Tigers expect Garcia to thrive on South Side
CLEVELAND -- When Dave Dombrowski contemplated giving up Avisail Garcia to the White Sox as part of Tuesday's three-way trade also involving Boston, one thought concerning the talented outfielder crossed the mind of the Tigers' president, CEO and general manager.
"Basically, I don't want to see Avisail Garcia play against us 18, 19 times a year for the next 10 years," said Dombrowski, during his interview after the Tigers acquired shortstop Jose Iglesias, Boston picked up Jake Peavy and the White Sox added Garcia and three lower-level prospects from Boston.
Detroit didn't want to trade a player of Garcia's ability, described as a five-tool talent by White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. But to get a valuable player to assist their postseason push, the Tigers had to give up something valuable.
And while the Tigers understand the future potential high-level contributions from the 22-year-old outfielder, they aren't worried about facing him as much as they are happy for the young man to get what figures to be a big league opportunity very soon.
"I'm thrilled for that kid. He's a great kid. He's got huge upside," said Detroit manager Jim Leyland of Garcia. "I'm happy for him. If we're not good enough to get [him] out, shame on us."
"They'll probably bring him up to the big leagues right away, and he has a chance to play every day," Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter said. "I think he'll be good. In Chicago, he's going to hit a lot of home runs. He's powerful, and that place is going to be good for him."
Hahn mentioned that Garcia will play center field for Triple-A Charlotte in the near future. But he certainly could be receiving consistent big league at-bats before the Sept. 1 roster expansion.
"He's a young kid. He just turned 22," Hahn said. "He's not going to be harmed by a little more time in Charlotte as we get to know him and his capabilities on a firsthand basis. But I'm pretty confident we're going to see him for a number of ABs here in Chicago before the season gets out."