Tag: Detroit Tigers

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Detroit Tigers: one more really bad season and then………….

Embed from Getty Images As the Detroit Tigers enter another phase of the rebuild. Tiger fans want to know when they will begin to see light from the darkness. Here is a hint. One more really bad season.

 

As both game attendance and t.v. rankings dropped. The Detroit Tiger forged ahead with a rebuild that seemed was going nowhere. It will feel like it again at the start of the 2019 season.

 

By the time the 2020 MLB season rolls around the Detroit Tigers will begin to emerge from the bad baseball and begin to resemble a young talented team.

 

In all 5-7 years of bad baseball will come to a halt. That is the price Detroit must pay for keeping a winning team on the field for  years.

 

Heading into 2019 new faces Christian Stewart (OF) and Grayson Greiner (C) will be in the every day lineup. I think Detroit Tigers fans will also see the arrival of pitchers Beau Burrows and a few relief pitcher.

 

2020 the rest of the franchises top prospects will arrive. Franklin Perez, Casey Mize, Matt Manning will be starting pitchers in what will be a nasty rotation.

 

Also expect to see Isaac Paredes, Willi Castro, Cody Clemens and Jake Rogers. Will be inserted into the playing field at some point in 2020.

Then the lumps will come. The kids will need to grow up. That means taking their lumps as they learn everyday MLB play. It is absolutely needed.

 

It goes without saying the Tigers will be signing big name free agents by 2021. Tiger fans can also count on general manager Al Avial to make a trade or two.

 

When the dust settles the Detroit Tigers will be made new. Young and more athletic. Then the wins will begin. Hang in there Tiger faithful. The reward is going to be great.

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Detroit Tigers: prospects getting tough love

Embed from Getty Images In an attempt to prepare top prospects to take the next step. The Detroit Tigers are tutoring pipeline players in Florida. It starts now. It has to.

 

For the rebuilding Detroit Tigers, player development is taking center stage.  Tigers player development manager Dave Littlefield is spearheading the charge. Noting that this is what is best for the players and the organization. Littlefield should know, He oversaw a Pittsburgh Pirates minor league that went on to push the parent team to solid play.

 

Growing pains come with every team in every sport. Players come, players go. But when a team is rebuilding and it is all hands on deck. It is paramount development takes place and players begin to play fundamental ball.

 

In his short call up outfielder Christian Stewart missed the cut-off man and a run scored. Manager Ron Gardenhire was less than happy. Gardenhire said the minor leagues need to get back to basics.

 

Gardenhire, had seen his fair share of sloppy fundamental ball. And was the one who was voicing both his concern and displeasure. He wondered out loud just what the Detroit Prospects were learning. As the major league manager Gardenhire is well within his rights to have his voice heard.

 

While there is not enough days to work with and teach all of the Tigers prospects in one offseason. Ron Gardenhire said next season nothing is off the table. That includes in-game benchings.

 

It is not that mistakes were and are made. That is life. It is and was the fact that players made no adjustments. Sometimes good old fashion tough love is needed. These are the tough love time for the Tigers.

 

These are the right steps for the Detroit Tigers to take. Better player development as well as tough love. Something needs to break through to the players. The Tigers never really did in-depth player development in the past. It is high time that changes.

 

The team traded top prospects to win division titles. That is the old way of doing business not only for the Tigers but all MLB teams. Teams have started to put a premium on prospects in order to win and stay on top longer.

 

That is a much more sound way of doing things.

 

 

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Detroit Tigers: preparing for next season

Embed from Getty Images With year one of the Tigers rebuild in the books. It is time to look to next season. A season Tigers fans will see flooded with more top prospects by seasons end.

 

With many of the organization’s top prospects graduating during the 2018 season. The rebuilding Detroit Tigers are one step closer to being a contending team once again.

 

With two bad seasons now behind them. The Detroit Tigers are looking at 2019 as a bridge year to a brighter future. Given the talent in the Detroit farm system that is exactly what next season will be.

