alex

Health concerns are for 'every' team. That is why depth is so important. GMs need to start thinking different IMHO (some already are). Maybe sign SPs with incentives of 140-150 IPs total for MLB and/or AAA. Just perhaps that is part of thinking of the minor league INF depth that may be occurring ex Lee, McGonigle, Sweeney, Jung, Rainer, etc. to go along with Keith. To have/create the ability to move around 2B, 3B and SS - to some extent. Harris and co. may just be thinking this as they accumulate young talent. The O's seem to be heading in this direction ex Westburg just got hurt and Holliday and Mayo were called up. The game has changed. No longer can teams, fans think, here is our starting lineup and 5 SPs for 150 games. It was this way for a long time. No more the proof is plentiful. The IL stints are growing. All IMHO, the league needs to add 1-2 more players to the roster (27-28). Maybe cut down some games ex to 150 (like that is going to happen anytime soon - but it might in time). Have a few more days off and some actual scheduled double headers. Rest and recovery are of utmost importance. The athletes today are in much greater 'condition' ex less body fat, bigger and faster. Hence, when a player dives unto the ground or crashes into a wall, they are more inclined to get hurt. Why? various reasons, one for example they do not have a cushioned landing with less bodyfat. The muscles are much more developed, we know about muscle training - but we do not know as much about about tendon and ligament strengthening (to equal it). Bones may be more frail because the minerals in the soil this day and age are not equal to the amounts of yesterday. We simply overturn the soil 2-3 times more often. There may be a lot to all the reasons. Studies can only turn in so much data and they are in their infancy. Throw in the weight of the ball, the spinning, torquing, etc. done by Ps today. It all adds up. We are seeing proof of this with all the IL stints. Again, the game has changed as has the human physiology involved. This is factual, the IL stint are proof and for several reasons. There is the business side as well. That may not change anytime soon. However, to better the game and actually see more often the stars of the game, something like this will need to be done. Just like the pitch clock, shifts, not blocking the bases on SB attempts, etc. In time, those in charge will hopefully understand this better and bring the game back to more of what it was with a few more changes. So fans can more often watch the players play and not think about why so many are on the IL.

Yes, I think he also has some clause about finishing games in his contract - which may not be his forte. Also, all these BP games take a toll many in ways. The fact that they had no one really available was part of the problem. Chaffin would of looked nice in that situation ; ) I was hoping they would of claimed CIrvin from Baltimore as he was DFA last week and then sent to the AAA team this weekend. A LH SP at Comerica who has had some moderate success. Could of helped with innings and less BP innings/starts.. Perhaps Fetters and co. could of helped him.This is where I question the FO. A small risk - but potential reward. What was their to lose? could of still gotten all their 'evaluating' in.

I think most GMs are wiser now. Very few SPs (or Ps period) are going to be signed for 5-6 years. Waaaaay too many injuries. Look at DeGrom, Rondon, etc. etc. With said maybe buying out arbitration years might be a possibility for a select few younger types ex TSkubal. I would of course consider JFlaherty again, let him shop and try to get 3+ years. Heck, he has to make it through this season first, then see IF any team 'may' want to risk that length of years. If not, then the Tigers can look at it if he is still available. I think they will spend on some SP. Harris history says this - and even here the last two years (Boyd and Lorenzon for '23 and Maeda and Flaherty for '24) suggests it. You can NEVER have enough SP depth. We (the last two years) are proof of that (and many other teams). It might be time for a GM or two to think outside the box and offer SP journeyman types contracts that are more inclined towards IP incentives for MLB and AAA (combined ex 150 IP), so this way more depth can be created.

Just a wild guess - maybe the whole CMo situation changed a bit of the broadcasting scenario?

Yes. There is no excuse to not at least try, CIrvin (as an example) could pitch some innings. Take a flyer on him (or someone similar), a LH SP at Comerica, maybe Fetters and Co. can help 'make him better'. Maybe do what they did with CKelly last year for someone (pick up later in season), ex have an option for a second year - and pick it up IF they show some promise. Even MLorenzen prior - KC went after him and got him for little. SHarris knows the situation with this teams SP. He cannot be afraid to trade marginal minor league players. He did not do that once at this deadline to perhaps sweeten the pot in any of the deals to potentially get a better prospect in return. I still question his ability to 'negotiate a deal' - hopefully he is gaining some experience there. This BP day stuff is throwing in the towel. The evaluating is effected because morale is down because we are always behind. It is a disservice to the fan base and it is killing the BP arms period. It really seems at times SHarris does not care about the team at the MLB level. The psyche is effected. The injuries for many teams (esp SPs) is obvious. The FO better add SP depth next year. Sure, many thought they had that this year - and look once again. I repeat JWentz and DHutchinson were second on the team in IP respectivly for '23 & '22, both at apx 104 IP each - you would think the FO would learn. THIS FO. No blaming the previous regime here on this. I think an idea across MLB FO's should be to pay better paying contracts to FA journeyman SP types that include innings at AAA (ex the JJunis types of the league). They may be more inclined to sign and this would add depth. It would be a bit of a different approach - but in today's game it may just work and more importantly be needed. This approach should NOT at all hurt the idea of evaluating young talent. It could actually help to not over tax and preserve it.

