The Top of Next Year's Wishlist....

[moorecg]

Carlos Guillen

Shortstop

Detroit Tigers

 

Profile

2006 SEASON STATISTICS

GM HR RBI R OBP AVG

153 19 85 100 .400 .320

Carlos Guillen, Detroit

Guillen is Detroit's clubhouse "glue guy," and manager Jim Leyland regards him as a future managerial candidate and one of the smartest players he's ever been around.

 

Guillen performs, too. His .919 OPS led all major league shortstops last season, and at times he seemed to be the only Detroit hitter willing to work a count and take a walk. The American League MVP voters rewarded him with a 10th-place finish.

 

The only caution flags surrounding Guillen are health- and defense-related. He's played 140 games twice in the last six seasons, and his 28 errors tied Felipe Lopez for the most among big-league shortstops. But the Tigers will be living dangerously if they allow Guillen to hit the market in November: Next winter's free-agent shortstop crop is weak, with David Eckstein and Omar Vizquel being the biggest names available.

 

When Julio Lugo gets four years and $36 million from the Red Sox, Guillen might be in line for four and $44 million. Tony Giarratano, a slicker fielder who was once considered Detroit's shortstop of the future, has been dogged by injuries in the minors. If Giarratano can eventually make the jump, the Tigers could always shift Guillen to first base near the end of his deal, when his defensive range is likely to diminish.

 

The Tigers have signed Brandon Inge and Jeremy Bonderman to four-year deals this winter, and things should heat up with Guillen in spring training. If Guillen is going to remain a Tiger, he's made it clear he wants a deal in place by Opening Day.

 

"Carlos likes it in Detroit, and he's happy there," said agent Peter Greenberg. "He would be willing to explore an extension, and the club has indicated they would like to explore it. We'll see what happens."

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Would love to get him, but I think he'll re-sign.

 

SS is going to be a glaring hole on offense this season. :|

[moorecg]

Would love to get him, but I think he'll re-sign.

 

SS is going to be a glaring hole on offense this season. :|

 

Just think what that kind of production and OBP, from the SS position, would do for this team. You stick that in the #2 hole, behind and you've got:

 

Soriano

Guillen

Lee

Ramirez

Murton

Jones

Barret

Derosa

Pitcher.

 

 

now THAT is a good lineup.

[b_wiggy_66]

Michael Young will be out there too. Either of them would be great pick-ups.

[goonys evil twin]

He's a really nice player, but I'm not sure the Cubs are going to want to get involved with a 32-year old middle infielder who has already suffered serious injury problems throughout his career.

[BeerHere]

Would love to get him, but I think he'll re-sign.

 

SS is going to be a glaring hole on offense this season. :|

 

I got two words for ya

 

 

Ronny

 

Cedeno

 

[Rob]

Honestly, I'm surprised the Tigers are still using him as a SS. There were rumblings they wouldn't bring Casey back so that they could move Guillen to 1B... False obviously, but typically where there's smoke, there's fire.

 

That being said, his bat more than makes up for his glove. I'd love to bring him in. He's certainly a much better fit on a major league roster than Izturis.

[da bears]

Is Izturis gonna be the target of Cubs fans boos this year? I think that's who I would put my money on.

[goonys evil twin]

Is Izturis gonna be the target of Cubs fans boos this year? I think that's who I would put my money on.

 

I doubt it. His defensive reputation will probably be enough to make most fans accept his crappiness, especially if he keeps the K totals low and doesn't bitch about the fans being better in LA. Not counting Jones, the early favorite has to be Dempster. Although a slow start by either Ramirez or Soriano could give them a shot.

[UK1679666180]

Is Izturis gonna be the target of Cubs fans boos this year? I think that's who I would put my money on.

 

I doubt it. His defensive reputation will probably be enough to make most fans accept his crappiness, especially if he keeps the K totals low and doesn't bitch about the fans being better in LA. Not counting Jones, the early favorite has to be Dempster. Although a slow start by either Ramirez or Soriano could give them a shot.

 

I'd have to go with Marquis, if he starts slow, they'll give him hell. That contract and season last year will be a poor mix to start slowly.

[Wilmo]

The Top of Next Years Wishlist...

