Every Sunday, MLB FanHouse empties out its notebook in Baseball Brunch.
Everyone knows the No. 1 prospect in Tuesday's draft (and if you don't, read this). But after Washington selects Stephen Strasburg, things get less precise.
"Anybody from [No.] 2 to 15 could be just as good as the other guy," an executive from an NL team with a high pick told FanHouse. "It's really a strange year because it is in the eye of the beholder."
For example, Arizona State right-hander Mike Leake has been discussed as high as No. 3 overall, to the Padres. But he's more likely to go in the middle of the first round, no lower than Arizona's picks at 16 and 17.
FanHouse begins its 2009 MLB Preview with a look at the Atlanta Braves.
It's not my typical policy to engage in cheesy headline writing, however, this is GM Frank Wren's second full year at the helm with his team. Things are going to be different, in theory. But more importantly, it might be time to go ahead and realize that this isn't your dad's Braves team, or your older brother's for that matter. After 14 straight division titles, the Braves have been absent from the postseason for two straight years. Wren's job, obviously, is to fix that.
Since the Tigers have had to trade prospects like Cameron Maybin and Gorkys Hernandez (I love that name.) this offseason to get guys like Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis in Tigers jerseys, it's left a bit of a hole in their farm system out in centerfield. It's not really a problem for the team right now because they currently have Curtis Granderson roaming the vast expanse of Comerica Park's outfield.
Of course, it also means that the Tigers would be smart to lock up Granderson for a few years so it doesn't become a problem, and according to the Detroit Free Press, that's exactly what they're trying to do.
The Tigers have initiated talks with centerfielder Curtis Granderson on a long-term contract extension, according to one person with knowledge of the discussions.
A conversation this month between the team and agent Matt Brown was preliminary, the person said, and did not address contract length or salary.
Granderson, 26, is not scheduled to enter free agency until after the 2011 season. He made $410,000 last year. The team could tender him a similar contract for the upcoming season, since he is not eligible for salary arbitration.
Granderson's 2007 season made him the second player in Major League history to hit at least 30 doubles, 20 triples, and 20 home runs while stealing at least 20 stolen bases, so it's obvious players of his all-around talent don't come around too often. Signing him to an extension now would probably end up saving the Tigers money in the long run, because I wouldn't be surprised if Grandy puts up those kinds of numbers for years to come.
"We are excited to add an all-star caliber shortstop in Edgar Renteria to the Tigers organization," Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. "Edgar is a quality player, proven winner and tremendous leader that solidifies our infield."
Renteria batted .332 in 124 games with the Braves in 2007, scoring 87 runs and collecting 30 doubles, 12 home runs and 57 RBI. He tied for third in the National League with a .332 batting average.
Renteria will take over at shortstop, with Carlos Guillen sliding over to first base -- a move that was already in the works. Even though Guillen has been one of the league's top offensive shortstops the last few years, his production (.296-21-102 in 2007) is merely ordinary for a corner infielder. But still, once you take into consideration that Guillen is replacing Sean Casey (who hit .296 but with only four home runs and 54 RBI last year), it's obvious Detroit's lineup will be significantly improved.
Every Sunday, MLB FanHouse empties out its notebook in Baseball Brunch.
FanHouse begins its 
Since the Tigers have had to trade prospects like 
The Tigers struck the first match in the Hot Stove League by acquiring Edgar Renteria from the Braves in exchange for prospects 
