Tag: Detroit Tigers

Posted on

Glory be it’s spring training week for the Detroit Tigers

With the cold bite of winter that February has brought, there is a ray of sunlight that is coming from Lakeland Florida. Detroit Tigers 2021 spring training is set to kick off this Wednesday. There is a lot to go over as the organization takes steps towards coming out of the long rebuild. That will not happen in 2021. But what will happen when all is said and done, is the Tigers will be closer to being a good baseball team.

B Photos via Getty Images)

DETROIT, MI – JULY 04: Dillon Dingler #79 of the Detroit Tigers looks on while waiting to bat during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 4, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

For baseball junkies this is a great time of year. Yes, I said that the winter is a great time of year. MLB teams are set to open spring training this coming week. The Detroit Tigers are armed with new top prospects as well as a top five farm system. Here’s a list of the Detroit Tigers top 10 prospects:

1. Spencer Torkelson 3B/1B

2. Casey Mize RHP

3. Matt Manning RHP

4. Riley Greene OF

5. Tarik Skubal LHP

6. Isaac Paredes 3B

7. Daz Cameron OF

8. Dillon Dingler C

9. Joey Wentz LHP

10. Alex Faedo RHP

The Detroit Tigers are predicted to be one of the worst teams in baseball again this coming season. That is just fine. While that statement may shock some, it should not. The Tigers are still in a rebuild. Albeit, a rebuild that is closer to being done.

This is still a time when the organization can use top five draft picks.  This year the Tigers will pick #3 in the 2021 MLB Draft. This will be another opportunity to add more hitters to the pitching rich Detroit minor league system.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 06: Major League Baseballs number one draft pick Spencer Torkelson #73 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 6, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

As some top prospects will be getting a look this summer and some will be getting another look, this is not a wasted season by any stretch. This is a season where the Tigers front office, coaches, and players themselves will know just where they stand and how much work is needed to take the final steps in becoming a full-time Major League Baseball player.

This is also a season for fans of the Detroit Tigers to pay attention. To keep track of top prospects be it in the minor leagues or in Detroit. To pull and cheer for them while hoping the team plays bad enough to get another top five pick in next years draft.

It all starts Wednesday!!!!

Posted on

The Detroit Tigers need and expect top prospects to take another step in 2021

Last season the likes of Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Isaac Paredes and Daz Cameron debuted for the Detroit Tigers. This season those four players will not only be counted on more heavily, but the Tigers organization needs them to take another step forward in their development. Yet for the Detroit Tigers more top prospects will need to take steps forward as well.

With spring training just around the corner and the 2021 MLB season set to open April 1, the Detroit Tigers are going to keep a close watch on top prospects who are slated to arrive at some point during the up coming season.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 17: Matt Manning #83 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during Spring Training workouts at the TigerTown Facility on February 17, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Joining Mize, Skubal, Paredes and Cameron this season should be the likes of Matt Manning, Spencer Torkelson and perhaps Riley Greene. There most certainly could be others. But those are the names most associated with 2021 call-ups.

For the rebuilding Detroit Tigers, it is important that the group of four   prospects from last season show they have shaken off the jitters and awe of being in the major leagues for the first time and get down to what they do best. Producing.

For someone like Casey Mize who has a boat load of talent, he needs to find consistency and stay consistent. For Tarik Skubal the same. While Isaac Paredes and Daz Cameron need to show a better eye at the plate and get comfortable. When they did that last season they produced quality at-bats. The problem is as with many young hitters they looked lost most of the time.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 13: Daz Cameron #41 of the Detroit Tigers bunts during Spring Training workouts at the TigerTown Facility on February 13, 2020 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

A.J. Hinch, the Detroit Tigers  new manager and his staff will be fixated on getting the most out of the young players. Hinch has a good history of doing this. However, this season there will be more youth served in Detroit.

The aforementioned Manning, Torkelson and perhaps Greene could be arriving at Comerica Park this summer. That means extra work for Hinch and his staff. Something the new Tigers skipper has embraced much the same way he did when he took over as manager of the Houston Astros.

Success for the 2021 Detroit Tigers will not be measured in wins and losses. Not this season anyways. Success will be defined by top prospects growth.

Posted on

Detroit Tigers General Manager Al Avila, reveals his thoughts on two top prospects

There is no two ways around it. Detroit Tigers prospects Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson are going to be imbedded in the middle of the Tigers lineup for years to come. Recently Tigers General Manager Al Avila, has spoken where he intends the two to continue developing. One is a surprise move and one is about where many figured he would play the 2021 season.

