Justin Verlander says he still thinks about a reunion with the Tigers. Should the Tigers think about bringing him back? Mike Valenti scoffs at the very idea: "You want me to trade prospects to get said old person who I don’t need nor care about because I’m not 12 years old and feelings have nothing to do with business? Go to hell, respectfully."
Verlander, 41, has a 3.97 ERA through six starts this season and could become available at the trade deadline if the Astros (22-27) decide to sell. Valenti says there's no world in which it makes sense for the Tigers to pursue him:
"Even if they needed pitching, he’s not a target. First of all, the Astros would have to pick up almost all of his money. Second of all, what am I giving up for this geriatric wonder? Might as well go trade for Charlie Hough. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills."
To those that subscribe to the idea of bringing Verlander back, Valenti says that "you’re telling me you’re not a serious baseball fan:"
"This is nothing more than good-times theatre for these people. … Honestly, Verlander here? No, you know the next time I want to see him in a Tigers hat? Cooperstown. I have no need for this. I think it’s complete buffoonery.
"There is some demented, obsession, romance with this baseball team that, by the way, never makes the playoffs and hasn’t won a championship in 40 years. Right now we’re begging them to go out and show me you care, and you still find the nostalgia button? No way. I give this a 0.0 percent chance. I refuse."