Detroit Tigers still looking for Victor Martinez’s replacement – MLB News
A few days ago, Detroit Tigers announced that their designated hitter, Victor Martinez will be missing the entire next season due a knee injury he picked while participating in a routine training session. The incident took place in August and the right handed
striker hasn’t returned to the Club since then.
The news is, of course, a horrendous one for the Tigers, who have already spent more than $100 million on just 17 players this season. Although they are likely to get the insurance money for Martinez’s unavailability, Dave Dombrowski will be looking to get
a replacement DH as soon as possible.
Tigers manager, Dombrowski believes that there are plenty of un-signed players who average between .260 and .270 with the bat. However, he wants to make the right decision and he will wait for the best deal. Prince Fielder, who is struggling to find a long
term deal, could be an option for owner Mike Ilitch, who is known to spend lavishly on the players.
"I could give you about six guys right now who would bat .260 to .270, and give you 60 to 70 RBIs," the Tigers president and general manager said at the West Michigan Whitecaps Banquet at DeVos Place Convention Center.
But right now, the Tigers have already spent nearly $104 million on their payroll and Ilitch will be looking to spend his money wisely - after all the Tigers still have to sign a few more players before the spring training season.
Dombrowski explained that the Tigers could find a better deal by being more patient. Although there are a quite options available to the American League Central title holders, Dombrowski wants to pick the right option.
"But I'm not really sure that's what we want to do. If you make a move now — that's your move. Three days later, there may be somebody better available. One thing you have to be careful about," Dombrowski said, "is not that there are a lack of options, but
that you pick the right option."
The Tigers might also consider signing a deal with one of their arbitration-eligible players to build a stronger relationship with the agents as well as the players.
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