Month: September 2017

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, KUDOS & CONCERNS

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By:  Kurt Snyder and Holly Horning

After 159 games (63-96), the Tigers are headed for their worst season since 2003.   So, it’s safe to say we are all ready to put a fork in this season and move on.

Saturday’s segment is a day to touch on as many issues as possible. Let’s see what Kurt and Holly have on their minds this week. They don’t share their Saturday topics and it’s only for the readers’ benefit. So, expect a wide array of thoughts.

KURT

COMMENT

When I hear about the Mets situation with an owner who has been protecting a manager under so much scrutiny, it makes me wonder who has it worse. The Mets and the Tigers are not in the greatest of shape. They share many of the same issues with how they treat injuries and up until now, a manager being protected by someone high up in the organization.

COMMENT

Regardless of the resulting draft order, I have a small amount of satisfaction now that the Tigers will not be losing 100 games this season. As our lame duck manager said, 99 seems to sound so much better than 100. But wait, does that mean that he plans to lose all the games in Minnesota – sorry Brad, I couldn’t help it.

KUDOS

When all is said and done, Nicholas Castellanos will have had the breakout season many predicted and hoped for when the season began. Now on the cusp of a 25+ HR – 100 RBI season, he will be one of the cornerstones of the Tigers and potentially a good #3 hitter in their order, depending upon how Miggy recovers. I had predicted an All-Star appearance for Nick this year, but it took a little longer to get rolling, which he is doing in a big way to close out the season.

HOLLY

COMMENT

One need only to look at how JD Martinez and JV (and to a slightly lesser extent, Justin Upton) have over-performed since leaving the Tigers and believe that this is not a coincidence. It makes you wonder about the lack of motivation overall with the team this year with almost everyone underperforming. And it points to how inept Brad Ausmus was in his inability to getting the best out of his players, which is one of the manager’s primary jobs.

CONCERN

So many conflicting stories about Miguel Cabrera, his back, diagnoses, tests, extent of his injury and who’s to blame is enough to make our heads spin along with the concerted effort by the team to quell the social media uproar. But no matter the results, or the actual truth, this entire year-long story doesn’t paint a good picture of anyone associated with this injury – and the blame is more than enough to go around. The manager and GM were ineffective, the medical/training/conditioning team failed, team mentality took a backseat to individual desires, and it all resulted in the team’s biggest player and investment – the franchise face – being allowed to waste an entire year.

COMMENT

Now that Ausmus is leaving, members of the media and within the organization are spilling their secrets about why he was retained for so long. It was well-publicized that around the time of the Sweatshirt Slam-Down incident, Mike Ilitch had asked Jim Leyland to resume the helm, but he declined. Now being revealed is that Al Avila kept Brad Ausmus as manager because the Ilitch family told him if he fired Brad, he would have to hire Ron Gardenhire as manager.

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OPEN MIKE!

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microphoneIt’s Friday, folks, which means it’s your day! This is the day for you to be heard. Today is the one day during the month where you get the opportunity to comment on the Tiger topic of your choosing.

This is the one day of the week where we open up the comment parameters for you, so you can really get those juices flowing. Comments on THIS DAY ONLY can be expanded to a maximum of 8 sentences.  So, pick a topic and let us hear from you. We know there’s a lot on your minds…

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WRITERS’ WRONGDOINGS

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By:  Holly Horning

The Journalist’s Creed:
(abbreviated for this blog)

– I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

– I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

– I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

– I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

– I believe that… bribery by one’s own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another’s instructions or another’s dividends.

– I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

– I believe that the journalism which succeeds best …is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid…is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the mob…

It’s been a tough week here, folks. The least of which centered around the news of Brad Ausmus’ imminent departure. But never fear, as a Tigers manager, expect to see him back here at some point in the future to join the other 6 former managers. Pretty soon, they’ll have enough members to field their own team.

Sorry, I just couldn’t help it. It’s been really hard lately trying to keep my snark factor in check…..

Anyway, it’s times like these that remind me why Kurt and I started this blog. And that is to give Tiger fans a respite from the constant spin offered by several of the local papers. For us to offer both sides of the story. To offer insight about issues others are afraid to address. To offer opportunities for real discussion. And to offer opinions that are not tied to favors or access.

And this week is a prime example of what is wrong with journalism. At least by a select few writers.

