QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, KUDOS & CONCERNS

By:  Holly Horning & Kurt Snyder

The last game of spring training has been played and the regular season starts later this week. Let’s wrap up the most important observations so far with what caught our eyes over the past week. Observations that will have a lingering impact upon the Tigers and MLB.

Our 2 bloggers have identified their choices and they only have 2 sentences for each of their picks. As always, they don’t share before publication so let’s see how different – or similar – their selections are.

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QUESTION

HOLLY

March has been Women’s History Month in MLB and to honor them, supposedly, Matt Shepard and Jack Morris spoke to the Tigers’ Director of Performance Science, Dr. Georgia Giblin before interrupting her a mere 14 seconds into the interview, taking over the conversation and sharing their opinions instead of discussing her work with the team. If this is a month to honor women, why can’t these two understand the basic principles of a professional tv broadcast – or that the best way to respect someone, esp. women, is to listen to what they have to say without interrupting them?

KURT

When spring training began, many Tiger players sang the praises of A.J. Hinch as a great communicator. And as you consider the decision that Renato Nunez made to stay with the club after not making the final cut, don’t you think that Hinch made it clear to him that he could still have an important role with the big club later in the season?

KUDO

HOLLY

Miguel Cabrera made a stellar, head’s up play in which he ran across the diamond to tag the runner coming home from third and then nearly completing an unassisted double play at third base. It was only a spring training game but Miggy is serious about playing defense, a role that really will keep him connected and allow him to make bigger contributions to the team.

KURT

If the Tigers needed anymore validation that they made the right decision about including Akil Baddoo on the roster, they got that yesterday.  After sewing up a roster spot, he kept things rolling with his team high 5th home run of the spring.

COMMENT

HOLLY

Saturday’s game was a messy affair with indescribable base running and a come-from-behind win that had A. J. Hinch summarizing the game with “But it was a mess.” It’s refreshing that Hinch calls it as he sees it and doesn’t employ trite or standard baseball phrases like “that’s baseball” that was regularly uttered by a former manager who shall remain nameless.

KURT

It had slipped my mind but I was pleasantly reminded about the new role of our closer, Gregory Soto. At least it’s new in Detroit as A.J. Hinch reminded everyone that Soto has a leverage role not dependent on an inning.

CONCERN

HOLLY

It’s become apparent that Spencer Turnbull has probably tested positive for Covid given the 3+ weeks he will be out. Now, with the knowledge that his pitching coach, Chris Fetter, “will be away from the team for the foreseeable future” by testing positive, will there be other pitchers who also become contagious?

KURT

It would never be a good time but heading into the regular season fresh off the news that your pitching coach has tested positive for COVID is not the way to go. Obviously the hope is that they keep things isolated so as not to spread it throughout the team.

 

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–         Check out video of another clout by Akil Baddoo.

–        Want another?  How about video of a classic Miggy HR?

–        The Tigers still need one … but someone has to earn it first.

–       COVID is hitting close to home – from the field to the dugout.

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

 

 

 

OPEN MIKE!

Readers on deck to take the wheel! 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 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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What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–        Nothing like this rundown to challenge your scorekeeping skills.

–        Maybe this video of the rundown will help.

–       And starting at first base for your Tigers…?

–       The Tigers outfield will have plenty of combinations given all of these guys.

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

THE SATURDAY SURVEY

The Saturday Survey offers 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 Tigers outfield.

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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The Tigers are down to finalizing their roster and have a number of decisions to make in the outfield.  Do they go with a 4-man or 5-man outfield?

Certain to make the roster are Robbie Grossman and Nomar Mazara.  JaCoby Jones will almost certainly earn a spot, too.

Less certain is Rule 5 Draft sensation Akil Baddoo who has never played above A ball.  Victor Reyes has done well with the Tigers but he still has an option left which may work against him.  Eric Haase has had a good spring with the added benefit of being able to play both catcher and outfield positions.

Baddoo’s exceptional play has created a dilemma for the Tigers.  Do they add an extra outfielder and as a result, take away some depth in another area?  Or do they go with the standard 4-man outfield?

What should the Tigers do?

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–        MLB’s new foreign substance policy is running into problems.

–      Two young top prospects.  Two very different results.

–        What former Tigers may have seen his last days as a player?

–        The most complete rundown of the Tigers potential roster and rationale.

