Blockbuster Deals Save Tigers' Budget - jhendricks316's Dynasty

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Blockbuster Deals Save Tigers' Budget

Posted on October 5, 2013 at 03:10 PM.

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These deals have radically transformed the Tigers; however, they created over $25 million in new budget space for Detroit. Nevertheless, stars that were central to the success of the Tigers last season are gone.

In three separate deals, the Detroit Tigers acquire Dee Gordon (from LAD), Pablo Sandoval (from SF), Jhoulys Chacin (from STL) and prospects (from STL) in exchange for Ryan Braun (to LAD), Matt Cain (back to SF), and JJ Hardy (STL).

The Tigers lose a superb contact/power blend in Braun, but Dee Gordon knows how to get on base and also has more speed than Braun. Brett Lawrie takes over left field full time; he was often under-utilized as a platoon man.

Pablo Sandoval has enough hitting ability to supplement the loss of Braun. Matt Cain's departure is strictly for financial reasons. He was owed $80 million over the last 4 years of his contract. On the other hand, Chacin is entering prime and will avoid contract negotiations for the next 2 years.

With the acquisition of Gordon, there is no need for JJ Hardy. It is a contract year for Hardy, and he is exiting prime.