If you haven’t read The Journalist’s Creed listed above, please do so now. Its tenets are important to the rest of this blog. Besides, there will be a quiz later.

Allow me to tell you a brief history of my background. I am the daughter of a journalist. I have a sibling who spent 25+ years helping to run the world’s largest media organization. And I married into a family with journalists. So I know the rules and the expectations.

And what I have read this week has been unbelievable. Unbelievable because of the flood of revisionist history. Unbelievable because at least 1 writer openly admitted he purposely kept readers in the dark by not sharing information crucial to fans’ knowledge. And truly unbelievable that his editor allowed the confession to be published because it flies in the face of The Journalist’s Creed.

What has happened in the last 4 years and undoubtedly going back even earlier, is that certain reporters have withheld a couple steamer trunks full of information that would have shined a spotlight on why the Tigers spent 10 years and over $2 BILLION $2 hundred million and had some of baseball’s best players for exactly ONE win in 2 World Series appearances.

First, the revisionists. Writers who have consistently backed Ausmus as manager for the past 4 years. Backed him without giving a shred of proof about the skills he brought to the game. Unable to offer a single quality beyond his character that supported his work as manager. Yearly grades that had the highest curve ever recorded with glowing reports that sounded like they were about Joe Maddon or Terry Francona, not Brad Ausmus. All that despite no playoff appearances since his first year and 2 last place finishes.

But now that Ausmus is officially leaving, they are changing their tune. Some scrambling to change their stories. It’s a fun exercise to go back and Google their previous articles over the years. The same ones who are now saying that Brad should have left 2 years ago. One who seriously wrote last year that Ausmus should win Manager of the Year. And several who are now saying that someone who hadn’t managed before shouldn’t have been hired.

Maybe if they had said something after Max Scherzer was pulled in the playoffs so the crack bullpen could come in, we wouldn’t be sitting here today. Maybe even Justin Verlander would still be wearing the Olde English D. And maybe, just maybe, there would be a World Series flag flying over Comerica. Maybe if they held some feet to the fire.

Continuing with our adventures, then there are the confessionals. Writers now admitting they were privy to information they didn’t share with their readership. Stories about a toxic clubhouse with fighting amongst some of the players. Other players telling them it was a “country club atmosphere” with everyone doing their own thing and no one being held accountable. Problems with Victor Martinez. Serious issues with Bruce Rondon that impacted the entire clubhouse. And issues with Brad Ausmus still behaving like a player, not a manager, and being unable or unwilling to set standards and expectations for the group.

Not a single word, or even a hint of concern, was said for 4 years.

And when fans noticed that there were problems among the players? When they saw the fights between McCann and Iggy, JV and Brad, Price and Brad, and then Vmart and JV? They were told it was inconsequential, even normal. An attempt to pull the wool over the collective fans’ eyes.

The list of writers’ wrongdoings is not yet done. We even have a confession from one who had information that probably would have gotten Ausmus released earlier. But this writer decided he was going to be both judge and jury and decided himself that Brad should finish the year. Un-believable.

And a handful of writers who knew that there was friction between Brad and Al Avila over Bruce Rondon. Friction that carried over into the clubhouse. Hints that Rondon was being forced onto the roster and statements that Brad purposely threw Rondon out in the 8th inning under circumstances that would not create good results.

So when we all look back and wonder why Rondon was trotted out in the most unlikely of situations, we now know why. And absolutely no concern that one could draw conclusions that the manager was willing to lose games in order to get his GM to change his stance.

Can’t make this stuff up, people.

Last I looked, we, the paying fans are the ones who watch all of this. And some journalists believe that this news should be kept from us?

And for those writers who feel strongly about writing what they see? Well, they get transferred to cover other sports. One, who is a terrific and thoughtful writer, and is often considered to be one of the best in Detroit, now covers golf and college sports along with an occasional article on the Tigers.

As you know, I live on the East Coast. Nothing and no one is sacred here. I live in a town where journalists are free to criticize owners, GMs, managers and even the franchise faces. And you know what? It inspires accountability. Their work gives fans the info they need to know. When things don’t work, fans understand why.

And when the Nationals several years ago had the identical problems that the Tigers have with a rookie manager, big payroll and star egos, they wrote about it all. And it opened the curtain as to what was wrong with the team. It inspired the owner to make sweeping changes. And look where the team is now.

