Tag: Detroit Tigers

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Detroit Tigers rebuild rolling forward

Embed from Getty Images “I’m saying, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila said. This season will be different in Detroit. Yes, there will be plenty on losses. But there will also be anticipation as Tigers top prospects continue to grow.

The Detroit Tigers are coming off back-to-back 98-loss seasons,  the third-worst two-year stretch in the franchise’s 118-year history. Under Avila’s watch   the Tigers have quietly built a farm system on the rise. He has not shy sharing the rebuild process with fans and media.

In fact the Tigers are currently in MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 rankings . The crown jewel being Tigers pitching prospects. Some like Spencer Turnbull and Kyle Funkhouser should arrive at Comerica Park this summer.

Tigers farm director Dave Owen, who has been with the organization since 2011, concurs that the system is stronger than it has been in years. “We’re getting there. The pitching is maybe a little ahead at this point, but we’re making progress with position players, too. We’re getting guys who will be able to contribute.” Detroit is expecting contributions soon.

Al Avila as mentioned “We’ve got guys who already either here or knocking on the door here and you have guys coming, who are not too far away — pitching wise.” Another good sign.

As players continue to develop this season, there is now a finish line. “Where we don’t have young guys ready, we went out and got veterans to plug in for now,” Avila said. “Now, we are looking at Isaac Paredes, Daz Cameron, Jake Rogers, those guys are, right now, the next wave. Is it going to be at the end of this year, 2020 or ’21? I can’t tell you. But they are right there.”

With  eyes on the minor leagues, This will be one of the last summers of waiting.

 

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Tommy John surgery recommended for Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer

Embed from Getty Images One tragic bullpen session promptly ended Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer’s season before it even began. The Tigers announced Tuesday that Fulmer has been recommended for Tommy John surgery.

At some point in the bullpen session  Fulmer began to experience right elbow soreness a red flag for any pitcher. The  result of an MRI confirmed the worst. The Tigers and Fulmer got a second opinion from famed sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, but are also going to get a third opinion.

It is every bit a year to year in a half recovery from reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament surgery. “Your thoughts go towards him more than anything else,” Detroit Tigers  manager Ron Gardenhire said. It is a big blow for Fulmer and the Tigers.

There were signs that something wasn’t right this spring training. Fulmer’s velocity, normally 96-97 mph, barely topped 91-92. Fulmer had surgery last season on a torn meniscus, the Tigers thought that caused the dip in velocity. They were wrong.

Michael Fulmer’s knee surgery was performed by the aforementioned Dr. James Andrews. Andrews,  is the pioneering specialist on Tommy John surgeries so he would most likely be the man in charge of repairing the Detroit pitchers elbow.

For the rebuilding Tigers who were counting hard on the 26 year old right handed pitcher, it is a big blow. The Tigers in no way, shape or form should bring up prized pitching prospect Casey Mize. If the team was going to be in contention for the division title then they would bring Mize up.

Casey Mize is ready for MLB. However the Tigers want him to have as much time in the minors so that he is 100% comfortable when he is brought up. Now is simply not the time.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila was asked about a realistic time frame for Casey Mize he said:

“Well, Casey Mize, I guess, realistically, the most important thing, people have to understand, we have to build up a pitcher’s innings,” Avila said. “When he gets to the big leagues, you don’t want to worry: ‘Oh, I have to shut him down. He’s pitched too much.’

“In the minor leagues, you can go at your own pace. You give them 30 percent increases (every season) in innings. A lot depends on health, the stress of the innings he’s pitched. You have to build him up.”

That is the right path to take. So now the Tigers have one week to come up with a starting pitcher. Not ideal for sure.

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Detroit Tigers prospect update Parker Meadows

Embed from Getty Images Parker Meadows is a prospect all Detroit Tigers fans need to both know and follow. He is one of the Detroit Tigers most exciting prospects based on his high ceiling. The Tigers drafted Meadows last summer out of high school for good reason.

Playing in 22 rookie ball games last summer gave a tease of the talent that Parker Meadows brings to the Tigers. Hitting .284 with 2 doubles and 4 home runs was a solid start. Meadows then moved to the Connecticut Tigers where in six games Parker hit . 316.

The goal for Parker this season is to stay injury free and continue to move up the minor leagues. Last season Meadows battled a hamstring injury early in rookie ball, followed by a back injury in Connecticut.

