Watch CBS News

Jeff Riger: What Free Agent Do You Want For The Tigers?

As the baseball offseason continues, the Detroit Tigers have yet to make a huge wave as the club inked Gerald Laird to be a backup catcher and that is it. Of course with so many holes, especially in the infield, it seems to be just a matter of time before Detroit makes a splash, but who will it be?

The latest rumor coming out of Tigers camp is that of Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez hit .306 last season with the struggling Cubs and accounted for 96 RBI and 26 long balls. The positives of bringing Ramirez to Detroit are plenty, considering he is a huge upgrade at third base over Brandon Inge and he is a .284 career hitter with a tremendous amount of power, something that Tiger fans have not seen from their third basemen's of the past since maybe Dean Palmer. Ramirez, in 14 years has hit 315 homers and has surpassed 90 RBI's in 6 of his last his last 8 seasons plus he has experienced the post season in 2003, '07 and '08.

As for the negatives, they too seem to be a lot as the Dominican Republic native seems to be the definition of the word "inconsistent." His average fluxuates every season and even though he has played 18 games in the playoffs, he hit just .194 in those contests with only 10 RBI and 4 homers. Ramirez is also not known as solid defensive third basemen, making almost 70 errors in his last 5 seasons.

Also don't forget that the former Pirate and Cub has only played in the National League and as I always say...that scares me. I have always believed that players who spend their entire career in the NL will struggle in the American League. I have no proof for this feeling other than seeing it happen with numerous players. I felt the need to write it, but I admit that it is the weakest of my negatives.

Of course, the big downside to bringing Ramirez to Detroit is the money it would cost to get him here. There is speculation that Ramirez would command 42 million dollars over the next three seasons and this is for a guy that will turn 34 in June. Is he worth it? If not, the alternative would be Inge and Don Kelly platooning at 3rd and like I said in the previous paragraph about Ramirez never playing in the AL...That scares me! In case you were wondering, Ramirez made 14.6 million dollars this season.

Of course I titled this blog "Who do you want more" alluding to the fact that I wanted you to choose from at least a couple of potential players and I have not let you down. The other player that could be in the mix is Mark Buehrle, you know the former White Sox that is a lifetime 18 and 10 against Detroit with a 3.36 ERA. Now I know what you are thinking...why get a pitcher? Right? Who wouldn't like the thoughts of having Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Doug Fister and Rick Porcello go to war for you every night? Plus add Jacob Turner as the 5th starter and life is good, let's see how many games you can win?

But is Turner ready? And can anybody deny the fact that adding Buehrle to the staff makes Detroit pitching in 2012 dominant?

The 32 year old Missouri native went 13 and 9 last season with a 3.59 ERA in over 205 innings pitched. Buehrle has thrown a perfect game in his career and has hurled over 30 innings in the playoffs which include winning a World Series in 2005.

Like Ramirez, there are plenty of positives and negatives to Buehrle, the most of which is money. Sure Buehrle would help and he would benefit maybe not having to be the ace of the staff plus he is a southpaw, something that Detroit starter's lack. Plus bringing Buehrle to Detroit would allow the team to trade some of their young pitching to make the club better in other facets.

Has he been tremendously consistent? NO!

Is he guaranteed to go at least 7 innings on a given night? Maybe!

Is his WHIP fantastic? NO! But he would help! But again, the question is for how much?

Buehrle made 14 million dollars a season for the last 4 years and he turns 33 in May. The lefty, no doubt is expecting huge bucks in 2012!

Common logic would claim that the Tigers would only be able to afford one high price player? Who should they get? Ramirez, who could help with a true weakness of the team or Buehrle, who would add depth to an already impressive rotation?

I say if you spend the cash, you have to go the Ramirez way! What about you?

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.