term and long term impact, which might even impact some careers.
I hate to say it, but I am a risk adverse, conservative pessimist (I bet I am a joy to live with!) I have seen too many inconsistencies in the team the past few years to gamble it all on a winner-take-all playoff run. So I would get what I could…and play for next year. But I am not the one answering the question, I am the one sitting in my comfy chair in my pajamas eating chips and salsa and slowly getting fat.
Let’s hope whatever answer the Tigers come up with is the right one!
Next: Could the Tigers Listen to Offers on David Price?