At 6-foot-5, Parker Meadows hits for average, hits for power and an aspect of his game that surprised some in the Detroit Tigers front office, Parker has speed.  Making him the player with perhaps the most athleticism in the Tigers minor leagues.

“He’s got the arm, he’s got the power, he’s got the speed, Basically, he has all the ingredients that you are looking for in a baseball player.” Tigers general manager Al Avila said. Detroit scouts did a fantastic job of finding Meadows.

Word is the Parker Meadows is all business. He goes about his training all out. Meadows  worked out with a personal trainer four days a week and focused on his diet for the first time.

Parker Meadows currently ranks as Detroit’s No. 9 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. Expect Parker to climb the rankings this summer. He should at some point reach Grand Rapids this season and play for the White Caps.

Parker Meadows has all the tools to be an above average MLB player. It should be fun to watch his growth this summer.

 

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The Detroit Pistons look like they will end the cities playoff drought

Embed from Getty Images Detroit has not seen a professional sports team in the playoffs since 2016. The city has produced eight championships since 1984. No Detroit team is close to winning a championship. These are sad days in Motown.

The Detroit Tigers have not been in the post season since they were swept in 2014 by the  Baltimore Orioles. Now coming off the second consecutive 98 loss season the Tigers are still in rebuild mode.

In 2015 the Detroit Lions lost to the  Seattle Seahawks, in the wild-card round.  In 2018 the Lions finished 6-10, but have their sights on the 2019 playoffs after a solid free agent signing period and a top ten draft pick. That is enough to give Lions fans hope.

The Red Wings will miss the playoffs for the third year in a row. While the Wings are closer to returning to competitive hockey, they are still a couple years away from being a serious Stanley Cup threat. Yet they are getting better that is the good news.

That leaves the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons currently hold the 6th position in the East.  The Pistons are likely to be a one round playoff team, certainly if they face Milwaukee or Toronto,  in the East it could very well be the case.

The Pistons fought through a sluggish January and February and the team opted not to tank and go into a rebuild. That could have perhaps sent some fans over the edge. The team now is looking at a playoff spot under first-year coach Dwane Casey.

The Detroit Pistons have not won a playoff game since 2008. While it does not look good at the moment, if the team can somehow slide into the 5th spot in the East, they would have a more favorable match up. Best case, Detroit draws Indiana in the first series. Otherwise, it will be a quick post-season for the Pistons.

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Daniel Norris is finding consistency and the Detroit Tigers are happy

Embed from Getty Images Oft injured Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris was always thought of as a pitch who could…if only. Daniel, has always been thought of as a middle of the rotation pitchers. Inconsistency and injuries have kept him from reaching his potential. Until this spring.

Daniel Norris fresh off of three scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox starters, has Daniel Norris and the Detroit Tigers satisfied with how far the pitcher has come.

Norris finally over three injury plagued seasons has made an adjustment to his overall pitching delivery. It has helped the pitchers velocity. A velocity that now sits 90-93 mph according to spring training radar guns.

Heading into spring training Norris was both a question mark and he was uncertain to make the final cut. Thanks in large part to promising young pitchers in the Detroit system. Daniel Norris would have to earn a spot.

Norris’s spring resurgence has put him in the conversation to break camp with the Tigers and not be assigned to Toledo. Once a starting pitcher. Detroit is looking to place the left hander in the bullpen.

In part this would help to keep the pitcher healthy. As he would only pitch a 1-3 innings. This way he can better serve the team.  Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire is going to let the pitching sort itself out.

Starter, relievers, closer. Gardenhire said all decisions will be made in the best interest of the team. Daniel Norris does not care when and where he pitches from. The fact that he has been rapidly improving is positive.

The fact that after a few rough spring outings, Norris is even in the Tigers pitching plans is remarkable. He seems to have a new found confidence with his consistent performances. Daniel Norris has worked hard to get full extension on his delivery.

Being a team player, Daniel said he talked with Gardenhire and Tigers pitching coaching Rick Anderson about his role. “I told them I just want to help the team.”

Finally healthy, finding consistency Daniel Norris is ready to help his team.

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Detroit Tigers Christian Stewart ready for take off

Embed from Getty Images On a steamy spring training day, Detroit Tigers rookie outfielder Christian Stewart steps up to bat. Atlanta Braves left handed pitcher Sean Newcome on the mound. This encouraged the Detroit Tigers coaches and front office. Stewart a left hander himself was facing a left handed pitcher.