Everyone being healthy for any team is unrealistic. They have to have alot of depth and hopefully are understanding this - especially when it comes to SP. To have 5 of 8 or 6 of 9 'bullpen games' is terrible and handing opponents wins. It ruins the BP and is no doubt taken a toll on morale. A good SP gives a team an extra boost each game ex Skubal, Flaherty, etc. or as JLeyland used to say - 'Momentum is the next days SP'. I have said this many times, you cannot have Wentz and/or Hutchinson, '23 & '22 respectively (both 104 IP apx ea of the last two years) second on the team in IP by seasons end. A recipe for disaster. Teams need to perhaps approach SP a bit differently and start paying for 150 IP (to journeyman types maybe) regardless if in the Majors or AAA. This would allow for more depth and FA signings. I agree with what David Cone once said, paraphrasing, 'Teams are starting to realize they need literally 10 SP that could possibly pitch 150 innings between MLB and AAA/AA.' Maybe some of that is 'bulk bullpen' or whatever you want to call it. It has become more and more true. Even now this team needs to find another SP (or two) ex CIrvin DFA by Baltimore this week, etc. Someone other than more BP games. They have to be smarter than this. He is a lefty, pitching in Comerica, let him know we can help him!? All rosters have literally 25% turnover from season to season (if not more). The Tigers next year will be no exception. There will be injuries. Add a quality player or two and some depth. We/they all know positions of need and perhaps trade from an excess of good young players at a particular position ex 2B (Jung, Keith, Lee, McGonigle, etc.) and add to a position of need ex 3B.

That makes some sense. I still think OPeraza (SS/Inf), just last year highly touted, would be fine also (so far he is not on the waiver wire ;). Maybe CHampton as he could maybe pitch this year. They could also dig deeper, ask for JDominguez and add JJung+ from our end. We could use a masher and have a lot of 2B types Lee, McGonigle, Keith, etc. already. They might like a young power LHB 2B in that park, GTorres is gone after this year. Though they did just get Jazz. IMHO, this team needs to come up with 1-2 'players' for Jack. Again, we can add in a prospect or two and/or a RP to make a quality acquisition (or two). There are several teams looking for a frontline SP. They are bidding for this. NO excuses.

IMHO, I do not think Flaherty will get 4 years. GMs are wising up on SPs and very few will get long term deals (exception maybe Skubal and even then... ). I would be ok with 2-3 years at higher AAV, but Jack may need to see what is out there first. Even if traded we could try to resign him. I like the BBatty idea (3B NYM) posted by RatkoVarda, as it seems young MVientos has taken hold of that 3B job. However, it may take more than a rental SP. Here is where the FO can show its oats, add in a prospect or two (not named Clark, McGonigle or Jobe). Batty has just as much pedigree as JJung and is more a natural 3B. This 'should' be the type of deal this FO is looking for. Get someone who is blocked, has done well at AAA already and tasted the MLB and possibly could be obtained. Also MVargas, DRushing and APages of LADD, etc. fit the mold. Those type of players are out there; young, blocked with no where to get regular ABs and on a contendeing team that would like to win now (reason looking at Flaherty in the first place). IMHO, forget the player that might be ready by 2027, we are already drafting many of those. If they play their cards right, and stay relatively healthy, with a little luck they can continue to compete this year and even more so next season. Go Tigs!

He is a decent player. He had shown flashes before, but like many injuries prop up. He had pedigree as a prospect - so this may not be a mirage at all. Two years should be doable (IF the price is right). After all, we can say we have Rogers and Dingler - but one injury and it is back to the scrap pile. I prefer all 3 and then/when something happens we are still in decent shape. The C position for us has 'not' really been a problem (It has been for many teams). Maybe it is best to keep it that way in the 'D'.

Agreed. I would be for signing both/either as well (ex 2 years). The players should know what they are seeking and understand the market now. IMHO, the days of signing SPs to 4-5 year deals are 'mostly' over (there will be a few exceptions) especially if there is a history of injuries. We may have to do a prospect for prospect type deal really at some point. We have several second basemen (Jung, Kieth, Lee) and many pundits feel eventually McGonigle will end up there. Find out who could use someone like Jung... We could use maybe a more true 3B perhaps? someone who is blocked ex BBatty of NYM or MVargas of LAD, etc.. What do those teams need and maybe see if something can be done. Maybe 1-2 of our prospects and someone from our current team if that team is competing this year. The Tiger FO needs to get 'creative'.

