alex

Yes, It seems JJung gets a bit overlooked with CKeith on board - but he is looking more & more legit as an offensive player. His defense seems to be limited, but if he can play decent at 2B - that might be all it takes 'if' he is a plus offensive player.

Holy Toledo Box score 'Bat' man ! 😄 https://www.milb.com/gameday/mud-hens-vs-bats/2023/08/22/723344/final/box

He was fairly well touted for a good minute at an early age in a loaded LAD system. If he can improve his D a bit - he was always seen as an offensive prospect with some pop and decent speed, BTW 22 at AAA is still young!

Thank you for posting. Yes, Mr. Price deserves his own thread. Long time fan of listening to him and Dan Dickerson the radio. He stood in the game as long as he could. He told you how things were, esp later on. I also had the honor of meeting him at one of the Old Tiger Stadium weekend Fantasy Camps. I remember it will, him tossing some Ps to me as I swung away for some hitting practice. Then Ernie came by to sit in the dugout and talk to several participants. Northrup, Horton and others participated as well. "Late Movement" and "He put a severe buggy whip on that one" are the sayings I most remember. Peace and onto 'The Field of Dreams' Jimbo 😇

I believe he is playing tonight for Toledo in game 1 of the DH.

Sounds sensible. Some simple speculation: I posted late last week on one of the threads here that the NYM could throw a 'monkey wrench' into all of this by making Max and JV available. It happened, though still... I would bet that Cincy and Balt did not make offers that SHarris felt good with (ex being what Balt gave up for JFlaherty and Cincy did almost nothing and both were said to be looking at SP). SHarris held his ground (a good thing for any future trade talks). Then JV became available near the end of the deadline and the Tigs had to wait for that to be resolved the afternoon of because the LAD had interest. Then once JV chose Houston then the LAD had to pivot. Maybe previously the jest was worked out with LA with an ERod deal, it was then 'OK'd on by all fronts - but when the actual time came 'something' changed - ERod/family changed their minds, LAD changed what could have been an extension approach, etc. - WHO KNOWS. I also see that the Tigs did do a cash deal with the LAD late yesterday for Inf Eddys Leonard (top 15 prospect out of the LAD system) whom was designated for assignment I believe late last week. He 'possibly' could have been part of the agreed 'package' coming from the LAD. If nothing else it would seem the two sides were talking previously. Again, just some speculation... One thing I do wish to see is a more balanced approach on the player acquisition front. There is a pattern of contact middle Infs who can take a walk it seems: McKinstry, Ibanez (not too many BB here), Maton, JRizzo, NSolak, JCamargo, ZShort, Now Lee and Leonard after yesterday. Even the draft - the second and third picks. Lest not forget to look at C, OF and P as well 😉

Correct. Gone are the days of 3-4 SPs on a team pitching 200+ innings (lucky if 165) or 7-8 position players on a team literally starting 140 or more games each (let alone catchers). Sure there 'may' be an outlier team once in the while for a season. I personally hope that MLB and the union realize a 27-28 man roster is more the route today, but it took a long time to get it to just 26.

I think in the Tigers case it may be more of the latter but some of the former will be needed. I would like/hope to see the current regime come up with a player or two 'this deadline' in a trade that can be potential long term answers for the team. I totally agree with the 'resident' GM on MLB Network last eve when he said (paraphrasing) 'The Tigers have a chance to help themselves this trade deadline' . Of course it is easier said than done. Yet, pitching is always in demand, this is a bit more of a sellers market this year and there is competition for some of our arms (again according to 'some' reports). What may be a monkey wrench is what will the NY Mets do with their Aces'? SHarris needs to hold his ground, but I find it hard to believe someone will not pony up - then again, one club in particular whom we might match well with - Baltimore is VERY tough to work a deal with, but sooner or later (will it be now and even a deal with Detroit) they have to realize they do not need 2-3: 2B's, SS's, etc. They are pretty stacked.

Agreed. It 'may' be a sellers market to an extent. Yet, will teams like Baltimore, Cincy, etc. go for it and break there previously practiced approaches? However, even an extension may not be a bad idea for one of the SPs. With said I hope they do not settle on 'volume' returns as was mentioned earlier here (had enough of that with previous deals/regime) and go more for higher end types - even if we have to put in a prospect/RP or two (not our top prospect guys) - in order to get that type of return.

Yea, Baddoo may need to change his approach and stance. I am not a hitting instructor of course (have coached youth league : ) - but IMHO he may need more of a open/lean back, bat closer to shoulder type angle... He has shown to have something in him (previously and at times), but his barrel rate is just too low. He is the type of player that 'could' do well at/in Comerica Park, but for awhile now that it has not been translating. Hope he figures somethings out - and yes PMeadows will be at the door soon.