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

RAPID FIRE

By:  Holly Horning & Kurt Snyder

Spring training is almost over and the team will be moving north next week. This week, we focus on making the remaining roster predictions.

Two bloggers, 8 predictions and only 1 sentence each to explain our answers. As always, Holly and Kurt don’t share their answers in advance so let’s see how similar or different their responses are.

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Michael Fulmer to rotation or bullpen?

HOLLY

Bullpen – for now. He needs to build up his arm as he is still in that Tommy John Surgery recovery window with the idea that when the Tigers move to a 6-man rotation, he will be part of it.

KURT

Bullpen – Fulmer isn’t ready to be inserted into the rotation because he hasn’t earned it, but it seems very intriguing to wonder what he could potentially bring to the pen.

Casey Mize to rotation or Toledo?

HOLLY

Rotation. (Written before he pitched Thursday night.) Most probably a temporary move because Spencer Turnbull is on the IL and the Tigers need to fill that 5th rotation slot.

KURT

Rotation – Mize got knocked around again during the spring and struggled with his command, but if he goes down to Toledo he won’t get the work he needs nor the instruction from Chris Fetter.

Who will be part of the 6-man rotation when the Tigers move to it?

HOLLY

Matthew Boyd, Michael Fulmer, Tarek Skubal, Julio Teheran, Spencer Turnbull, Jose Urena. Fulmer will replace Mize (who will be on inning limits this year) as the Tigers need to build the trade value of one of their most expensive pitchers during the ideal 2-year window that will maximize the return on him.

KURT

Boyd, Turnbull, Mize, Skubal, Urena, Teheran. The hope is that Fulmer will fare well in the bullpen, become a mainstay and upgrade his stock at the same time; whether or not he becomes a starter.

Who will be the closer?

HOLLY

Gregory Soto. He’s throwing near 100MPH, locating his pitches and scouts are saying his performances are “overpowering.”

KURT

Gregory Soto. It’s time for Soto to assume the role as the most-talented reliever on their staff.

Who will man first base primarily or will it be by committee?

HOLLY

Renato Nunez. With the demotion of Isaac Paredes, his main competition for a roster spot, combined with the lack of team scoring this spring, it appears the Tigers are willing to sacrifice defense for some power at the plate.

KURT

Renato Nunez. The Tigers need as much punch in their lineup has they can find and I believe that when they acquired Nunez, it was his position to lose.

Four or five-man outfield?

HOLLY

Five. Victor Reyes will be added to Grossman, Jones, Mazara and Baddoo because we’re seeing him in the starting lineup every day now at a different position (where he made a stupendous catch yesterday) and the Tigers are in desperate need of his offensive skills.

KURT

Five. We have been heading here since the emergence of Akil Baddoo, who has forced the Tigers into a 5-man outfield rotation that includes Jones, Grossman, Reyes and Mazara.

Position most up for grabs as the season goes on?

HOLLY

(Backup) Catcher. Four catchers neck-and-neck throughout spring training but Hinch is giving it to Greiner because he has the best rapport with pitchers and is a leader in the clubhouse, but don’t underestimate that the offensive struggles of the past two years will come back.

KURT

Starting pitching. These pitchers are all going to evolve and every one of them will be jockeying for position as they undoubtedly head in different directions.

Strongest defensive position?

HOLLY

Centerfield. Willi Castro negates the strength at 2B given by Jonathan Schoop so I’m going with former league-leading defensive player JaCoby Jones who will play the position with other solid outfielders with exceptional speed, Akil Baddoo and Victor Reyes.

KURT

Third base. But it is dependent on Jeimer Candelario as his move there will immediately upgrade the position like it has been in the past.

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–    Spring training will drive 1 of 2 scenarios for this important Tiger.

–    Video interview:  Former Tiger talks about surprising memories.

–    The Tigers’ decisions impacting 2 very important positions.

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

WOULD YOU RATHER ….?

Have you ever played the game Would You Rather…..? 

You’re given 2 choices.  There is a dilemma to be solved and you must determine which side of the coin you prefer.  Your mission?  You must choose only one.  

Each week, we will offer you a new choice to consider.  Please vote on your selection, explain your decision should you desire and then come back throughout the day to see where other fans stand.  At the end of the day, check to see which option won.

Let’s kick this off!

