alex

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 🤔

Agreed... They have to be close or have seen some time already in the big leagues. I do not buy it 'entirely' that those types are not there. This is where all that 'improved analytics & scouting' comes in. It should not take our current group another year or two to evaluate potential targets. They have been on the job for awhile now and most have pedigree from other organizations before that.

👍

All interesting and no doubt speculative - and yet... KPrada was thought of quite highly during 2023. On pipeline he was #3 NYM listed and #36 in the Top 100. Looks like he has some power and hit ability. However not much speed (he is a Catcher) and 'so-so' defense. Not good for Comerica Park. I think if the Tigs trade Flaherty (I think they will seriously look at this) IMHO, much depends on: 1) he continues to P well and 2) just important - remains healthy, I feel they should create a package, add 1-2 prospects (no not of their Top 5) and/or another player - and shoot for a 'good' young player(s) of position(s) of need that is/are also athletic. I have said this many times. The FO has to have the ability to negotiate deals. SHarris and JGreenberg, etc. they need to show this knack. It is not something that all GMs have. If we continue to get rentals (not a bad idea especially w SP), this ability can really help us. SHarris got a good return it seems for Lorenzen. Yet, he has now made a couple deals with DD from Philly. I would like to see this expanded because something tells me DD may of been the 'driver' both times. He needs to use his imagination. I felt JD Davis could of helped us. He was out there last week. Many say just let the kids play - we are doing that regardless. Davis is not that old, has legit power, but only so-so defense. I like Gio on defense - but he has very little power esp at Comerica. I felt that if Tork was staying at AAA for awhile, then Davis could have been a fit. Oddly (maybe not) the NYY got Davis yesterday. No doubt the injuries to Stanton and Rizzo played a role here - but two things I am curious to see 1) how he does in the pinstripes and if he is not good enough for us (ex does not move the needle) then how is it NY, best league record, went out and got him? Some imagination, on a potential 'crazy' deal. How about Flaherty and Tork and a prospect to NY for OF JDominguez and SS/Inf OPeraza? We get two highly regarded young athletic players for positions of need. We can sign a 1B this off season. The Yanks get a SP for the run and a young 1B for their future and a decent (NOT Top 5 prospect as well and/or a bullpen arm). NY has a young shortstop in Volpe and OF prospects are decent in their system and no doubt they are a favorite to resign Soto. Verdugo likes it there as well - so he may re-sign. They can save $ with a young 1B and use towards their FAs. I feel Tork should come around (possibly here or another team). I do not buy he has no value in trade. Some may say 'no way they trade Dominguez' - yet, Tork was that last year. All just imagination, color me crazy, that may even make a little sense ; ) Go Tigs!

Agreed. Maybe a bit of a compromise based on innings, then a year is added. ex 2 years and 3rd yr option if x amount of innings. I think GMs are wising up to signing SPs too long. Most of the time this just backfires and teams are left with restricting contracts. Just this past year NSnell and JMontgomery were left out and ultimately got short term deals with higher AAV. They are/were both SBoras clients as well. Maybe they try to extend Flaherty, if they cannot then a trade? A good SP staff may still be the best way to compete. They simply would have to add bats from now til the beginning of next year. Of course as I/we said/know, a good FO is ALWAYS looking to add talent - no matter what time of the year.

Yes, bringing Meadows up and getting Baez back at SS would help the defense. We have been bad there lately and had better results when those two were on the field earlier. Yet, they had Carpenter in the lineup. I would try to get another bat. It does not have to be a 'difference' maker per say (at this time) - but someone more offensive oriented, that can play a position or two than we have. JD Davis was DFA, he can play a little 1B/3B, and if we are NOT bringing up Tork anytime soon they may want to think about someone like that. Some may say a player like Davis could not make it with Oakland. Maybe - Maybe not. He has a track record. He has legit power (something this team needs). Maybe he could get hot. Some may say he is a waste for us, 'play the kids' - Yet, we can still 'play the kids' as well. I would be curious if a team with a better record acquires him, especially a contender. IF that turns out to be the case, then somebody else thinks he may be able to help them! I would stop playing everybody everywhere so often. I cannot quantify it with data - but it cannot be a good thing and basically tells you we have few 'starting' types. Yet, most here know that. I wonder is this ALL on the players we have or is AJ sometimes 'overdoing' this? We can strengthen the defense. We should try add some kind of offense. SHarris has to think outside the 'control the zone' box for some players - or this FO will be hurting themselves not only now but in the future. That approach will not work for every player. I do agree with that idea and teaching it to some extent. I like the positive changes made throughout the organization emphasizing that - but sometimes you have to make exceptions. We have decent SP and so-so RP. Just thinking aloud; better defense, another bat or two to go with decent pitching can be (and was for the first 1 1/2 mos.) more entertaining that what we have seen lately. Baseball history is full of surprise runs, implosions, etc. There will unfortunately be injuries. You never know what can happen. As I have asked and mentioned before - can this FO acquire players in trades? This is a time of the year that much trade discussion takes place. Some teams will be moving on from some players (looking to acquire prospects and/or moving a contract) and many other teams will be looking to add to this season's run.

