The Freep opinion page recently ran a letter to the editor from a Tigers fan encouraging the team’s owners to increase pitcher Tarik Skubal’s pay. “Back up the armored car and pay Tarik what he’s worth,” wrote Gary Holman, a Big Rapids resident. Some fans agree … and some don’t.
Been a Tigers fan since 68. Put the check for $425 million on the table and tell Tarik to fill in eight, nine or 10 years. If he refuses, trade him for a king’s ransom. If you don’t want $425 million to stay with us, find some take talent that does. Our window is good, let’s keep it wide open.
Pay Skubal what he deserves
After Harris made the pitcher acquisitions, I made a bet with a friend the Tigers would not win their division even with that huge lead. I won! Pay Skubal what he deserves, $30 mil for 10 years, then $10 mil deferred for 10 years, starting at age 45, and shop for your third baseman. Get with it!Need a news break?
Don’t give Skubal a more than five-year contract
I disagree. They should not back up the truck to pay Skubal a 10-year, $400 million contract.
Detroit has had terrible experiences with long-term contracts for multiple players over multiple sports, resulting in very poor results the last four or five years of a contract.
Pay him what he’s worth per year, but no more than five years.
No player is worth that kind of money
I love the way Skubal pitches and what he has done for the team. I want Skubal to get all he can get. However, if Detroit wants to be in it for the long run, give that salary burden and risk to another team and select the right people to get better. Elevate the overall everyday talent by using Skubal’s superstar position.
No player in any sport, especially a baseball pitcher who plays in only 35 games max, is worth $70 million plus per year, or whatever Monopoly money is offered. At $70 million a year, that equals to over $2 million for every start, if none are missed.
When a player is in this discussion, it has almost always proved that dumping that large salary on some other deep-pocketed or desperate team is the way to go. Collect future stars, specialty talent and depth. The team still needs to hit on a couple, and for a couple of others to develop, but that is what I think the team should do.
This town can use a winner
There seems to be a trend with ownership; yes, Mr. Illitch, I mean you. Nine years without making the playoffs for the Wings and too-slow growth for the Tigers.
To me, it appears, you are simply satisfied with putting butts in seats and nothing more.
This town can use a winner. I know there is much that I do not understand about being an owner, but my perception is that Ilitch is not really interested in taking the next step to win in this town. If so, I ask that he consider selling both the Tigers and Wings to an owner who will work hard to bring championship caliber teams to the city of Detroit.
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