alex

Looks like Wilmer Flores may sign a two year ext with SF. Was thinking, along with others here, that he might be a fit. 🤨

Nice game to watch today. Nice win for the Tigers! ☺️ Perhaps, just perhaps, 'Some hope for their future.'

The Tigs people will look at him now. Lets hope they have a decent crystal ball to go with all the analytics.

Tigers claim Inf Luis Garcia from Phillies: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/ https://www.milb.com/player/luis-garcia-677593

I can see this as becoming the more trend with FA players. More opt outs as well. Teams have to be getting smarter business wise to not sink 10+ year deals with post 25 year olds... The exceptions, IMHO, will be home grown talents (or by trade) that are under 25-26 ex JRodricuez, FTatis Jr., etc.

Heck, just for giggles, look at Trayce Thompson, 08/24/22, who now has a bit of a larger sample: https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/baseball/mlb/player/20516/trayce-thompson

IMHO, I agree with what you mentioned. There is also the fact that there was 'zero' in terms of and then later the beginning of inter-league play. As you mentioned access to data has changed so much. Now most all clubs know so much more.

If this was the case - we do not need anymore of that inability. We have to develop our players and the next GM needs the knack of being able to negotiate a trade.

Heck, one could even ask: 'Who would you rather have at this point - AGimenez and ARosario or FLindor, all at the current contract costs?'

IMHO I believe if the Tigers were in first place or say maybe even 5 games out from a wildcard right now many fans/posters would think our 'prospects' are better simply because there would not be as much of the 'disappointed feeling for this season' carry-over and that perhaps that in and of itself might be clouding a bit of the overall team/organization perspective. I do agree we may have more overall depth to the farm (and better potential MLB players) but we need to start developing players out of this system - or it is not going to matter who we have as a GM, Mgr, trade for, sign as a FA, etc. in order to contend.

Hmm, I thought a bit about this myself. IMHO, it seems the Tigs (as do many even here) may feel if a guy is not south of 25 yrs old maybe they are wasting their time as the 'future' is not with that player. With said, teams, and this includes 'good' teams as well (ex with this case) always have players that are not cornerstone franchise players ex platoon, take a chance on types, depth options, etc. Thompson (31 yrs old) may not have gotten another chance with our organization and for him it was best to get this chance as the LAD knew all about him and he had helped them in the past. He probably could of helped a bit this year, again IMHO, but this team has to see and let a few others play ex Baddoo, Daz, W. Castro, etc. and see what they have - all who are young still and from there are either part of next year, minor league depth or DFA (ex DHill). I felt Kevin Padlo, 1B/3B/some power, 26 yrs old, DFA by Seattle just recently may have been worth a chance (because Seattle plucked DHill). The Pirates nabbed him (so we passed on him) and Pit IS moving forward with what they are doing as well - sooo someone else thought enough of him to take a chance.

You never know for 2023. If they find another shortstop or even someone in house (ex RKreidler) they can then 'move' Javy to 2B. If he does 'not' like that - then he can opt out if he likes after 2023. Perhaps Javy can make an adjustment and/or a more focused/mental approach change and also there will be less shifting so more of a true SS positioning is equated there as well and he gets to his norm. He is talented. He may have focus restraints in the field just like at the plate with all the off the strike-zone sliders he chases. IMHO, maybe Javy could also be a 2B (or even 3B) in the future...

IMHO, I disagree about the trade aspect and negotiating. Yes, the scouting group can can suggest so and so in a trade - but AA has to be able to negotiate the trade for who is suggested. He has to be able to say if not A for B well, then who might you want to see in addition? You go from there. Example: If someone wanted at this past 2022 deadline MFulmer or another RP or Fulmer and another RP and say it was the LAD, we say of we want OF APages (or whomever from whatever team). Then what player(s) from our farm system might you (LAD) like to add to balance this out and A, B and C are off limits (whomever the Tigs deem NOT to trade). I just think AA way overvalues his own prospects and just not enough 'tactful' negotiating with another GM is done to get the guy we want (ex suggested by scouts). ALL players are available. We are NOT developing many position players at all. If there is a guy out there, and I am not saying another orgs no. 1-2 prospect pers say, and we think he could help, that player has a value - but so does the RPs that team seeks (from the Tigs) and another 1-2 prospects of their choosing that we could add. Again, I 'do' think AA has value to be part of the organization - I just have not seen the ability to get young MLB ready prospects from another team that we may want to add to help form our nucleus.

