FIVE FOR FRIDAY

by Holly Horning

It’s interesting to read how so many fans are still holding onto the same list of roster needs that Al Avila had.  Thinking the same way and selecting players that fit the old mold of the Avila roster years.

But this is a whole new ballgame.  New(ish) owner, new manager and a new man in charge.  Even new titles.

Everything is going to be new in this regime.  Including the characteristics of every player who is signed.

PoBO Scott Harris has given us the parameters in a number of interviews and statements.  Here are the top 5 things he’s going to be looking for before inking any player to the 2023 roster…..

1.PLATE DISCIPLINE

The Tigers swung at more pitches outside the strike zone than any other team.  One of the leaders in strikeouts and lowest walk rates in baseball.  New players will have strong plate discipline and any existing ones will be coached to be better standards or find themselves outside looking in.

2. TEAM OFFENSE

Harris had alluded to past players as hitters who focused on themselves, instead of working as team to push runs home.  He wants the lineup to attack pitchers as a group instead of as individuals.  He argues for a “new offensive identity” in which pitchers are worn down, hitters set up each other and create leverage situations, and “put (sic) the team “in position to score runs in bunches instead of relying on solo homers or some other less stable approaches to run scoring.”

3. PITCHING STRATEGY

Again, Harris emphasized the team approach in pitching and not an individual one.  A rotation and relief that attacks the strike zone no matter who is pitching.  An aggressive approach against opposing hitters via command of the ball.

4. EAGER AND EDUCATED PLAYERS

Inquisitive and hungry players will be added to the roster while those who avoid coaching and prioritizing their advancement (in lieu of new puppies and social events in a couple cases) may find themselves somewhere else or demoted.  Players will be going the extra mile for the chance to improve and to be receptive to coaching suggestions.  The priority will be placed on those who put a focus on improving their play.  Especially important given that internal reports have shown a system-wide regression throughout the farm system during Al Avila’s tenure.

5. THE STRIKE ZONE

It all comes down to the strike zone for both hitters and pitchers as it influences everything on the field.  Harris will be looking for players who are capable of commanding that strike zone. 

Scott says “It dictates pitch counts, count leverage, length of inning, it dictates the load you’re putting on the pitchers’ bodies and how many pitchers you’re going to have to use throughout a series.  It also dictates the quality of contact you’re giving up and how much contact you’re giving up, which therefore influences the quality of defense you can build and execute behind the pitcher.

“It touches essentially every part of our game, so we’re going to start there. We’re going to start with the strike zone. We want to dominate the strike zone on both sides of the ball and we want to acquire, develop and retain players that can give us a chance to do that.”

Is there another benchmark you believe Harris will add to his list of requirements as he builds a roster of different players?

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