SATURDAY SURVEY

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Next week, pitchers and catchers report to Lakeland.  Shortly thereafter, the rest of the roster and invitees will join them.

The Tigers will have a larger number of players attending spring training.  There are a number of positions up for grabs.

They will be trying to find solutions for a number of concerns – open positions, increasing offense, strengthening defense and finding the 5 best starting pitchers.

Two of those issues have been long-standing problems.  Lack of offense and finding a plus defender for 3B.

Some of the younger players returning will have more experience at the plate.  At 3B, Matt Vierling, Andy Ibanez and Zach McKinstry are expected to rotate there until an heir become apparent. They are all plus defenders at that position.

But which of these 2 concerns is the most important to fill?

Make sure to come back and check the final results!

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FINAL RESULTS FROM A FEBRUARY TOTALLY TIGERS POLL:

Should the Tigers sign another prospect to a long-term contract who has yet to play an MLB game?

  • Yes, but wait until after the 2024 season.  51%  (104 votes)    
  • Yes, sign another one at some point this year.  37%  (74 votes)    
  • No, one and done.  12%  (24 votes)

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9 thoughts on “SATURDAY SURVEY”

  1. I am good with keeping third with optionality with plus defense and gives his line-up the flexibility he likes especially since second is Kieth everyday. I think Canha can help the offense with more than his bat as an example of plate discipline team wide especially the young hitters. So my vote is definitely offense and I hope it has the great team play that ended 23.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Agreed. I have concerns about how the quality of the rotation holds, but none about the depth. Third base is in capable if unexciting hands for now.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. we just need more offense - I don’t care where it comes from. I believe though that offense is gonna be much better this year. A full year of the new approach will yield good results.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Right, Eric. Scott Harris’ approach to hitting should yield steady run-production from the whole lineup and even the bench. Sports media need stars to attract readers and viewers, so hot, expensive hitters get more attention than they deserve. What matters is the team’s slash line, not one or two stars’ slash line.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Definitely need more offense but I would like to see them sign Gio Ursela for 3rd base for 1 year for when Jace Jung is ready. I don’t much care for 3rd base by committee until one of them claims it. They need a steady hand there.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Agreed. Using three utility players as a stopgap is like playing with matches in a fireworks factory. If Meadows and Keith struggle in their first full year, and Baez continues to be less than replacement, the Tigers are going to wish they had another run producer.

      Liked by 3 people

  4. Offense wins games. Defense keeps games close when you have a weak offense. Not many balls are hit to 3B, as a percentage of all balls put in play. Give me offense that can overcome defensive mistakes.

    Liked by 3 people

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