alex

Looks about right. However, there is most often always going to be injuries. IMHO, unless JRogers wins the starting C position outright it would seem that he may need to get regular ABs, for at least awhile, because he did miss all of last season. CHernandez more than likely may have an opt out if he does not break camp. They may even have one (or more) invite(s) to bring into camp. The WBC will allow for a few players (in every camp) to get more 'look-see' time as well.

Cannot hurt to be stashed at AAA and see if he can improve a bit. Has big power, good arm and an athlete. 'Had' good plate discipline in the minors but not in his brief MLB stint. Maybe they can help his 'contact' game a bit at Toledo.

So there is an official date that players can be put on the 60 day IL that are currently on the 40 man roster? It would seem several teams may be going this route of course to give out a few potential MLB deals...

That is it in a nutshell - D2 (drafting and developing). Bingo! The International part also needs improvement. With said I too feel there is more overall depth and several players may be able to take a big step forward this summer. They also have 3 of the top 46 picks I believe. Should be an interesting period - one would think 🤔 ⚾ 🌤️

That is true, such things do happen for half a season (ala Orange Crush aka CShelton and many more). I do think they thought about it and felt it was worth the gamble to let RGrossman try to figure it out and 'maybe' increase his trade value. A.J. likes Robbie as well. I also think Thompson probably had a 'opt out' as Edman85 here mentioned. With said Thompson is a decent all around athlete (hence some CF last year on a very good team). He has power. However, he has not quite put it together consistently in the big leagues but has shown periodic flashes and hence not just a 'one time wonder' fallen out of the Majors (like so many others). This suggests to some people that he does have some ability to adjust. The Dodgers have liked him for awhile and saw something again last year and they re-acquired him (a good move for the WS contending team) AND they brought him back for '23 at 1.4M (I know, nothing for L.A.). All in all it would seem he has been a decent platoon player and the LAD have liked him so that says something.

All IMHO, 1) I do think Chris I. will make resources available when the time comes for player additions 'after' the team and organization is looked at and evaluated under the new leadership. I say that because as we remember after the second half of 2021 most all were on board with the direction of the team. Then things happened as an unusual amount of injuries took place and some players under performed. With said the Tigers did get: ERod, Javy, Chafin, Meadows, etc. To me that was a sure fire sign that Chris I. would do so if he (and the GM, Mgr, etc.) felt things were going in the right direction. FWIW, I feel they did potentially reach out to several FAs this off season (WContreras, WMyers, JSegura,... ) but the prices were much higher than anticipated (esp early on) and Detroit is not exactly a FA hitters destination at this time (ex the park and state of the team). Also, I do not believe SHarris would have come aboard if he felt this was the case in terms of extreme budget restraints (after a year or so of course). That kind of news, promising one thing and delivering another, would no doubt travel fast among the industry heads and that would make it very difficult to hire anyone worth their salt in the future. 2) For the roster, I feel A.J. had as much say on who to look at and potentially acquire as AA did (ex adding AMeadows at the end of the spring of '22). However, when it came time to select whom is to be on the roster itself during the season (proven vets excluded) then I feel that was more AA call. As mentioned here earlier, TThompson and KCarpenter may have been proof of that it would seem. Nobody is totally faultless and no one is to take all the blame in either case really. That is why sweeping changes were made throughout the organization. 3) To this end/now, I feel the club is heading in the right direction under SHarris and his new regime. It will take some time - but as I have said before things can change very fast. Just look at last years professional prognosis for both Detroit and Cleveland - a year ago at this time! Drafting and developing is the utmost importance here. You are talking about elite talents here on the field. Yes, we say so and so cannot do x, or so and so has to go. Yet, the bottom line is to get to this level, you have to be 'elite'. Remember we all knew the kid who was a can't miss in HS or college. We have to remember very few even make it to the show let alone succeed. So much of this is mental and the ability to adjust. Hopefully, we are identifying those who can 'recognize' this aspect in our player development additions and have proceeded accordingly. Controlling the strike zone makes a lot of sense, esp for offensive players (not for every player but by far for most). Again, for this long time fan, I feel we are on the right track. Some luck needs to take place as well. AA may have been a bit overly optimistic about some players in the org. for quite awhile. I cannot tell you how many times I remember him saying 'so and so can run like a deer or so & so has light tower power' - yet, he did ID some ex maybe the likes of ABaddoo (if he moves forward). With said I feel SHarris (and the new staff members, along with some returning ex RGarko) may be much more in tune to the identifying/developing talent process moving forward. Yes, we do not want to hear patience again and again - but maybe there is more hope this time. Go Tigs 🙂

Seems like an 'ok' move. Was thinking more like ERios as he has some upside (power upside) and is more a 3B/1B. Hernandez should not take too many ABs from younger players. We have to remember just because there are younger players around does not mean they should be getting 'all' the ABs. Heck, WCastro, VReyes, DHill, DCameron, CStewart, MGerber, etc., etc. were the younger players we were worrying about getting ABs 3-4 yrs ago, lol. Who knows one of them may still become a solid MLB - which Hernandez has been up until last season. The other thing is there are sooo many injuries this day and age. If we were to lose a vet or two (all clubs do) someone has to fill in for some of it. If CKieth, WPerez, RKriedler, etc. show they can play between MiLB & MLB time - they will get their chances I/we have to believe.

