WHAT’S NEW?

By Holly Horning

It’s hard to believe that the 2021 season is almost over in a couple days.  It feels like the Tigers just hired A. J. Hinch and his coaches, doesn’t it?

The whole year flew by…… and unlike last year, MLB teams will have played 162 games.

Maybe this is what happens when your team is no longer one of baseball’s worst.  When the horrific games of the past 4 years felt like they’d never end. 

The Tigers played unexpectedly better and actually fought to the end in most games.  Many of these games were actually exciting to watch.

We’ve been pleasantly surprised this year with the team. 

Granted, the Tigers are still not competitive.  They still have a lot of work to do.  They still have some major roster changes to make.

Heck, I’m not even sure if we can call them half-formed Jello yet.

But isn’t the improvement promising?  Haven’t you enjoyed seeing the team play much better?

Aren’t you happy to see that they are no longer cellar dwellers?

There is still a ways to go.  We’re still not sure how rapidly Chris Ilitch, Al Avila and the Front Office will move things along this off-season.  Or what changes will be made.

And then there’s the CBA which expires in 2 months.  Who knows how that will impact decision-making or baseball’s 2022 season.

But the one ray of hope is that the Tigers appear to be in an upward trajectory.  It’s the very first sign that things are moving in right direction.  We’ve been waiting a very loooooong time to see it.

We were waiting even longer for the Front Office to make some changes to their personnel.  Changes that inspired me to pop a cork on a bottle of bubbly when the announcements were made.

Now we’re anxiously waiting to see what changes are made to the roster – and to the organization overall.  We might see some during the month of October in-between the playoff series.

And all of it will be covered at Totally Tigers.

Rest assured that you will still be able to get your daily baseball fix right here.  Like a GM,  Totally Tigers never rests.

In fact, starting on Monday, there will be 3 new blogs each week.  Addressing the changes from in-season to Hot Stove to spring training.  You’ll still have the opportunity to go in-depth on discussions.  And those polls that everyone loves?  Yep, you’ll still have those opportunities.

And if you’re not following TT on Twitter, we need to talk.  Seriously.  As you know, never mess with a momager.  Tweets are posted daily, often 3 times or more a day.  Some of them in a mini-article format.  The hottest just-breaking information, questions, sources and news specially culled for all of you.  And much of it appearing before you can read it in the major dailies.

It’s so simple to use. Just go to https://twitter.com/totallytigersbb.

And change is in the air at Totally Tigers, too.  We’ve been growing and I personally want to thank you all for following and reading the blog and Twitter.  You’ve made TT one of the top 5 blogs on the Tigers to read according to media rankings.

Growing and the need for expansion now require more work and time here at the blog.  But with that, there are also choices that need to be made. 

And it is with regret that Kurt will no longer continue the journey with TT.  Growing pains can be tough on priorities and the time available.

He’s been the Oscar to my Felix.  The laid-back guy to Judge Judy, his nickname for me.  It’s been quite the adventure for both of us and fun to compare how similar and different we are when it comes to baseball.  I know these discussions will continue albeit in another format.

Like this baseball season, the time Kurt and I have spent working together has also flown by.

And like this Tigers team and this year, Kurt is making changes, too.  It’s been a great run being on the same roster with you!

Like myself, I know everyone here wishes him the very best.

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What did you miss on our Twitter feed yesterday?

Where does A. J. Hinch rank in the running for Manager of the Year?

Why the St. Louis Cardinals have a chance this year. Hint: 2006

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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.

WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY

By: Kurt Snyder & Holly Horning

Today, another chance for readers to have increased opportunities to discuss the hottest topics in a forum where thoughtful conversations and a variety of opinions are welcomed.

Let’s create some running conversation threads with not just comments but replies to others.  And for those of you still going into offices, we’re giving you questions to take with you – or use via Zoom calls – as you talk to your co-workers.