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With a little over a week left until Opening Day, the Tigers still have positions left to figure out.   At first base, Renato Nunez is certainly an option.  But he is struggling defensively, making the team question whether he is the answer despite his power at the plate.  

Even with Jeimer Candelario moving over to third base, should we still consider him an option to move back to 1B?  There is definitely a decision to make.

Would you rather….?

1.  Candelario is moved back to first base.

2.   First base becomes rotational position with a few different options.

 

Log your vote in the poll below and don’t forget to come back to see the results.

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–    The Tigers pulled off a very smart move that put them in the top half of MLB.

–    The NY media took note of the Tigers broadcast team – and called them out.

–     The daily lineups are telling us a lot about who will fill this position.

–      He may be the Tigers most alert player when he’s on the field.

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

RUSHING TO JUDGEMENT

By:  Holly Horning

Rome wasn’t built in a day. And neither will the Tigers’ roster.

Yet there are a lot of fans who have already given up on some of the team’s top prospects.

Is that fair? Is it fair that some of us impose our own frustrations over this lo-o-ong rebuild and we’ve run out of patience?

Is it fair that many are seeing this rebuild as a glass half (or mostly) empty and wearing blinders about anything good – or promising – that may be happening?

Ok, I get it. We’ve been slopping through an ugly teardown/rebuild since 2015. Or was it 2016? 2017?

You get my drift. It’s been awhile. And Tigers fans have, for the most part, had the patience of Job. We’ve been through a lot. There’s been little fun, if any, along the way.

So many may be thinking “Enough is enough! It’s time now. We’ve run out of patience. Let’s get this thing moving!”

I hear ya. But quite frankly, this rebuild is going to take awhile longer.

Some of the delay is due to the Tigers. But also, to be fair, some of it is not.

Culturally, the Tigers have never moved fast on anything. Even when they had one of MLB’s best teams, and that window kept closing, they continued to plod along, knowing what their weaknesses were and not addressing them quickly and efficiently.

They had no sense of urgency back then. Even when they knew they would be losing Max Scherzer to free agency a full 2 years in advance and that window was closing by the minute.

What makes you think that the team will suddenly pick up speed now? Suddenly start moving when the same people are in charge?

That cultural characteristic is squarely on them.

But many fans now firmly believe that they should be seeing marked improvement in a team that has only been training together for a month. And that is totally unrealistic.

And very unfair.

They believe that A. J. Hinch and his new coaches should have improved all the players by now. Even the rookies.

They may be confusing coaches with miracle workers. Or saints on the fast track.

Before we dig into the potential offered by this new crew, we need to return to the days of when baseball’s oldest combined manager and coaches were in charge. Ron Gardenhire who brought his old buddies out of retirement to lead a 3-year good times reunion.

What other team does this? Even Tony LaRussa, with his return, hired all new coaches. Young coaches. Coaches who were actually employed.

There’s more than a little evidence that the hiring of the cast of Cocoon was nothing more than hiring babysitters. Friends helping friends get that last gig before they rode off into the sunset. Guys who would sit in the dugout and make sure the athletes played nicely together. A manager with a strong resemblance to Santa Claus with an affable grin and solid sense of humor to take the sting out of what was really going on.

A diversion.

A guy who brought back his pitching coach who was infamous for telling the Tigers’ top pitching prospects to simply drop a pitch in their arsenal and move along. What a guy.

Other Gardy buddies and 2 Teflon Tiger coaches who managed to hang onto jobs year after year despite “inspiring” their players to finish in the bottom of the league stats. Just look at the number of hitters and pitchers who, in increasing numbers, were going outside of the organization and hiring their own coaches. Especially after year #2 with Lloyd McClendon and Rick Anderson in charge of coaching them.

My take?

The Tigers were tearing down, trying to cut salary as much as possible and knew that their team wasn’t going anywhere. So why invest?

It was a business decision. A decision to not be competitive and wait this tear down out. They weren’t going to spend any more money than needed. And talented coaches cost money. This move was bargain basement shopping at its finest.

It was also a 3-year period where players weren’t learning. Or improving.

So how can some fans expect that they will take off immediately now?

When you’ve been in a hole for awhile, it takes time to crawl out.

Make no mistake about it, A. J. Hinch has been given a tall job. He’s got a big pile of rubble and needs to turn it into a McMansion. What he has to do is a complete gut job. Tearing things down to the studs.

