Tag: Detroit Tigers

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With the third pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, here is a look at who the Detroit Tigers could take

The bad news, the Detroit Tigers rebuild continues. The good news it is closer to being over. More good news, the Tigers have the third pick in this years MLB Draft. In last years draft the Detroit Tigers went with all position players and no pitchers. Not on purpose mind you. The players selected kept falling into the Tigers lap and the team was right to draft them. So who might the Tigers select in this years draft? Let’s take a look.

It is at this point where I’d like to remind you of my sheer distain for “mock drafts.” They are rarely on point and are in my opinion an incredible waste of time to read and sift through. I prefer to look at the organization and see what needs they have. So here we go.

VARIOUS CITIES, – MARCH 12: A detail of baseballs during a Grapefruit League spring training game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Yankees at FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on March 12, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Many professional and college sports are canceling or postponing their games due to the ongoing threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers organization is set with pitching. In fact the Tigers pitching prospects are ranked #1. That said if (and it is a big IF) Vanderbilt pitcher Jack Leiter is there at #3 the Tigers should pounce. Pun and no pun intended.

Leiter would be an incredible addition to a future Tigers starting rotation already featuring Casey Mize, Matt Manning and Tarik Skubal. The fact that Jack Leiter threw a no-hitter this past Saturday makes it impossible he slides past #3.

Another player who would be welcomed in Motown is top high school talent short stop Jordan Lawlar. There is a lot of talk that Lawlar is not only the best high school prospect but that he is better than Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals.)

A Detroit lineup that features Spencer Torkelson, Riley Green, Isaac Paredes and Lawlar is enough to make Tiger fans drool with excitement. Those four would make a very good core to build around.

Next the Tigers are desperate for a catcher. If the team places this as a priority then University of Miami’s (FL), Adrian Del Castillo would be ideal. Del Castillo brings power and patience with hit hitting. With 39 extra base hits and 43 walks an 32 strike outs in 77 games played, makes him attractive at #3.

It should be noted of the players I mentioned both Leiter and Lawlar (even though he is a high school prospect) are closest to being MLB ready. In my opinion, if the Detroit Tigers select one of the three plays mentioned they will be better.

SECAUCUS, NJ – JUNE 08: The Draft board is seen ahead of the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft at MLB Network on Monday, June 8, 2020 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

With the #2 ranked farm system The Tigers are poised to add talent and have the makings of a very good baseball team. July 11–13, in Atlanta, Georgia is the date to remember as the 2021 MLB Draft is set to take place.

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The Detroit Tigers pitchers are being instructed to throw rising fastballs

Every pitcher from youth is taught to keep the ball down in the strike zone. Hitters like to hit the ball waist high and slightly higher. So it seems very counterintuitive that the Detroit Tigers pitchers are being asked to throw rising fastballs this spring. This is at the recommendation of Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. High fastballs? Really?

There is a method to the madness. As odd as it seems to have all pitchers (minor league included) learn how to properly throw rising fastballs it may be good strategy. I can only guess this is part of A.J. Hinch’s thought process.

If Detroit Tigers pitchers are pounding the strike zone with low fastballs, then a switch to a rising fastball could be effective getting a hitter to get under the ball and pop it up.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 21: Starting pitcher Michael Fulmer #32 of the Detroit Tigers pitches to Franmil Reyes #32 of the Cleveland Indians during the second inning at Progressive Field on August 21, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Casey Mize and Michael Fulmer have had rough patches this spring trying to hone the rising fastball. In fact both have been hit hard at times and given up home runs and extra base hits as a result of trying to find and hit location. Other Tiger pitchers have also had moments of frustration. Yet, Hinch is confident this will help the organization moving forward.

A.J. Hinch insisted that Houston Astros pitcher throw rising fastballs when he was the manager in Houston and won a World Series with a pitching staff that threw the pitch. In my opinion this is actually a smart move, as odd as it sounds and seems.