This was a big knock on Stewart coming out of college. He was good against right handed pitchers. In fact Christian was almost deadly against righties. His big struggle was left handed on left handed.

Yet, here he was. Having mastered hitting lefties last season while in Toledo with the Mud Hens.  Newcome fired a 94 mph fastball towards home plate. Smack! Christian Stewart lined it in the gap for a two out, two R.B.I. double.

The great Ted Williams once said “you only get one pitch to hit in an at-bat, don’t take it, don’t miss it, don’t foul it off.” Christian Stewart, has adopted the Hall of Famers philosophy.

The best part of Christian Stewart’s development is that He can bat second in the lineup or fifth. When asked Stewart said he does not care where his name is on the lineup card. That he is going to do his job.

In a 17 game callup last September, Stewart amassed 72 at bats, hitting .267 with 2 home runs. This spring Christian is hitting .320 with 2 home runs.

Stewart looks more relaxed this spring. Detroit is handing the masher the leftfield job. While defense is well below average, hitting is well above average. Stewart projects as a mid 30’s home run hitter. Once Detroit develops their minor league outfielders and the rebuild is over Stewart will most likely be moved to D.H.

Make no mistake Christian Stewart, is part of the Detroit Tigers long range plans. He will be a middle of the order bat. He is a home run and R.B.I. machine.

This will be his first full season in Detroit. Stewart is ready. It is one more step in the rebuild. Detroit Tigers fans should get ready for some moon-shots. While in Toledo, Christian hit a ball out of the park. As in out in the parking lot. This spring he hit the light tower at Joker Merchant Stadium.

Christian Stewart is reason Tigers fans should tune in. The guy is good for something special every game.

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Detroit Tigers Pitcher Matt Boyd is making a difference

Embed from Getty Images As a member  of the Detroit Tigers pitching staff, Matt Boyd is doing some important work off the field. As a God-fearing devote Christian, Boyd and his wife are making the difference in the lives of 36 Uganda girls.

Trying to save 36 girls from the sex slave industry, has given Matthew Boyd and his wife Ashley a new purpose. Matt and his wife buy food and clothing and sandals for the girls. They also pray with them. They are looking at the bigger picture.

It is a massive undertaking. Boyd has set up a nonprofit charity, “Kingdom Home.” They are working on expanding the charities land in Uganda. The plan is to add more homes on the property to house more girls. Boyd calls 36 girls a nice start.

Matt and Ashley have the total backing of the Detroit Tigers organization. During spring training Boyd has been given permission byTigers manager Ron Gardenhire to walk around Joker Merchant Stadium and ask fans for donations.

Boyd says the goal is to raise $50,000 and go from there.  Matt Boyd is heading into his third season in Detroit. While he is far from a super star. His heart is bigger than many in the game. Making the pitcher an All-Star person.

The Boyd’s make regular visits to Uganda. They said they were compelled to jump in and help after their first visit. Saying they could not know what was going on and do nothing. Something more people in place of importance should do.

“We can and we will end sex trafficking in Uganda,” Matt Boyd said. He is as focused on making life better for young ladies as he is when he is on the mound.

Matthew Boyd is a player fans should be rooting for. Regardless of the team fans pull for.

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Miguel Cabrera not sorry for signing albatross Contract with the Detroit Tigers

Embed from Getty Images On a team that in 2019 is going nowhere. On an organization setting it’s sights on a brighter tomorrow, one thing remains. Miguel Cabrera and his eight-year, $244 million contract extension from the Tigers in 2014.

At 35 years old and his best playing days behind him Cabrera is owed $162 million through 2023. The past two seasons, he’s missed 156 games with injuries.

There was a time that Miguel Cabrera put fans in the Comerica Park seats. A lot of fans. In his prime he was among the greatest right-handed hitters that game has ever seen. Recently there has been a problem. The past two seasons, Miguel missed 156 games with injuries. While collecting a large sum of money.

While the blame falls squarely on the Detroit Tigers. That is because they made him the offer. There is no athlete that would not take that contract. That is where things are right now player  in decline and the team stuck with a bad contract.

Cabrera says he’s all-in, for the Detroit rebuild, and has no interest in going anywhere else. He wants to be around when the Tigers win again. Cabrera has stated he wants to lead a new group of Tiger players back to the playoffs.

