THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

By:  Holly Horning & Kurt Snyder

Baseball’s historical footprint can be measured by the big moves it makes – as well as the small ones. Game-changing moments and policy – or a small move made by one team that is adopted by the rest.

So how do we measure what’s happening to our game? One way is to recognize the significant moments that appear from week to week. The season may be over but that doesn’t mean the game has stopped evolving until April.

What caught our eye this past week? Glad you asked. We’re going to sum it up, Clint Eastwood style. The Good. The Bad. The Ugly.

As always, Holly and Kurt never share their answers in advance. Let’s see how similar or how different they are in what they both see for the past week.

THE GOOD

HOLLY

Many teams are expected to non-tender the largest number of players in baseball history while it is also thought that a large number of players will opt for 1-year contracts due to Covid complications and a new CBA that is expected to benefit players. This is good news for the Tigers, who prefer those stop-gap players and stand a solid chance of landing better players this year than in the past.

KURT

Do you want a feel good story out of St. Louis? Well, Adam Wainwright, through his own charitable foundation, heads up a fantasy football league for players only and it will benefit his own as well as 32 other charities – way to go, Adam!

THE BAD

HOLLY

Cam Gibson and Jacob Robson will be joining the Sydney Blue Sox (Australian league) this off-season, along with Manny Ramirez, who, I kid you not, is being touted by team officials as having an official role as mentor to the other players. First of all, shame on that team for hiring Manny but also on any Tigers’ officials who thought that exposing their young talent to a known PED user with problematic behavior would be a good idea.

KURT

As a Rays fan, is it ever safe to get excited about your team for the long term when your best players are routinely sent out of town in their prime? It must be driving fans crazy knowing that the Rays have made Blake Snell available to interested teams.

THE UGLY

HOLLY

Who didn’t love the performance and antics of the Tampa Bay Rays’ Randy Arozarena in the World Series? But then the memories faded very quickly with the news of a messy confrontation over child custody issues and an alleged assault that landed him in jail for 48 hours.

KURT

As Central Michigan University alumni, my wife and I had fun watching the hottest hitter in the playoffs, Randy Arozarena, whose last name reminded us of Rose Arena in Mt. Pleasant. But he then had to ruin everything when he got arrested over a domestic dispute – I guess the joke’s on us.

Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.

OPEN MIKE!

Readers on deck to take the wheel! Open Mike is a good way to finish up a holiday week.  So here is another opportunity to comment on the Tiger topic of your choosing.

Today, 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!  What’s on your minds?

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Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.

THE SATURDAY SURVEY

The Saturday Survey offers readers the opportunity to weigh in on a relevant topic.   So here is a poll to gauge the pulse of our passionate readers.

Today, we center the discussion on the biggest holes on the Tigers’ roster and the importance of filling them first.

As always, we welcome your comments, so please vote and then submit your reasons  (4 sentences max!) for how you voted in the usual comment box.  Don’t forget to come back later and view the results!

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As the Tigers move into the off-season and start considering which players to keep and which to acquire, they continue to plan for the future by filling holes.

Where are the biggest concerns?  Which one area of the team deserves the most attention?  Where should GM Al Avila put his focus?

Please participate in the survey for the purpose of sharing your responses on what holes need to be filled first on their roster.

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Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.

SO YOU WANT TO BE THE GM?

Once again, readers get a chance to make their own decisions about the Tigers.  So You Want to Be the GM? offers you that opportunity.

The segment tests our readers in determining how they would handle decisions as the General Manager.   So here is your next assignment.    Let’s get to it!

(Comments may be extended for this segment, but please do not exceed 8 sentences in your response. )

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The Tigers need help at both the pitching and catching positions.  But there are only so many mid-level free agents at those positions. So, as the Tigers’ GM, at which of those positions will you concentrate your efforts?

Please participate in the survey in order to state your case on your next steps for the off-season.   Don’t forget to come back and check the results and include your comments that support your choice.