So here’s the deal.  Each week, we offer 2 questions for readers to consider.  Select only one (and make sure to list either #1 or #2 in your intro) and get the ball rolling by submitting your comment.  Or, respond to a thread that is already established. For this blog only, a maximum of 8 sentences please. 

Let’s kick this off!

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#1 (Kurt Snyder)

It’s time to discuss the things that matter most, so let’s get to it. 

The Tigers have been doing some research of late about the history of jerseys they have worn and the team is considering, along with a throwback jersey, potentially introducing a dark blue alternative.

Over the years, many teams in the league have added a solid color alternate jersey, but the Tigers never have.  Only during spring training will you see them wear blue jerseys with a white Old English D at home and an orange OED if they are the road team.

Do you remember those jerseys?  Did you think they were pretty sharp and something new worth trying during the season?  Or are you dead-set on the team standing pat on the uniforms they currently use?

Heavy topics are for big-time fans, so think carefully before deciding and know that once you answer, there is no changing your mind.  The pressure is on! 

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#2 (Holly Horning)

The Detroit Tigers are scheduled to go into the off-season with some needs that require filling.  They will be down 2 starting pitchers, a #1 catcher and a shortstop.  While these are their most significant holes, there are also other positions they must consider.

Last weekend, Chris Ilitch and Al Avila stated that they will be exploring the free agent market this winter.  Potentially, they will also be making some trades in order to fill a hole or two.  But given that there may not be viable prospects in the pipeline for certain positions, they may have to resort to finding a solid free agent.

Over the past decade, the Tigers had quite a few prime players.  All signed to long-term expensive deals for the most part.  One of those contracts still remains.

Having experienced both the highs and lows of the competitive and rebuilding years, how should the team move forward when – and if – it comes to signing free agents?  Given that the top free agents will want longer-term contracts, should the team focus on signing one or more of them or avoid them altogether?  Would you put a limit on the number of contract years?  Or would you focus on the formula that has made teams like the Tampa Bay Rays highly successful year after year?

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

Why something could be brewing for the weekend series in Chicago.

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 PITCHING PUZZLE

By: Holly Horning

Do you often wonder how A. J. Hinch does it?  How he manages to keep putting out a lineup every day while players continue to drop like flies?

And amazingly, this team, despite all of this, has been playing .500 ball or better since May 8^th.  They are even flirting with ending the year in 2^nd place.

I keep looking in the dugout, expecting to see duct tape and some Super Glue.

And after listening to Al Avila’s interview about the Tigers being very close to contending, I’m reminded of 2 things.

The mantra that top teams win with top pitching and defense……..

….and that great teams have solid depth in their systems.

In the Tigers’ case, it’s not enough that they are doing much better.  It’s also not enough that they are expected to perform better next year.

They have a problem with depth.  (And also with defense but that’s another topic for another day.)

Look no further than the starting pitching.

Out of the Opening Day roster, only 3 starting pitchers out of 5 remain.  But all 3 of them either had stints on the IL or innings limitations.

Three others are now out for the year.  One of them, who barely pitched at all this year, is a free agent in 1 week.  The other 2 will be on the IL most or all of 2022.

In all, the Tigers used 13 different starting pitchers this year.

It will be up to Al Avila to find 2 new starting pitchers.  But given all the injuries, he’ll need to have a number of other pitchers who can start as the season goes on and the IL starts to fill up.

Today, let’s talk strategy re who may fill those 2 SP openings.

Matthew Boyd, as you know, is having surgery on his flexor tendon.  The recovery time is slated at 9 months which means he’ll be back, at the earliest, in July.

Boyd also has his final year of salary arbitration which is historically very kind to the player and almost always awards pay raises.  He is making $6.5 mill this year and is expected to earn app. $7.5 – $8 mill next year.  He is the second-highest paid player after Miguel Cabrera.

Will the Tigers offer him a contract knowing he’ll be out for most of next year and unsure of how he’ll perform once he returns?  Will they offer him a contract knowing that he’s a free agent after next year anyway and that his agent is Scott Boras?

