casimir

Not an “on-the-bench guy”? How is that possible? Coaching staffs have half of a section in the stands reserved for games.

I never really noticed it.

So what is going on with the jump between AAA and MLB being that much more difficult? A residual result due to the COVID hiccup? Does the reduction of minor leagues factor in? Is it the undesired byproduct of the current state of baseball strategy?

Maton and Sands didn't work out. Vierling has. And Soto has returned to his over 5+ BB9 neighborhood. An everyday player in exchange for a volatile LHRP? I'll take that trade. Candelario was a decision that could have gone either way. They released him and he had a good season which culminated in a multiyear deal which has started out well. I'd have brought him back for his last arbitration season, but I understand that decision wasn't exactly a slam dunk. It happens. The relationship between Turnbull and the Tigers had soured to the point where he wasn't coming back. He hadn't had enough recent production to where he was a tradable commodity. So, he was released or non tendered. In terms of the transaction, it is what it is. Whatever happened behind the scenes, we don't and likely won't know for certain.

Its a small sample size early on, but he's getting good wood on the ball. So, combined with his ability to get walks, if this continues, he's going to find himself up higher in the lineup.

Thanks for looking out for dopes like me.

Yes, it’s possible he was rushed. He’s only 22, has only 300 PAs at AAA (which were good). Its a great contract if he’s worthy of being a starter. If he flames out, it’s a bit of a waste, although not to the magnitude as some other contracts (Martinez part 2, the back half of Cabrera’s contract, Baez, Zimmermann).

I remember this one from channel 50, WKBD? We might have gotten it down here across the border before cable.

I think most folks assume he won’t be the top flight ave that was hoped for. But the Tigers have him for two seasons after this. Can he still be a valuable middle of the rotation guy?

Oh, sure, the game of the series that I can’t follow. Thanks a lot, @Tigeraholic1.

That’s an idea. At the very least, it’s a thoughtful answer to a question without merely complaining to complain. So I appreciate that.

So schedule more day games.

@Dan Gilmore is the straw that stirs the stupid drink.

No argument here.

I think you forgot to use the sarcasm font.

Is it the process or the players (or both) that needed fixed/changed? I don't know.

I don't think some of what we are seeing is due to this. In fact, I think a lot of it is just poor fundamentals regardless of position. But something like McKinstry not covering 3B, that does fall in line with merry go round theory. However, what is Hinch to do with the roster that he has? Is there an everyday lineup that goes against both RHPs and LHPs with minimal platooning

The Tigers opened the season with Greene, Canha, Meadows, Carpenter, Vierling, and Torkelson among the 3 OF spots and 1B and DH. So, 6 guys for 5 spots, one of which was DH. Where does Martinez fit in there? Granted, there was some concern about whether Meadows would stick, and I think that's fair.

If Torkelson, Keith, and Baez hit more along the lines of reasonable expectations rather than their respective OPS+s of 69, 56, and 29, this team is currently in a wildcard spot. Those deltas alone have probably cost a handful of games when they are currently only 3.5 games out.

How can anyone be smiling at a time like this?

So, remind me, why was it necessary to lock up Colt Keith long term when this season was about evaluation?

The defensive foibles lately are wearing me down. I understand the offense is limited. Bullpens can come and go (although this version seems to be an extreme). But, please, field and throw the ball with some professionalism.

Well, they're only 2.5 games out, but that neighborhood is kind of crowded. The pitching staff strength is sort of crumbling outside of Skubal, Flaherty, Olson. The relief crew isn't what it was earlier. The lineup simply has too many holes. So, how close is 2.5 games out?

He overcame a tough childhood and depression along the way as well.