It’s going to take longer than spring training, folks.

It’s going to take longer than a year.

First, you can’t expect a manager and coaches to know everything about each and every player in the beginning. Understanding players takes time.

And you certainly can’t expect players to go from 0 to 60 in one fell swoop. Excellence doesn’t come easily. Players all develop at different rates. It takes time.

The best way of measuring progress is to look at all the athletes at the end of the 2021 season. How many improved? That will be the real standard of evaluating.

In a series of radio interviews with the players, they all remarked on how the new manager and coaches are so detail-oriented. It’s something they didn’t have the past 3 (or more) years. And stories report on how Hinch has introduced being aggressive defensively. Something that is also new to this team.

All stuff that was never taught before now. A taste of what Hinch has to overcome and teach his new team.

And quite frankly, learning that the basics weren’t being taught is quite shocking.

But now, let’s turn to yet another reason why fans have to be realistic in their expectations.

Covid.

Every team in MLB took a step back last year. A 60-game season that wasn’t really a season. More like a chapter.

And most importantly, there was no minor league season. No prospects able to advance their skill sets. Unless you count playing simulated games against your own teammates a solid way to train. That is, if you were lucky enough to be selected for the “alternate site.”

Yet there are fans who believe that top prospects should have magically improved after last year. Enough to earn a solid gig in “the show.”

Last year was really a year off for most.

The other issue to consider is that a number of Tigers, who saw action in Detroit last year, didn’t earn it because of their ability. They came to Detroit because it was either that or sitting at home. For some, it was also getting a taste of what the majors are like so they can use that experience to better themselves.

Victor Reyes was expected to re-enter the minors after his Rule 5 Draft year but stayed in Detroit because of the weird season. And he may just return there this year for further seasoning and depth. Otherwise, how do you explain that the Tigers signed not just 1, but 2 free agent outfielders this off-season? It’s a testament that they believe Reyes is not quite ready for a full-time gig.

Casey Mize is another. Fans are disappointed in his 2020 call-up and his spring so far this year. They’re expecting better and now believe he’ll turn into a bust. After pitching in only 7 MLB games.

Wow, tough crowd.

Let’s remember that Mize was brought up without having pitched a single game in AAA. He’s never been a Mud Hen. He pitched all of 8 games in Erie. He was brought up because otherwise he wouldn’t have thrown a single pitch last year.

Is it fair?

Of course not. We need to put every player’s experience and what these changes in the world have created into perspective.

Which is why we now have to understand that it’s OK for some of these guys to go back down to the minors. And it has nothing to do with talent. It has to do with seasoning.

A number of other teams, top teams, are doing just that. The Tigers shouldn’t be exempt.

So it is OK to be impatient? Maybe. In certain cases, Tigers fans have earned the right.

But it is realistic to expect marked improvement, even mastery? Is it realistic not to expect failure as part of the learning experience?

No.

Fans need to give Hinch and his coaches a chance beyond a couple weeks of spring training.

Let’s have this conversation again in October. Six months of evaluation is much more fair – and realistic – compared to opinions formed in less than 6 weeks.

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–      A reminder of who is still lurking in Lakeland.

–     What “special assistant” really means.

–      A. J. Hinch reveals his daily schedule.  Who does he meet with every day?

–    The reasons that Chris Fetter was hired.

–    Who really hired Chris Fetter?

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

 

 

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, KUDOS AND CONCERNS

By:  Kurt Snyder & Holly Horning

Spring training is beginning to wind down and the regular season is within sight. Questions, Comments, Kudos and Concerns continues to serve us well as the proper wrap up of the most important observations over the past week. Observations that will have a lingering impact upon the Tigers and MLB.

Our 2 bloggers have identified their choices and they only have 2 sentences for each of their picks. As always, they don’t share before publication so let’s see how different – or similar – their selections are.

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QUESTION

KURT

Are we prepared to give Al Avila some credit for discovering Akil Baddoo who could become a fixture in the lineup?  Because this would qualify as another needle found in the haystack for sure.

HOLLY

With Akil Baddoo certain to stay with the Tigers, where will the Tigers cut another player? While many are focused on the outfield or pitching rosters, the real competition could come between Isaac Paredes, who isn’t hitting at all this spring, and Renato Nunez, who is swinging the bat well but is showing a worrisome glove.

