Detroit couldn't pass up the opportunity to acquire another speedy centerfielder in need of plate discipline. Consequently, while they've been unhappy with the production provided by the last three players they've used fitting that description, the Tigers traded LHP Chad Petty and OF-R Noochi Varner to Milwaukee for OF-L Alex Sanchez on Tuesday.

Rumors of a Sanchez to Detroit deal surfaced shortly before the trade was completed, baffling me as to how many times the Tigers need to place their hand on the hot stove before they learn it will burn them. I'm hesitant to over value the comments disparaging Sanchez's work ethic and motivation, as many players have been mislabeled over the years. Hopefully, he'll connect with the Detroit coaching staff in a way that he didn't with the Milwaukee coaches. However, those coaches will have their work cut out for them regardless of the quality of their relationship with Sanchez. The 26-year-old's primary commodity is his raw speed. Unfortunately, while he made progress with his walk rate last year, he doesn't reach base with the frequency needed make his speed useful. Additionally, when he is on base, his poor baserunning instincts hinder his efforts.

Therefore, I don't believe the Tigers should have dealt two promising minor leaguers to acquire Sanchez when the 25-year-old OF-S Andres Torres possesses similar upside. Detroit drafted Petty out of high school with their second round pick of the 2000 draft. He spent the remainder of the 2000 season and most of 2001 with the Tigers' Rookie-level Gulf Coast League team with the exception of a single appearance at Oneonta in the Short-Season New York-Pennsylvania League. Last year, Petty advanced to A West Michigan in the Midwest League. He's not a strikeout pitcher and prior to this year his control appeared to need work. However, at the time of the trade, the 21-year-old had compiled a 36:10 K:BB with 66 H and 3 HR allowed in 57.1 IP for a 4.40 ERA over 10 starts at A+ Lakeland in the Florida State League. His youth allows the Brewers to give him ample development time, but he could contribute to their rotation by 2006.