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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tigers’ Victor Martinez likely out for season with torn ACL

Shouldn’t have gone motorbike racing with Jeff Kent.

The Detroit Tigers today made the following announcement regarding catcher/designated hitter Victor Martinez:

Martinez injured his left knee last week during his off-season conditioning. An MRI at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland yesterday revealed Martinez suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.

Martinez will be re-evaluated by Dr. Richard Stedman next week and surgery to repair the torn ACL in his left knee is anticipated. If surgery is required as anticipated, Martinez will most likely be lost for the 2012 season.

Martinez hit .330 (178x540) with 40 doubles, 12 home runs and 103 RBI in 145 games with the Tigers during the 2011 season.

RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: January 17, 2012 at 03:31 PM | 47 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
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1. Crosseyed and Painless Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:15 PM (#4038878)

THIS IS SAD NEWS

2. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:15 PM (#4038879)

Likely scenario A: Tigers sign Carlos Pena to a cheap one-year deal.
Likely scenario B: Tigers bring back Johnny Damon for another go around.

Crazy scenario A: Dombrowski panics and backs up the money truck to Prince's front door.
Crazy scenario B: Theo preys on Dombrowski's frazzled state of mind and ships off Soriano to the Motor City while eating a huge chunk of Soriano's remaining contract.

3. Derb Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:16 PM (#4038880)

Ouch. The Tigers have quite a hole to fill now. Assuming there's no more player movement, do they put Raburn at DH most of the time, leaving Santiago to be the primary second baseman? Or do they go even harder after Cespedes, and put Delmon Young at DH most of the time?

Martinez was a huge part of the offense.

4. Every Inge Counts Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:18 PM (#4038883)

Ack...this blows. Getting ready for a 2010 type offense now, all Miggy and whoever is hot for that month.

Is Prince Fielder willing to sign a one year deal...

5. Derb Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:20 PM (#4038885)

@2 - My first thought was of Fielder, but I don't think Dombrowski would be that desperate. If they could sign him to a one year deal, sure. But the last thing they want to have happen is have three All-Stars (Cabrera, V-Mart, and Fielder) taking up two spots (1B and DH).

I'd be fine with bringing Pena back. Damon wouldn't really improve the Tigers' lineup. They need a middle of the order bat to replace V-Mart, if they're gonna do anything at all.

6. .

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:26 PM (#4038891)

Ack...this blows. Getting ready for a 2010 type offense now, all Miggy and whoever is hot for that month.

Avila's better now, but ... yeah.

Pena was my first thought.

7. Crispix Attacksel Rios Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:27 PM (#4038893)

Come on! Sign Derrek Lee! The Pirates need the compensation pick, dammit!

8. Shock of the Desert Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:29 PM (#4038895)

My first thought was of Fielder, but I don't think Dombrowski would be that desperate.

So is Prince going to Japan or what? This is getting silly. Somebody frea

9. You can keep your massive haul Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:33 PM (#4038898)

If only Ryan Ludwick were still available.

10. jayjay Posted: January 17, 2012 at 04:35 PM (#4038900)

If Prince were to sign a one-year deal, why wouldn't he do it with Milwaukee?

He's not signing a one-year deal.

11. Derb Posted: January 17, 2012 at 05:33 PM (#4038923)

If Prince were to sign a one-year deal, why wouldn't he do it with Milwaukee?

He's not signing a one-year deal.

Exactly. Let's stop dreaming right now.

I really think the Tigers will make a very serious push at Cespedes now, though. I still see him going to Miami, regardless...

12. Zipperholes Posted: January 17, 2012 at 05:44 PM (#4038925)

Assuming there's no more player movement, do they put Raburn at DH most of the time, leaving Santiago to be the primary second baseman?

Yes. Raburn and Young can share DH and LF, and Raburn can fill in for Santiago at 2B once in a while.

They don't need a DH. They need a third baseman. If I were Dombrowski, I'd think about signing Pena, telling Cabrera to be ready to play third base, and signing Wilson Betemit.

13. You can keep your massive haul Posted: January 17, 2012 at 05:45 PM (#4038926)

telling Cabrera to be ready to play third base

My fantasy team loves this idea.

14. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: January 17, 2012 at 05:51 PM (#4038927)

telling Cabrera to be ready to play third base

My fantasy team loves this idea.

Fans sitting in the first few rows behind first base are less pleased. DUCK!

15. Shock of the Desert Posted: January 17, 2012 at 06:21 PM (#4038942)

Is 3rd base further or closer to the hot dog stand?

16. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: January 17, 2012 at 06:28 PM (#4038945)

Crazy scenario B: Theo preys on Dombrowski's frazzled state of mind and ships off Soriano to the Motor City while eating a huge chunk of Soriano's remaining contract.

Why would Dombrowski do that? There are minor league free agents who could put up a 100-ish OPS+ with no defensive value.

17. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: January 17, 2012 at 06:28 PM (#4038946)

Sucks for Martinez. I hope the rehab goes well.

18. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: January 17, 2012 at 06:43 PM (#4038955)

Why would Dombrowski do that? There are minor league free agents who could put up a 100-ish OPS+ with no defensive value.

I was thinking of Soriano in the DH slot. I imagine that when, not if, Theo finally dumps Soriano, it will be on a team that requires Soriano to do nothing but stand in a batter's box four times a night.

19. SteveM. Posted: January 17, 2012 at 07:50 PM (#4038985)

They don't need a DH. They need a third baseman. If I were Dombrowski, I'd think about signing Pena, telling Cabrera to be ready to play third base, and signing Wilson Betemit.

I bet the first person who smoked crack thought that was a good idea too.

20. ray james Posted: January 17, 2012 at 08:32 PM (#4038995)

What was Martinez doing that he could tear his ACL? Downhill skiing?

21. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: January 17, 2012 at 08:55 PM (#4039005)

I don't know. Let's ask Moises Alou.

22. Posada Posse Posted: January 17, 2012 at 08:57 PM (#4039006)

What was Martinez doing that he could tear his ACL? Downhill skiing?

Offseason pickup basketball ala Aaron Boone.

23. Brian White Posted: January 17, 2012 at 09:17 PM (#4039014)

telling Cabrera to be ready to play third base,

Year Age Tm  Lg Rbat Rbaser Rroe Rdp Rfield Rpos WAR oWAR dWAR Pos
2012  29 DET AL  90    0     0   -4    -46    1  4.0  8.6 -4.6 *5/D 

24. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: January 17, 2012 at 09:33 PM (#4039023)

I don't know. Let's ask Moises Alou.

Victor was urinating on his hands?

25. Ray (CTL)

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 09:45 PM (#4039028)

I don't really think losing a 33 year old 125 OPS+ DH in January is a big deal. You really should be able to replace him.

He's not really a .330 hitter, either. What does Dan project him to?

26. Zipperholes Posted: January 17, 2012 at 09:53 PM (#4039032)

By "telling Cabrera to be ready to play third base," I mean "instructing him to work to become a capable third baseman over the winter." There's no reason why he shouldn't be able to do that.

27. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: January 17, 2012 at 09:57 PM (#4039034)

By "telling Cabrera to be ready to play third base," I mean "instructing him to work to become a capable third baseman over the winter." There's no reason why he shouldn't be able to do that.

Really?

He wasn't a "capable 3B" when we was young and thin(ner) and isn't a good 1B. What makes you think he has the tools to play 3B?

28. Pasta-diving Jeter (jmac66) Posted: January 17, 2012 at 09:58 PM (#4039035)

where's Bill Freehan when you need him?

29. Zipperholes Posted: January 17, 2012 at 10:14 PM (#4039041)

He wasn't a "capable 3B" when we was young and thin(ner) and isn't a good 1B. What makes you think he has the tools to play 3B?

Incredible hand-eye coordination and motor skills, quick reflexes, immense physical strength. I can't think of any reason why he'd be unable to develop the skills he is lacking.

30. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: January 17, 2012 at 10:25 PM (#4039044)

Incredible hand-eye coordination and motor skills, quick reflexes, immense physical strength.

Which one of those traits didn't also describe Pedro Guerrero?

31. jingoist Posted: January 17, 2012 at 10:49 PM (#4039058)

"Which one of those traits didn't also describe Pedro Guerrero?"

Is Pedro available?
He's well rested.

32. Harold can be a fun sponge Posted: January 17, 2012 at 10:53 PM (#4039061)

By "telling Cabrera to be ready to play third base," I mean "instructing him to work to become a capable third baseman over the winter." There's no reason why he shouldn't be able to do that.

You're just advocating change for the sake of change.

33. Infinite Yost (Voxter)

Posted: January 18, 2012 at 12:31 AM (#4039106)

The idea that Cabrera could become a "capable" third baseman now, at the age of 29, when he was one of the worst ones in the league back when it was actually a position he had been playing for years, strikes me as the flightiest of fantasies.

34. Greg K Posted: January 18, 2012 at 02:21 AM (#4039133)

Incredible hand-eye coordination and motor skills, quick reflexes, immense physical strength.

These are the skills of an elite hitter, true. But we've seen any number of elite hitters incapable of playing any positions more demanding than LF or 1B. Throw in the fact that the reason Cabrera is playing 1B is that he's an awful 3B and I don't really see that happening.

If you're signing Pena and Betemit why would you move Cabrera anyway? Pena 1B, Cabrera DH, Betemit 3B right?

35. Derb Posted: January 18, 2012 at 08:14 AM (#4039187)

If you're signing Pena and Betemit why would you move Cabrera anyway? Pena 1B, Cabrera DH, Betemit 3B right?

While Pena is the better defensive player, I highly doubt that Cabrera would be happy being a full-time DH. Pena would be signed to be the primary DH. Sure, he could get a handful of starts at first per month, moving Cabrera to DH, but no more than that. Gotta keep Cabrera happy and productive...

