WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY

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The Detroit Tigers are trying to rebuild their offensive skills after spending years in the bottom of MLB.  They are moving up the ranks but very slowly.  In comparison to the other 29 teams, they currently rank 25th offensively and average 3.73 runs per game.

Only Gio Urshela, Kerry Carpenter and Matt Vierling are performing well at the plate.  The rest of the roster is struggling.

But which player has disappointed you the most at the plate so far?

Before we give you the options, we’re intentionally not including Javy Baez for obvious reasons.  Nor the rookies such as Parker Meadows and Colt Keith.  It is expected that they would meet roadblocks in their development at the plate.

Here now, are your options:

JAKE ROGERS

.111/.200/.222/.422

1 HR, 2 RBIs

almost 50% SO rate

Hits in the bottom of the order.  Priority is his game calling.

SPENCER TORKELSON

.219/.296/.297/.593

0 HR, 6 RBIs

25% SO rate

Hits in the heart of the order (#2, #3, #4).  Priority is his offense.

So which of these 2 players’ performances has disappointed you the most so far this young season?

Make sure to come back and check the final results!

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FINAL RESULTS FROM AN APRIL TOTALLY TIGERS POLL:

What is the primary reason for the Tigers’ 1-run game results?

  • Problems with creating more offense.  81%      
  • An increase in talent/grit that keeps them in games.  19%  

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15 thoughts on “WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY”

  1. Tork by far. Not barreling balls like last year. Can’t say he’s been killing it and just having bad luck but he should have some bombs by now and be hitting no higher than 6th.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Particularly a first baseman who costs runs in the field (-2 runs saved). Spencer has had over 1164 plate appearances in his career so the old excuses about his trying 3B in the minors and being rushed to the majors don’t apply anymore. He is a hole in the heart of the lineup which is very alarming.

      Liked by 9 people

  3. I voted for Tork because so far this year he’s not giving us much hope with the bat. He’s not hitting the ball hard, is the “popup king” when he’s not SO and doesn’t hit in the clutch. If his hitting doesn’t improve at some point this year (the sooner the better) along with his lack of defense he’s going to be a big disappointment.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. I’m not sure what tiger management’s theory of the case is and why the offense is so unproductive. BBIP with runners on is horrendous. Either they have misjudged the hitting potential of many players, or something else is awry. 

    Liked by 4 people

    • I think hitting might be the least teachable skill besides running fast. There are examples of a hitter like JD Martinez who make a change that clicks and greatly increases production, but thos examples are pretty rare. So I’d say it is misjudged potential more than anything else-you can’t hide a hole in your swing at the major league level.

      Liked by 4 people

    • I have always argued that hitting is way more important than defense. Hitting can overcome an error or two per game. Defense can save a game when the offense can put runs on the board, but if there are no runs on the board then D doesn’t really matter.

      Liked by 6 people

  6. Torkelson, no doubt. Not making contact and on the odd chance he does, it’s a weak infield popup. He wasn’t hitting well in spring training so something’s off in his timing or pitch recognition.

    Liked by 3 people

  7. There’s a 1st baseman in Toledo chomping at the bit to get called up. When a player is costing the team runs and not producing at the plate it’s usually time for a change.

    Liked by 5 people

  8. Tork…Not even close. Still early, but getting out of the gate strong was a priority expressed by A.J. and management. With multiple hitting coaches available to customize swing development and individual coaching, sooner or later it comes down to talent.

    Liked by 7 people

  9. I have to say Tork has been a bigger disappointment. You can get away with having a catcher for his defense who hits lightly, but you can’t get away with having a first baseman for his defense who hits lightly (whether Tork plays good defense is another issue). Also, Rogers is the last pound of flesh from the Verlander trade, and I desperately want to say we got something for that trade…

    Liked by 4 people

  10. Tork by far. It sounds like the pitchers have changed their approach on him and he has not been able to adjust. I feel he should be dropped way down in the batting order or sent to Toledo to figure it out.

    Liked by 7 people

  11. I have to seriously question Torkelson’s affinity for playing baseball. Kerry Carpenter hired a batting instructor outside of the organization, now you see the result which, to me, is a sign of a professional with dedication. Torkelson strikes me as entitled, and that won’t fly in any organization.

    Liked by 4 people

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