It doesn’t seem likely.  Too much money.  Too much risk.  Not enough reward.

There is also the chance they may re-negotiate a contract with him in which he’ll be paid much less.  But I think the highly-touted analytics people are currently crunching numbers and stats in the hope of finding someone who is similar but makes a whole lot less money.

Think how much that $7.5 mill would help with signing a shortstop…..

The predicament with Boyd now brings us to Wily Peralta.  There are rumors that the Tigers may be interested in bringing him back next year.  His salary?  A bargain at $1.5 mill.  And he’s the only winning SP on the team with stats that are very similar to Boyd’s.

Peralta may just fill 1 of those 2 slots.

Then there are the other rumors…….

….. that Justin Verlander may return.

Not.gonna.happen.  For multiple reasons.

First of all, as much as we would love to see JV wearing the Olde English D again, it’s very unrealistic.

He could have returned to the Astros last month but his doctor said it wouldn’t be a good idea and kept him shut down.  He’ll enter the 2022 season untested and not having pitched in 1.5 years.

He’ll also be 39 years old.

Is this the pitcher you want for your soon-to-be-contending team?  Do you think an analytics team would recommend this move?

Teams on the rebuild and with contention just around the corner don’t sign these types of pitchers.

Besides, stories have JV potentially seeking a 1-year $15 mill contract.  And playing for a West Coast team.  He now lives in Beverly Hills and when the Tigers were trying to trade him, he was pushing to go to the Dodgers.

We won’t even discuss the possibility of re-signing Max Scherzer.

So the Tigers will potentially be in need of 1 more mystery pitcher.  A veteran with upside and current performance stats available. 

What are the chances that their analytics department is already working on that?  The good news is that they now have the capability of making some solid recommendations.

No more Jordan Zimmermanns.

But don’t be surprised if any new starters who are signed have a history with the Astros or the Dodgers. 

Of course, Hinch and Lombard are going to weigh in on potential candidates.  But Chris Fetter, with his Dodger connections, will certainly be offering his opinions.

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 BIG STORY

By: Holly Horning & Kurt Snyder

What was the single biggest story of the week? (Last Monday through Sunday, that is.)

Was it an event, pattern seen or an overall theme?

Our two bloggers will each give their takes from what stood out for them over the past week. 

As always, we want to hear what you’re thinking.  So, give us your big story in no more than 4 sentences.

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HOLLY

The most important news didn’t happen on the field, in the dugout or even in the clubhouse – but in the Front Office.  The hope generated by hiring A. J. Hinch and his hand-picked coaches, followed by the demotions of Dave Littlefield and David Chadd, has been continued with the dismissal (i.e., contracts not being renewed) of a dozen long-time Tiger scouts and coaches.

Changes within this old, outdated organization are now starting to trickle down to the lower levels and newer, fresher faces schooled in the latest strategies – and from other top organizations – are taking over.

The latest announcement has Ryan Garko coming in and assuming the position of VP Player Development and remarkable in that he comes from outside the organization and has a great reputation and impeccable credentials.

Maybe it’s just a coincidence that both he and Hinch were catchers (in different years) for Stanford but each influenced by the legendary coach they share in common.  But the fact is that Garko, Chris Fetter and George Lombard know each other from their employment with the Dodgers.  One can’t help but connect the dots and believe that the Tigers’ new hires are using their intel and influence about who the Tigers should be hiring.

Garko, Fetter and Lombard worked with some of baseball’s best minds – Andrew Friedman, Gabe Kapler and Farhan Zaidi while Hinch, of course, had the Astros’ brain trust.

The Tigers now are replacing their ageing, outdated Montreal/Miami/Pittsburgh/Detroit clique with younger, modern personnel from the Dodgers, Astros and Nationals. 

Not too shabby.

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KURT

When you look back on this season, there will be so many things you will remember.  But mostly, 2021 will be known as the season that the Tigers finally got off their butts and did something.  It will be a year where the franchise was on the move after hiring one of the best managers in baseball.