Riley Greene, he of a very sweet lefthanded swing appears to be headed to Double-A Erie to play with the Seawolves. Given the fact that the 2020 minor league season was wiped out due to COVID-19, this is an extraordinary move. Greene who was part of the Detroit Tigers taxi squad last season, had a heck of a season/extended training camp.

Greene is just 20 years old and has really climbed the minor leagues faster than anyone in the Tigers front office projected him to. He is a very good gap hitter which will lend itself well in the spacious Comerica Park outfield. Greene also has above average power and is very good defensively.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 04: Major League Baseballs number one draft pick Spencer Torkelson #73 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 4, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

As for Spencer Torkelson, he will start the 2021 season in Grand Rapids with the High-A  West Michigan Whitecaps. Torkelson has not played any minor league games as of yet. But he has all the tools to have a good showing in Grand Rapids.

Torkelson is projected to move quickly through the Detroit minor league system. While Riley Greene, has surpassed him as of this moment, there is good reason to believe they both could arrive in Detroit with the Tigers at some point in 2022.

The two prospects are expected and project as middle of the lineup hitters. Both do not chase balls out of the strike zone, both players are gap hitter with power. It should be noted gap hitters who hit to all fields.

DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 11: Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Al Avila on the field prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on August 11, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Kansas City defeated Detroit 10-2. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Riley Green and Spencer Torkelson, are part of a future of Tigers baseball team that should be fun to watch.

Posted on

Baseball America unveils the Detroit Tigers top 10 prospects

Founded in 1981, Baseball America covers the game at every level. The popular publication which is released bi-weekly focuses on high school, college, Japan and minor league prospects. Baseball America is a go-to resource for MLB scouts, general managers and players themselves. The publication just released their list of top 10 Detroit Tigers prospects. Some names fans know and some new names have made the list.

The newest edition of Baseball America has a player all Detroit Tigers know well, top prospect Spencer Torkelson on the cover

The young Tigers corner infielder has unseated Casey Mize as the organizations top prospect. This after a 2020 season in which Mize made his major league debut.

While Mize is still on the list of top 10 Detroit Tigers prospects he has been passed by fellow starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. Skubal also reached the major leagues in 2020 and flashed some promising outings to give the Tigers and the fan base a look at the bright future for the left handed pitcher.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 18: Isaac Paredes #19 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 18, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

It should be noted the Tigers did have three prospects drop out of the top 10.  Shortstop Willi Castro, catcher Jake Rogers and pitcher Franklin Perez. The three players who exited the list opened the door for new faces.

The Detroit Tigers top 10 prospects now reads as such:

1. 1B/3B Spencer Torkelson (n/a)

2. LHP Tarik Skubal (3rd)

3. RHP Casey Mize (1st)

4. RHP Matt Manning (2nd)

5. OF Riley Greene (4th)

6. 3B Isaac Paredes (5th)

7. C Dillon Dingler (n/a)

8. OF Daz Cameron (7th)

9. OF Daniel Cabrera (n/a/)

10. RHP Alex Faedo (6th)

DETROIT, MI – JULY 06: Dillon Dingler #79 of the Detroit Tigers looks on while waiting to bat during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 6, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The draft saw the Tigers organization bring in hitters. Not just hitters but big time hitters as well as fill positional needs within the organization. Now armed with a top five minor league system and having the No. 3 overall pick in next summer’s draft, the Detroit Tigers future is looking much brighter.

Posted on

Detroit Tigers top prospect Spencer Torkelson is as advertised

Breaking a long standing record at Arizona State that was held by Barry Bonds, put Spencer Torkelson on the map. Drafted this past year No.1 overall by the Detroit Tigers, Torkelson headed to summer camp and was and is working on transitioning from first base to third. Now as part of a group of players at the Tigers instructional league, Torkelson is proving his worth.

This fall at instructional league play for the Detroit Tigers, Spencer Torkelson is batting third in the lineup, fellow Tigers first round draft pick Riley Greene is batting in front of him. Tigers fans should get use to that rather nasty 1-2 punch.

It is easy for young prospects to get lost as they try to advance through the minor leagues. Spencer Torkelson has had a well rounded, mature adjustment to professional baseball. “Torkelson is as advertised,” vice president of player development Dave Littlefield said. “He works the count well. He’s got power. He can hit. We’re trying him out at third base. He’s an athletic guy, great makeup, ballplayer.”

On Monday during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Torkelson stepped to the plate and flashed exactly what Littlefield described. Hitting a 375 foot home run, after which  Torkelson said he did not get all of it.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 11: Riley Greene #31 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 11, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson have bonded. They have become fast friends. That is important because they project as future All-Stars. They also project to be part of a formidable part of the Tigers batter order for years to come.

