Will Dave Dombrowski (left) and Brad Ausmus and be around next year?
Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press thinks it's time for the Detroit Tigers to wave a white flag and start selling key assets rather than go out and spend millions more to salvage the season.
I don't agree, but here's what he writes:
They limp into the All-Star break a broken team. And although Dave Dombrowski remained openly optimistic Sunday about the team's second-half chances, even he privately must realize the odds of their making the postseason are as long as his trade deadline shopping list.
The Tigers should sell. It makes little sense doubling down on a disappointing season by adding more millions to an already bloated payroll. And though the idea of conceding most assuredly offends owner Mike Ilitch, even he probably would admit that injuries and inconsistencies have created an insurmountable obstacle.
It is time to start thinking toward 2016.
Yes, the Tigers look pathetic. But I don't think the fix is as big as some people make it out to be.
The Tigers need desperately to get one really reliable reliever who can shut it down in the late innings, at least 8 or 9 times out of 10.
Then they need to stabilize one or two other relievers they already have.
Yes, some of the starter are shaky. But there's David Price and Anibal Sanchez, not to mention that Verlander could end up doing quite well. Sure, the others present question marks.
It's not unreasonable to give up at this point.
But all it takes is a little hot streak on the part of the Tigers and a Kansas City losing streak to turn things around.
Plus, at 85, I don't think Mike Ilitch has the patience to rebuild.
The team has plenty of talent. I say, go for broke.
-- Allan Lengel