So if we want to place blame about who contributed to the failure to achieve the desired results this past decade, let’s add some journalists to the mix. Maybe if some of them had written about both sides, we wouldn’t be wondering why this team hasn’t won a World Series in over 34 years. We also may have been able to look forward to a brighter future.

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TWO FOR TUESDAY

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By:  Holly Horning & Kurt Snyder

As we fight our way through the remainder of a difficult season, plenty can get to you. All the losing. All the controversy. Everything that comes with a team already knee-deep in a rebuild. Absolute horror for fans, enough to drive you crazy.

Today’s topic sums it up for sure.

As is the norm, Kurt and Holly have not shared their responses to today’s topic. It’s the best way for our readers to get the best bang for their buck. So here is our question to address.

Al Avila is on his way to see the Wizard of Oz. (No, not Ozzie Smith.) Should he ask for a heart, brain or courage?

HOLLY

Let us hope that Al learns a lesson from Dave Dombrowski’s and Jim Leyland’s previous trip to see The Wizard back in 2013 when they were both warned to stay away from the field of Big Popi but failed to heed the advice. (Sorry, yes, this season has forced me to cope in other ways.)

But once Avila arrives, I know what he absolutely shouldn’t ask for – a heart. That’s what got us into this mess in the first place.

Al has too much heart and is described by many as being “loyal to a fault.” So loyal that he protects those he knows through thick and thin and even repeated failure. Emotion and attachment overrule common sense when it comes to making decisions.

This is why he failed to terminate a single employee when he became the GM, bucking the expected tradition. This is why he rehired scouts who had worked for the Tigers years ago and also former managers/coaches who burrowed back into the Front Office.

And it’s also why he failed to fire Brad Ausmus after his first year. Most GMs replace the managers they inherit but despite the Tigers going from playoffs to last place, Brad still had his job – and kept it for 3 more years despite failing to qualify for the playoffs the entire time.

Even with this abysmal year, earning the honor of worst team in the AL and second worst overall in MLB, Al says he regrets having to see Brad go and that he didn’t want to do it. This man has some serious separation issues.

Which is why Avila needs to ask for a double dose of courage when he sees the Wizard. He’s gonna need it if there’s any hope in overriding that darn loyalty gene, especially if he wants to keep his job.

As we read more and more each day, this team has had some serious issues going on for a while and Al must right the ship and make some significant changes.

But most importantly, he’s got to cut ties with the past which means he needs to say “buh-bye” to a lot of old faces. Scouts, Front Office people, coaches and last, but not least, the crack medical and training/conditioning departments. (Or at least let me do it.) And trade or release those players who have been part of the problem in the clubhouse.

A lot, and I mean a lot, of changes need to happen to this team in order for it to function properly again. Al’s gonna need all the courage he can get.

KURT

OK, this is as odd as it gets on Tuesdays. The Wizard of Oz? Really? Is this nuts or what?

Well, not really, because it’s a great question when you need to form an analysis on Al Avila.

Al has 2 of the 3 that the Wizard has to offer; for one, he has plenty of heart. How could he not when he not only didn’t name a new manager to kick off his regime, he kept him around for 4 years, when Brad gave him very little in return. If the Wizard were offering loyalty, Al for sure needed none of that. He has mastered loyalty, and then some.

Does he need a brain?  Of course not. You may disagree with a lot of what Avila does and says but he has been a very good evaluator of talent throughout his career, and you don’t do that as long as he has being stupid.

But courage? Al may have some, but not nearly enough. He needs the courage to act. He needs the current to act more quickly. He needs to trade in some of that loyalty he could afford to shed, in return for courage to lower the boom on the people who are getting in the way.

Rebuilds are ugly and they can be ruthless. But can you see Al Avila being ruthless? There certainly is no sign of it; but he needs to come down hard on this organization. Hose out the garage, Al – don’t worry about who goes out with the water.

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UNDERSTANDING THE AFTERMATH

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By:  Holly Horning

Sometimes the big stories need 24 hours to settle for the smaller stories of some significance to emerge. Even the expected stories like the announcement of Brad’s imminent departure. Yesterday, Kurt and I offered our initial reactions to the move. Today, I want to offer a little deeper dig – on the past, today and what the future  may hold based upon interviews with all the decision-makers.

