You Can't Spell "Rebuiltings" Without T-I-G-E-R-S

Gentlepersons, please to pardon the stretch of a headline, for it is late and I am tired.

As we all know by now if we all care to do-so, 13-year Tiger Justin Verlander followed two-year Tiger Justin Upton straight outta De-troit 8/31 11:59pm. With a minute to spare under the dead-line. According to ESPN, "In exchange for Verlander, the Tigers received pitcher Franklin Perez, catcher Jake Rogers and outfielder Daz Cameron, the son of ex-MLB outfielder Mike Cameron. Houston will also get a player to be named later or cash considerations."

The future Mr. Kate Upton looks to add much luster to the Houston rotation, which it doth do need. Apparently, before settling on becoming an Astro, Verlander wanted to see where the Cubbies sat. Where they sat was without 'nuff farm system jewels to close the deal. Is Houston the Junior League team-to-beat then, with the righty Verlander joining the southpaw Dallas Keuchel? That depends: are the Cleveland Indians still planning on playing the rest of the season? Then, nah.

The earlier part of the Motor City Exodus was the aforementioned Justin Upton deal which saw the slugging outfielder head to LA of the AL for pitcher Grayson Long and either a player to be named later or cash. Before these moves, Detroit was a terrible team with a terrible farm system. Now we'll see what takes root in the soil.

Listen to my  "To-day's the Day!" Kaplowitz Radio: August 29, 2017: