Name the Oakland Athletics' lineup from top to bottom without looking at a MLB's Game Day... The Detroit Tigers are loaded with stars, big bats and some of the games most profitable players. So what is wrong? Rumors have it that Jim Leyland might lose his job. Is it really his fault or is it that the A's bunch of misfits are really a better group of players?
Maybe the Tigers overpaid for their team? Their latest acquisition, Torii Hunter proved valuable as he provided offense late in the seaon when the Tigers needed it most, hitting five home runs in August and hitting close to .300 in September. He is the fifth highest paid Tiger in their payroll, making $12 million in 2013. Then their's Victor Martinez making $13 million, followed by Justin Verlander at $20 million, Miguel Cabrera at $21 million and Prince Fielder at $23 million a season. Quick math gives us close to $80 million in these five players. However, these guys, who are the faces of the franchise are down 1-2 to an A's team making less combined than these five players.
Are the Tigers overpaid?
Overpaid might not be the word, but there is something wrong in that team. Verlander's production was not worth $20 million, but his numbers from seasons before only made it right to sign him to an extension. Cabrera is the best hitter in baseball, so one can argue he is underpaid, while Fielder is valuable because of his power and the fact that he plays every day.
So is Leyland the problem or are these guys not worried about winning now that they have their money?
The Athletics might strikeout a lot and depend too much on getting players on base and hitting home runs, but that worked for them in 2013. Yoenis Cespedes is making $8.5 million and Coco Crisp is making $7 million. These two guys have left their marks in the series and leading a payroll that is less than half as expensive as the Tigers.
The Tigers are shelling out $152.1 million in 2013, while the A's are only paying players a total of $71.1 million this season.
What is wrong in Detroit? These guys should be playing and winning in the World Series. That's why they added Hunter and getting Martinez back was supposed to make the lineup dangerous. The Tigers have the pitching too, but apparently, they need something else as the team does not look ready to compete in the World Series.
Who will get the boot if the Tigers lose in 2013? Will Leyland be gone for the 2014 season? Let's see if they lose first. The Tigers have Doug Fister ($4M) on the mound facing Dan Straily ($493 K).