MLB hitters walk to the plate looking for low pitch’s. This dates back 152 years, as long as MLB baseball has been around. Imagine a pitching sequence something like this.

first pitch- fastball low

second pitch- change up at the knees

third pitch- rising fastball pop out to center field.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 25: Chris Fetter #52 of the Detroit Tigers poses during Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

This is what Hinch and Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter are trying to get pitchers to both see and apply. It is spring training and the perfect time for pitchers to work on adding pitches to repertoires.

It does not count against the pitchers stats due to spring training. There will be highs and lows when the season kicks off April 1, 2021. But given both Fetter and pitching repetition Detroit Tigers pitchers as well as minor league pitchers should improve on throwing the pitch as the season moves along.

 

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2021 Detroit Tigers season preview

As a Detroit Tigers fan, it is easy to get ahead of yourself. To look into the very near future and see what are now Tiger top prospects evolving into a very good baseball team. After all, MLB Pipeline has the Detroit Tigers farm system ranked #2. But, the reality is that there is the upcoming season to tend to first. Here is how I see it shaping out for the Tigers.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 25: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers poses during Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

First I believe Tarik Skubal will break camp with the Tigers and head to Detroit at the close of spring training. I also believe both Casey Mize and Matt Manning will head to Triple-A but will both spend time in Detroit. The future of Tigers pitching both starters and relief pitching is going to be very good.

This will be another long season in Motown. That said there will be excitement at Comerica Park this summer as other top prospects get call up to get their feet wet. Not to mention fans tracking other top prospects not at Triple-A such as 3B, Gage Workman.

In the past, Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch spent money on high priced, big name free agents. The late Ilitch’s son Christopher is now owner and has vowed that he to will spend money when the core players are close to being full-time major league ready.

With only Miguel Cabrera being owed $32 million per year for the next three seasons, Detroit is poised to dip into the free agent market this coming off season. With team needs at center field and short stop the Tigers can and most likely will target big names on the market.

New Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has put together a solid coaching staff. Hinch oversaw the final stages of the Houston Astros rebuild and took the Astros to the World Series just two years after being named Houston’s manager.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 25: A.J. Hinch #14 of the Detroit Tigers poses during Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers are in the final stages of a rebuild with A.J. Hinch in the dugout. They also have an owner who will spend money, and is armed with a very good prospect pipeline.

Better days are head for the Tigers. But first the 2021 season must be played.

 

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Detroit Tigers prospect Franklin Perez has lost velocity

When the Detroit Tigers traded star pitcher Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros in 2017, the Tigers received prospects (catcher) Jake Rogers, (outfielder) Daz Cameron and (pitcher) Franklin Perez. Perez was thought to be the centerpiece of the trade, which could stand to reason. At one point Perez was the Tigers top prospect. That was a while ago.

Franklin Perez, was a once can’t miss prospect. After his trade to the Detroit Tigers the injury bug hit Perez. 2018 and 2019 saw the young right handed pitcher miss large chunks of the seasons due to injuries.

Before injuries Perez’s fastball ranged from 92-92 mph. Yesterday, Franklin Perez took the mound for the Tigers and what proceeded next was nothing short of concerning. Perez’s velocity was way off.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 12: Franklin Perez #58 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during Spring Training workouts at the TigerTown Facility on February 12, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

In two innings of work, Perez threw four fastball at 85.8 mph, 86.3 mph, 88.9 mph and 88.3 mph. Nowhere close to his old 92-94 mph. What is puzzling is what has happened to the young pitcher. Perhaps, the past shoulder injury is to blame.

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was asked about the velocity issue and if he thought the velocity would return, Hinch’s reply was somewhat downtrodden “I don’t know, We’ll see.”

The fact that Franklin Perez has been healthy for a year now, is concerning. Last year at spring training Perez’s fastball hit 92 mph regularly. So the million dollar question is what happened.

“That’s one of the things we’re going to evaluate.” Hinch said after yesterdays spring game. Without his velocity Perez threw a steady diet of off speed pitches. Changeups, curveballs and sliders. But without a fastball a pitcher can only last so long.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 14: A detailed view of a Detroit Tigers baseball hat and glove sitting in the dugout during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on September 14, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Indians 6-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The hope is that the Detroit Tigers medical staff and pitching coach Chris Fetter can help Perez find his velocity. It would greatly help both the pitcher and the Detroit Tigers.

