Matt

Thought this was interesting in the Longenhagen Prospect Chat today on Fangraphs:

Why not?

Good to see Thompson get the promotion.

I actually think most would take Anderson. He's a potential ace that doesn't strictly rely on overpowering batters, though he's got a great fastball. But his arsenal, his command, all of it coming from the left side...I don't see a potential bust here. I think he's a frontline guy as soon as he steps into a Mariners uniform.

Would think this means either an Adams promotion or a Wilken demotion or release.

The real nice thing about Pratt and Lara signing those deals is they're both extremely tradable on them. I'm not saying I expect either to be moved, but I can envision a world where they're both good, solid regulars locked in to nice long term deals, and a couple of the guys behind them (whether it's Made, Pena, Adamczewski, Jett, Payne, Ebel, etc.) become so undeniable that they force the team to make move(s).

Pete Crow-Armstrong.

I think the Naylor deal might have been a hint at where they're going with Contreras. I understand that Naylor has yet to light it up at the MLB level, but he's at least solid behind the plate. Him and Quero could make for the tandem at catcher. Megill should have value. I don't think Vaughn will.

What do they do with all three players? Let Pena continue to develop in the minors for the next few years. Absolutely no rush. When he does arrive it's not like he couldn't make the transition to the grass, or potentially take Turang's spot when Brice is traded. Add Adams to the 40-man and give him a shot at Bauers role next season because Bauers will be gone. Fischer will be in AAA, still trying to figure out how to get his strikeout percentage below 33%. Coleman Crow is at the very worst a bullpen arm and will probably get occasional starts when injuries inevitably occur. None of them are blocked. They could all be around here a very long time.

To believe that means believing if the Brewers called around with a package including some of Pena, Adamczewski, Frias, Ragsdale, Gasser, Jett, Fischer, Payne, Hardin, etc. that there was literally no one interested in surrendering the equivalent of Hope, an A+ arm a year from the Rule 5, and a 28 year old "prospect" SP. The fact that the deal was completed days before the deadline just gives extra credence to the idea that if the Tigers were interested in dealing with another team they could have done so.

I don't know why you're pushing back on this. If the Tigers were dead set on getting a few near MLB-ready pitchers, the Brewers could have accommodated that by dealing with 28 other teams to find them arms.

Yea, if only three and four team trades were a possibility we could have got in the game.

I don't think it would have taken much effort to trade for a couple minor league relievers from another system.

This was discussed earlier this morning, but I think it gives credence to the idea that the Tigers were never sending him anywhere but LA.

You just said it. Make Bauers the RF and send Lara down. What's more important right now? Defense in right field or someone who has a wRC+ of 150 against RHP?