FIVE FOR FRIDAY

by Holly Horning

There may be only 5+ weeks left in the season, but the Tigers are plenty busy despite their very disappointing year.

They are not waiting to move on issues until a new GM comes on board.  Certain individuals are already guiding the direction of what needs to be done.  In all cases, it’s evaluating players and situations.

A. J. Hinch revealed that he is helping Spencer Torkelson long distance with his hitting.  And Sam Menzin, who is temporarily in charge, has already interviewed for the position, which is really considered a formality.  But he’s also trying to make himself look as good as possible for the potential arrival of his new boss.  His job is not guaranteed to survive a new regime, especially since he’s closely connected to Dave Dombrowksi and Al Avila.

So what are the 5 most important stories to follow from now until the end of the year?  I’ve got my list…….

1.THE GM HUNT

Obviously, this the biggest and most important story.  I don’t expect a new GM to be hired before the end of the year (at least I hope not!) but I think we’ll hear rumors of who has been contacted.  That will tell us a little bit about Ilitch’s direction.  I would prefer the team wait if it means that the best candidates are currently knee-deep in their team’s playoff push.

2. MIGGY’S FUTURE

Remember when Miguel Cabrera hinted that this may be his last year?  And then the next day retracted it?  It could have been that Tigers’ PR got to him but it also could have been his agent who is hoping that they can bargain from a position of strength if the Tigers want to buy him out. 

It’s become increasingly clear that Miggy’s playing days are numbered.  We’ve gone from him having an additional day off each week to playing 2 games out of 3 to now only playing 1 game per series.  It may work for this last-place team at the end of the year with no prospects champing at the bit to take over but it’s a whole ‘nother story if left to continue next year.

I expect that the Tigers are or will be having retirement conversations with Miggy’s agent.  Maybe even leaving it for the new GM to handle.  Don’t expect there to be a discount buyout.  More likely is an arrangement for an extended pay out and/or interest in lieu of those 2 option year buyouts.   

3. DRESS REHEARSALS

If you read yesterday’s blog, the Tigers have more positional holes in their roster than Swiss cheese.  Only 2 out of 8 positions are guaranteed with 6 others up for grabs.  Expect to see more of the Castros, Haase, Reyes, Baddoo, Carpenter and others from now until the end of the year.  It’s already started with the call-up of Zack Short.

4. PROSPECT PIPELINE

When September hits, I imagine Hinch will maximize the number of call ups so he can evaluate their potential as it pertains to next year’s roster.  A crucial move as any new GM won’t be on board and will need to depend upon the manager’s input and observations.

5. TWEAKING TORKELSON

Maybe because he was under so much pressure to promote a top prospect, but potentially Al Avila pushed Spencer Torkelson to Detroit before he was really ready.  Now that he’s back in the minors, he has yet to recover even after 7 weeks.  Imagine if Tork should somehow turn into a bust.  For a #1 draft pick (and a universal one, too), should he fail at reaching and sticking at the MLB level, the criticism of the Tigers’ player development system would reach epic proportions within the industry.

With Avila gone, A. J. Hinch has already taken it upon himself to ramp up the coaching process with Tork in Toledo.  Whether he makes it back to Detroit this year is questionable – and maybe harmful – but I expect that they are putting plans into place to keep him training throughout the winter and charting his progress very, very carefully.

Is there another top story we should be following before the season ends not mentioned above?

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