Here’s hoping they can fix the issue.

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Detroit Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch arrives at spring training and gives an update

Detroit Tigers owner Chris Ilitch made his yearly stop in Lakeland Florida, to visit the team and give an update to the day-to-day function and thought process going through a long rebuild. As usual when he spoke Ilitch’s words were honest and forthright. For the Detroit Tigers it is a pan they are sticking with, because it is proven.

As I have stated many, many times rebuilds are no fun. There is no way around it. I say that yet I actually enjoy watching rosters being built. Still for the average fan, rebuilds well suck.

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 09: President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings Chris Ilitch answers questions during the NHL Winter Classic press conference at Comerica Park on February 9, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

When the Detroit Tigers named Al Avila general manager, they knew full well this was going to be the direction the organization was trending towards. When Avila took over in 2015, the Tigers were a mess. An old team with bloated contracts and a pitiful minor league system. Avila got to work and now the Detroit Tigers boast one of the best minor league systems. The Tigers payroll came down as well.

Yesterday, Chris Ilitch spoked candidly and offered some insight. “When I look at what we’re doing, I think we’re on the right path,” Ilitch said. “Al has been clear from day one. He’s got a plan, and as an organization we’re executing that plan. It’s a plan that we know works. We’ve done it before, and it’s homegrown talent that is the foundation of championships. And so we continue down that path, and it’s exciting, because so many of our young prospects are now on the cusp.”

Ilitch went on to say, “The most difficult part is the patience. But I’m just like the fans I want to see our young players make the big leap. And it’s good to see so many prospects in camp today.”

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 13: Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Al Avila looks on during Spring Training workouts at the TigerTown Facility on February 13, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The key is to find (through the MLB Draft) a core group of players. Which was greatly helped by last years draft. Then fill in with big high priced free agents, which Ilitch said he will do after the said core group is identified.

I believe that the Detroit Tigers could begin to add bigger name free agents after the 2021 MLB season. As many top prospects will be and the verge of making the Tigers roster.

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Detroit Tigers Matt Manning fires two scoreless innings in spring training, what it does and does not mean

Yesterday the Detroit Tigers #3 ranked prospect, pitcher Matt Manning had a good showing. Sure it is only spring training. But, for Manning and the Detroit Tigers this is an encouraging step in the young pitches development. Manning is one of the prospects who will lead the charge out of the Tigers rebuild.

No matter if it is spring training or a regular season game, prospects tend to allow the game and moment to be bigger than them. That is why when Detroit Tigers prospect Matt Manning took to the bump yesterday, he had all eyes on him.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 12: Matt Manning #83 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during Spring Training workouts at the TigerTown Facility on February 12, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Manning did not let the moment be to big for himself. Instead he was calm, cool, and collected. Manning was firing strikes all over the strike zone. A very good sign. His fastball had life and was popping. Manning has always had a nasty curveball, which he showed off as well.

As I stated Matt Manning is the Detroit Tigers #3 ranked prospect, he is the #25 ranked prospect in all of baseball per MLBPipeline. Manning has a very smooth delivery and his  mechanics are generally spot on.

Matt Manning has a slider that bites in on hitters as well as the nasty 12 to 6 curveball he mixes in with a changeup and his fastball. Yesterday, Manning faced the Philadelphia Phillies for two innings. He did not give up a run and made a nice bare-handed play as well.

Manning’s fastball sits between 97-98 MPH. Yesterday he threw it 92-93 MPH, as many pitchers generally hold back a little during spring training. What stood out yesterday was just how good and how effective both his slider and curveball are. In fact he got two swing-and-misses with his curve.

It is a safe bet Matt Manning makes his first appearance in Detroit this season. He is one prospect Tigers fans have been waiting for. Sure Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal are as well, but both pitchers pitched for the Tigers last season.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 04: A detailed view of the baseball glove and hat used by Jeimer Candelario #46 of the Detroit Tigers sitting in the dugout during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on September 4, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Royals defeated the Tigers 7-6. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Once Manning gets his feet wet in the major leagues, the Detroit Tigers will be a step closer to ending a long rebuild.