Being that his contract is untradeable there really is not much more he can say. Cabrera has to know he can not ask for a trade. No team would take on that contract for a 35 year old now oft-injured player.

When he goes into the Hall of Fame, and he will, he will go with Tigers cap. He has to. The hope in all of this is that the Detroit Tigers have learned a lesson about what size contract to hand out.

The will have that opportunity again after next season when the team beings to pursue free agents once again. No need to overpay. That hopefully is a thing of the past.

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Detroit Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch “Discipline the key to rebuild”

Embed from Getty Images Christopher Ilitch has made many spring training visits to Lakeland Florida over the years. Some as the owners son and the last two over being the owner of the Detroit Tigers. Saturday morning he made his yearly visit.

Christopher Ilitch met the media shortly after arriving a Tiger Town and was upfront and blunt about the state of the team and the state of the Tigers rebuild.

Starting by saying he wants the Tigers to win again sooner that later. That was a good draw-in for all Detroit Tigers fans. After the draw-in, he tempered the talk by saying he and the front office is determined to see the rebuild to it’s fruition.

“I have the same sense of impatience our fans have.” Ilitch fired off. “I am a fan first and foremost. I want to see this team be a great team, a playoff team and ultimately a championship team.” Christopher and the Tigers are taking the right approach.

Ilitch then went and watch some Tigers top prospects in action. Matt Manning third baseman Isaac Paredes and outfielder Brock Deatherage did not disappoint their owner.

“We are executing our plan, I think we are starting to see really nice progress.” If this was just any owner it would be lip service. But coming from Ilitch and the fact the Detroit Tigers have a top 10 pipeline it rings true.

“When I look at our pool of prospects there are some who will actually make their way to Detroit this summer.” Again a true statement. The reason it is critical the Tigers see the rebuild all the way though is simple. It works.

Look at the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. Both teams went in the tank for 5-7 year and reemerged from rebuilding to win the World Series. The same thing is about to happen in Philadelphia. The Phillies have not been good for 7 years and are coming out of their rebuild with Bryce Harper in toat.

The million dollar question of when the Tigers will spend money on top free agents was answered as well. Once the Tigers have a solid young core (which should happen by the end of this season) and they have a chance to play in Detroit together (most likely next summer) then the wallet will be open.

Christopher Ilitch also noted that he does not know what the payroll will look like right now simply because “we are laser-focused on building our core.”

In short this years media meet and greet sounded vastly different. That is because the Tigers are getting closer to the end of their rebuild. Baseball is about to be fun again in the Motor City where the sport reigns supreme.

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Detroit Tigers add second basemen Josh Harrison

Embed from Getty Images He will wear Lou Whitaker’s No. 1. Josh Harrison has played nearly every position on the baseball field. That is until he tried second base and found a home. Josh Harrison is the kind of veteran the Detroit Tigers need to help teach young players. The former Pittsburgh Pirate was a solid pickup.

A two-time All-Star Harrison is good with a glove and good with a bat. The Tigers brought him into Detroit because Josh Harrison is good in the clubhouse. Something that is critical when losses pile up.

That is something the rebuilding Tigers need. Josh Harrison signed a one year deal with the Tigers for $2 million dollars. He brings experience as well as being a high-energy player and by all accounts is a leader. Something the Tigers coaching staff will lean on for sure.

It should be somewhat of a comfort for Josh that the Tigers signed his former (now current) teammate and double partner Jordy Mercer to a one year contract as well.

The other reason for the Tigers reaching out and bringing the two-time All-Star in is that Detroit perhaps did not like what they saw early in Spring training. Be it depth or player. So there was serious thought into how to improve the team while still allowing young players to try and fail until they get it right.

Being able to plug a player like Josh Harrison into the lineup means that Detroit super utility player Niko Goodrum can remain on the bench and be available to pinch hit, pinch run, come in as a defensive substitution or give Mercer or Harrison a day/night off.

This in turn creates better depth. Another thing it does for Detroit is it gives them a serious trade chip at the MLB trade deadline. It is a good bet the Tigers will flip Harrison for a prospect or two which will further strengthen Detroit’s already flourishing minor leagues.

Josh Harrison has value in Detroit. It is unclear why he sat so long on the open market as a free agent. But Detroit is glad he did.