Here are my thoughts about what I saw yesterday…..

1. Al Avila was asked on Wednesday if he had made a decision on Brad and he said “no.” Reports have Ausmus getting the answer on Thursday but yesterday, Brad said he had gotten the final decision several days before that. Just goes to show you that a healthy bit of skepticism should be kept on all statements about the team.

2. Also be skeptical about Brad’s statement that he probably would have turned down an extension. Only 2 have done that in recent years and they were due to pursuing bigger interests and not wanting a 1-year contract extension. The MLB Managers Club is an exclusive one with no one wanting to leave and former ones dying to get back. This sounds more like an attempt by the organization to eradicate any potential negativity.

3. Al Avila said that he has no regrets about keeping Brad as manager and didn’t want to make the move. Yet, in the next breath, he says that any new manager must have managerial experience. Now why would he say this? And don’t these two statements conflict with one another?

4. But maybe Al’s statements were made because the Tigers refuse to admit they made a mistake in hiring a rookie manager. They continue to fight the outside voices that have continuously suggested that this move was the undoing of the team. This is an organization with a Teflon mentality.

5. Once again, the Tigers avoid using the word “fire” at all costs. From Jeff Jones to Wally Joyner to Dave Dombrowski and others. Now Brad is “not having his contract renewed.” My goodness, they are creative with their wordsmithing, aren’t they?

6. The Chris Ilitch statement and quick interview (2 questions) was the real story. A rehearsed sales pitch and nothing more. An attempt to boost fans’ morale and say “all is well” with a liberal dose of cheerleading. He used phrases such as “on a path to sustainable success”, “very pleased with the decisive and determined moves” and ending with “We are energized!” Oh, and the customary statement about the goal to win the World Series.

7. As is habit, anything negative is avoided by this organization. No words at all from Chris in reference to Brad. But when asked pointedly what the status of his GM was, Chris stopped and took a pregnant pause – looked up, sighed and rolled his eyes – before changing the subject to the great job the entire Front Office was doing.

8. Meanwhile, Chris has given his GM 2 official votes of confidence. When you have to go there, it’s never good.

9. Speaking of which, “the (sic) owner doth protest too much, methinks.” Chris once again stated his family will continue to own the Tigers. The identical statement he made before with no further explanation. Short and sweet as the lawyers always advice because it allows you to change your mind down the road. Don’t rule out the options for the Ilitches to sell but remain minority owners or to state that they were forced to sell because of the unexpected high estate taxes.

10. I expect we’ll hear more stories about what happened under the Ausmus regime. Already, one player (my guess is Ian Kinsler) has told the media the clubhouse has been akin to a “country club atmosphere” over the past 2-3 years with relaxed attitudes, no leadership and no accountability with players essentially all doing their own thing. Don’t expect the local papers who depend upon clubhouse access to write about any of this.

11. Funny how only now that it’s become official have the local reporters come back to write that Ausmus was kept too long. Writing what fans have been saying for 3-4 years and now attempting to rewrite their legacy to save face. That, or now free of their muzzles.

12. Al Avila says he is looking for a “new approach and a fresh start.” Let’s see how he defines “new” and “fresh.” And if he keeps any of the old guard, it will be “old” and “stale.” He needs to walk the walk on this one.

13. Avila: “Let’s take a whole brand new road and opening up to new things.” He also says that the organization needs “a new beginning, a fresh start” and that “we’ll have new leadership, fresh leadership.” If any of that includes Jim Leyland, Gene Lamont or any of the other current coaches, then it’s just another year of the same group think. I’d also include anyone who oversees the health and well-being of the players, too.

14. Will Avila take the step that at least 3 other teams have done this year? That is, they’ve cleaned house from the scouts to the front office to the special assistants. One team even broomed their successful former players and coaches who were special assistants. Maybe Al needs to talk to Derek Jeter, who just did that.

15. My summary on Brad – He’s a nice guy who had no idea what he was getting himself into with this job and was put into a position where failure was almost guaranteed. Yes, he’s to blame for not adequately performing well, but if we want to direct real anger, we should aim it at the one who led the search (Leyland), the one who said Ausmus “blew him away” in the interview and green-lighted the hiring (Dombrowski), the owner who signed off on the hire (Mr. I) and the guys who kept him employed for 4 years (Dombrowski and Avila).