COMMENT

KURT

Akil Baddoo appears certain to make the everyday roster as the Tigers’ Rule 5 draft pick. What is really amazing is that he probably would have made the team even if he wasn’t a Rule 5; it just tells you the kind of spring he has had.

HOLLY

The Tigers and Governor Whitmer successfully negotiated a more realistic attendance capacity for Comerica, allowing for 20%, instead of 2.4%, but still below average for the rest of MLB teams. However, no one has been able to explain why women won’t be allowed to bring their handbags into the stadium.

KUDO

KURT

Michael Fulmer has taken us on a roller coaster ride as we experience his return from TJS. But no one feels it more than Fulmer himself and he should be commended for his fight and drive to get it all back.

HOLLY

A.J. Hinch has been working daily with the Tigers’ infielders on bringing the infield in to put pressure on the runners and cutting off runs, which paid off in Saturday’s game. He said that the team needs to develop a defensive aggressiveness and mindset, which we haven’t heard from a Tigers’ manager in I-don’t-know-how-long.

CONCERN

KURT

My concern is with Casey Mize and the challenge he now has with even more pressure to produce. But he must be granted the benefit of the doubt given a very interrupted development process which is sure to effect players differently and some more than others.

HOLLY

There is a rippling effect of Covid concerns and quarantine that could impact the roster and starting rotation now that Spencer Turnbull is not expected to pitch for the rest of spring training. Whether due to actual Covid or to the contact tracing protocols agreed upon by the players and MLB, Zack Short, Jason Foley and Bryan Garcia just came out of quarantine.

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–      Video of the latest triple play.

–      We’ve got the latest on which Tigers may end up being cut from the roster.

–        A Rule 5 may end up being displaced by a Rule 5.

–        Could some Tigers be returning to AAA?

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

 

 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

It’s time again to hear from our readers!   Today is the day to let us know what you’re thinking on a selected topic.

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

Comments today can be expanded to a maximum of 8 sentences.

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

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It’s been a struggle for Casey Mize so far this spring.  In four outings, he has allowed 11 earned runs on 12 hits and 10 walks with 12 K’s and a 9.90 ERA.

How concerned should we be about Casey Mize?

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–        A much better outing for this Tiger pitcher.

–        These 2 Tiger relievers are going in opposite directions.

–        Tigers’ hitting coach has a tough task given this circumstance.

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

 

THE SATURDAY SURVEY

The Saturday Survey offers 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 value the Tigers received from some of their biggest investments.

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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The Detroit Tigers have said that they anticipate they will use a 6-man rotation this summer due to last year’s shortened season, navigating a significantly-increased workload and the need to protect their young arms.  However, they will start the year with a 5-man rotation because of an April schedule that offers a number of days off.

Which brings us to the question of which 5 pitchers will make the starting rotation?  And which won’t?

We can assume that Matthew Boyd, Tarik Skubal, Julio Teheran, Spencer Turnbull and Jose Urena will be named as the 5 definite starters.  

But what will the Tigers do about Michael Fulmer and Casey Mize?  Will one of them be retained on the 26-man roster and either work as an “opener” or “middle relief”?  Or will one or both be sent down to Toledo to refine their pitches?

Fulmer is still within the recovery window associated with Tommy John surgery.  He’s been shelled in 6 innings with a 15.0 ERA,  a .250 WHIP and an inability to locate his pitches.  The Tigers can send him down without his permission until mid-April when he hits his 5-year service status.  His salary ranks (and tied) as second-highest for starting pitchers on the team.

Casey Mize has struggled as well this spring training.  Once again, he did not have a good outing on Friday and now sports a 9.90 ERA.

How will the Tigers handle these two?  Keep in mind that the Tigers may have to work with one less pitcher on their roster due to the ascent of Akil Baddoo.  Salaries, options left and the continuing effort by Al Avila to try to build value in Fulmer so he can be traded should also be taken into consideration.

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–        MLB had only 1 positive Covid test but it may just be an important one.

–        The top 30 rankings of Tiger prospects is out and already causing some debate.

–        The Tigers selection of Opening Day pitcher has become complicated.

–        Finally, Michigan’s Governor has changed her mind about Opening Day.

Get your Totally Tigers fix beyond this blog.  We publish breaking news, national stories of note, videos, observations and polls throughout the day.  Every day.

Click here: https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb or simply enter “totally tigers bb” (make sure you add the “bb”!) in the search box at twitter.com and click on “Follow.”

