It’s now January, and by this time last year, we had signed Rondell White, Fernando Vina, and had made a trade for Carlos Guillen. The Pudge signing was in the works, and the Tigers looked liked they would be bouncing back from one of the worst seasons by any team in history.

This year, the Tigers got off to a quick start. They signed Troy Percival, who at one time was one of the top closers in the lead. Then they were mentioned as a player for just about every other major free agent out there.

But one by one, these major free agents began to sign. Troy Glauss, gone. J.D. Drew, see ya. Adrian Beltre, nothing. Carl Pavano, off to greener pastures. Now, most of these first tier players are gone. Carlos Beltran is the one big name still out there, but it seems like when the Tigers are mentioned, it’s more in passing. “The Yankees and Mets are looking to sign Beltran and, oh yeah, the Tigers too (snicker).”

I know a lot will write in about Derek Lowe. I think he’d be a nice pick up, but it would also depend on the price. He had a very rough season last year, outside of the playoffs, and I’m not certain the Tigers have the infield defense for such an extreme ground ball pitcher.

As always, I’ll be waiting. And seeing. But the way things are looking now, I think the Tigers are going to take a small step back next year (I’ll explain in more detail once the free agent season is over with).

I had a nice New Years. I got in a game of Axis and Allies with a friend, and did a bunch of running around throughout the weekend. I’m actually looking forward to getting back into a regular routine.

Permalink | Posted in 2005 Tigers