16. The new managerial search will really define Al Avila’s impact as a GM. His job will depend upon it. A first managerial failure always goes to the manager. A second one is on the GM.

17. More than one national analyst has mentioned that if the Tigers had hired an experienced manager in the first place, they may not have had to sell off so many beloved players, including 1 of their franchise faces. And they also would have had a better chance at that ring.

18. One analyst today, a former GM, summarized many of the fans’ emotions quite succinctly. He said it “has been a painful tease of a decade for Tigers fans.” Perfectly said.

So let’s leave it there. Let’s do our mourning. And then let’s pray that wiser voices will rise to the top and have more influence.

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SPECIAL EDITION: BUH-BYE BRAD!

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By:  Holly Horning & Kurt Snyder

Obviously today, Totally Tigers must take a detour from our usual Saturday segment – one we look forward to doing because so many different topics are addressed.

However, since BRAD IS LEAVING, our writers will switch gears and gladly comment on the big news that many have been awaiting.

HOLLY

The news that Brad is leaving as manager is not really shocking nor even surprising. Now if the Tigers had decided to offer him another contract, that would have been shocking – and horrifying!

My hypothesis about a decision already having been made appears to have panned out. Al Avila had been asked on Wednesday whether a decision had been made and he said “no.” But right after Thursday night’s game, less than 24 hours later, Brad was told he was no longer wanted. Again, I believe the Tigers simply wanted to bury all speculation and controversy by ending it asap after yet another excruciatingly bad whumping.

And this is where the organization continually falls into their constant bad habits. The Tigers have, for decades, had absolutely no sense of urgency. Always the last to the party in terms of advancements and improvements after the rest of the baseball world.

Over a decade in which they had the best pitching rotation in baseball and some of the top players and never learned lessons that would get them closer to that ring.

A window that steadily closed with each year and a refusal to hire a manager who was unbeaten in World Series games, won 2 rings and is going back to the World Series for the second year in a row with his third team. And then the hiring of a guy only 3 years out of his playing days with zero managerial experience.

Realistically, Brad should have been fired 2 seconds after losing to the Orioles in the playoffs. But he lasted another 3 years. Everyone outside of Detroit had pegged Ausmus to be gone. Every year, like clockwork.

This has been a team with a pattern of being unable to pull the trigger until the very last moment before the final crash. An organization that is timid and afraid. A group that is so focused on not creating controversy that they will continue bad habits until things get so bad that they are forced to change.

And here again, the Tigers took great pains to avoid saying Ausmus was fired or even being released. Al Avila had the audacity to remark that he still believes in Brad and insinuated that he didn’t want to take this path. He said he also had no regrets about keeping Brad as manager all this time. Let’s hope this is only diplomacy at its extreme.

Not offering Brad a new contract is a step in the right direction but honestly, most of the other teams would have taken this route at least 2 years ago.

The big step, really, is what happens next. Are the Tigers truly changing their vision and how they do things? Is there really going to be a corporate culture change? Do they even recognize the need for one? Are they finally going to get bold and make decisions to cut out the old and familiar? Those are the big questions.

In Friday’s press conference, Avila said that the Tigers will consider any of the current coaches to become the new manager if they are interested. We know that Lloyd will be one. Maybe even Omar. It worries me that Avila says he wants a fresh start and new direction yet he will consider retaining members of the old regime.

And speaking of old, Jim Leyland still appears to be whispering in ears according to established media sources. Jon Morosi is reporting that Mike Redmond’s name is circulating once again. The same guy who played for Leyland with the Marlins. The same guy who lost out to Ausmus for the Tigers’ job. The same guy who was selected by Leyland himself for the short list.  Leyland had been appointed by Dave Dombrowski to head up the search for the new manager back in 2013.

So, this is where I focus now. How new and how different the Tigers will become.

Whether they keep the old or bring in a whole bunch of fresh faces. Whether they keep the same old influencers who have continually helped in taking the Tigers down the wrong and disappointing path. Whether they tweak a few bits or do an overhaul. Whether they employ a dustpan, broom or bulldozer.

Today is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s what is under the surface that will matter most.

KURT

The Tigers have finally done the obvious. But haven’t they looked foolish having waited so long for what seemed to be so obvious to all of us?

