Tiger Fans

I just don't understand. There was a blog on mLive about Magglio's contract situation - perhaps the most popular Tiger topic all season, and the comments were exceptionally hateful. Why the incessant Magglio bashing? He got three hits last night, and he hit .348 for the month of August. The only remaining knock on the guy is that he's not producing runs. His RBI total remains shockingly low. Yet, for such a slow dude, he is 5th on the team in runs.

In about two weeks, his $18million guarantee will kick-in. Yes, that's too much money for a singles hitter, but there's always the possibility that Magglio could get hot next season (one can hope). There are way worse contracts for fans to bitch about. Start with Sheffield... the Tigers are paying him $13.6million to play for another team. Then there's Jeremy Bonderman. Bondermania pitched 4 innings, gave up 3 HRs and 6 earned runs and will cash in $12.5million for this season. The D-Train actually puts Bondermania to shame, for he pitched 33.2 innings. Of course, he gave up 28 runs, but at least he stuck around for more than a game. D-Train, who's now issuing walks and runs in Toledo will run away with $10million this year. And Mr. Robertson will look to justify his $7million paycheck with a quality start today.

The absolute worst news about all those contracts is that they're also on the books for next season. Magglio's $18million doesn't look so bad in comparison. Is he worth it? Of course not, but he's the least of the worries. The Tigers are on the hook already for $85million in 2010, and that does not include out-of-contract Polanco, Laird, Lyon, Seay, Rodney, and two small pieces to the starting rotation called Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson (who will be due massive raises). So, keep buying tickets and merchandise and Little Caesars pizzas. Keep this team afloat!