36. Greg K Posted: January 18, 2012 at 08:26 AM (#4039190)

While Pena is the better defensive player, I highly doubt that Cabrera would be happy being a full-time DH. Pena would be signed to be the primary DH. Sure, he could get a handful of starts at first per month, moving Cabrera to DH, but no more than that. Gotta keep Cabrera happy and productive...

That makes sense, I was going a bit DMB more than reality there.

The thing that confuses me is why move Cabrera to 3B (setting aside how bad he'd probably be) if you're signing Betemit.

37. Ron J Posted: January 18, 2012 at 08:43 AM (#4039196)

#30 Michael Barret was also an interesting case. The arm to catch, the agility to at least fake short and yet a stunningly bad third-baseman.

And #35 Bobby Bonilla's time with the Orioles was interesting. Just hated to DH (and didn't hit a lick while doing so).

Speaking of bad third-basemen. Well he had the arm for the position. Maybe he thought part of the job involved giving souvenirs to fans in the general area of first base.

38. Ron J Posted: January 18, 2012 at 08:48 AM (#4039199)

#31 He managed to avoid prison. His lawyer successfully argued Pedro was too stupid to understand the drug deal his friend was putting together (and that Pedro was involved in)

IQ of 70.

39. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: January 18, 2012 at 09:02 AM (#4039205)

IQ of 70.

Wow! 2 SD's below the mean. Bottom 2.5%. Impressive.

40. Rants Mulliniks Posted: January 18, 2012 at 09:12 AM (#4039211)

That does suck. As for Fielder, I honestly can't see him getting anything longer than 6 years. If he was going to get a mega-deal like Pujols (8+ years) it would have happened by now. I don't know what he expected, being 60 pounds overweight certainly isn't an indicator of long-term health.

41. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: January 18, 2012 at 10:40 AM (#4039277)

I was thinking of Soriano in the DH slot. I imagine that when, not if, Theo finally dumps Soriano, it will be on a team that requires Soriano to do nothing but stand in a batter's box four times a night.

Yes, but given that Soriano's only good for a 100-ish OPS+, why would a team trade for him with an eye toward making him a DH, even on those terms? What's he got to offer as a DH that a minor league FA like Old Chris Carter, say, doesn't?

42. Zipperholes Posted: January 18, 2012 at 01:58 PM (#4039501)

If you're signing Pena and Betemit why would you move Cabrera anyway? Pena 1B, Cabrera DH, Betemit 3B right?

Yeah. I was thinking, sign Betemit as the primary 3B, and having Cabrera at 3B as a plan B in case Betemit is a disaster defensively.

These are the skills of an elite hitter, true. But we've seen any number of elite hitters incapable of playing any positions more demanding than LF or 1B. Throw in the fact that the reason Cabrera is playing 1B is that he's an awful 3B and I don't really see that happening.

I think you guys are using a different conception of "can" than I am. To say the least, I don't put a lot of stock in past failure when assessing whether a pro athlete "can" do something.

43. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: January 18, 2012 at 02:22 PM (#4039533)

To say the least, I don't put a lot of stock in past failure when assessing whether a pro athlete "can" do something.

So, the Yankees should've just told Derek Jeter to show up prepared to play a plus defensive SS, and he could have achieved that in an off-season of workouts?

So simple.

44. Ray (CTL)

Posted: January 18, 2012 at 02:55 PM (#4039573)

So, the Yankees should've just told Derek Jeter to show up prepared to play a plus defensive SS, and he could have achieved that in an off-season of workouts?

So simple.

I like that. "Vernon, please show up prepared to walk 100 times this year."

45. Zipperholes Posted: January 18, 2012 at 03:30 PM (#4039602)

So, the Yankees should've just told Derek Jeter to show up prepared to play a plus defensive SS, and he could have achieved that in an off-season of workouts?

Of course they should tell him that, if it's important to the team's success. "Could" he achieve it? Maybe. I would need to know what he had done to do so to that point.

46. JPWF1313 Posted: January 18, 2012 at 03:39 PM (#4039618)

What's he got to offer as a DH that a minor league FA like Old Chris Carter, say, doesn't?

He's a *star*

sure he's hit .248/.305/.463 over the past three years (OPS+ 101), but he is ALPHONSO SORIANO
whereas, to your average fan/msm member, Chris Carter is the dude behind X-Files...

and the other problem is I don't even know which Chris Carter you're talking about, Vern or Will... or whether it matters which one

47. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: January 18, 2012 at 03:56 PM (#4039628)

He's a *star*

Other than Arte Moreno, who's dumb enough to fall for that at this point?

and the other problem is I don't even know which Chris Carter you're talking about, Vern or Will... or whether it matters which one

This one, the one who's currently a minor-league free agent.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tigers’ Victor Martinez likely out for season with torn ACL

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