I've been on record for some time that I believe Dave Dombrowski has had a very positive off-season. I've been on board with each decision this off-season other than the Valverde Signing (click on the "$7M/yr Role Player" post to read more on that) which I believed was ill-conceived even though the guy is a nice pitcher.
But the biggest gamble in my mind is the trading of Curtis Granderson. There is no question that he could have a second act to his career in New York that could make the move seem regrettable. However you have to take risks and also there is no question that if Granderson had had another regressive season (his 3rd in a row possibly) his trade value would have shrunk plenty next off-season. So while it could blow up, I did like the big 3-team deal and feel good about what the Tigers received.
Austin Jackson is a big part of this obviously. He'll be the eventual replacement for Granderson and his progress matched up with Granderson's is how this trade will judged by many. Anyone looking for information on Jackson (do we like "A-Jax" as a nickname btw? Is it too obvious? Dunno...have to ruminate on that one for a while) probably found a lot of conflicting information his readiness and his ultimate ceiling. Is he a future star or "just" a future everyday contributor? Certainly his SLG% in 2200 minor league at-bats was nothing to attempt a somersault over seeing....and if you ever meet me you'll know I shouldn't be trying somersaults even though I'm fully insured.....
The good news, as we sit here on March 10th, is that Jackson is looking pretty darn good. He's even flashed a little power and drawn a few walks. Exactly what Leyland and Dombrowski were hoping to see I'm sure. The Tigers seemed to indicate all winter they acquired this guy because he's ready. Certainly w/less than 10 Spring Training games under his belt in Detroit we don't know anything for sure....but initial impressions seem pretty solid. We'll continue to watch and hope for more signs of progress.....I'll be most interested to hear more impressions of his defense in CF.....that might end up being a lot more important than if he posts a .750 OPS or an .800 OPS when its all said and done for this season.
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