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Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM TOTALLY TIGERS

This is a day where we all give thanks. Even in this year. And we here at Totally Tigers want to show ours to you, dear readers.

We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. So we send out a big roar ofapproval to those who read us every day, to those who binge-read us, the solid core who comment regularly, our newest readers, those who have been with us forever and to the thousands who silently lurk in the shadows. Even those who read us occasionally. We love you all.

We are thrilled that you get us and why we started this blog. We love that you’re looking for conversation starters, a chance to dig deeper into topics and a desire to avoid the spin that comes out of the Detroit papers at an alarming rate. And the fact that we often don’t give answers – but offer explanations and ideas instead. All in a civil, user-friendly environment that encourages the sharing of thoughts.

And we credit all of you for putting us in the media’s top rankings of Detroit Tiger blogs to read. A recognition that is fueling our growth and allowing us to grow bigger and better in 2021.

We realize that this has been a strange year in every respect. A strange year coming off a challenging one for Tiger fans. Ironically, the changing of the guard in the dugout may be one of the few positive things to happen to all of us this entire year. We can only hope that the positive signs we’ve seen so far will continue to multiply as we go through 2021.

Thank you from the bottom of our little blue and orange striped hearts for being our readers. We look forward to experiencing the 2021 season with all of you.

Stay safe, stay well and keep finding those positive moments during these challenging times.

And please don’t eat too much turkey…..

STRAIGHT TALK

By:  Holly Horning & Kurt Snyder

Welcome to Straight Talk – where our writers would normally respond, but instead, it will be our readers who must respond to one single statement.

Readers will pick one side – yes or no, without straddling both sides. And they promise to do it in no more than 8 sentences to support their answer.

At the end, we want to tally your positions. And to do that, we have included a survey where you can answer yes or no in response to today’s Straight Talk statement. 

This is a tough assignment for readers because it is so difficult to commit to one side, but we have faith you can handle it.

So, here we go!

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The Tigers should have no problem signing a solid free agent to a 1-year contract.

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Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.

 

NO LONGER THE OFF-SEASON

By:  Holly Horning

Have you ever seen such a busy off-season in baseball? In just 3 weeks since the World Series ended, MLB has stayed at the top of the sports feed with stories about new ownership, multiple GM openings and baseball’s first female GM. Not to mention the departure of the sport’s top brain trust in Theo Epstein, who undoubtedly will be doing bigger and better things going forward that will enhance our favorite past time.

But don’t think that baseball is now headed into hibernation. Far from it! This is going to be one of the sport’s busiest off-seasons ever.

We’re not just talking free agent signings and trades. The jury is still out on this one until owners have a better sense of how many, if any, fans will be allowed to attend games next year.

Instead, the future of the game will play out over the next 90 days. And it will tell us what to expect going forward. Let’s hope that 2021 will look better than 2020.

So what should we be following? Some stories of interest, some clues about where the Tigers are headed – oh, and how likely that there may be a strike in a year.

Here’s a partial list of the biggest news events that should keep us riveted to the news feeds (and at Totally Tigers, of course!) until spring training arrives…..

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FORMER PLAYERS

James McCann has really upped his game since leaving the Tigers. It’s been written that his former team, the White Sox, significantly helped him both in hitting and catching instruction. The result? Multiple awards, All-Star election and a Gold Glove nomination. He’s considered to be a top free agent this off-season and it will be interesting to see what kind of a contract he gets.

Mad Max Scherzer will most likely be moving on from the Nationals after this year, given that his agent is Scott Boras. The biggest clue is the “for sale” sign on his $15 million newly-renovated house in Northern Virginia. He’ll be 37 next year but the Nats, no matter where he goes, will be paying him through the 2028 season when he’ll be in his middle 40’s.

FREE AGENTS

It’s likely that the majority of the free agent signings won’t happen until early next year when more info about vaccines becomes available and the timeline for a return to near normalcy can be established. Teams get 40%-60% of their revenue from attendance so expect many to wait it out until they know more about next year and an estimated revenue stream.