 

It is highly likely the Tigers will not be aggressive in trades or free agent signings until after next season. Still Tigers general manager Al Avila recently said “you can’t have a lineup of .200 hitters.” So it is possible the Detroit field architect will sign a middle infielder this offseason.

 

The start of next season will look an awful lot this season. Up and down play. As the season moves along Tigers fans will begin to get what they have been waiting for. Fresh top talent at Comerica Park.

 

Some player will arrive as soon as Memorial Day. It is very likely that when the roster expands next September the kids will have taken over. Casey Mize, Beau Burrows, Franklin Perez, Matt Manning, Daz Cameron and Isaac Paredes will have punched their Detroit ticket.

 

That is what is needed in a rebuild. The difference is Detroit is doing it the right way. Moving prospects up the chain after they have shown they have mastered a new level.

 

By the time the 2020 MLB seasons rolls around the Detroit Tigers will once again be heavy favorites to win the division. It will be one of the fastest rebuild in the modern baseball era. The Tigers will be the blueprint. They took what the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros did. Only the Tigers have done it faster.

 

I have seen the talent in the Detroit Tigers system and it should scare teams. They are set to be very good for a very long time.

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Detroit Tigers: bringing Ron Gardenhire and his staff back

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Tigers brought in manager Ron Gardenhire to oversee the teams rebuild. Gardenhire, is known for his work with young baseball talent. Headed into year two of the rebuild the Tigers are bringing back the entire coaching staff.

 

Signed to a two year contract before the start of the season Ron Gardenhire and his staff were brought in to help the first wave of the Detroit Tigers prospects and prepare them for day to day play. Something he and his staff have tackled head-on.

 

The Tigers players love Gardenhire. They say the clubhouse has a  close-knit chemistry. Something that has always been associated with Gardenhire. There is good reason for that. He is a players manager.

 

Ron and his coaching staff have been together since his days as the Minnesota Twins field boss. Players enjoy the staff’s hands on approach. He is still beloved in Minnesota to this day. He has endeared himself to the Tigers faithfuls as well.

 

In year two of the Detroit Tigers rebuild, another wave of prospects is expected to make the team out of spring training next season. They and the Tigers organization will lean into Gardenhire’s teachings. As many five prospects will be in Detroit before then end of next season.

 

Good prospects, good management and a good manager. That is where the Detroit Tigers are. Many of the franchises top prospects will begin to invade Comerica Park at some point next season.

 

Some will make the team. Others will get a look during the season. General manager Al Avila will count heavily on Gardenhire’s knowledge. As he will be the guy to tell them when a player is ready to make the jump from the minor’s to the majors.

 

When the dust settles on the Tigers rebuild. Ron Gardenhire and his staff very well could be out of the Motor City. But his finger prints will be all over the Tigers roster. For the better.

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Detroit Tigers: Christian Stewart providing a boost

Embed from Getty Images Detroit Tigers outfielder Christian Stewart got a September call up. He has simply put, been on fire.

 

Two homer runs. In the same game. In the same place in the ballpark. Christian Stewart is living up to his billing. Stewart has “Stupid power,”  according to teammate Jeimer Candelario. Christian had big crowds around him during pregame batting practice. His own teammates, Detroit media, as well as players from the opposing team and their media.

 

Christian Stewart is a key part of the Tigers rebuild. He still has issues in the field and does not run all that well. But a player with the hitting tools Stewart has at his disposal will always have a roster spot.

 

In his Detroit “cup of coffee” (fancy, yet odd way of saying getting a look for next season.) Stewart has 43 at bats, 5 runs, 10 hits, 2 home runs, 7 rbi and 6 walks. Hitting .233.

 

Christian Stewart is not going to hit for average. That is not his job and the Detroit Tigers did not draft him to hit .300. Stewart will come close to 40 home runs and 80+ rbi’s. That is the reason the Tigers drafted him.