Well put and some good points. I am 'cautiously' optimistic as well. It just seems in today's game and the depth that organizations go to with data, positions created and filled, etc. that even if strong in several areas a weakness or two can be glaring and even crippling. This makeover does take time. Bigger changes/additions have only been more recent - but in today's world patience is not for long.

Seems that Al does have 'some' scouting ability. He is a 'baseball guy'. He can go get a player if they are a FA or released and the boss gives him the green light. IMHO, I still feel he has a place in the organization and could still help. Actually, I, as did many, felt that the team took a good step forward last year. Hinch and staff, the performance of certain players and young SPs coming on. I/many felt that the 2021-22 off season acquisitions were pretty sound as well (Barnhart, ERod, Baez, Chafin, Pineda and Meadows) but injuries (a whole other story and IMHO rosters need to be expanded to 27 or 28) took a real toll and much regression took place with others, for whatever reason. However, it does not seem at all that AA has the ability to negotiate the 'art of the deal' with other GMs. To be creative in his thinking (ex 3 team trades, etc.) and think outside of the box. Something is missing here. The Tigs, IMHO, could of obtained a player to help for the future 'if' they perhaps would have included a prospect or two of their own at this last deadline. Way too many deals were done with creativity and we just flat out 'whiffed'. AA, IMHO, is also very loyal and hence slow with making decisions ex batting coaches, certain people still have his ear in the front office, others have been here perhaps too long in other areas, etc. Hopefully Chris I. can see some of this. I feel A.J. now understands much of this - and he may have even more say in the future. Yet, again, AA still may have a place with the the organization - however it may time for a new creative GM who can negotiate deals with others, who is not afraid of change and up to snuff with the game of today (ex injury understandings as depth is needed throughout - how long can Harold keep playing 1B, lol). Go Tigers !

Hmm, Toronto just aquired two RPs from the Marlins. Maybe more control of course for for those arms in terms of years. They gave up a top 100 (#82 JGroshans) who may be fairly close to MLB ready... In the end here, if AA cannot pry away an MLB/prospect ready type talent, it is more like Fulmer for a JD Davis type deal?

IMHO, maybe Fulmer and/or perhaps Chafin could be dealt. However, I would like the Tigs to try to get a position player that can help soon. The Tigs may need to add a prospect or two to sweeten the pot. AA overvalues prospects. How many position players have we developed over the last several years - despite what 5-7 years of drafting under this regime! Simply an example, if the Tigs like 3B/1B MVientos of the NYM, and they like Fulmer and/or Chafin, agree on 1-2 prospects from our system and get it done. Maybe C SCampusano of SD, etc. The Twins get it. They just gave the O's 4 young players for their closer. IMHO, they have a chance to perhaps get a young position player 'now' as teams do want 'bullpen help' this time of the year more than ever... add what needs to be to the RP package and get a player who is on the cusp and perhaps blocked at their respective position on a contending team. If this regime cannot do this, then someone needs to look at the GM and more and make a decision!!

On the surface this may be true - IMHO, the Tigs can sweeten the pot by 'adding' 1-2 of thier own prospects (ex CSantana, ROlson, GWorkma, CKeith, etc. even DDingler) and get a more ML ready hitting prospect. They cannot think they have 'Gold' again with 'all' their prospects. After all we have not been very good at getting position players to the big leagues and succeeding! Create a package based on the RP (or two) a team wants. Tigs pick a player they like who might be close (MLB wise) and is perhaps blocked now (ex SD LCampusano, LAD MVargas or APages, etc). Even a player like CBiggio might help us - higher OBP, some pop and speed, can play a few positions. It may not be easy but if they work it... Again, those old adages: 'You can never have enough P' or Everyone is looking for P'. IF they can get creative and put together a package they might get a decent hitting prospect back.

Well put. Seems to often, goes back to, besides obvious first round picks (Greene and hopefully Tork) this org is simply 'not' developing position players. Why? is this just AA fault? Cannot be. Many teams develop players from 2nd, 5th, 10th+ rounds here and there... Even looking at this - where is this organizations drafting and development fruits? IMHO, if they have to add 'prospects' with any RP(s) from the farm (Workman, Kieth, Olson, Dingler, etc.) then perhaps do so to get a 'better' prospect from another organization in any deal. Would we see the aforementioned names anyways 'develop' with this teams track record?. Simply an observation.

