The Detroit Tigers announced that six of the seven players eligible for arbitration have signed on Friday afternoon. Since taking over in 2002, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski has never let a player go to an arbitration hearing. His streak is in jeopardy unless he can come to terms with starter Max Scherzer.
So far, the deals total $19.7 million dollars and are as followed:
Alex Avila (C) - $2.95 million
Brennan Boesch (OF) - $2.3 million
Phil Coke (RP) - $1.85 million
Doug Fister (SP) - $4 million
Austin Jackson (CF) - $3.5 million
Rick Porcello (SP) - $5.1 million
Max Scherzer (SP) – In negotiations.
The name and figure that sticks out the most is with Brennan Boesch. After a truly disappointing 2012 season that saw him hit only .240 through 132 games, he was completely left off of the postseason roster.
But remember that with arbitration incomes, it is based on your entire career. The 2011 season was Boesch’s best of all, hitting .283 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs in only 115 games.
Many thought the Tigers would never offer him arbitration since the outfield is getting more and more crowded at Comerica Park. But Boesch still holds some trade chips for Dombrowski.
The Mariners were said to be the most interested in him and also interested in starter Rick Porcello. There’s your most logical reasoning in giving Boesch his $2.3 million. He’s a nice piece in a package deal.
Max Scherzer and the Tigers are reportedly getting closer in terms. Per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Scherzer and agent Scott Boras are pushing for $7.04 million while the Tigers look for a lower $6.05 million.
Will update as negotiations progress.
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