Was thinking similar. Yet, as KL2 just mentioned: I think TNevin warrants a good look, if they had not traded for him I would be even more for this exploration/idea. There is also the thought that they still 'might' be looking at ERios or even an invite for 'Moose' (both LHB & 3B/1B, Rios obvious more upside as younger). Yet here, IF the case, the player would have to chose to come to Detroit as well. One good thing about MAndujar is that although not a real strong defender, he can ad some diversity 3B/1B/LF (albeit similar to Nevin). He is still young enough (28 this yr?) and hit well at AAA as recent as last season. I believe he is at apx 1.53mil for the upcoming season IF they were to 'claim/trade' for him.

Good to know. Yet, every team should always be working on improving to some extent, even the little things in any organization, aka never content IF opportunity arises and sometimes that must be created as well.

Indeed ! - 😉 🛸

BTW, is there a link to the Tiger Talk WXYT/The Ticket/97.1 shows? I know they did one last night (01/09/23, PCaputo & DD) but I missed it... Thanks

Mystery Solved ! (Not!!) 🤣 However, I do wish WCastro (and all of the boys) well !

I posted this also at that time last year. I think sometimes too many people get caught up (including management personnel) in age and to not waste ABs on anyone over 29-30. Clearly he would of been an upgrade over some players that we did play in the OF - and were not part of the future. Hey, he is a RH hitting OF lol. Who knows what Trayce will do this year. He was pretty good everywhere last year and is a serviceable player - and the LAD thought/think quite a bit of him. I will put it in the file cabinet under 'Histories Mysteries'. 🤨 🌌 🛸

I do like the deal - but more importantly I hope we can help any combo of these younger player acquisitions take their careers forward - development is key they have some ability and are not total free swingers per say like many younger players have been around here recently. I agree either BAnderson or ERios still could help (IMHO, we need someone to bat 4 or 5 still). For LHRP, SHarris mentioned it might be someone more on a minor league deal - so maybe DNorris and/or ZBritton? Chaffin would be nice but... I would not think he has too much restriction to get/keep the payroll close to last year. It seems it is hovering in that area?

There is still plenty of time 😉 😄

This is IMHO actually quite good. Now they have these players as depth (I believe mtutiger and others here mentioned this philosophy before as well). FWIW, I believe they could have pulled Feliciano and/or Ibanez back if they were claimed and then just kept them on the 40, all without anyone knowing really publicly they had been claimed. Next they can add from here another waiver claim or two and/or add via FA or trade.

I think sometimes simply because, as you have mentioned, it seems on the outside that nothing much is really being attempted. I to have fallen to this 'appearance' That does not mean some FAs and trades came close to actual fruition. I for one believe WContreras was sought but that was during an early time (he would of checked off several needs: a type of cornerstone player, SHarris was familiar with him, C/OF, fourth place type hiter, etc.) and maybe the Tigs were not ready (actually totally surprised) at this years market for both the price and years it actually took (St Louis is a good organization and they looked at it and jumped on it). Where we 'may' disagree a bit is that ABs should be given to youngsters perhaps (ex Clemens, Kriedler, etc) and not to marginal FAs. IMHO, the youngsters will still get ABs (depth, injuries, etc.) but when (not if) that weaker perspective of depth is challenged - where do they go from there? Lesser ready youngsters - that is a recipe for disaster. Then we go back to 'trying to sign a quality or two FA next off season and you said it yourself... This team won 66 games last year... teams that are unsuccessful generally don't have the same kind of leverage that teams who win more games do. Last years Tigers likely stand as a good example... they won 77 games and did manage to have a decent offseason on paper in the free agent market. ... this predicament again is much less attractive for FAs (a constant 60+ W team as opposed to a close to .500 team). I am NOT saying top guys for 250 mil contracts (like Texas) need be done now per say. Just 2-3 mid level guys who can help win some games, take some pressure off, allow youngsters to develop and get the team 'closer' to respectability so the season for fans can be more enjoyable and a semblance of hope for competing can be there (esp in this division). This out of it by May 15th is not what most fans, players, etc. want. Also, if 'youngsters' are performing well (ex CKieth, PMeadows, WFlores, DDingler, etc. even a player like TNevin for that matter) - SHarris and A.J. will get them in the mix regardless of what 'modest' investments (if that) they put into 2-3 vet types (ex 5 - 10 mil ea if that). Again, IMHO, too many reasons not to get 2-3 vets to help in MANY ways. I have no doubt SHarris will do this soon via FAs and/or trades. You said it yourself several times - they still have time. Also, for the record, as I have mentioned many times here, drafting and developing is key and they will get more chances there as well with 3 of the top 46 picks this summer to go along with all the organization personnel they have changed in hopes to do this. 🙂 Go Tigs !