Hinch got to work on instilling his team with a winning culture while the organization began to freshen things in the front office.

I don’t think it is any kind of a coincidence that the Tigers began to make several organizational moves during the season that A.J. Hinch arrived. 

The team has dusted itself off, promoted the organizational talent they did have and very quickly replaced their VP of Player Development.

The hiring of Ryan Garko for this role is my Big Story of the week.  We will learn more and more about him as we move forward, but just the fact that the Tigers are making noise in the front office is a big deal.

Garko (only 40 years old) brings plenty of knowledge to the Tigers in analytics which is important in today’s game.  As VP of Player Development, the Tigers got younger and more advanced when it comes to key front office positions, making it a very important week for the organization.

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

Victor Reyes’ injury creates an opportunity.

VIDEO: The latest extravaganza from the Savanna Bananas…

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.

YOU MAKE THE CALL

You Make the Call is the segment where readers must make a decision. 

Every week we identify an issue that is going on with the Tigers.  And it’s an issue that must be resolved by A.J. Hinch.

Readers must choose one decision from the 2 or 3 offered as the one you feel is the best way to address the issue.

As always, we ask readers to take some time to comment and explain their rationale. Please remember to keep your comments to the 4-sentence maximum rule.

Let’s kick this off!

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A.J. Hinch went the entire 2021 season without the need to name a closer out of the pen. Once Michael Fulmer was added to the late-inning mix, both had opportunities for saves but Gregory Soto had most of them.

From what you have learned in 2021, who should get the majority of the save opportunities next season? You make the call.

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

Why the Giants didn’t have to rebuild or trade away their top players.

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.

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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 how readers feel about the Tigers’ performance this 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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For the first time in years, the Detroit Tigers are finishing the year on a strong note. Since May 8th, they have a 65-54 record (through Thursday). Their record since the All-Star break is 34-27. And currently they have won 9 out of their last 12 games.

They have gone from MLB’s worst record (.276 win/loss record) to currently 4 games under .500 (.487) and sitting in third place, just 1 game out of 2nd place. There are 10 game left in the season.

How are you feeling about the team’s performance this year?

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

Where the Tigers may be better served spending their pitching dollar.

Why Ryan Garko was a good hire for the Tigers.

What the majority of A.J. Hinch’s coaches have in common.

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

With only 10 games left in the season, it’s time to starting looking back over the year.  Our two bloggers each share their thoughts on what happened during the 2021 season.  The challenge is to summarize each point in 2 sentences.  Their points are not ranked in order of importance.

What are the 5 biggest and most important changes in this year’s team that you’ve seen? 

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KURT

HIGH-END MANAGER

Hinch has been the architect in creating an environment of winning, transforming basically the same group of players from a year ago into a cohesive unit that quite suddenly knew they could win beginning in May.  Everything the Tigers accomplished this season had A.J. and his coaches’ influence all over it.

FINALLY, THE FRONT OFFICE

We heard all year from fans and readers alike that despite our new manager, until changes are made in the front office, nothing will change.  Well, there was no ownership or GM change, but things are changing dramatically in the area of player development, and that’s a very big deal – with assumed influence from their manager.

A WINNING CULTURE

There was so much growth in how this team began to believe in themselves and each other beginning in May.  From a fan standpoint, that’s when we noticed a desire to hold each other accountable with encouragement and good old-fashioned belief.

UNFLINCHING ADJUSTMENTS

The Hinch culture change started with him and waterfalled to the players.  The team was plagued with an incredible amount of injuries, but it was never used as an excuse; A.J. would successfully adjust and trust that the next guy or group of guys would fill the empty role.

DISCIPLINED HITTING

The Tigers in the last 2 seasons have been awful at the plate and fixing their approach was close to the top priority for the team in 2021.  Hinch’s desire was to form a team-based approach where nonsensical plate appearances have been replaced with more disciplined and productive at bats – and the change has been dramatic.