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Totally Tigers loves your comments but please be aware of the rules for posting.  Comments may be edited and responses are only published if they address today’s topic, are respectful and do not exceed the maximum number of 3-4 sentences.  All rules may be found by clicking on the link at the top of the page.

RAPID FIRE

By:  Kurt Snyder & Holly Horning

Spring training is moving along pretty rapidly. And every day, there are new stories and new developments. So let’s keep addressing them and continue to share our observations.

Two bloggers, 5 questions and only 2 sentences each to explain our answers.
As always, our two bloggers don’t share their answers in advance so let’s see how similar or different their responses are.

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Top 2 most impressive players so far

KURT

Tarik Skubal has been impressive all spring and it’s exciting knowing that one of the pitching whiz kids is more than likely slated to start the season in the starting rotation. The surprise of the spring is Akil Baddoo knowing that he has come out of nowhere (Single A) to force the Tigers’ hand and clear a spot for him on the 26-man roster.

HOLLY

Obviously, Akil Baddoo, not just for his talent and ability to play with MLB-caliber players despite being at A-level, but for his consistency and recognition that he has the perfect competitor’s mindset of being calm, focused and determined. And in much the same fashion, Tarik Skubal who leads starting pitchers in most categories and is an absolute beast, showing that your rank in draft picks has little to do with success if you’re really set on reaching your goals.

Top 2 least impressive players so far

KURT

One of the most disappointing is Franklin Perez, thinking he would begin to give us glimpses of the talented pitcher we acquired from Houston; however, his velocity is down and he still hasn’t shown any signs of being close to playing in Detroit.  Secondly, seeing Casey Mize perform and not compete for a spot in the starting rotation is maybe the most disappointing story of the entire spring.

HOLLY

I’m giving Michael Fulmer a pass for the moment simply because he has not emerged from that Tommy John recovery window and focus my attention on the struggling Casey Mize with an 8.53 ERA and more walks than strikeouts. Spencer Torkelson makes my list as well because we have not seen even the tiniest hint of his talent yet given his 1-for-20 hits, huge strike-out rate and multiple errors including several balls bounced in the dirt to the first baseman.

Top 2 players you don’t want to see any more

KURT

Christin Stewart has proven it time and time again that he just doesn’t have the ability to play in the big leagues, so please pull the plug on this already.  Secondly, I don’t really want to hear Jake Rogers’ name again and please stop with using the word ‘elite’ to describe his defensive prowess; it just ain’t true.

HOLLY

Now that Christin Stewart has been sent down and Niko Goodrum plays the secondary role of utility guy, the Tigers need to get serious about taking Joe Jimenez, who is struggling to find the plate once again, out of anything that resembles a closer role. Jake Rogers’ struggles are going into their third year now and there are no signs that he’s improving, to the point where this is getting painful for all involved.

Top 2 players you want to see more

KURT

Matt Manning performed very well this spring and it will only be a matter of time before he will come up and hear his name at Comerica Park. Staying on the pitching side of things, I am encouraged by the development and good health of Daniel Norris, who has been proclaimed a ‘weapon’ by his new manager – smart, very smart.

HOLLY

I was surprised to see Mike Manning sent down but I’m reading that they want him to pitch regularly while they sort out the Tigers’ starting rotation and recall him mid-summer. Gregory Soto continues to improve and impress, throwing 97-99 this spring – and potentially becoming a bona fide closer.

Top takeaway for the week

KURT

There is a long way to go before the roster is determined. You can spot starters around the infield and outfield, but backups are a different story. It hasn’t helped that several Tigers have just cleared international protocol and have only arrived this week to become part of the mix.

HOLLY

With less than 2 weeks to go, this roster is still not even half-formed jello with fierce competition still in the outfield, infield, starting rotation and bullpen. Back-up catcher, 1B, SS, 3B, the entire outfield and starting rotation, along with at least half of the bullpen still need to be determined and it won’t be easy to cut 14 more players.

What did you miss on the Totally Tigers Twitter feed yesterday?

–        The overall game experience for fans needs help.  Is help on the way?

–        There’s a baseball owner who understands why baseball is losing fans and he’s doing something about it.

–      A national writer has the latest on who will make the roster and why.

–      The Toledo Mud Hens have officially put more pressure on Michigan’s Governor.

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