 

His most likely destined spot in the Detroit batting order is fourth or fifth. That is where power and rib’s are needed. Stewart has shown he can handle it. He still needs to learn to lay off the high stuff. He does chase balls out of the strike zone at times.

 

But when he is locked in he can do some serious damage. As I alluded to before. Christian Stewart is a big part of the Detroit Tigers rebuild. Even if my gut feeling is correct and he is just a designated hitter (D.H.) The spark he can provide is enough to warrant hype.

 

While not my absolute favorite player in the Detroit Tigers pipeline. I do like Christian Stewart a lot. He will be a HUGE asset when the Tigers come out of their rebuild and begin to play relative baseball in the near future.

 

He is one of many reasons to continue to follow the young Tigers through the process of getting better. I fully expect Stewart to break camp with the Tigers next season. With Tigers D.H. Victor Martinez retiring Stewart could slide into that role seamlessly.

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Detroit Tigers: owner Chris Ilitch is pleased with the rebuild

Embed from Getty Images He does not speak about his teams very often. Yet Chris Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings spoke about his baseball team. He started by saying he has no intensions of selling the Tigers which had been rumored.

 

The Ilitch family is and has been fully committed to the city of Detroit. The work they have done is stunning. The city has not given him any heat for rebuilding two  of the cities most treasured franchises at the same time.

 

Ilitch ordered  the farm system to be replenished. While the Tigers are now moving closer to the middle of the rebuild there is still work to do and salary to shed.

 

Since he gave the order. Chris and Detroit Tigers fans have seen the teams franchise go from 30th ranked to 9th ranked. That is an incredible one year jump.

 

The Tigers are still on a three year projection to return to competitive baseball. This time around they will be younger and the winning will last longer. MLB teams have placed a premium on home grown talent. Sure teams will still sign a free agent. Maybe even two. But even the mighty New York Yankees have come to understand that keeping and not rading blue chip prospects is the way to go.

 

The Detroit Tigers farm system is pitching heavy. The best in the minors. They have some bats as well. Rebuilds are not fun. But the fun will soon return to Comerica Park.

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Detroit Tigers: minor league player of the year

Embed from Getty Images I feel like a broken record in talking about Detroit Tigers minor league phenom Isaac Paredes. Yet, here we go again. This time I have backing. Parades is the Detroit Tigers minor league player of the year by a landslide.

 

The single greatest thing that Isaac Paredes has going for him is his age. 19 years old. The other great thing is Paredes’s raw talent.

 

In the pitching dominate Florida State League. Isaac belted 12 home runs. That has not happened in a long time. The Florida league is all about pitching.

 

As the season moved along Isaac Paredes was moved to Double A. The Erie Seawolves. Isaac, posted even better numbers. he boasted a .319 batting average in 36 games. He also has a .404 on-base percentage and an .858 OBS.

 

While the Detroit Tigers are still trying to figure out where he will play in the field. The organization is toying with a corner outfield spot next season. With his bat Paredes could very well see time at Comerica Park late next season. He is that good.

 

The Detroit Tigers, got a heck of a baseball prospect when they acquired Paredes last season from the Chicago Cubs. He is my favorite prospect in the farm systems and has future all-star written all over him.

 

Isaac Paredes, will be a catalyst for the next wave of competitive baseball in Motown. Fans should go ahead and get familiar with Isaac now. Because when he arrives in the Motor City they will stand and cheer. A lot.

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Detroit Tigers: are losing again and that is a good thing

Embed from Getty Images While I do believe the Detroit Tigers are as bad as their record. I also believe they may be tanking a bit. Giving the franchise another top 5 draft pick in  next June’s MLB draft, and that is alright.

 

In a week that saw the Tigers finish 1-5 against teams that were suppose to be worse than them. There is little question the tank is on. As I have stated before it is the quickest way to competitive baseball. Like it or not.

 

It seems the Detroit Tigers front office, has chosen bad unwatchable baseball over wining. For the Tigers too add to an already rising minor league systems this is the best rout for the organization to take. To the dismay of some of the fan base.