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HOLLY 

HIRING OF TOP MANAGERIAL TALENT

Gone are the old, outdated and unemployed managers and coaches, replaced by a proven manager who developed a winning culture and insisted on hiring his own coaches who are in high demand in MLB.  We’ve seen how Chris Fetter has coached the top rookie pitchers to develop, grow and succeed, how George Lombard has developed the running game and improved outfield defense and how Scott Coolbaugh has moved the Tigers consistently out of the offensive statistics basement they’ve occupied for the past 3 years.

MULTIPLE WAYS OF WINNING

The live or die by the HR mantra, staunchly defended by Jim Leyland, has been replaced by small ball and multiple other ways of scoring runs which has put the Tigers at #7 in MLB for their efforts.  Players now bunt, steal bases freely, willingly sacrifice to move their teammates along – all while adding aggressiveness to how they play and constantly putting pressure on their competition.

ROSTER SPOTS ARE EARNED

So many familiar faces have been sent down to Toledo or released, with only a few of them returning after they proved their worth.  We’re now seeing players going full out in their play in order to stay –  with the hardest workers currently those who are vying for spots in what will be the most competitive positions in 2022.

A NEW MIGUEL CABRERA

Miggy has been re-born and re-energized in his play and attitude, even adding qualities of leadership through the efforts and attention of his manager.  Hinch essentially has saved the team much of the $94 million owed to Miggy and has made significant progress in preventing Cabrera’s contract from complicating/delaying the team’s attempted return to competiveness.

FRONT OFFICE CHANGES

Al Avila’s top 2 lieutenants – both part of the decades-old clique – were demoted and replaced in the pecking order by fresh, young blood with new perspectives and strategies. And the brooming continues to trickle down with a dozen entrenched player development directors and scouts told that their contracts will not be renewed after this year.

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

Did A. J. Hinch influence the hiring of the Tigers’ new VP of Player Development?

Proof now that the Tigers should have signed this former player to a contract extension.

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.

WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY

By: Holly Horning & Kurt Snyder

Today, another chance for readers to have increased opportunities to discuss the hottest topics in a forum where thoughtful conversations and a variety of opinions are welcomed.

Let’s create some running conversation threads with not just comments but replies to others.  And for those of you still going into offices, we’re giving you questions to take with you – or use via Zoom calls – as you talk to your co-workers.

So here’s the deal.  Each week, we offer 2 questions for readers to consider.  Select only one (and make sure to list either #1 or #2 in your intro) and get the ball rolling by submitting your comment.  Or, respond to a thread that is already established. For this blog only, a maximum of 8 sentences please. 

Let’s kick this off!

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#1 (Holly Horning)

This is the first year we can say that the Tigers are no longer tearing down but they are, in fact, rebuilding.  Expectations for 2022 have only increased and the Tigers will have to step up their game as they continue to seek improvement and become more competitive.

What is the team’s greatest need as they prepare for next year?  Is it filling a specific player position?  Or is it adding a crucial employee?  More technology?  A new department?  Other resources?

Your task is to identify the single most important change or new addition that is needed for this organization.  Only one, please! 

And to make this challenging, we are excluding from the conversation a change in ownership and/or GM.  Everything else is fair game.

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#2 (Kurt Snyder)

The Tiger bullpen has been a lightning rod for criticism in what seems like forever. But over the course of the 2021 season, A.J. Hinch has taken every single reliever, regardless of their level of past failures, and found value in them.

Nothing supports this more than during the last week when due to illness, injury and workload, the Tigers were without Joe Jimenez, Jose Cisnero, Michael Fulmer and Gregory Soto.

It left what many fans would call a sad-sack group of unproven rookies and well-travelled veterans.

During 2 victories over the White Sox, Derek Holland, Jason Foley, Drew Hutchison, Ian Krol and Alex Lange were called upon to steady the ship during the final stretch of innings.

