Detroit Tigers GM, Dave Dombrowski recently revealed his off season game plan which focuses on three major team needs.
“We have to weigh some needs for a catcher, at shortstop, and in our bullpen. We’ve talked to a lot of clubs. A lot happens between now and the Christmas holidays. I think there’ll be a lot of trade conversations.”
Several Detroit Tigers beat writers have speculated that Dombrowski may move Magglio Ordonez to help fill a couple of those holes.
Ordonez is a big-time bat and at 34 years old he brings a great veteran leadership to the clubhouse. Last season, he hit 21 homeruns and drove in 103, while batting .317. In 2007, he batted .363 and hit 28 homeruns with 139 RBI’s.
He bats right handed and can play either corner outfield position. He has a lifetime batting average of .312, and has driven in 100 or more runs, seven times in his career. Ordonez is owed $18 million in 2009, and there are two $15 million dollar team options for 2010 and 2011.
Considering that Omar Minaya has vowed to shake things up, and even Jeff Wilpon suggested addition by subtraction, may I propose the following trade for Magglio.
Brian Schneider, Aaron Heilman, and Scott Schoeneweis for Magglio Ordonez. If I had to throw in Nick Evans to get it done, I would still do it.
With Magglio Ordonez in left field, the Mets would finally have that second right handed bat in their lineup, joining David Wright and adding some much needed balance.
Getting rid of Heilman and Schoeneweis would clear some salary and open some spots for some fresh faces in the bullpen. The Tigers will get two quality relievers who desperately need a change of scenery.
Brian Schneider will fill a big void behind the plate for the Tigers, and let’s face it, Schneider was never the defensive catcher he was touted as by Omar Minaya, and he was anemic at the plate.
The Mets can then fill the catching spot by signing Ivan Rodriguez and putting a solid defensive catcher behind the dish and a solid bat in the lineup as well.
Hey, it’s a slow news day, so cut me some slack…