 

 

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The Detroit Tigers are giving Isaac Paredes a legitimate shot at making the team

For the Detroit Tigers sixth ranked prospect, Isaac Paredes hitting has never been an issue. Paredes can rake with the best of them. Fresh off of posting huge numbers in the Mexican winter league. Paredes arrived in Lakeland Florida and the Tigers are ready and willing to allow him to earn a roster spot. Why? Because Isaac Paredes can help the Tigers.

Isaac Paredes will play in his first Grapefruit League game on Wednesday. This after sitting out the appropriate amount of time coming from Mexico to Florida due to MLB’s COVID guidelines.

LAKELAND, FL – MARCH 11: General view of Joker Marchant Stadium, Spring Training home of the Detroit Tigers on March 11, 2005 in Lakeland, Florida. The Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Yankees 10-7. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB via Getty Images)

Detroit Tigers first year manager A.J. Hinch said Paredes will start at third base, his usual position, on Thursday, then play second base this weekend. Paredes can also play the outfield.

Where Isaac Paredes will actually end up playing is a great question. But when a young player can hit like Paredes, you find a way to get him on the field. One thing it does is it gives Paredes multiple pathways to the roster.

A.J. Hinch said he feels that it would do both Paredes and the Detroit Tigers no good to send the young slugger to Triple-A. That any further development should and needs to take place in Detroit.

CHICAGO – AUGUST 19: Isaac Paredes #19 of the Detroit Tigers fields during his Major League debut against the Chicago White Sox on August 19, 2020 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images)

It was known when the Tigers traded for Isaac Paredes he was projected to be a very good hitter with power to all fields. In Mexico this past offseason Paredes had a confidence building winter ball season.

Paredes who hit just .220 with a .568 OPS in 108 plate appearances for the Detroit Tigers last summer, also had memorable moments and encouraging signs that pointed that he was close to producing more.

Then came winter ball in Mexico, and Isaac Paredes put on a show. Posting .379 average in 145 at-bats. Isaac also was first in on base percentage with .480 , he had doubles 17 , and on base plus slugging 1.060. He walked an eye popping 27 times against just 12 strikeouts in 177 plate appearances. Isaac Paredes also won the batting title.

This is what Tigers manager A.J. Hinch means when he said Triple-A would not do Paredes and the Detroit Tigers any good. Hinch may be right.

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With the end of his career in sight, Detroit Tigers Miguel Cabrera can reach two milestones

Miguel Cabrera is already a Hall of Fame player. He is one of baseball’s all-time great right handed hitters. Yet with any aging player, Cabrera has dealt with injuries the past few seasons. Time has caught up with “Miggy.” With the Detroit Tigers in a rebuild and the aging Cabrera in decline. It is not all bad news. Cabrera can reach two big milestones this season.

PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 15: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers argues with the umpires in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates while wearing the #42 to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game at PNC Park on April 15, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Miguel Cabrera is 13 home runs shy of 500 and 134 hits short of 3,000 hits for his career. If he was not already a Hall of Fame caliber player reaching two of baseball sure thing (as in the Hall of Fame) numbers would be the clincher.

It is never easy or fun to watch a player who was once the absolute best at the sport they played decline as the years roll on. That has been the case in Detroit with Cabrera, who has not resembled the player who was the American League back-to-back MVP Award winner in 2012 and 2013.

Miguel Cabrera  turns 38 years old in April. Yet for as much as Miggy loves playing the game of baseball, father time can be cruel. As injuries have piled up it has taken the Tigers star player longer to reach 500 home runs and 3,000 hits. Yet, Cabrera still showed up to rehab in order to get back on the field.

DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 27: A detailed view of the 2012 Triple Crown Award presented to Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers prior to Game Three of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants at Comerica Park on October 27, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. The Giants defeated the Tigers 2-0. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Tigers have a good minor league prospect pool. One that has Cabrera’s replacement in it. But when a player has accomplished so much, there is no need to bump him out of the lineup. After all when healthy Cabrera can still hit pretty good.

