alex

Yes, have not heard that term in awhile - but, the game is 'much' different today. Long Gone (thanks Ernie) are the days of 3 SPs on a team with 200 IP during one season. Heck, look at the Tigers leading IP just this year. Sure one could say that is a fluke - but sooo many teams have succumbed to extensive injuries NOT just the Tigers - so perhaps this is not a fluke, but more a reality and the game/teams are adjusting. I heard David Cone on a recent broadcast state that teams now have to be 8-9+ SPs deep to get through a season and are beginning to realize this. The versatile SPs, ex Hutch, DNorris, BGarcia, etc. are going to have a place and the 'minor league' deal for a SP with experience may have to be adjusted. The player has to now realize just because they may not 'start' (SP) with a team out of ST or begin in the minors, they still have a good chance at starting several meaningful games. Sooner or later, IMHO, rosters need to be increased again or many more position players will be pitching in games as they did this year. I think Scott Harris is aware this is taking place and may have been ahead of the curve. Look at the 'dice roll' SP contracts that were signed this past off season by SF: CRodon, AWood, JJunis, SMiller, CMartinez, ACobb, etc. - to go along with their staff that ended 2021. "One man's junk/trash is another mans treasure."

It would seem this may be mostly a Chris I. decision. I would think there would be some sit downs with others (Scott H., A.J., etc.) of course. Yes, it seems Miggy does enjoy the comradery of the game. MLB would do best to increase rosters to 27 or 28, but that is not what this is about. It will be an interesting play out - but one would ask to look at Miggy's stats SINCE the ASG. How long would Miggy himself put up with that type of production, potential embarrassment, scoreboard sight, etc.? There might have to be some 'Farewell Tour' thought out - and that is not to mention the potential IL stints. Perhaps a combo assistant hitting coach / roster spot type of scenario 'could' be thought of. Scott Harris 'likes' a lot of coaching and specialization from what we have heard. It will be interesting - but the main job is to improve the team from all decision makers that are involved.

IMHO, Seattle would need more than one or both those players for Kelenic. I think because he was so highly rated prior and could/should still come around and that he costs next to nothing at this time are two good reasons for a higher demand. With said I am all for going after him. It would probably take a P prospect or two added to a package of either or both of the previous mentioned players. Regardless if we have a mostly LH outfield or not next season that could be 'balanced' out a bit with more with RH Inf's. I think a young player like Kelenic and another 'established bat' or two might be a good strategy to follow for position players this off season.

IMHO, I do think he would be worth a waiver claim. He may benefit from a new organization and fresh start. Still two years before FA from what I understand. This is what needs to be done at times, not saying in particular with MAndujar, but to claim a guy who has had some success, is not too old, and maybe get him right again. With said I would be surprised if Oakland and/or Washington let him go by before we can make the claim.

IMHO, MLB and the players union really need to look at roster spots once again. Everyone knows there are more injuries than ever before. We may never see 3 SPs on the same team pitch 200 innings again nor 7 starting position players on the same team start 150 games, etc. These two facts say it all. I hope to post something more to this subject at a later date. Just expand to 27 players at least. MLB is very slow in making changes. Much tradition and more is there. Hopefully they can figure this out as it 'may' allow for players to get a day or two off here and there more often that are nursing an injury and not have to go on the IL as often. Also, we are seeing more position players pitch than before. That is NOT quality baseball. We have to remember more teams have a chance at the post season now (a good change imho) - so a manager who is 2 games out of a wildcard spot, which may have been previously looked at differently because 10, 20 yrs ago the team may have been 12 games out in Sept. (and only a fight for for first place), is going to save his bullpen that night for the next game to better the teams chances of winning the next night. There is alot there, IMHO, to look seriously at roster expansion.

Looks good on the surface. Good baseball pedigree. Now hopefully Mr. Harris and the Tigers can move forward. Any news on any presser, time, etc.?

You 'both' (casimir) were on it!

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.