Yes, Tampa has some young talent/depth. IMHO a player like Vidal Brujan plus maybe a young arm. Brujan is 'not' going to get a real chance there and just a year+ ago he was a top 100 on a couple sites. Switch hit, versatile, excellent speed, contact ability, good arm & still young. Could bat atop the order (ex at 2B) and lengthen the lineup. Question what is the value there if Tampa is not going to really play him, have others coming up the ranks now and they need P? They also have Greg Jones SS, Carson Williams SS, Willy Vasquez Inf, etc. All seem to be 'potential' starting Inf/versatile pieces. Maybe we have to add a reliever to make a multi player deal... Houston has Pedro Leon Inf/OF as one player (also SP Colton Gordon). Just 'spitballing' names. Of course SHarris may be looking more at lower level players.

Maybe one more reason they drafted Max Clark.

Sounds like this might be the plan. Yet, if they continue to play well perhaps they could extend Lorenzen (2 for 20?) - why because we are going to have to pay another vet SP 'something' this FA season and I do not see SHarris dolling out big multi year contracts (see SF history as well). That and many SPs are not getting the extended deals that they got before as teams are wising up and 1-2 yrs for what amounts to SPs that 'may' throw 150 innings is going to be more common (IMHO). There is always a few outliers but no longer the norm. SHarris may only pull a deal if he likes it, depending of course on the players involved. I do not see him doing so because he might have to (I understand you did not say that as well). There looks to be more a 'Sellers' market - and pitching is always in demand. ERod? Maybe just offer funds to the 3 years left? I cannot see him getting 6 years. He and his agent have to weigh it based on several factors of course including if he likes it here. Nobody not named Ohtani really is in line for 5-6 years (maybe JUrias?). Adding? I really do not think you need to trade a 'top' prospect. Maybe a mid range player and there may be teams looking to rid 'some' payroll as that is a factor as well. Again, IF SHarris is thinking of adding a veteran bat this off season, and a player comes up in the next week or so who may fit... Could also trade a younger player for another younger player who SHarris and staff may like more. Go Tigs! 😉

Yes, Marisnick was even hitting better than Haase - though the hope is Haase breaks out. In the field nothing to compare. However, 26 man roster decisions are not just the manager - the GM may have as much, if not more to say about it. This happens more as we are always trying to 'mix and match' - seems Short and Haase have been quite non-productive hitting wise for awhile now (Short does play good D at a few positions and this has value). We could use some production. Not sure what it is with Haase - but because he can C and the Ps like him...

Yes, well put, people tend to only reflect on the home team (or team followed more than others) that is relative to them. Objectively, there are many 'Top Prospects' that struggle initially or shortly after the league adjusts and some just plain do not make it - even after some success. Tork is coming along. He may not be 'living up to expectations' but in reality he is making positive strides (IMHO and that of others) and hopefully will have a long productive career over time.

Points taken. I am not saying Javy is good because he has been on the field - but that aspect has value. I would say 'yes' he should perform 'stat' wise better than he has. With said he is apx 6th in RBI's for shortstop's in leagues combined at this time (July 14). That is decent - but IMHO, he could be a better offensive player (he certainly was with the NYM). Yet, that more than likely will not happen because of his chase rate and as you mentioned some decline perhaps is showing up - yet, I maintain, he is a talented in several ways. The last regime identified him as a 'core' piece to go with the Mize, Manning, Skubal, Greene, Tork, etc. young core - but injuries have so far derailed that core - so I am saying the injury 'factor' is not really taken into consideration from fans when planning how a season may look. JLeyland had been quoted before often saying 'Your best ability is your availability'. IMHO, I feel there is value there. Front offices and fans cannot go into each season and say by June 'We have injuries so now we cannot compete (ex RGReene, TSkubal, CMize, etc. for Detroit two years in a row. AJudge, CRodon, NCortes, HBader - NYY, Boston has had many injuries, LAD, The ChiSox, etc., etc.).' I am again saying this aspect of baseball is more prominent now than before. Depth has to be there. All things being equal the team with the most healthy good players (depth included) stands a better chance of winning more games. Depth comes from draft & development (hopefully now this gets better), scouting the league and knowing when to get someone (ex a ZMcKinstry, AGarcia of Texas, LGurriel of AZ, etc.), signing a FA, etc. I do feel this regime is and will be better at ID 'potential' players - but no question some luck is always involved because of injuries - and today they are more prominent than before and hence depth must be part of the planning. Hopefully, in the future say 28 man rosters may be realized. Maybe a few less games played with more scheduled off days. Bring back old fashioned DH's on the schedule ex 2 per team or so. Recovery can help things go along ways. Today's athletes are in better condition than ever - yet, closer to being over-trained than ever before (hence more recovery time is needed) and that may have a bit to do with the injuries. Organization's are beginning to understand this better - but the above few changes, IMHO, could also help.