We are just fans.

And fans always have the disadvantage of what they don’t know versus what they do. But watching the games will tell you a lot if you are paying attention. And a Brad Ausmus-led team has been unspeakably disjointed. A boat without a rudder.

But I am not going there anymore. The man will be gone soon and it’s time to move on to the next great mystery of this team. There are more obvious moves.

Rebuilds, if you are serious about going through the correct process, are not conducted in this order.

You don’t relieve your general manager of his duties and promote one of his people. You clean out all his people. You don’t pussy foot around.

You don’t assume the next guy up is qualified to be a GM. You bring in a GM just as decorated as the one you let go. There is no settling.

Al Avila, after putting us all through so much misery by continuing to trot out Brad as a manager leading a team into a ditch, should also be leaving.

What kind of a franchise lets go of the very manager the GM kept around, but holds onto the GM to influence the next important moves? It’s all inexplicably backwards and frankly, a plan that has disaster written all over it.

The Tigers are littered with old blood, influencing a lot of decisions, when they have never needed new blood across the board, more than ever before. So, what should you bet on? That the old blood will continue to affect the future.

The Tigers are living in a vacuum and ignoring opportunities to benchmark winning formulas. Sure, Brad is leaving but fans have been screaming for that until their faces are blue?

They have made the obvious moves way too late. And if there is one thing we can count on continuing, it is more of the same.

Buckle up. Hope you have a strong stomach.

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FORUM FOR FRIDAY

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microphoneHappy Friday! It’s time again to head into the weekend hearing from our readers.   You have the rest of the week to hear from Kurt and Holly, today is the day to let them know what you’re thinking on a selected topic.

Friday is the one day of the week where we open up the comment parameters for you, so you can get those juices flowing.

Comments on THIS DAY ONLY can be expanded to a maximum of 8 sentences.

We can’t wait to get your thoughts on the following topic.

Who is more in the wrong, Brad Ausmus for allowing Miggy to continue to play, or Cabrera for continuing to push himself?  Support your argument.

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WHO’S IN CHARGE?

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By:  Holly Horning

We have another Miggy mystery. It seems that every year lately, Miguel Cabrera has been hurt – from hernias to a fractured foot to back issues. I’ve lost count at this point.

And in every off-season, we find out just how badly he’s been injured.

This year keeps the tradition alive. We’re told that Miggy’s back is problematic but no one within the organization will even offer any hints about the problem. Brad says in one statement that he has no idea what is wrong or whether Cabrera has had medical tests and in the next breath, he gives a medical speculation about a bulging disc.

The only clue we have on record is Miggy’s statement that he has pain radiating from his back, through his hips and down his leg. He remarked that this makes it hard for him to generate power in his lower body to enable his swing.

But this year has been different from all the others. Miggy simply can’t play, yet he is being trotted out there to take futile at-bats. You can clearly see that something is wrong by the facial expressions that range from very sad to completely emotionless.

Yet he plays. Kind of. And the number of days Miggy is sitting are increasing. But Brad says it’s a “dumb idea” to shut him down. That he “gets paid to play.” And my personal favorite “How is shutting him down now going to help him?” You can’t make this stuff up.

Ah, Brad, how about that these games no longer mean anything and if Miggy requires rehab or even surgery once again, this would be the time to do it. Just a suggestion.

Pure and simple, this has just gotten ridiculous.

Lessons from previous seasons have not been learned. Lessons that involve protecting your most expensive investment. Lessons allowing your franchise face to prioritize playing a meaningless series of games for his country instead of getting ready in spring training. A lesson, btw, that has been ongoing now for a whopping 7 months considering that this is when Miggy said he got hurt.

And lessons about ignoring pain and injury because you’re hoping it will go away.

But the most astonishing point is the total lack of concern over protecting the Tigers’ biggest investment. In history. A contract so big that Cabrera’s ranks #2 in baseball and #3 in all of sports.

The Tigers have paid Miggy just short of almost a quarter of a billion dollars so far. They still owe him $184 million and potentially, another $30-$60 million on top of that. One would think you would want to take extra special care of what you have bought.

This is akin to buying the world’s most expensive car, allowing a kid with his first learner’s permit to drive it however he wanted, ignoring suggested maintenance to keep it performing at its peak and refusing to ever have a mechanic check it out no matter how many red lights are showing on the dashboard.