Gone are the days where relievers are assigned to specific innings, even though roles do sort themselves out as the season matures.  You just won’t hear the words, because the bullpen guys now know they can be used at any time, in any inning, in any situation.

So, share where you stand. 

Are you more old-school and prefer established roles and innings for relievers or have you been convinced that A.J. has turned a perennial Tiger weakness into more of a strength by not establishing roles, but instead, strictly showing confidence in everyone in any situation?

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

The Tigers made more personnel changes.

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.

VALUE ADDED

By: Holly Horning

I’m currently having a hard time deciding which is more exciting to watch – the action on the field or the action in the Tigers’ dugout.

But let’s focus on the latter….

It is the difference between night and day.  I’ve written about it over the past month and it’s still something about which to marvel.  No more cliques.  No more disinterested players.  No one sitting back and passing time as they await their turn at the plate.  No one looking bored.

Far from it.

This roster has turned into one big homogeneous group.  Every single player shoulder-to-shoulder.  Standing room only at the railing.  Cheer squads.  Congratulatory gauntlets.  And a welcoming committee as players round third base.

They are having the best times of their lives.  Finally.

We didn’t see anything close to this under Leyland.  Quite the opposite under Ausmus.  And under Gardy?  Killin’ time best describes what the players were doing.

If you want to see a successful team, just peer into their dugout.  Take the temperature.  You’ll get a very good reading about what is going on.

Case in point was this weekend’s blowup with the Padres.  Earlier, the Cubs, Yankees and Mets had issues. 

All of these teams are struggling.  All of these teams with high levels of talent.

All of these teams without a true leader – a manager – who can harness their passions appropriately and keep them focused on one goal.

The decades-old “25 players, 25 cabs” description of the Boston Red Sox still is an apt description to use for a team that is not cohesive and consistently fails to win when it really matters.

Enter A. J. Hinch.  He is the reason why the Tigers are united and winning despite the odds.  Maybe more baseball organizations will now hire managers who have a BA in psychology.

He has gotten every single player on the team to buy in.  Fully buy in.

Including Miggy.

Remember the days when Miggy was deemed difficult?  When he had his own set of rules?  When it didn’t concern the Tigers that he didn’t know most of his teammates’ names?  When Victor Martinez was the designated player in charge of keeping Miggy on point?

Now look at him. 

Miggy is a ringleader.  All in a very good way.

He is constantly standing at the railing and loudly encouraging his teammates.  He’s reminding them to pull that quiver out and shoot an arrow into the sky as they round third.  He is saluting teammates who get on base.

And the other day when the Tigers won the game on a walk-off?

Miggy was the one gleefully carrying the Gatorade bucket and dumping it on Derek Hill.  Even the broadcasters were stunned to see him doing it.

He’s fully bought in.  Fully.

Maybe even for the first time in his career.

It appears that A. J. Hinch is the one who found the key that unlocked the secret of Miggy.

Not just the winning culture, but Hinch has inspired Cabrera to see that working with a team towards a common goal can fully enhance his own personal enjoyment of the game.

And that’s a good thing for Miggy, the Tigers and for baseball.

Remember the most recent years where Cabrera seemed detached?  Distant?  When he looked sad at the plate?  When you knew he wasn’t enjoying the game?

Even when he told the Marlins former President, David Samson, that he felt stuck in Detroit and wanted to return to Miami to play?

Look at him now.  He’s animated.  He’s smiling.  He’s hanging out with his teammates.  He’s engaged.

I have never seen him happier.

He’s even giving interviews.  And in those media events, A. J. Hinch is the very first person he thanks.

But enough of this.  Let’s get to what really matter for both the Tigers’ organization and the fans.

After a slow start to the year, Miggy has rebounded nicely.  Let’s keep in mind that we can no longer compare the 38-year-old Cabrera with the man he was 5-10 years ago.  There’s no fooling Father Time.

And let’s face it, Miggy is by far the oldest player on the team and he has numerous injuries that will not permit him to get physically better.

