And now we know ...
For those wondering why Kenny Rogers is testing the market, here's your answer. MLB.com's Rangers reporter, T.R. Sullivan, quotes GM Jon Daniels saying there's interest in bringing Rogers back:
"We'd be open to it under the right circumstances," Daniels said. "Obviously, finances would be a part of it. But I'd only want it to be a positive homecoming."
The fact that there could actually be a homecoming is something no one in Detroit, even Rogers himself, could've anticipated considering the way their relationship ended with the TV cameraman and all. Rogers was asked about going back to the Rangers down the stretch in September, and he replied that he felt like that bridge had been burned. Until Rogers declared for free agency, there was no way of him knowing.
Obviously, it's Rogers' decision whether to go back, but it would be hard to blame him if he does. He said part of his decision process on whether to play again would involve his family, and playing for Texas would allow him to live at home during the season.
I'm not saying Rogers is gone for sure, but it's such a logical fit that it explains why the Tigers are looking to move on.
Well you Jason may not blame Rogers, but I sure would. I liked Kenny and maybe stupidly believed him that he would pitch for the Tigers or no one at all. I stuck up for this guy and thought that he was a person of integrity. I hope that I am not wrong. I will be really disappointed in him if he lied to Detroit fans.
Report any abuse or spam
Well I hope he's not gone. After reading the story it doesn't sound like another starting pitcher is the Ranger's greatest need or focus. They want Torii Hunter and some relief pitching. It's a good fit for Kenny since his family lives there but he would be giving up a better chance to get into the playoffs with the Tigers imo, though the Rangers are a pretty good team. I still hold out hope that he stays. I'm with you Rich, glad Jones signed. That is a relief, no pun intended.
So far we're down Casey, Jurrjens, and Infante (all of whom I liked), and up JJones and Renteria.
Craig Monroe to Minnesota...that's going to be interesting. Wish him well but will only root for him vs Tigers in non game deciding situations... and of course, against Cleveland and Chicago. Funny how things happen.
Report any abuse or spam
well I guess Kenny is with this idiot Scott Boras so that explains all what's going on.
the one thing that has to be taken under careful consideration is what kind of shape is Kenny in? we don't need to pay $12mm for a guy to be on the DL,-- we need a 20 game winner for that kind of dough.
Report any abuse or spam
Rich - I agree with what you said about Willis being younger and maybe the change in parks will help. I still don't know though.
Nap - I agree with you. If we are going to pay Kenny the big bucks, he better stay healthy and win over 15 for us.
I am a bit upset by this to tell ya the truth. Just him turning down two offers already doesn't make me feel very good. I am sure DD presented him with a good amount for one year. What does Kenny really want. Does he just want to pitch close to home and make a few extra bones in the process, does he want a multi-year contract (which I can't see after him just now deciding to pitch next year) or does he want a good amount (from the Tigers) and be on a playoff-type team?
If he signs in Texas I will be disapointed for sure. I think we need his leadership on and off the mound for the younger guys that are beginning to come up through the ranks.
Report any abuse or spam
Kenny wants his cake and eat it too. He's building a massive new house in Texas and probably wants to stay in the area. What a liar!
Report any abuse or spam
My guess would be that DD has offered Rogers a contract with an injury clause, as he did with Ordonez and Pudge. Maybe a performance bonus, but I'm not so sure about that. At any rate, this is still Scott Boras doing his thing. Rogers can be the guy who was the toast of the town during the 2006 playoffs, or the guy who was booed at Comerica during the 2005 AS Game. That's his call, not his agent's.
DD is doing the right thing in considering Rogers just another free agent and going ahead with the club's agenda. You want to look at it as a business, I can do that.
Just a zany thought: if these guys are going to insist on playing within commuting distance of their homes, why are we paying them so much money? The traveling, the being away from family, that's the cost of doing business. If I was Texas, I'd sign Rogers.......at half the amount.
Report any abuse or spam
Rich - As always, I like your thought process here and agree with you.
I say, we see what happens with the Texas situation, offer up a contract to Kenny one last time and if he balks at it, we just move on.
Rich, you do seem to be right about DD treating Kenny as just another free agent.
We all would love to have Kenny back for a number of reasons, but if he doesn't come back, I guess we just have to move on and make another signing elsewhere.
If this is the case, we need a 'name player' to join the ranks.
Report any abuse or spam
not only do we offer the dollars but much more: a spot on that roster: if you can play; if you WANT to play.
Then you can come and play for the Tigers at Comerica Park. That is an honor now, again, thanks to the really good work that has been done by DD and JL and everyone
I'm looking forward to developments. But to the Scott Borass of the world: we can find players.
Report any abuse or spam
Boras is a disease. So it is reported that A-Rod wants to chat with the Steiny brothers after all, but the Steinies don't want Boras in the room...ha ha ha...that is classic.
I understand that all players want to go with an agent that can make them money, heck we all would, but there comes a time that you have to do what is best for YOU and not someone else that wants a cut of YOUR $!
Same goes for Kenny (again, depending on what his real intentions are ).
Seriously though, I can't see the Yank fans wanting Pay-Rod back in the picture after him opting out of all that money.
He better get ready to be booed by the home town fans again, just like he was in 2006.
Report any abuse or spam
Borass and guys like him ARE a disease. Baseball is the contest ,not the money. how much money can a man use? Unless ya wanna buy off the mob or somethin?
There's plenty of young fellas would love to put on the Old English D and play ball in Comerica Park.
and this is why I keep talking about coaching and staff. ya got money, yeah you can buy talent. can you develop talent? it takes men with talent more than money to do that
I like this blog so I hope you guys don't mind me chippin' in a little here and there
Report any abuse or spam
A-Rod could very easily price himself right out of the market. we got 3 hitters bettern' him right now: Maggs, Poly and Sheffy
Abreu is a tougher out than A-Rod
Report any abuse or spam