IF dealt (TSkubal), I would think/hope (as many would) they might lean more towards already (or very close) MLB bats. ex St L NGorman and say a SP MLiberatore and another lesser 'viewed' bat (maybe we add a RP?)... or LAD MVargas and/or APages, MBush, etc, type of deal... NO prospects that are in A ball. That really could be the beginning of another 'rebuild' in the eyes of many. Heck, if they need to add a prospect or two to any RP(s) dealt to get a closer 'bat' as well then they should seriously consider it (ex Workman, Kieth, Santana, Olson, or even Dingler). SDs LCampusano is very close to MLB ready... I have wondered often why we do not seem to develop any position players around here besides the very obvious 'draft picks' (Greene, and hopefully Tork).

I would agree with that.

Totally agree here. Also, why not 'add' a prospect (the Tigs have a few) and/or another player or two to help land the type of prospect player (on the cusp) we will want with ANY trade. AA cannot overvalue 'prospects' this deadline because teams will be/are knocking on the door asking about many of the RPs.

Agree. IMHO it would be wise to get a position player. We have multiple relievers and a few decent prospects to 'create' an attractive package of some kind to get a potential bat for a position of need. Old adage "Everyone is looking for pitching" - so let us hope this holds come trade deadline (and/or before). AA (and staff) may have a chance here.

IMHO You both have points. No guarantees either Tork or Kellenick are going to be a continued MLB success (though both very strong potential to do so). With said Detroit might have a shot if 1) the Mariners feel they have a real chance 'this year' and 2) they would have to add a prospect or two that Seattle values. Heck they may be ok with Daz (maybe better so far in MLB than Kellenick) and still another more highly touted prospect (at this time). From that perspective it might end up being a 3-4 for 1 and another 'lesser' player from Seattle - but this is the type of deal AA may need to pull off. The Tigs GM may need to get something done at this trade deadline. Standing pat may be just a continued disaster and 'no' attempt to improve may lead to his demise. At least a solid deal or two is an attempt to get back on track for him (staff included) and the team. Again the old baseball adages: "You can never have too much pitching" and "Everyone is looking for pitching" play into the Tigs strength with the BP. Lets see how true that is and what may take place. Perhaps...

Somewhere between apoplectic and disappointed. I still try to remain optimistic - but if AA does NOT produce another solid on the verge position player prospect (who looks like they can hit) this trade deadline - then he should be relieved of his GM position. With said I feel he could still help elsewhere in the organization. There are those old baseball adages: "You can never have enough pitching" and "Everyone is looking for pitching" - well, now that they have two decent position player prospects drafted in the first two rounds, lets get some more pitching (seriously). Why? because now is the time, this trade deadline, to capitalize on this theory with a trade or two. Recently, I felt, as did many, that the teams direction was turning the corner. That 2021 showed promise. That many of the younger players would be there for the most part in 2022 (Mize, Manning, Skubal, Tork, Greene, Kriedler, Baddoo, Haase, etc...). That the off-season that followed had provided solid acquisitions (Barnhart, ERod, Baez, Chaffin, Pineda and Meadows). AA's head was not being called for going into the season. However, things went south quickly. Injuries happened. They will always happen. In another matter, and maybe I will start a topic with some thoughts here in the future. For now, rosters really need to expand. Maybe 27 or 28 at least. This is not the same as 'yesteryear' - I may delve into this from a previous trainers perspective and observers standpoint later. (* Just a little preview: Players may need more time off actually. You are only as good as you can recover. RPs are pitching too much (see how often position players have been pitching). Position players often need 2-3 days off after a minor injury but do NOT get it and then the injury gets worse. IMHO, some of this can be alliviated by expanded rosters. For some reason MLB/MLBPA take too long to make changes. Heck, look how long it took to get past a 25 man roster (to 26) and reduce the ridiculous 40 man expansion in September - both numbers sooo old in there respective dates*). Back to the current Tigs. AA (and co.) should be able to get another real hitter in a deal. Some teams will be going for it. Examples: The NYM could use bullpen help and have little LHP. We need another young promising bat (not a single A player). They have two 3B. One in AA (Baty) and another AAA (Vientos). Package two RPs and add a prospect and get one of them and a lesser prospect. SD is looking for salary relief and RP (re 'everyone is looking for pitching') take on BSnell (esp with the ERod sit and its current salary relief) and/or another contract (WMyers? as ex) and get one of there higher level prospects for RP. I (as can many here) can come up with several realistic trade proposals. I know trades are not easy to make. AA tells us all this every time - but this is where he has been lacking. Look at JV, JD, etc. and the returns. He (and his advisors, etc.) need(s) to be objective and make 1-2 good moves this deadline and IMHO - it could really help. A GM (and staff) has to deliver at times. A good GM does this. On another note: Question - why has the hitting gone south. Is someone in the ear of many of the players?