It’s the first year in a long time where he hasn’t had to go on the DL.  And he’s playing first base for the first time in 3 years.

Now, Miggy will never regain the offensive prowess of his past, but if you look at his stats, the most important ones have him sitting consistently in the top third of the team.  He’s producing once again and he’s being clutch when it counts.

He’s no longer the huge albatross on the team.  His salary is, but he no longer is not.  His salary still ranks as one of MLB’s most expensive.

This is important because the Tigers have him for 2 more years.  And his salary goes up next year (and also for 2023) to $32 million.

The team needs to keep him as productive as possible.  They can’t afford to wait 2 years until his salary is off the books in order to spend what they really need on players.  They need to maximize production on every front they can.

As it is, his yearly salary is almost 40% of the entire Opening Day payroll.

He will no longer put up the numbers that he did in the past and it’s unfair to expect it of him.

But Hinch is ensuring that he remains a viable, contributing member of the team.  And not just on the field.

Cabrera is now seen as a leader in the clubhouse.  He’s advising teammates.  He’s taking rookies under his wing and helping them inside and outside of the clubhouse.  He is rallying players during game day.

And this is value added. 

His manager has been very smart to maximize Miggy’s value both on the field, in the dugout and in the clubhouse. Everyone has value beyond the stats.

And Cabrera has a lot to offer beyond picking up a glove or a bat.

He just needed a manager who knows how to enhance a player’s productivity and get the most out of him.

Whether that talent is shown on the field or in the clubhouse, it has value.  And A. J. is maximizing that $30-$32 mill salary as best as he can.

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

The latest on Matthew Boyd and what it may mean for next year.

Will the free agent market dictate what the Tigers do for their catching needs next year?

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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THE BIG STORY

By: Kurt Snyder & Holly Horning

What was the biggest story of the week? (Last Monday through Sunday, that is.)

Was it something singular, a pattern seen or an overall theme? Or was it a story that will carry over throughout the year? 

Our two bloggers will each give their takes from what stood out for them over the past week. 

As always, we want to hear what you’re thinking.  So, give us your big story in no more than 4 sentences.

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KURT

If Derek Hill didn’t have bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all.  But he was just one player during a week of a proverbial ‘another one bites the dust.’  Along with losing Hill for the remainder of the season, Gregory Soto suffered the same fate with his broken finger.

But injuries don’t ever seem to get A.J. Hinch’s blood pressure up, as he just dials up another number to help get him through 9 innings.  Whether it’s another outfielder or a starting pitcher or a reliever, he finds a way.

The bullpen triumvirate of Holland, Foley and Funkhouser was just what you were thinking would finish off the Rays on Sunday, wasn’t it? 

In the end, all that mattered was 2-0 and a season series win over one of the best in baseball. 

The Rays certainly got a good look at the team trying to emulate them.  The baseball was the same.  Clutch pitching, aggressive base running and excellent coaching were on display all week in both cities. 

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HOLLY

It is the drip that is just getting more pronounced …. Matthew Boyd… Jose Cisnero… Joe Jimenez… Joey Wentz… Gregory Soto… Derek Hill… – not to mention an assortment of coaches, too.  Six injuries/IL stints and Covid confinement in just 7 days.  It’s amazing that this team still has live bodies they can call up to fill in.

I am shocked that the team is playing as well as they are considering they are literally the walking wounded and whatever is left of their starting rotation is on innings limits.  Five wins (almost 6) and 2 losses.

However, the underbelly of the team has now been exposed for everyone to see.  They may have competitive-level players for the most part but the Tigers still have little-to-no depth.  Out of the Opening Day roster, only 4 out of 8 positional slots remain the same with a cast of characters rotating throughout the rest.

And this is what fans need to consider as they see the regular roster take shape.  In the end, the competitive teams that go the distance have excellent depth in the system because injuries always happen, sometimes at unbelievable rates as we have recently seen.

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

Which former Tiger could be returning to the organization?

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.