In a post-deadline trade -- meaning players can still be traded, but have to clear waivers first -- the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers have bolstered their bench by acquiring the versatile Aubrey Huff. In return the Orioles received Brett Jacobson, a right-handed reliever currently pitching in advanced Single-A ball. "Huff is a quality major league hitter, who adds a left-handed bat to our lineup and brings versatility to our club with his ability to play numerous positions," Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said in a press release.
Huff is a 32-year-old who can play any corner on the field (first base, third base, left field or right field). He's having a disappointing season when viewed through the lens of what he did last year. In 2008, Huff hit .304 with 32 home runs, 108 RBI and a .912 OPS. This season he's hitting just .253 with a well-below-average .725 OPS. He has 13 home runs and 72 RBI.
On the Tigers, he looks to provide depth and left-handed pop in several different areas. They could give Brandon Inge the occasional day off at third, use Miguel Cabrera or Magglio Ordonez at DH while plugging Huff in their respective fielding spots. He could play left instead of Marcus Thames or Ryan Raburn, or Huff could simply DH himself. This appears to be the role Carlos Guillen is filling right now, but having extra options never hurts.
As for the Orioles, they will likely be using Ty Wigginton (1B), Melvin Mora (3B) and Luke Scott (DH) every day until the end of the 2009 season. Looking to the future, the O's could stand an upgrade at each corner infield spot to go with their young and talented outfielders, catcher and starting pitchers. They are stockpiling young talent and appear poised for a breakout season -- as soon as 2010, possibly. Jacobson is currently 1-3 with a 3.74 ERA this season, so he's a long-term project.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-17-2009 @ 10:37PM
dongo4345 said...
32 hrs and 108 rbis last yr that sounds pretty good to me. tigers stole this guy. good job dombroski.well take it ,all the way to the al central title .go tigers
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8-18-2009 @ 12:17AM
claytor said...
Ugh, O's gave Aubrey away. Sure hes underachieving like nobodys business this year, but cmon, yield more talent through trades!
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8-19-2009 @ 1:02AM
rwing said...
Aubrey Huff...another great acquisition by the Tigers. Having already picked up Jarrod Washburn, the Tigers brilliant GM Dave Dombrowski does it again.
And Alex Avila, having just come up from the minors, looks like the NEXT GREAT MLB CATCHER....watch for this guy.
"Go Gettum' Tigers" and "Bless You Boys"!!!!!!
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8-19-2009 @ 2:24AM
rwing said...
Mike & Marian Ilitch....THANK YOU for all you have done for Detroit sports fans, not to mention all your other endeavors on behalf of the Detroit area. They purchased the Fox Theatre and restored it beautifully, and in recent years has been the second-highest grossing theatre in the country, trailing only the Radio City Music Hall in New York city.
Believe he also relocated the "Little Caesars" pizza headquarters to the Fox Theatre and Comerica Park area in downtown Detroit. Also owns the City Theatre and the Hockeytown Cafe, among others....believe he also owns Olympia Entertainment.
I have been to the Fox Theatre numerous times....the last time I was there, my Mom and I saw the "Titanic". When we got back in the car to leave, the last note of some song played on the radio, and then with no commercial, the song "My Heart Will Go On" began playing....will ALWAYS be a fond memory for me as I lost her in September and miss greatly her sweet, gentle and good-hearted soul.
Mike & Marian Ilitch have been GREAT owners of both the Red Wings and the Tigers...always try to bring us winning teams. Their contributions to the city of Detroit, combined with their charitable efforts will always be fondly remembered and appreciated by the people of Detroit, it's sports fans and others.
Mike & Marian Ilitch are simply among the BEST....THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!!!!!!
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