Dan Miller of Fox 2 in Detroit

Dan Miller of Fox 2 in Detroit, who's also the play-by-play voice of the Detroit Lions, stopped by to talk a little Tigers' baseball.


Baseball-Rumors: Take me back to the Winter Meetings, how did the Tigers get involved in the trade discussions with the Marlins, especially because their name never came up prior to that day. Did they pull the trade last minute?

Dan Miller: According to Dave dombrowski, owner Mike Illitch had heard that Cabrera might be available and told him to look into that. Dombrowski did and found that the Marlins were interested in making a deal. Florida in fact wanted to make the deal bigger by including WIllis in what amounts to a salary dump. The cost was going to be the Tigers top two prospects in Maybin and Miller and then some. The Tigers had mapped out exactly what they thought Florida would ask for and they nailed it, the two top prospects and others. They agreed.

Broken down, its trading two top prospects and some maybes for guys that already had done it at the major league level and two guys that if they stay healthy shuold be productive for a long time.


Baseball-Rumors: How good does a Dontrelle Willis make the Tigers rotation?

Dan Miller: I don't know because I need to see what Willis is that this point. His numbers have been down and his control has been a question. Does a change of scenery and significantly more run support get him back to his old level? We'll have to wait and see. I have questions about their rotation. Verlander is a given, Bonderman has yet to find consistency, Robertson is a number five at this point and Kenny Rogers certainly has age working against him. They could be very good but I don't think it's a given.


Baseball-Rumors: Do you have an update on the Brandon Inge situation? I know the Tigers had asked him to stick around this year because Ivan Rodriguez could depart via free agency after this season which would open up the catching position for Inge. What's the latest?

Dan Miller: Brandon has said that he will go to camp and work as a utility man and a catcher. I believe that would be in his best intrest. He can play the position defensively and offensively his numbers would be good for a catcher. As a third baseman his production and high strike out numbers don't put him anywhere near an elite level.


Baseball-Rumors: Were you surprised the Tigers didn't offer a contract to Chad Durbin?

Dan Miller: A bit, just because I figured he could be another arm to try out in the bullpen.


Baseball-Rumors: What are your expectations for this team going into 2008?

Dan Miller: They should be very very good offensively. They are going to score runs. There is not an easy out in the line-up. However, you have to get the pitching from your starters and relievers. They haven't done much to shore up their pen, although they did bring in a couple guys that they are hopeful can help out.

I'd be less than truthful if I told you that they are guys that I am familiar with. Detoit has to be high on the list of favorites to represent the AL and certainly Schillings situation hurts one of their key competitiors, but this is not a team without questions.