Free agents, like Nelson Cruz, are waiting for MLB to hopefully make the universal DH official. This means that they’ll have double the number of suitors and a chance to earn a bigger contract from increased competition.

If the Tigers decide to go after some free agents, how easy will it be for them to sign some top quality? Will A. J. Hinch and his talented staff be a draw for some or will the Tigers’ need for short-term (1 year) contracts be limiting?

TEAM FINANCES

Don’t be surprised if the number of free agents grows because teams non-tendered more of their roster. Every organization is cutting back and chopping salary where they can. This year may set a record in the number of non-tendered players.

Speaking of which, how many players will the Tigers non-tender? Will the Tigers end up non-tendering Matthew Boyd who had a horrible year and is set to earn app. $6-$8 million next year? Or will they try to resurrect his skills via the new pitching coach – before they then try to trade him?

In January, arbitration figures are due and will determine which teams and their players will go before an arbitrator. Due to this past year, it is expected that a record number of players and teams will be using this process to determine 2021 salaries.

THE COURTS

Jeff Luhnow is suing both his former employer as well as MLB for the remainder of his GM salary ($22 million) and acknowledgement that there was collusion between both parties to sweep the Astros scandal under the rug as quickly as possible. This could get very, very messy and expose the seamy underbelly of MLB while also once again raising the question about the validity of MLB’s anti-trust exemption.

MLBPA is expected to file a grievance against MLB related to last year. They will be arguing that MLB did not “in good faith” works towards creating a season of the initially-promised 80 games. Instead, they will argue that Rob Manfred and Co. opted for manipulating a shorter season because a longer one would have cost owners more money.

On a similar note, in a normal year, this is the time when owners and players would start negotiations for the new CBA. Owners are pushing for a delay into next year which would give them an advantage but players are eager to correct what is generally known as a horrible contract for them so they will want to keep to the established timeline.

THE TIGERS

Very soon, it will be known which farm teams the Tigers will be losing as MLB has officially taken over the minor league system. It is expected that they will lose 1-2 affiliates as MLB looks to shrink the prospect pool overall and run it, well, like a business. Shocker.

A. J. Hinch is making the rounds talking to his players and discussing their performances. He is expected to influence where some of his roster will play, esp. the infield, where musical chairs was the norm in 2020.

Will the Tigers follow the majority of other teams out there and start making some significant personnel cuts? So far, it’s been a small number but at least 10 teams have cut double and triple digit essential personnel such as Front Office staff and scouts. In Oakland and the north side of Chicago, it’s gotten quite scary.

Will the change in manager and coaches trickle down and also impact the minor league system? Will the coaches and managers in the farm system move or be replaced? We’ve already seen one “retirement”. Will there be more? Or will the Tigers wait until the minor league system is officially overhauled before making changes, if any?

Grab your popcorn, kiddies and settle in. It’s going to be a very busy winter.

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Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.

OPEN MIKE!

Readers on deck to take the wheel! Open Mike is a good way to head into a holiday week.  So here is another opportunity to comment on the Tiger topic of your choosing.

Today, 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!  What’s on your minds?

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Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.

THE SATURDAY SURVEY

The Saturday Survey offers readers the opportunity to weigh in on a relevant topic.   So here is a poll to gauge the pulse of our passionate readers.

Today, we center the discussion on the new rules introduced for trial during the 2020 MLB season.

As always, we welcome your comments, so please vote and then submit your reasons  (4 sentences max!) for how you voted in the usual comment box.  Don’t forget to come back later and view the results!

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During the 2020 season, MLB instituted a number of changes to the game.  Implementing these changes for this past year was spurred by the pandemic-shortened year.  For the 2021 season, which one of these new rules should be kept?  If you could select only one, what would it be?

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Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.

RAPID FIRE

By:  Kurt Snyder & Holly Horning

As we continue through the early days of the off-season, who knew that baseball would be filled with significant stories that didn’t involve free agents? Big stories that will move the needle for baseball now and in the future.

