Trading spaces

So all you true Tigress fans out there are dying to know my opinion of the trade that happened earlier this week.  Well, your prayers have been answered, Tigress true.

There are three big factors in this trade.  Let's break it down.

You mean you don't play for the team anymore?

Omar Infante, 2nd
Oh, wait, who said we needed a steady 2nd baseman.  That was me!  Other people (cough, cough) have been saying that a solid 2nd baseman wasn't necessary.  I say, any weak spot in the lineup is not acceptable for a team that is looking forward to the World Series.  Infante was a fixture in the Tigers organization in the mid 2000s, although Smokes used and abused him much like he does with Worth and Santiago.  With Infante getting experience with Atlanta and Florida/Miami, he may be finally "ready" in Smokes' mind for a full time job.  He's quick, has a good glove, and has matured (he's thirty now...old man) since he left the Tigers.  I'm not mad about this.  He was 1 for 4 last night and is currently sitting at .289.  He needs to maintain that average or Santiago may have his job back.

Sanchez checks out the new fade on Omar

Anibal Sanchez, SP
Here's the other part of the argument, a starting pitcher.  Personally, I liked having Smyly on the team, bringing a much needed left handed starter into the mix.  Sure, he'll be better in a year or two, but he's done nothing this year but prove that he belongs with the club.  I just hope the Tigers do right by him when he gets off the DL.  Now, on to the man in question.  Sanchez was 5-7 with Miami with a 3.94 ERA.  Not bad, especially given 110 strikeouts.  In case your Tiger memories are failing you, Dougie Fresh had less than stellar stats when he was traded from Seattle last year and we all know how that is turning out (another good outing last night Dougie...so fresh and so clean).  I'm hopeful with him and hold off on any rash opinions until I see him pitch, which won't be until Saturday.

Bye bye Jakey

Jacob Turner, SP
He just turned 21.  He's young.  He spent most of the year in Toledo.  I think he is going to have a fantastic career.  Someone pointed out to me yesterday that Andrew Miller was also supposed to be a star and he hasn't quite panned out.  That aside, I'm sorry to see him go.  Good luck kid.  Remember that JV was less than stellar in 2006 when he was in his early 20s.  Flash forward to 2011 when he was both the Cy Young winner and AL MVP.  Keep working kid.  See you in a couple years.

Not going to lie, the pin stripes will make you look fat Ichiro

Mid season trades are always exciting (Ichiro?  I did NOT see that coming!).  Only time will tell who the winner of this trade is.  We never stop hearing about the trade that sent Granderson to the Yankees where the Tigers acquired SchEYEzer, AJacks, and Philthy Phil.  It wasn't a mid season trade, but it was a game changer that the announcers at FOX still bring up EVERY time the Tigers play the Yankees.  As always, I'm rooting for our boys in blue to be the true beneficiaries of this one.