So baseball fans everywhere, will root for Cabrera from a baseball point of view. 500 home runs and 3,000 hits is an awesome achievement for any player on any team. They just have to fight father time or at least fend him off.

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is adding a new pitch and it could mean big things

Detroit Tigers pitching prospect Tarik Skubal made some starts last season in Detroit. As with many rookie pitchers, Skubal was up and down. Yet after some rough starts, Skubal started to figure things out and showed that he is close to being a very good starting pitcher. As one of the Detroit Tigers top pitching prospects Skubal seemed to have separated himself from the others. Now heading into the 2021 season, Tarik Skubal is adding a pitch to go with his other plus pitches.

This offseason, Tarik Skubal starting off trying to add a changeup to his pitching repertoire. Unsatisfied with the results he was getting, Skubal  changed gears and went in another direction. Like Detroit Tigers other top ranked pitching prospect Casey Mize, Skubal is working on adding a splitfinger fastball.

DETROIT, MI – CIRCA 1985: Jack Morris #47 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during an Major League Baseball game circa 1985 at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan. Morris played for the Tigers from 1977-90. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Tarik Skubal struck out 27.2% of the hitters he faced in the 2020 MLB season, 4.3  above league average for a starting pitcher. However there was a clear vulnerability to right handed hitters.  They hit nine of the home runs he allowed in 2020.

Skubal has a fastball early and often approach to pitching in general. A pitcher can get away with that in the minor leagues. In the major leagues it is totally different. A steady diet of fastballs first translates into a lot of baseball ending up in the stands. As Skubal witnessed last season.

When thrown correctly the splitfinger fastball can be a devastating out pitch. Much like the one Casey Mize throws and former Detroit Tigers pitching legend and Hall of Fame member Jack Morris threw.

While Tarik Skubal is still learning the pitch there are signs that he has it down. If a lefthanded pitcher like Skubal can master the splitter then suddenly the sky becomes the limit for what he will be able to do. It will also push his development forward quiet a bit.

Tarik Skubal has all of spring training and more than likely a few starts at Triple-A to hone the pitch. No matter how you slice it this can help both Skubal the the Detroit Tigers.

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Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is “taking the kid gloves off” young pitchers

When current Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch took over as manager of a young Houston Astros team who was starting to come out of a long rebuild (sound familiar?) he did so by unleashing the young Astros pitching staff. He did not limit pitches or put inning limits on the staff. Now on the first day of spring training, Hinch said he is going to do the same with young Tigers pitchers.

Just yesterday, Detroit Tigers General Manager, Al Avila said this will be the season that Matt Manning will be pitching in Detroit. Be it out of spring training or at some point early in the season. Manning will join top organization prospects Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal giving the Tigers and the fan base a true look at the future.

DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 29: Rookie pitcher Tarik Skubal #42 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning of game two of a doubleheader at Comerica Park on August 29, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. Skubal recorded his first major league win in the Tigers 4-2 victory over the Twins. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled for August 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to Friday’s postponed game, Robinson will be honored during today’s game. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

Back to A.J. Hinch. This would appear on the surface to be a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Meaning, If “taking the kid gloves off” young Tigers pitching prospects worked in Houston then Hinch is hedging a bet it will work again in Detroit.

New Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter will be charged with overseeing the talented group of young arms. Yet, Fetter will be getting instructions from Hinch. The age old question in baseball is how do you handle young pitchers?

Both Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal, spent time with the Tigers last summer. Both top pitching prospects took the typical rookie pitching lumps. With time under their belts the two enter spring training with a spot in the Tigers starting rotation.

CHICAGO – AUGUST 19: Casey Mize #12 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during his Major League debut against the Chicago White Sox on August 19, 2020 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ron Vesely/Getty Images)

Like the Detroit Tigers veteran pitchers, Mize and Skubal will not be limited. A.J. Hinch feels that the way young pitchers get better is by innings pitched and allowing the pitcher to fall flat on their face when they have a bad outing. That is how pitchers learn.

This is one storyline to keep an eye on during spring training and into the 2021 Detroit Tigers season.