They have to. They have to develop some of these players. It cannot all be on the players. WCastro and JCandalerio have improved outside of our organization. Yet, I do get it - it is time to move on from 'some' (ala JJones, HCastro, VReyes, etc.). However, this regime has to develop some hitters. We have some actual talent here. Not just being a 'homer' as other groups have felt PMeadows, Tork, Keith, Jung, etc. are possibles - it takes time though. We need to come up with a few more outside Greene and Carp per say. As I have mentioned 1-2 times now - a good trade or two might help.

Good question - would they even look at JD (as he was) or BRooker now or make a deal for an ETovar or LO'Hoppe? They have to think outside the box sometimes. The 'control the zone' mentality. This approach does NOT work for all players and some of them are talented. Maybe they do swing early in the count if middle/middle. Some can identify 'good' pitches and simply swing and miss a bit and do not walk with the ratio they are always seeking. If that is 'always' the case - then they are hamstringing their own selves and are not giving themselves a chance to acquire potentially good players.

Do not have to 'blow it up' per say. Heck, KC lost what 106 last year, there GM made some moves. They also developed players and have some who decided 'they can' and they play ball. Maybe 'something' is not quite right here? Trading Skubal? I am not sure SHarris would entertain that (BTW, I do not think they should) simply because if he messed that up, and I will be 'somewhat sarcastic' for no doubt muddling middle INFs who are versatile and 'control the zone' - he might be run out of town - and he knows it. This FO has to get serious about acquiring some players via trades. They have to move a few prospects of their own (no not the Top 5) and sweeten some pots to get some players they can identify as potential future good players (not 5 years from now and of course Iwe understand there are no guarantees) ex AAA guys who are currently blocked and/or good players on contracts that a team may be willing to move on from. (BTW the player(s) do not have to be 23 or younger either). A good FO can do this - can SHarris and JGreenberg (the whole FO, analytics, scouting, etc.) do this? I said it before and will again and no doubt again. We here all know this: A good FO is always looking to acquire talent. Not 'wait for a core' (that is playing kick the can, develop some of your young talent) then magically all FAs for position of need show up and want to sign with Detroit - that is fantasy. Player acquisition can happen at anytime and often when least expected. As I have said and asked, SHarris is smart but - does he / this FO have the ability to ID players and the 'knack' to negotiate Trades? If not then a total build through the draft is not realistic (yet, I agree it is the best way to get MOST of a team together). If they cannot, and if that is the case, ID players and acquire a few, then we will be waiting for 'another core' years from now and the next regime - who takes it over. We the fans will be playing 'the blame game' again (only towards this group). Two other factors: there is also some 'luck involved - but good preparation and scouting can help acquire the right players and of course 'health for the group assembled. Here is where depth is so important. There IS hope. Let's acquire 1-2 players before the off season even begins. Let's develop some of the talent we do have. And perhaps stop acquiring sooo many middle versatile INFs who 'control the zone' 😉 Go Tigs!