Yes, it’s that ridiculous.

I’m not going to delve once again into the medical and conditioning/training departments. Staffs that should be able to get through to players and motivate them into adopting good habits. Staffs that should have emphasized the importance of The Core – from which everything physically emanates. Staffs that should be able to sit down with players and design training and conditioning programs best suited for them. Staffs that should regularly check in to ensure the programs are being followed.

Miggy has played 10 years now for the Tigers and he has only said he’s going to change his workouts this year because of the pain he is in. Pain he could have potentially avoided if he had listened or if others had been more persuasive.

But there’s lots of blame to go around. From ownership to organizational protocol to the GM, staffs and manager. They have finally managed to run the Miggy Project off the rails. The day he signed his first mega-contract should have been the first day they instituted a plan to oversee Miggy’s health and well-being for the long-term. It is pure incompetence and neglect to not have done that.

We also need to ask how much Miggy has contributed to this train wreck. Reports have hinted that he calls the shots about whether he plays or not as well as in what form. Whether he DHs or grabs a glove and heads to first base. Brad has said that Miggy’s back really starts to hurt when he is standing. Yet, he hasn’t been the DH much at all.

Is it because Miggy understands he can do what he wants? Is it because Brad is afraid to tell him what to do? Is it because Brad has no influence with Cabrera? Is it also because Al Avila can’t or won’t step in? Or, that the one person who is able to tell his players they need the DL is sadly no longer with us?

The Tigers better hope that they are not ruining this athlete’s back because they are too afraid to tell him he can’t play.

And could part of the rationale to allow him to play have to do with that tremendous amount of salary they pay him? Are the Tigers reluctant to sit Miggy because they are dependent upon the seats being filled?

There are less than 2 weeks left in the season and the Tigers have nothing to gain and everything to lose if Miggy continues to play. And that is the head-scratcher. Out of all the Tiger topics that concern me, this one sits near the very top of my list.

And it makes me completely enraged.

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TWO FOR TUESDAY

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By:  Kurt Snyder & Holly Horning

As we reach the end of a difficult season, there are certain questions that become hard to answer. Negative questions can be answered easily during a year of disappointment.  But positive ones?  Not so much.

As is the norm, Kurt and Holly have not shared their responses to today’s topic. It’s the best way for our readers to get the best bang for their buck. So here is our question to address.

Which player should be this year’s MVP?

KURT

Who the heck is left on this team to warrant the MVP award?
Outside of Miggy, all the stars are gone or are injured and done for the season. And Cabrera, having the worst year of his career, obviously can’t win it.

The remaining candidates? Well, Mikie Mahtook has come here and turned a projected platoon role into a full-time outfield position, and looks to have a solid role with the team next season.

Michael Fulmer had a good first half, made the All-Star team and then hit the skids with the elbow nerve issue.

So who have been the most consistent performers? Well, defensively, you know how I feel about Jose Iglesias, who should earn a Gold Glove this season after another incredible year at short. He has hit a little more this year and has had some clutch hits, but he’s never going to be a big threat at the plate. It’s the defense that will win you games.

Anyone else? Well, Nick Castellanos has had that breakout season we have been waiting for, hasn’t he? Well, yes and no. He struggled with a low batting average for much of the season, but has been steadily productive throughout. And of late, he has been on quite a role to the point where he has raised his batting average to around .270 and is on the verge of 100 RBI’s. That’s as good of a season offensively that we were hoping for from Nick.

But defensively? He’s been removed from third, and all the people said, “Amen!” However, he has been sent to the outfield where I am not sure he is going to be much better.

Under normal circumstances, the whole package does not warrant a team MVP. But there has been nothing normal about this season, so consequently, Nicholas is the MVP.

HOLLY

Let’s define the Most Valuable Player as the guy who regularly contributes towards winning games for his team with either his bat and glove or with his arm. If this is the case, then Justin Upton wins hands down.

Whaat? Oh, that’s right, he’s no longer with the Tigers.

Okey dokey, then let’s go with J D Martinez despite his bad glove. Say whaat? We can’t use him either? But he’s hit 40 HRs and 90 RBIs this season! Oh, that’s right, he’s with the Diamondbacks now where he’s hit 24 of those HRs in 50 games.

Never fear, I got another guy who is 3-0 with an unbelievable 0.86 ERA in his last 3 games. JV!

Excuse me? You’re kidding – Verlander is wearing an “H” on his uniform now?

Damn, my top 3 choices are gone so now I gotta figure out who my fourth choice would be….

This is gonna be hard.

Michael Fulmer has been playing hurt the second half of this year and it showed. The injury bug has also ruled out perennial favorite Miggy and his runner-up, VMart.

Kinsler has had one of his most disappointing years ever at the plate, but hey, he got a really nifty medal for winning the WBC this year so he got his award.

Iggy was once again terrific in the field but not much of a factor at the plate with his .676 OPS. He saved lots of runs but didn’t create many of them.

I’m tempted to nominate Mikie Mahtook because he is the most apparent given solid fielding combined with a nice, but not great .789 OPS. But he’s only started half the games this year for the Tigers and has only 12 HRs and 38 RBIs as a result which is not going to look good on a plaque. Shouldn’t the MVP have played most of the year?

I have a feeling that Brad Ausmus would nominate Andrew Romine but let’s not go there. I’m not sure utility guys are even eligible.

(sigh) I’m gonna have to pass this year and hope that the Tigers finally develop a health strategy for Miggy in time for next year’s MVP Award.

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PLAYING FAVORITES

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By: Holly Horning

The last couple weeks have been easy on Brad. He hasn’t had to make any real decisions about who to play given the suspensions, paternity leave, injuries, hospitalizations and surgeries that have diminished his roster. But now that the players from the basebrawl have returned, along with Iggy and an expanded roster, the hard choices must be made. But can Brad do it?

While the season is lost, this is the ideal time to give extended trial runs to a number of infielders and outfielders. Important because Al Avila needs to see where the holes are in the roster, the value of the newest call-ups and prepare his lists for Hot Stove season.

But is it happening? No. And we shouldn’t be surprised.

With the exception of Jeimer Candelario, Brad is pretty much playing his favorites. Or, he’s acquiescing to the demands of his veterans.

Miggy is back, still supposedly in pain and slumping at the plate, yet he continues to play 1B instead of DHing. Is the reason because Brad is unwilling to move him or because Miggy refuses to give up his job?

Iggy is back and Machado is back to spending quality time on the bench.

Ian Kinsler continues to have a stranglehold on 2B despite Machado also having some 2B experience.

Is the reason both Iggy and Ian are regular fixtures out there because the Tigers are showcasing them? Afterall, Avila has tried to trade them numerous times since last winter. Or is it because Ausmus fears their reaction and response to sitting?

The outfield is overflowing with players – 6 of them so far with LF still a big question mark. Castellanos appears to have squatter’s rights now in RF despite at least one other player who is better defensively. Is the permanent placement due to Nick’s bat or the need to build his defensive value for trading down the road?

And then there is the curious case of Andrew Romine. The bench player. A position defined by MLB as an occasional, not regular role, that involves substitution or participation that lasts for a short amount of time in a game.

But even though Romine is a bench player, he is getting regular playing time. And not just regular playing time, he’s regularly starting games. Only 3 starters have played in more games than Andrew who has a whopping 110+ games under his belt this year. And he’s started in over one-third of this year’s games. This week, he began every game except one. Started in games in which the newest members of the team – the future – sat.

Why is a bench player getting so much time? His slash line is one of the lowest on the team. Is it due to the manager’s bias or is it a statement of the lack of quality of the other players? But if the latter, then why should the Tigers care about always putting the strongest player in the field when the season is lost?

And other than deflection from a horrible season and another reason to sell tickets, why is Brad putting so much emphasis on Romine playing all 9 positions in one game? And with 6 outfielders vying for 3 positions, why is Ausmus throwing Romine out there as well?

One thing we should expect is to see Romine back here next year. He’s only making $1.3 million and plays almost every position. And he’s an owner dream when payroll still needs to be lowered.

Shouldn’t Brad be playing the newest players so the Tigers can ascertain how well they will work there next year? Shouldn’t he be working towards the future?

Then again, maybe he doesn’t have the ability to sway certain players into focusing on the team’s needs, not theirs. And if a manager cannot manage his team, then maybe he shouldn’t be a manager.

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