Well, the Tigers got trumped earlier this week depending on how you look at things and the Phillies, Blue Jays and Mariners combined to pull off a deal that moved two ace pitchers in the three team deal.  Fortunately, things have been quiet in the AL Central (unless you count Juan Pierre to the White Sox) so even with (in my opinion) an inferior Tigers team heading into 2010, the Tigers still should compete in the AL Central. 

It’s just funny how things have come full circle.  In the early 2000s, the Central was weak then for a few years there (2006-2008) it seemed to strengthen up, only now to have the division once again be one of the weaker in baseball.

I’m also curious to see if the Tigers are done.  I still think (and again, this is opinon with no inside information), the money behind the Tigers aren’t doing very well and while the Tigers may have made some kind of profit, Mike Ilitch is going through a tough patch.  I actually think the fact that the Tigers didn’t offer Placido Polanco arbitration was more telling of the trade that was made during the Winter Meetings as well.  A slow start by the team might give the front office more incentive to begin unloading high salary players (if they can find a taker).

Fernando Rodney looks like he might be going to the Phillies.  Brad Lidge is signed through 2011 so that would put Rodney back in a set up role, but for a top tier contender.  We’ll see where his motives lie based on who he signs with.

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