Detroit Tigers Have a Win-Now Mindset Trading for Sanchez, Infante

Detroit Tigers- RHP Anibal Sanchez, 2B Omar Infante, 2013 Pick
Miami Marlins-RHP Jacob Turner, LHP Brian Flynn, C Rob Brantly and 2013 Draft Pick

On July 23, the Detroit Tigers made the trade above that had some people crowing them AL Central division champs on the spot. Obviously, the Tigers were in ‘win-now’ mode before this deal; they gave Prince Fielder a sizable contract in the offseason if you recall. This deal however certainly reiterates that conclusion; Detroit is going for it all in 2012. The Tigers traded away their best pitching prospect in Jacob Turner, and their best catching prospect Rob Brantly in return for a couple of veterans. Yes, Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez are upgrades for Detroit.

Infante hit .287 with 10 stolen bases before the deal; he’s an upgrade over Ryan Raburn, Ramon Santiago, and Danny Worth. Plus, he played with the Tigers from 2002 through 2007 so there’s certainly some comfortability there.

Infante’s hitting just .192 since the trade, but it’s a very small sample size and I ultimately believe his numbers will be around his average when it’s all said and done, which is enough to keep Detroit in contention. That’s definitely what the Tigers are hoping.

The acquisition of Anibal Sanchez to sure up the back end of that Tiger rotation hasn’t exactly gone according to plan either. Even though he was roughed up a bit by the Blue Jays in his first outing, I still feel his arm will be a positive impact to their rotation.

Overall it’s a good move for the Tigers who filled their two biggest needs in one trade. Sure they gave up a lot, but they’re clearly going for it all. For Miami, this trade was definitely an “A” if I had to give a grade. Detroit’s grade will ultimately depend on how their season ends.

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Aaron Kirn is the Director of Video for Rant Sports

Follow him on twitter @AaronKirn