 

In a season that has seen Matt Manning, Alex Faedo, Christian Stewart, Jake Robson, Daz Cameron, Kody Clemens, Isaac Paredes dominate in the minors adding another top 3 draft pick would do nothing more than speed up the rebuild.

 

Impatient fans will try to say Tigers general manager Al Avila has not done enough or done things fast enough for their liking. That is a joke. In today’s MLB it is all about drafting assets and developing that talent to keep them together for a prolonged playoff run.

 

It will not happen next season either. The Detroit Tigers, are on a 2020 trajectory for a return to competitive baseball. There is absolutely no reason to rush player development.

 

There is also no reason to think Al Avila is doing a bad job. Baseball rebuilds take time. When done right, it is well worth the wait. When the season started the Detroit Tigers minor leagues were ranked 30th. They are now #9.

 

#9 staring at another top 3 draft pick. Detroit is doing this the right way. That is good news.

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Detroit Tigers: prospects keep moving up

Embed from Getty Images For all intent and purpose the Detroit Tigers season is over. Losing has final taken it’s grip. The good news though is Tigers prospects continue to shoot through the system.

 

I go from Franklin Perez to Daz Cameron,  in which player I like more. Both Detroit Tigers prospects came to the organization via the Justin Verlander trade last season. Perez a starting pitcher has been hurt most of this season though still widely considered a can not miss prospect.

 

Then there is the dynamic center fielder Daz Cameron. Though rated as the Tigers #7 prospect I have him higher. As in #5. He may very well be the centerpiece of the Verlander trade. Cameron went from High A ball, to Double A, Erie Seawolves and today has been promoted to Triple a, Toledo Mud Hens.

 

Cameron demanded to promotion with his play. In 53 games, Daz is hitting .285,  five home runs and 35 RBI along with 22 stolen bases. Daz Cameron is the son of former MLB center fielder Michael Cameron. Daz is that good.

 

Also on the move in the Detroit Tigers pipeline is 2B Kody Clemens and OF  Brock Deatherage who are moving from Single A, West Michigan Whitecaps to High A, Lakeland Flying Tigers.

 

Also on the move is outfielder Parker Meadows. He appears headed from Gulf Coast League to Penn League affiliate. the biggest mover is SS  Wenceel Perez. Wenceel, at 18 years old has made a big impression. Hitting .317 the   Dominican Republic native looks like a tremendous pickup.

 

Even in a rebuild there is a lot to keep and eye. The Detroit Tigers minor leagues have some very good talent. Talent the will soon find itself on the Comerica Park field.

 

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Detroit Tigers: a look ahead to the 2019 MLB draft

Embed from Getty Images As the Detroit Tigers continue to sink in the standings. Top  prospects have performed outstanding and give promise to a brighter tomorrow. Looking at a top 5 draft pick in next June’s draft.  Here is a few names to keep in mind.

 

Drew Mendoza, 3B, Florida State: As a sophomore Mendoza hit .313 with 7 home runs. at 6’5″ scouts doubt he will be able to stay at 3B most likely headed to the outfield.

Bobby Witt, SS, Has as much hype as high school SS  Brice Turang, had heading into the 2017 draft. Bobby Witt is a five tool player. High school players are tougher to evaluate than college players. One thing is for sure Witt will not make it out of the top five draft picks.

Riley Greene, OF, another high school player with four tool talent. Greene is widely viewed as the best pure hitter in this draft class. Average defender who can play both right and left field.

 

With the Detroit Tigers pipeline stacked with outstanding pitching I can not see them taking a pitcher in the first round. Yes, teams need to draft pitchers every year. But the Tigers need bats to keep the rebuild balanced. I full expect one of these three players to be wearing the Old English “D.”

This will help speed the rebuild up and keep fans interested. The Detroit Tigers are looking at 2020 to start playing competitive baseball again.