The Hot Stove League

For die-hard baseball fans, the season never ends. Now we're in the midst of the awards being given, always fodder for good arguments, as well as teams making moves to either A: get better, or B: lower their payroll. Fortunately for Detroit Tigers fans, after years of being a B team, we are now in the A position.

The Tigers, after a second-place finish, have some real holes to fill and they've been quick to plug them up. Perhaps the most pressing need was at shortstop. Carlos Guillen previously held the position, but a limited range necessitated a move to first base for him (and a release of popular but power-diminished Sean Casey). The Tigers went right out and got Edgar Renteria from the Braves for a few young players (notably Jair Jurrjens, who figured to be in the Tigers starting rotation next year, as well as leading the league in number of Js in his name). Renteria is a fine hitter, and while not the slickest fielder, he is an improvement over Guillen. Renteria (pictured here) once got a World Series-winning hit for manager Jim Leyland, back in '97 when they were both with the Marlins. Here's hoping history can repeat itself!

The Tigers also had a weak spot in left field. Craig Monroe, who played left field during the pennant-winning season two years ago, lost his mojo and was traded to the Cubs, leaving the position played by Marcus Thames, Ryan Rabun and Timo Perez. I'm sure they could have lived with that next year, but don't have to now, as they picked up Jacque Jones from the Cubs for utility infielder Omar Infante. Jones is a lifetime .280 hitter, but suffered a severe power outage last year, with only five dingers. Still, he's a steady hitter to have in the lineup.

Perhaps the biggest question mark is the bullpen. Fireballer Joel Zumaya, who missed most of last year with a finger injury, hurt his shoulder helping his parents move items out of the house during the California wildfires (a much nobler injury that the one he had a few seasons ago from playing Guitar Hero). Zumaya is expected to miss half the season, and though the doctors have given him every reason to think he will good as new when he recovers, one has to wonder about his future. This made it essential that Todd Jones, the closer, was resigned for next season, even though he is always an adventure when he comes out. He does have over seventy saves over the last two seasons, but he will be turning 40 this season.

The Tigers will also likely need to pick up another starting pitcher. The future of Kenny Rogers is in in doubt. He will be 42, and is coming off an injury-shortened season. Rogers is a free agent and is also considering retirement. If he doesn't come back, the Tigers will need to get someone else, as well as giving a spot to a young pitcher, perhaps Andrew Miller.

All this wheeling and dealing is keeping the Tigers a viable team, but there is one thing that troubles me. Of the nine players in the batting order, eight are over 30. Some of the young kids coming up, like Raburn and Cameron Maybin, will need to be integrated into the lineup. Ivan Rodriguez was signed for one more year at catcher, but his replacement will probably need to be groomed starting this season. The team as currently constituted can't be expected to win beyond this season.