I had talked to a couple other folks and they DO remember him saying in passing to someone, or even aloud, he would pass on any other selection (where he was not voted in) to play in the game because of injury/rest needed.

Agreed. Yet, this is where this FO has to have the ability to negotiate a deal for someone they like. You can have CKelly in the deal, but add a RP, a prospect or two and get a player you do like. Same goes with Flaherty. ID a player from the organization who is interested in our player (ex a young player who is blocked or one has a contract they may wish to move to give another a chance, etc.). Add to the player they are interested in 1-2 of our prospects (no NOT top 5) and create a package deal. Can this FO do this??? Also, as said before, this 'control the zone' approach, though good to take a course or two and emphasize it - simply is NOT for every player. We still lead the league in taking first pitch middle-middle strikes. IMHO, if we use this for every player we try to get (draft, trade, FA, etc.) we are limiting our chances at success. There are many good players now and throughout history who did/do not have REAL strong BB to K rates. I am not saying go after 'wild swingers' per say - nor to not consider this, just do not limit yourself. We are not a strong offensive club. Draft and development is key. However, this FO has to be able to make some deals (not Dombrowski driving it either, IMHO, he did so with the two Philly trades). There are some FA positional players available this off season - with said they have to realize also this is not a strong FA destiny for positional players just the same. Go Tigs !

Did Gibby at one (or two times) simply state he was not interested in being 'selected' to the ASG if not voted in? I am not sure factual but I seem to remember it had nothing to do with the honor as much as he wanted/really needed a break at the time.

That is the same team as now. Every team this day and age has 25% turnover or there about from year to year. I do not even think Chis I will be for NOT adding a bit to the club. ex a few changes. He is hearing/feeling it as well. Mr Drummond would approve 😄

Agreed. IMHO, IF Flaherty is healthy and pitching decent, a contending team or two will try to make a deal for him (BTW, I am for bringing him back in the off season if he does not land a huge contract elsewhere). * So, if a team or two or more are interested, here is where this FO can show it's chops. Package a prospect or two with Flaherty (or CKelly, etc. again NOT Top 5) and get a guy (or two) that you really like. Someone who can be part of a 'core' that SHarris always refers to. However, IMHO, that idea of 'a core', does not hold as much salt as before (there is some sense there but not to bank on). The game has changed. The league finds things out way more than before about players. Too many injuries, players have bad years or regress, etc. Just look at the Tigers from last year to this year. Will we win 78 games this year? Will we go 40-37 the rest of the way? (I do hope so, but...) They need to acquire more talented players and quit going/claiming after muddling INFs who seem to work the count or RPs that are often let go by other teams multiple times. The second paragraph is key to this trade deadline *.

That itself tells you quite a bit.

Good to hear. Thanks.

Just saying, 'IF' this something like the Tigers might seek, this is where adding a prospect (again NOT top 5) might help out.

Yeah, they may not want to trade him at all. Yet, one year ago the same could of been said of Tork - who had perhaps just as high value (or more) recently. IMHO, you are not getting Peraza off waivers anytime soon. He was a Top 100 (pipeline) for two years ('22 & '23). He just turned 24, has had injuries this year and is a SS (who is blocked and others are in the NYY system as well). He has had barely 200 ABs in the majors. Besides, if he hit waivers, there are teams in front of us that would snag him in a NY second.

Yes, I had thought of it before, the NYY and Tigers 'seem' to lineup a little in terms of needs. Thinking combo's from Detroit: JFlaherty, Tork, JJung and maybe another 'not' Top 5 prospect for OF JDominguez and SS OPeraza or Lombard Jr. and a young SP. NYY gets: a SP for this years run, a future 1B (perhaps now, Rizzo on IL and not performing well so far before) and maybe they are good with Tork and less pressure on him in that lineup and a future LHB power bat 2B in Jung (Torres, bad year so far is FA after this year). Detroit gets: A future SH power hitting OF. Yes, many may think he is untouchable - but we did so last year with Tork. A highly touted young athletic SS/INF. Lombard Jr is that now and Peraza has been a top 100 the last couple years. NY may lose a bit advantage in negotiating with Soto - but in the end they would still be the favorites to sign him. They also like Verdugo (another FA but likes it there) and have other OF prospects. NY is SS heavy with prospects and we are 2B heavy. There is some sense here... at least enough to 'dream it up', lol.