I think the main theme for the Tigers is and should be to develop young talented players. The appointed staff will have a chance to do so and their upgraded scouting will get a chance with the draft this year (3 picks in the top 46 or so?) to upgrade. IMHO, some of the players that under performed or could not perform last year hopefully will do better (Baez, Schoop, Meadows, etc.). However, there will be injuries. Right now there is little or no depth with position players. I just feel at this time there is a difference between having Clemens and Kriedler (at this point in his career), etc. on the field too often as oppose to say Brian Anderson or ERios and AJPollock or AMcCutchen (or a couple others). However, if the aforementioned players perform better, and Greene and Tork develop along with not having an abundance of injuries all over the diamond (like last year) the team could win as you mentioned 75 - then if you had a couple decent vets who do 'alright' the team could be closer to an 80 win team. With this comes some hope to compete in the division (this division), makes the season more enjoyable and it is more attractive to next years free agent class (ex having a .500 team as opposed to a 60+ W team - of course money talks but the chance to win helps). I bet SHarris has reached out to a few FAs, and Detroit is not a top choice because of the teams most recent record and the ballpark/location. I still think there 'will be' a trade or two and a FA signing or two - but the FA market is getting quite slim. There is a difference between a roughly .500 team and a 60+ win team. Just look at the Tigers themselves from 2021 to 2022.

Also Jon Gray I believe. They went all out for SP this off-season it seems. Maybe they need a little BP help as well? Josh Smith, EDuran, DHarris all make potential interesting young trade targets that could be available.

Trade Idea, Always much easier said than done of course, but may make some sense: NYM: GSoto, JWentz, JCisnero and a decent prospect (no one on MLB Roster) / or a top prospect (out of our top 5 for ex CKeith, IPacheco or maybe even JJobe). Det: BBaty, EEscobar (they just signed DMendick for utility) and HCarrasco / or MCanha (more so the top prospect here w/ Canha). Tigs get to fill out part of the lineup and top a prospect. NYM get salary relief (at some point they will seek it) and decent controllable arms. After we 'could' deal HCarrasco+ to a team needing a SP in some capacity for another decent prospect (ex Angels/JAdell, Tex/JSmith or EDuran). Just thought to float an idea... 🙂 ☃️ After all it is Christmas time, lol...

Yes. I agree, on each front. For this off season if they sign 2 of the decent remaining FAs and/or make say one more deal, for starting types - that is addressing the the MLB team.

IMHO, there will be a couple/few positional player additions before (or even during ST). Yes, it has been perhaps frustrating from a position player side in terms of additions - but SHarris strikes me as having a plan and that included positional player additions via Trades and or a couple FAs. Sure there may not be any 'needle' movers (on the surface) remaining (in FAs) but they are not going in with WPerez, RKreidler, KClemens, JRogers, PMeadows, etc. on the MLB roster when they more than likely all need AAA time themselves. The team is not 'tanking' and with the new draft order in place it makes no sense. Sure the likes of BAnderson, ERios, JProfar, GSancez, MGarver, AMcCutchen, BDuvall, AJPollack, TPham, JSegura, etc. are not 'exciting' per say but any two could still help win games while youngsters gain time at AAA - and a trade or two may be had as well for a younger player (and even a vet if willing to take on salary). Then towards the midway point of the season much will be reevaluated. Who has developed? who is behind? who could be moved? added? etc.

Yea, just heard/saw a short video excerpt from his platform interview that he (Myers) wanted to get to play at a place closer to home and that the ballpark was a factor. Cannot say for sure, but sounds like he may have had other offers.

Totally agree. 1B maybe some 3B, LF/RF... At this rate the end of next month - there may be no FAs left. I see Jeter Downs was claimed by WA. I would say patience is very important here - but it is getting frustrating. SHarris may have under estimated a bit how Comerica plays in the FA one year hitter contract efforts.

Yes, this is a good list. Can also maybe throw in a player like Joe Adell (Angels) and a few more. There hopefully will be some action at some point as the FA names are dwindling everyday (ex WMyers so far today. You would think we could of beaten that offer or the BDrury one as well. Yet, in either case maybe the park played a part also). I actually think Detroit more than likely has made a couple fair offers to FAs hitters - but nothing has come of any of them. Comerica is not a hitters first choice to build value (also just mentioned by ToddWert). Hopefully Detroit will not wait til everyone is signed - then other teams will also be on the trade train. Even if SHarris (or any FO chief) is on vacation I bet there are check ins and if someone is available the next in charge will be 'given the go' to proceed if something can be consummated. If opportunity knocks you have to be ready, just ask Steve Cohen, lol. Was he not in Hawaii (or somewhere) this past week but still got CCorrea?