Good news all around

Two days after the Tigers World Series jaunt is over and Dombrowski is already thinking about next year.  Here was a list found in the pocket of Dave's favorite "taking care of business" sport coat:

1. Re-sign Smokes- check
Smokes' contract was up and Dave was smart to get him for another year.  He has unfinished business.  Plus, he worked through the crap all year of a team who refused to hit and the Detroit media who clattered for his removal all season.  With back-to-back AL Central Championships and consecutive postseason births, we'd be crazy not to get him for another year.

2. Re-sign Peralta- check
Although Soft J had a rocky season, he was spot on in the playoffs.  His numbers last year also show promise that a more consistent season is possible.  I'd recommend getting Lloyd McClendon working with him this off season to see if he can work out the quirks like he did with AJacks last year.

3. Re-sign Dotel- check
Dotel has been passed around the major leagues worse than a high school head cheerleader around a football team.  The Tigers wised up and re-signed a solid relief pitcher with closing experience.  I also can't complain about his habit of wearing high socks.

4. Don't re-sign Papa Potato- check
The baseball gods must be smiling down on Detroit.  The most destructive player in the postseason is not coming back to D-Town.  Rejoice!

5. Don't re-sign Delmon- check
Delmon Young is also a free agent for next season.  Although he is lights out during the postseason, it's the other 162 games of the year that are a mess, not to mention his life choices.  In fact, I'd be a great life coach, Delmon!  Here are some rules: Don't drink during the season, stay clear of any religious center, never throw bats.  Anyway, with Victor Martinez expected to come back next year, there's no need for a DH with terrible fielding abilities for next year.  Whatever team you make it to, I hope we don't face you in the playoffs.

The other free agent is Anibal Sanchez.  Although Dombrowski hasn't made any official announcement yet, he probably won't be returning either.  That's a shame.  He became accustom to AL bats and helped to carry the team through the postseason.  However, with all the young pitchers coming through the farm system, the extra money can be used for other players.

This looks to be a busy off season!  Stay tuned Tiger faithful.