IMHO, it is all rather funny. People often want to sign and then if they do not work out 'entirely' quickly rid FAs. To then sign similar players, lol. FAs are always a crapshot. Something many may still miss is that health is so underrated and therefore depth is not yet appreciated by most fans. Players who can stay on the field are hard to find (see any team). Simply, a bit of luck is involved here. The Tigs will have more injuries here in the second half (as WILL ALL teams). Most liked the ERod & Javy moves at the time. Personally I still do. Javy is talented. He just needs to step it up a notch by means of 'focus' (I feel when games get out of hand he loses focus and patience even more). He (or anyone) needs a stronger surrounding cast that what is here currently (we all know that) and hence not to put so much pressure on one player (like in Chicago & NY), regardless of salary. The Tigers are a MLB team, hence should have an MLB payroll. MiLB should have MiLB payroll allotments (per parent team). Point being they need to have X in payroll regardless to be competitive. You find out who is part of a nucleus, what position, what costs to add, etc. Maybe toward year end you decide Javy moves to second IF they seek to sign another SS (ex Tim Anderson, etc.) and that right there prompts him to opt out. Or, he is ok with that and you still get a another SS (again this helps with depth as well). Again, IMHO, Javy is quite talented. We have all seen the plays. He can hit a bit as well. He has won before. However, he has to figure out the focus & throws to first aspect a bit better.

I have mentioned before, IMHO, I think the clock should be given a break once a P reaches 10 Ps (or 12... ) for each batter. This allows more recovery time for a P. Once a P and batter get to that many Ps it then seems to really take a toll on a P. Maybe like an extra 30 seconds, one time, once the P/batter confrontation reaches that 10 pitch point. To change anything during the playoffs, as some have mentioned, may wish to be later implemented to get it done during the season as well. That might be a step backwards for the game. Again, IMHO, I feel the P clock, base sizes, no shifts, etc. have really helped the enjoyment and pace of the game - and I consider myself a baseball purest as have been following a looong time. FWIW, if MLB did not implement those changes I would think the game would of continued to be less attractive to many current and future fans.

Hmm, may of previously had a type of agreement with Jake Marisnick, you come here you get a chance to play for 30 days or so but when Riley is off the IL all bets are off... or does anyone still have options ex Zach Short? For at least the short term. Let us not forget as 'injuries' seem to pop up with 'all' teams on a very regular bases 🤕.

Well put. Then, if we do bring them up, and they do not 'succeed' right away many fans then sour on the player even if they are say - just 23-24 yrs old ex Tork. It takes time to develop players. Maybe there is a generation exception here and there - but that is rare. If Tork was doing still what he did last year, which maybe was not 'that' bad for that time, then there is an argument. At least now he is taking more steps forward (and some back still). IMHO, there is SOME progression with some nos. (and the old eye test) to back it.

This 'sounds' good but for the most part those days may be gone for most all teams. The days of 6-7 starting position players 'starting' 150+ games for any team may unfortunately be a thing of the past. Like 3 SPs going 200 innings (used to be 250 before that) - for any team is also a thing of the past (there may be an outlier here and there but... ). Now teams seem to be gearing more for 'options' at SP to be able to pitch 150 innings. Say 10 per in and out of a system. Injuries are a major part of this and there are several underlying reasons there, some maybe more apparent (at this time) than others. However, I DO agree with you. Hopefully the Tigs can come up with a couple more productive 'starting' type players (ex start 120+, and in several other games as well). Seems right now they are more concerned with getting pieces in place and maybe later (again hopefully not too much later) adding 1-2 of those 'bigger' missing pieces.

Interesting... does this refer to the ball being lighter per say?

There is a lot to this with regards to the amount of injuries to Ps. It may be more than just baseball, but the movement and physical stress may really help exploit a possible underlying scenario that is complex (IMHO)... I have posted it several times now: The days of 3 SP on a team throwing 200+ innings are loooong gone! (note: perhaps an outlier staff or two may occur.) Crazy, we used to think in the 90's to early 2000s how could any of those previous decade SPs toss 250-300 innings a year... Each organization needs 10 SPs ready to put up innings for the MLB team. You start a season with 5 SPs in rotation (not counting IL out of the gate), have 2-3 ready at AAA and maybe 1-2 from AA. Yet, if not there to begin with maybe the waiver wire and/or trades. At any time 1/3 are on the IL (again an outlier here and there). Most all teams now know this and it has been repeatedly mentioned on various MLB broadcasts. SI, by Tom Verducci, had an interesting article just recently about the scenario of current MLB SP : https://www.si.com/mlb/2023/05/22/starting-pitching-decline-pitch-count-timer-injuries

Good point. At this day and time that rarely happens for any SP staff for any extended period of time ex 3 SPs giving 180 innings on a team (let alone 200!). Again, each team needs 10 guys or so from MLB-AA (and waivers, trades, etc.), ready to give SP innings for the MLB team (does not mean each one will in the majors). This has been said several times now from different baseball people while stating their observations.

True. Yet, if we can throw in a valued fringe prospect or two so the return is greater, then that may be a way to go also.