1) I agree he has made a couple. Yet, I bet Dombrowski was the driving force with the two Philadelphia deals. DD ID players he wanted. We then picked out what could possibly work. I am hoping Harris can do this when the time comes for us. IMHO, you do not have to be in a 'win' now mode to make a trade for a good player. 2) I agree with both observations you made about what this can mean. However, is the 'control the zone' approach hurting some of our hitters by taking too many middle-middle first pitches? I saw Philly swinging often and early in this series. It had been mentioned by CPena, Gibby, Cmo, etc. The stats showed it as of one month ago. We may be letting too many good first pitch middle-middle pitches go by. Controlling the zone should not mean taking 'good' first pitches to hit. BTW, I am not thinking you are saying that and experience does help. I will ask does this 'philosophy' eliminate certain players from being targets that we could acquire? Would we even look at a very good hitter who does not walk a lot but has the ability to drive the ball and drive in runs? History has many good players like this. 3) We all have egos, the other guy's guys suck - that is one opinion. Greene, Skubal, Keith, Perez, Jung, Tork, Dingler, Olson, etc. all the other guy's - guys. I would not give up on them... They preach patience - well that includes this group also. The control the zone group that Harris has added includes: Maton, Solak, McKinstry, Nevin, Kennedy, Vilade, Rizzo, Sands, etc. - not exactly the previous group. Yes, there is roster churn, all teams have it... Point is can this FO identify a guy and go trade for him? Not a waiver wire claim or we have so and so available at the deadline and we get a list from another team. ID a 'guy'. Add a prospect or two to sweeten the trade pot (does not have to be a Top 5 per say) and get a 'guy' who might become a 'core' player. This FO hopefully can do this. Yes, draft and develop is first and foremost but deals will need to be made as well. Again, all good with the improvements: scouting, player development, fitness/nutrition/rest/psychology, international attempts, facility upgrades, etc. - all good.

I agree. I also should mention I do like the re-direction/upgrades in: Scouting, analytics, fitness and nutrition awareness, to identify 'rest' and when it may be needed, taking a look at the psychology of it all, the facility upgrades and international efforts and more. It is a lot of work, fiscals and efforts by many to update and upgrade and entire organization. Hopefully they remain open to keeping in touch with their fans as well. Remember, most fans are casual and go with the flow. Many of us here are long time and diehards. A small percentage - but an important one. Yet, may we not forget to be casual at times with it. Just enjoy the game (s). It is entertainment, lest not forget 😉

All IMHO. A good interview. SHarris is passionate about his job. He is intelligent. I never doubted these things. We all learn/remember as we go along in any profession. Three things for me I am concerned with: 1) is he and this FO , are they, able to 'negotiate' trades. AA was not (but some strength in other areas). DD was/is. Heck, he even put together 3 team deals (he may be less adapt in another area). There is a knack for this process. I remember during his first off season during his interview at the Winter Meetings on MLB Network, Harris said 'something' to the effect that he 'was working on 10 trades.' He of course was half joking and did chuckle while saying that - but I think he also serious and further realized that they just do not happen (shortly after he acquired JHM). He admitted that it was very hard to make trades. 2) The 'control the zone approach'. Again, I do agree here. Some will be better than others at this. I feel most any player should take a good course on this so to speak. Yet, again it is not for each player all the time. This team has taken to many first pitch middle-middle FBs. Then we are in the hole. We have seen this. This total approach is not for every player and maybe we will see an adjustment. I also feel if you are drafting, trading and/or signing FAs based only on this - you will be tying your hands (so to speak) and perhaps missing out on a quality player that can help. 3) I get the 'develop a core' idea. Maybe he wants 'his' guys (some ego here if that is the case) - but if an opportunity presents itself, example this off seasons FAs, and there is a player that might help for a period of time (whether 1 to multi years) and we have a chance to sign said player, they need to look at him. As I have mentioned before, the 'right' FAs/Trades do not just wait until a team has a young core in place. They just do not magically appear and come to you. If he/the FO feels there is a chance to acquire talent at a position of need I would be hopeful they try to act on it. This is where projection takes place. With said I am not big on multi year deals (ex 3+ years), especially for SPs. I like Harris' SP approach and feel more GMs/CEOs are changing their minds about this. P is sooo volatile and injuries often a part of this. I think the shorter AAV is becoming more the way to go. There is a lot of just plain old luck involved with this. Yet, opportunity favors the prepared. Simply - there is a lot to this. We here know this. Yet, we are fans. SHarris said he also is a fan. He says he has to separate that part of himself and be professional - I agree and commend. However, we are on multiple years of 'looking to be relevant' again. He is not. IMHO, we have to continue to be patient and he/the FO have to be opportunistic, learn the 'art of negotiating' and not be overly restrictive in their own beliefs (this helps one grow). Go Tigs !

Yes, he did. That and also a very good starting rotation to go with it.

That can not be underestimated 🤔