 

To REPEAT as World Champions

 

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[moorecg]

Is Izturis gonna be the target of Cubs fans boos this year? I think that's who I would put my money on.

 

I doubt it. His defensive reputation will probably be enough to make most fans accept his crappiness, especially if he keeps the K totals low and doesn't bitch about the fans being better in LA. Not counting Jones, the early favorite has to be Dempster. Although a slow start by either Ramirez or Soriano could give them a shot.

 

I'd have to go with Marquis, if he starts slow, they'll give him hell. That contract and season last year will be a poor mix to start slowly.

 

Don't forget the fact that he was a cardinal. that's resaon enough to hate him.

[Sammy Sofa]

Unless a players name is "Edmonds" or "Pierzynksi," I don't think any Cubs fan, "average" or otherwise, would boo a player based on what team he played for, and even those guys are a stretch if they showed up and produced.

[goonys evil twin]

Is Izturis gonna be the target of Cubs fans boos this year? I think that's who I would put my money on.

 

I doubt it. His defensive reputation will probably be enough to make most fans accept his crappiness, especially if he keeps the K totals low and doesn't bitch about the fans being better in LA. Not counting Jones, the early favorite has to be Dempster. Although a slow start by either Ramirez or Soriano could give them a shot.

 

I'd have to go with Marquis, if he starts slow, they'll give him hell. That contract and season last year will be a poor mix to start slowly.

 

Good point. I forgot he was on the team.

[CubinNY]

Is Izturis gonna be the target of Cubs fans boos this year? I think that's who I would put my money on.

 

I doubt it. His defensive reputation will probably be enough to make most fans accept his crappiness, especially if he keeps the K totals low and doesn't bitch about the fans being better in LA. Not counting Jones, the early favorite has to be Dempster. Although a slow start by either Ramirez or Soriano could give them a shot.

 

I'd have to go with Marquis, if he starts slow, they'll give him hell. That contract and season last year will be a poor mix to start slowly.

 

Good point. I forgot he was on the team.

 

Denial is not a river in Africa.:-#

 

I fully expect the same consitently inconsistent pitcher. Hopefully Lou has a quick hook.

[frostwyrm]

Signing Guillen probably means Z walks.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Signing Guillen probably means Z walks.

 

It probably doesn't.

[CP_414]

Signing Guillen probably means Z walks.

 

Why?

[Roast]

Signing Guillen probably means Z walks.

 

Why?

[wrigley23]

i've seen some very bad signings as a cub fan over the years, but the Marquis signing followed by lilly are two of the dumbest i've ever seen. we'll regret both for years. guys what sports fans? not only don't we have $ to sign an impact free agent next year, we will be lucky to have enough to sign z who will command serious $. Get ready. You think our starting staff blew last year. this yr will be bad enough but after z bolts....

[SouthSideRyan]

If Z isn't a Cub next year, I'll eat my hat.

[TruffleShuffle]

i've seen some very bad signings as a cub fan over the years, but the Marquis signing followed by lilly are two of the dumbest i've ever seen. we'll regret both for years. guys what sports fans? not only don't we have $ to sign an impact free agent next year, we will be lucky to have enough to sign z who will command serious $. Get ready. You think our starting staff blew last year. this yr will be bad enough but after z bolts....

 

Zambrano won't leave unless the Cubs don't give him a good offer. I really don't think they let him get to free agency.

[Schwarber Fan]

Already giving up on 2007 eh?

 

*sigh*

[erik316wttn]

The Top of Next Years Wishlist...

 

To enter into rehab

 

Fixed that for ya.

[Jazz]

i've seen some very bad signings as a cub fan over the years, but the Marquis signing followed by lilly are two of the dumbest i've ever seen. we'll regret both for years. guys what sports fans? not only don't we have $ to sign an impact free agent next year, we will be lucky to have enough to sign z who will command serious $. Get ready. You think our starting staff blew last year. this yr will be bad enough but after z bolts....[/quote

 

highly unlikely. Z LOVE it here. I cannot stress that enough. He has said this many times, and I would not be suprised to see hometown discount a la Ramirez. But the deal is going to be long as far as years go, 6 minimum, and I'll have no problem with signing it.