Both Torkelson and Greene are described as being very humble, level headed players who love playing the game and want to get better every day. This is the fun part of watching and tracking prospects. To see players growth is encouraging, more so because two of the Tigers organization’s top prospects are on track.

Posted on

The Detroit Tigers believe Franklin Perez still has a future role

Franklin Perez was one of the crown jewels of the 2017 trade that sent longtime Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros. Injuries derailed Perez’s development. The young pitcher threw just 27 innings due to injuries. Now healthy, the Tigers believe Franklin Perez has a future spot in the teams starting rotation.

At just 22 years old it is way to early to give up on Franklin Perez. When he arrived as part of the Verlander package, Perez was a top 10 prospect in the Detroit Tigers minor league system. Injuries and time missed saw Perez fall in the rankings and land at No. 14.

Perez’s pitch’s suggest he can be a solid three or four pitcher in  the Tigers rotation. If it were another team he could be a number two starter. The Tigers with excellent pitching prospects which includes Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Matt Manning may actually see Perez at four.

When healthy, Franklin Perez is very talented. The young right handed pitcher,   showed a lot of potential in summer camp, but his fastball was stuck in the low 90s and his command was off at times. There were still moments where Perez gave reminders of just how good he can be.

Once Perez can clean up his wildness and consistently throw the ball around the plate he should arrive in Detroit. The future of the Tigers starting rotation already looks solid. Throw a healthy, confident Franklin Perez into the mix and the Detroit pitching staff of the future looks downright scary.

DETROIT – MAY 4: Exterior of Comerica Park is pictured before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox on May 4, 2005 in Detroit, Michigan. The Red Sox defeated the Tigers 4-3. (Photo by Rich Pilling /MLB via Getty Images)

It is not out of the question all four of the Detroit Tigers top pitching prospects arrive at Comerica Park next season. However that shakes out. The Tigers are just about ready to remake the 2020 worst pitching staff in MLB and replace it with young talented pitchers eager to prove themselves.

When this happens fans will be able to finally see a light at the end of the long rebuild.

Posted on

The Detroit Tigers instructional league set to open

The Detroit Tigers vice president of player development Dave Littlefield, is in Lakeland Florida preparing for an onslaught of Tigers prospects to begin offseason development. This after there was no minor league baseball played due to COVID-19.

Detroit Tigers top prospects Spencer Torkelson , Riley Greene  and Parker Meadows all where chosen to participate in Toledo as part of the Tigers shuttle during the 2020 MLB regular season. Those top prospects will be in Lakeland as will 16 of the organizations top 30 prospects.

Some players are training for the first time since spring training. “They are shaking the rust off, there’s no doubt about it, Guys are in different levels of shape. It’s going to take a little time to get some of the timing back for the hitters, even the conditioning that’s necessary to play defense, or to be ready to throw off a mound,” Littlefield said during a ZOOM call.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 11: Riley Greene #31 of the Detroit Tigers bats during the Detroit Tigers Summer Workouts at Comerica Park on July 11, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

It is a needed activity for all prospects. To further development and to get back to baseball. It is safe to say because on the lengthy layoff players will be brought along slowly at the start.

For the prospects it is also a way to bond and create some chemistry as they had into fall ball or the offseason depending on each players developmental needs. Something that is needed in sports. Good chemistry leads to a better culture which in a perfect world leads to winning down the line.

It will be worth monitoring for fans and media. The Detroit Tigers have a top 10 prospect pool, those players are looking to take the next step in hopes of finding their way to the major leagues soon. For a city who’s sports teams are either just bad (Detroit Lions) or rebuilding Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons, prospects, drafts and free agents are about the only enjoyment until the teams are set to win again.

 

Posted on

Could former fan favorite Don Kelly be in line for the Detroit Tigers managers job

Detroit sports fan like their sports stars gritty to match the blue-collar feel of the Motor City. After all the fans insisted the city take down a mural of Detroit Red Wings Steve Yzerman because his face was touched up. Down it came and up went a mural showing all of Yzerman’s facial scars. Fans were happy. Former Tigers player Don Kelly was that sort of player and could be a solid hire for the Tigers.

Don Kelly played 544 games for the Tigers from 2009-14 mostly as a utility player. Kelly is not known for his heroic moments, yet is beloved by Tigers fans to this day. In the four years since Kelly’s playing days ended. The 40 year old has skyrocketed up the coaching ranks, currently serving as the bench coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

With Ron Gardenhire’s sudden retirement from the Tigers managers job Don Kelly “baby!” could be a solid choice to take over. Kelly started his post baseball career as a scout for the Detroit Tigers in 2017. A year later he was the first base coach for the Houston Astros. Now as mentioned a bench coach for the Pirates.

