In 1987, the Tigers dealt Single-A pitcher John Smoltz to the Braves for Doyle Alexander. Smoltz turned into one of the foundation pieces for Atlanta's remarkable run in the NL and Alexander helped lift Detroit to the 1987 East title by going 9-0 with a 1.53 ERA in 11 starts.
Some have called this the worst trade in Tigers history, but I'm not among them. There was no guarantee Smoltz would become the pitcher he did, and Alexander and Detroit overcame a 2.5-game deficit with a week to play by sweeping Toronto on the final weekend. (Frank Tanana beat Jimmy Key 1-0 in the finale -- why don't people talk about this more?)
Anyway, last year, the Tigers dealt Kyle Farnsworth to the Braves for a minor-league pitcher named Zach Miner. After last night's complete game win, Miner is 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA for Detroit since being called up to replace injured Mike Maroth. Farnsworth is blowing games for the Yankees.
Have the Tigers gotten their Smoltz thanks to that deal? Way too early to tell, but fun to think about.
And speaking of Smoltz, who can become a free agent at the end of the season, might he end up back in Detroit this year? He said that if he's traded, the Tigers would be a natural fit. Imagine a staff of Rogers, Smoltz, Bonderman and Verlander or Robertson heading into the postseason. Food for thought.
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