There's No Way Magglio Ordonez Lasts In Detroit

Blake VandeBunte by Contributor Written on July 09, 2009
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 21:  Magglio Ordonez #30 of the Detroit Tigers takes batting practice prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on April 21, 2009 in Anaheim, California.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

In my opinion, there is no way Magglio Ordonez will be a member of the Tigers when the season comes to a close. 

His bat is toast and he’s been lost on defense for a couple of years now. 

Above all, the Tigers cannot afford to keep him.

As most Tigers fans know, Magglio’s contract for 2010 becomes guaranteed if he makes a certain amount of starts or plate appearances in 2009. If those clauses kick in, Magglio will be paid $18 million in 2010. 

Ugh.

It was just announced that Ordonez will split time in right field with Clete Thomas.  Ordonez had been getting a lot of starts in right field for the Tigers lately, but did not respond all that well.

He’s played well below his usual standards for the entire season, but over the past month, things have been especially bad.

In 19 games (18 starts) since June 9, Magglio has put up these numbers: 73 AB, .191 AVG, 4 BB, 7 RBI, .233 OBP, .309 SLG, and .542 OPS.

You could honestly get that kind of production from almost any Triple-A outfielder in all of professional baseball. 

I believe the Tigers have been giving him a lot of chances lately in hopes that he will show a glimpse of his former self and become tradable.

That’s clearly not going to happen. The Tigers couldn’t trade Magglio for anyone in baseball right now. He’s that unattractive.

When the Tigers do finally release Ordonez and rid themselves of his awful play and unfortunate contract they will almost certainly have to fight with Scott Boras and Magglio. However, the Tigers will win the case because the guy just isnt’ producing. 

He’s not even showing signs of turning it around. The last month has been even worse than the bleak months that preceded it. 

He’s toast and everyone knows it.

So, take a good look at Magglio in his Tigers uniform. He won’t be wearing it for much longer.

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written on July 09, 2009 Sports

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