We’ve taken 5 of the biggest stories to hit within the last 10 days and asked our 2 bloggers to rank them according to their biggest and most significant impact. The challenge? Explaining what will happen to the game in 2 sentences or less.

Let’s get to it….

Rank the topics in terms of their significance and impact on baseball. Which events will have the BIGGEST influence/impact on baseball? List each in descending order from most to least.

KURT

Teams cutting personnel

It’s not a great time for much right now but it is certainly not a good time to try to rebuild a baseball team, or in the Tigers’ case, fix your rebuild. With so many teams cutting ties with employees throughout their organization, it really flies in the face of what the Tigers need to do.

Kim Ng becoming Marlins GM

Every couple of years, you can count on some kind of discussion on the need for more minority people in higher levels of sports organizations, beginning with managers and head coaches and up into the executive ranks. But you don’t hear much about the inclusion of women in that discussion, so this hire certainly turns heads and makes you wonder what perspective she will have on the game and her team.

Jeff Luhnow’s lawsuit

Things were really starting to quiet down in regards to the cheating scandals that took place in Houston and Boston, as both AJ Hinch and Alex Cora have found or gotten their jobs back. But probably to MLB’s displeasure, Jeff Luhnow has taken to banging on the cans to let everyone know that he is not going to sit back and take all the punishment any longer; it’s time to cry foul.

Theo Epstein’s departure

If you weren’t mad at what has become of our great game just yet, the reason behind the departure of Theo Epstein from the Cubs will certainly do it. I won’t lie, I got a little excited to hear about his availability, but that smile got turned upside down when it turned out that Epstein is tired of what baseball has become and wants to try to fix it.

Steve Cohen buying the Mets

Certainly you have heard of a player’s manager, but what about a fan’s owner? You have to love an owner who takes over and reveals his plan to win, improve the product on the field and give you more for your entertainment dollar; just pinch me…

HOLLY

Theo Epstein’s Departure

Baseball’s most creative and passionate man is moving onto his next challenge and he wants to do something completely different than run a baseball team. In an interview, he acknowledged that analytics and other strategies have ruined the aesthetics of the game as well as diminished the entertainment value for fans and that he’s leaning towards exploring how to restore baseball as America’s game as his next gig.

Teams Cutting Personnel

With every team in MLB having lost millions of dollars due to no fans in the stands this year, organizations are methodically “cutting the fat” as well as laying off dozens of essential evaluators, such as scouts. Analysts don’t expect them to return and that baseball will move forward using technology, not eye tests, as the overwhelming way of assessing talent.

Steve Cohen Buying the Mets

Did you see this new owner’s phenomenal press conference in which he clearly stated that his priority is winning and giving Mets fans quality baseball to watch? Cohen has raised the bar and issued the warning salvo to all other baseball owners that running a team like a corporate entity with a focus on the bottom line will no longer be tolerated by fans.

Jeff Luhnow’s Lawsuit

MLB’s alleged attempt to quickly sweep the Astros (and Red Sox) cheating scandal under the rug as quickly as possible has failed now that former GM Luhnow is making a big noise about back room deals and illegal practices by MLB. In the end, if a private settlement isn’t reached, this legal case could show that the Commissioner doesn’t have the game’s best interests at heart and could renew the call for baseball’s exemption to be taken away.

Kim Ng Becomes Marlins GM

As much as I’d like to put Kim’s accomplishment at the top of my list, I can’t because her long-overdue achievement doesn’t impact everyone in the game as much as the other choices do. However, the big milestone here is that finally, we have a Head Momager in charge (and paid, too!) who will whip the Marlins into shape and inspire other teams to hire HMiCs in order to gain a competitive advantage.

Totally Tigers loves your comments!  But please be aware that there are specific rules for posting and that comments may be edited in order to meet our specific requirements.  Responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum 3-4 sentence response length.  Please become familiar with all of the rules at:  https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/commentsrules/.