I had a feeling the Tigers would trade Pudge Rodriguez before Thursday's deadline. Rumors began swirling ten days ago that the Marlins were interested in him. The Tigers weren't going to re-sign him this off season anyways, and because he's in the option year of the 5-year, 50-million dollar contract he signed back in 2004, unloading him makes sense.
So the .220 hitting Brandon Inge will become the Tigers' every-day catcher for the rest of the season.
Detroit gets Kyle Farnsworth who pitched for the Tigers back in 2005. He'll help the Tigers bullpen, probably assume the 7th inning role and be used in some long-relief situations.
Tigers now need a backup catcher. Here's what I think will happen. Detroit will recall Dane Sardinha from Toledo and to make room on the 25-man roster they will give Todd Jones his outright release. With Farnsworth now in the equation, Jones is no longer needed. Rodney has been named the closer and Zumaya is the 8th inning guy, for now.
Sardinha is the only option as the backup at this point unless the Tigers plan to trade for a backup before tomorrow's 4pm deadline.
This is just my hunch. Jones won't admit it when the TV cameras are on but he's not happy with his demotion.
The big question is does the Pudge trade mean the Tigers are giving up on this season or is there a method to their madness? Will they pull the trigger on any more deals tomorrow?
I guess we all have to stay tuned.