Friday, March 27th, 2015
Lakeland, FL
12:35pm
(phone rings, it's Dave Dombrowski...)
"Hey Dave, what's up?"
"Well, Danny...it's official. Ernest McFarland is our new scouting director. He's flying into Tampa tonight and I'm going to pick him up. In the meantime, he sent me a list of domestic and international free agents that he really likes. I've already forwarded it to you for your viewing. We'll get together tomorrow for brunch or something to discuss the basics."
"What about Scott?"
"Scott was pretty hurt and shocked that this situation developed, but when I told him that Mr. Ilitch is buying out the rest of his contract - and then some - for $4m, that helped ease the pain a lot. Scott knows Ernest, and believes that he'll do an excellent job."
I still couldn't get over how it must feel to JUST sign a contract and then get fired, but there's reasons why Mr. Ilitch is one of the most respected owners in any sport. He IS demanding, but he also has a heart and will take care of his team and its people.
"I have a lot of stuff to do before I go to the airport, so I'll get ahold of you when we're back in town."
"Sure thing, Dave. Later."
So again, I checked my email, and looked into the folks Ernie recommended (Ernie's comments are in quotations):
Domestic FAs:
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RP Carlos Marmol "This guy has some of the best stuff in the game, bar none. Control issues though, but I believe that can be resolved. Worth a flyer."
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SS Greg Miclat "I really like this guy, superb defender. Rather middling bat, but I believe that can improve. Worthy of a minor league deal."
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LF Josh Vitters "Decent hitter with some good power, can play both infield and outfield. Definitely worth a look."
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RP Brian Wilson "The Bearded One certainly isn't what he used to be, but I still like his stuff. I think that he can be very useful going forward. Worth a look."
International FAs:
-2B/3B Pavel Quesada "Good, disciplined
hitter that can play all around the diamond."
-SP Jefferson Vergera "This kid has some potential, stuff doesn't blow me away but he is very consistent and could develop into a middle to back of the rotation guy."
-SP Yadier Alvarez "I really like this kids stuff. Major league material in a few years as a mid rotation guy."
-OF Starling Heredia "It's rare in a kid so young (15) that you see SO much potential. Could be a perennial All-Star one day, he loves to swing the bat...hard. Needs to work on plate discipline, however."
-C Juan Uriarte "Good defensive catcher with balanced plate approach, plus some power. Definite starter tools."
-1B Lazaro Alonso "Really like this guy, some nice pop. Strikeouts may be a worry, but he can also play outfield. Useful guy to have around."
-OF Vladimir Guererro Jr. "The name says it all, you don't see many 6'2" 220lb 16 year olds. He looks exactly like his father and bats in the same bare-handed, no batting gloves style. This is one of the best prospects I've seen in years."
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So I offered each of these guys contracts, keeping Dave and the Ilitches in the loop.
The regular season is approaching, time I need to get with Brad (Ausmus, Tigers manager) and discuss player evaluations.