Rumor Mill: Tigers On Verge of Landing Cabrera and Willis

Prospects galore going to Florida?

The Tigers and Marlins are hammering out the final details on an eight-player trade that would send third baseman Miguel Cabrera and left-handed starter Dontrelle Willis to Detroit for a left-hander Andrew Miller, outfielder Cameron Maybin and four other prospects.

My Oh My. Here is what Baseball Prospectus says about the main two rookies. Who, by the way, are the top two prospects in the entire Detroit system.

Maybin:

On sheer athleticism and tools, Maybin is the total package, with a brutal home park hurting his nonetheless impressive numbers, as evidenced by road line of .333/.416/.517. Excellent hand-eye coordination and big time raw power that should begin to show up more in games as he improves his pitch recognition. Plus-plus runner who almost effortlessly covers the outfield from gap to gap and has a strong arm.

Miller:

Considered by many to be the best talent in the 2006 draft. 92-96 mph fastball has touched 98, while height and angular delivery add downward plane and strong deception. Hard slider features depth and tilt, with late, quick break out of the zone.

Update: ESPN/ Peter Gammons has reported that this is a done deal.

Update II: Mike Rabelo, catcher, is said to be one of the remaining 4 prospects.

Story Link: Nashville Confidential:
Hat Tip: The Big Blue Wrecking Crew:

A-Rod Is Off The Table

At least we don't ever have to hear about A-Rod and his crazy contract demands again.

"Rodriguez -- minus agent Scott Boras -- initiated talks that, according to a baseball source, will return Rodriguez to the Yankees under a 10-year, $275-million contract."

The big negative is that this may cause the value of Cabrera to increase to heights unacceptable to the Dodgers. Heck, i consider many of the names already thrown around unacceptable to this Dodger fan.

Story Link: LA Times:

Is Miguel Cabrera worth it?

Lately, I've been reading about the availability of Florida's thirdbase phenom Miguel Cabrera.

Is he a better match for the Dodgers than ARod?

On the positive side of the ledger:

• Miguel Cabrera is younger (8 years younger than ARod by my count).
• He fills a position we need.
  
• In 4 1/2 years he has hit 138 homeruns, has 523 RBI's, is batting .313 and has a career OPS of .929.
  
• A potential long term contract for Cabrera would be less than ARod's desired contract.

Negatives to Cabrera:

• He has been getting a little round around the edges. You know what I mean? Weight issues can oftentimes be a precursor to future injury problems.
• Rumors are that Florida is looking for 3 prospects (Rob at 6-4-2 mentions that Matt Kemp, Andy LaRoche and Clayton Kershaw are in Florida's sights.)
• Although a future long term contract would be less than ARod's, it is still expected to be a large chunk of change. MLB Trade Rumors suggest that an 8 year $200 million price is being thrown around. That's $25 million a year.
• At $25 million a year he would still throw a wrench in the Dodgers future planning. How will we be able to keep all of our homegrown shinning stars when they will undoubtedly command larger salaries when their time comes for free agency.

I guess you can say I do not envy Ned Colletti's job. After all, if he screws up he will forever be known as the devil that came down from San Francisco to ruin the Dodgers. If everything works out then he will achieve knighthood status.

All I do know is that the three names mentioned above as potential trade fodder is far too much to give up. In fact, I wound put Kemp and Kershaw in the untouchable column.

Here is what I would be happy with. Andy LaRoche, Andre Ethier and one of the following prospects (Hu, Abreu, Elbert or Meloan) for Miguel Cabrera. The deal would also be contingent on the signing of a long term contract. This package would still be better than what any other team can offer.