That is three big promotions in just four years. What makes Kelly valuable is his insight into multiple facets of the game, from a scout to a bench coach. Kelly knows many of the young players within the organization, as well as  understands analytics and can evaluate talent.

While Don Kelly only lacks manager experience his overall resume is solid and on par for a job opening. One more thing that I believe should be noted is that Kelly during his playing career  played every position on the baseball field. So he knows what he’s talking about.

LAKELAND, FL – MARCH 17: Don Kelly #62 of the Detroit Tigers bats against the Houston Astros during the spring training game at Joker Marchant Stadium March 17, 2009 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)

At just 40 years old Kelly is able to relate to younger players. He could be perfect to lead the Detroit Tigers out of the rebuild and back into contention. Also worth noting the Tigers general manager Al Avila said that he intends to interview former and currently suspended Astros manager A.J. Hinch for the managers spot. Could he bring Don Kelly to Detroit to be his bench coach?

That could set Kelly up nicely for when he does get a managers shot.

Posted on

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila says he will consider two currently suspended manger for the vacant Tigers manager position

Sports is a business of second chances, and sometimes more. The Detroit Tigers are in the market for a new manager with the retirement of Ron Gardenhire. Tigers general manager Al Avila said he is willing to consider two manager who are both suspended because of cheating scandals. From a national standpoint this could seem dicey. From an industry that is more forgiving it should be no surprise.

Alex Cora, who was fired as manager of the Boston Red Sox for his part in a cheating scandal that netted the Red Sox a World Series Championship  is being considered by Avila and the Tigers front office. It was Cora who was also in Houston and spearheaded the Astros cheating scandal when they won the 2017 World Series.

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: Alex Cora #20 of the Boston Red Sox sits in the dugout prior to Game Five of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

A.J. Hinch who was the manager of the Houston Astros, has accepted his part in the cheating scandal that rocked Major League Baseball. Hinch was also fired by the Astros. Hinch said he understands he was the leader and remained silent as the cheating was going on.

Al Avila also said that he has a long list of names he will consider. Something of note, A.J. Hinch’s suspension ends when the World Series is over in late October. Al Avila said he will not open interviews until, you got it late October.

Another point of interest in A.J. Hinch is that he is widely respected inside baseball circles. Yes, he absolutely should have spoken up and come clean about the goings on with the Astros. But, Hinch’s work with a then rebuilding Astros team beginning in 2015 lead them to a championship.

The Detroit Tigers of today nearly mirror the 2015 Houston Astros. A.J. Hinch has said if he had to do it all again he would have put an end to the cheating. He did not making him a rather interesting figure in the Detroit Tigers managerial search.

Other names Al Avila is said to be pondering are  Lloyd McClendon, former Marlins and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, Kansas City Royals third base coach Vance Wilson, Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Don Kelly,K.C.  Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol, former Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond, New York Mets bench coach Hensley Meulens and Chicago White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing.

Of those managers only Hinch has lead a rebuilding team out of a rebuild into the World Series. Tigers fans, if A.J. Hinch is named manger from that standpoint he would be a very good hire. From an integrity standpoint I believe it would be a good hire as again Hinch has accepted responsibility for what went down in Houston.

Thoughts.

Posted on

The Detroit Tigers will pick No. 3 in the 2021 MLB draft

No the Detroit Tigers were not the worst team in MLB this season. They were not good by a far stretch. No- No.1 pick in next year draft instead the Tigers will pick No.3 overall. The organization which is pitching heavy should look to add more bats. They are in good position to do so.

It is not the end of the world and does not hurt the Detroit Tigers ongoing rebuild to pick No.3. There are plenty of good prospects to choose from. In my opinion like this past Junes MLB draft the Tigers need to add more hitters.

This past June Tigers general manger Al Avila did a very good job of adding some much needed bats into the organization’s prospect pool. Spencer Torkelson, Dillon Dingler, Daniel Cabrera, Trei Cruz,  Gage Workman, Colt Keith made for an impressive draft class. Some of the 2020 draft class project as future All-Stars.

In order to push the rebuild along faster Avila must have another draft much like he did in 2020. The Detroit Tigers organization is void of any real answer at short stop. Also if Torkelson is going to play 3B as the Tigers say, then the team needs a clear cut first baseman.

Why is it important to stock pile hitters? Two reasons, first it creates competition with prospects. May the best man win if you will. Second, hitters who simply do not have a roster spot due to a solid MLB roster can be used a trade chips to fill needs.

While the draft is not until next June, it is difficult at this moment to try to figure out just who the Tigers will take at No.3. I do believe they will be picking more hitters than pitchers.

The Tigers are close to begin to win games and start to climb out of the bottom of the division. A few more bats will speed that up. That should be the main goal and focus of the Tigers front office.