Yes, something needs to change. All IMHO. This one approach for all is not going to work for all. To me they are taking too many first pitches and guessing and taking good called third strikes too often as well. Yes, this can be said for all teams of course - but it seems all too often here and the first pitch taken for a strike has statistical backing and several have spoken about it (CPena, Gibby, CMo, etc.) This next statement can apply for all teams of course as well - as players develop different. Some make it, some do not. There are many variables and some just need to 'be let go' to come to realizations as well. Yet, why is it that WCastro and JCandalerio are quite productive now? I think it got to the point that A.J. was tired of players hacking away (Goodrum, JJones, W & HCastro, etc.) and decided the whole approach needs to be re-done and SHarris likes the 'Control the Zone' aspect and the two went with it. I do like it - however, it takes time and WCastro is a good example. I can see this happening with ABaddoo perhaps later on with another team. Point is, it may not be for each player if done extensively. Yet, all can benefit from some of this concept. Yet, if it keeps putting our players in P counts, then MLB Ps will and have exploiting it. We have little power and speed (and the speed game is coming back a bit). I think SHarris needs to change some of what he seeks in players. Stop with all the 'defensive versatility' and 'work the count AAA' middle INF types. The FO needs to acquire some players from outside. A good FO can make trades. The SHarris core concept just before we do anything just buys time. Kick the can down the road again. I have said it many times. Identify talent, try to acquire even if it means giving up a prospect or two (again, does not have to be Top 5, each deadline proves this). Sweeten some trade pots. It is getting to that time of the year (the trade deadline). A good FO is always looking to acquire talent. Not 'wait for a core' then magically all FAs for position of need show up and want to sign with Detroit - that is fantasy. Player acquisition can happen at anytime and often when least suspected. As I have asked - does this FO have the ability to negotiate Trades? If not then a total build through the draft is not realistic (yet, I agree it is the best way to get most of a team together). Lets acquire 1-2 before the off season even begins.

This is very true - but could we add a prospect (not one of our top 5 per say) ourselves and get a better player. This is the art of negotiating a deal and a good GM does upgrade a club with trades. I do not believe for a minute we have no prospects to trade but our top 5 that anyone would want. Not buying it. Our farm system is NOT that bad. Sweeten the pot and get a 'player' - if we end up selling. If not, then why can't we trade a marginal prospect and get an expiring contract/salary. We still may have a run in us 'IF' our SP stays healthy and we can add a decent bat or two (that may be dreaming, lol). I also find it hard to believe the Guardians and KC will stay this strong.

Agreed this is where the FO needs to make some impact. Can SHarris acquire a close to MLB ready talent for a position of need? With said, I would be for signing Flaherty to a 2-3 year higher AAV deal perhaps (emphasis on two). They will end up signing someone (or two SPs) on say 1-2 year deals. That has been the MO so far. Two years ago Boyd and Lorenzen. This past year Flaherty and Maeda. Same previously with SF (even more so, maybe they were closer to contending?).

Hmm, I know he needs ABs, but I am not so sure/sold on RKreidler at all. ZShort may be the better utility player.

Baby steps - but in the right direction. You got to believe the ability is there. Tork does, which is a good thing. The team hopefully can get some points through (yet, he has his ways it seems). He has to be able to make some adjustments - and this seems to be a constant in the game of baseball, he has to understand/see this throughout his career. This is harder for some to do. To be able to believe in his own ability not only to hit/field but ALSO to make some adjustments (based on perhaps some other observations as well). Maybe a little less IPad, techno, etc. and more 'play ball and enjoy'. I have heard A.J. mention before (paraphrasing) 'he needs to get his head out of the IPad.' Another positive, he seemed quite frank and humbled during his Toledo interview. This has happened to others before. Some come back better and stronger from it while others do not have the overall capacity to get back. Those Paul Konerko comparisons look pretty good now, lol. Yet, Tork is Tork and I am sure most here would quite happily settle for even a little less than a Konerko-like career 😉 Go Tigs!

Good points. Like players that have to make adjustments to succeed, management and game plans have to do so as well. If you do not then you are to easily strategized against. I agree 'controlling' the zone has some merit - but it does not mean each and every time. Too many times are players are behind in the count. We still swing the least amount from what I heard tonight at the first pitch of any team in the league - what is it getting us? You can say it is the players, but... Some players are not built for that. Yet, working the zone could help players over time as well. IMHO, if a player wants to swing at a certain pitch and sees it on the first or second delivery - put 'working the count' aside and rake. Again, IMHO, that approach is not for everyone if the FO is ONLY looking for that type of player, then they are really restricting themselves, and that is not good. Just look at how many players who had talent through the games history who 'would not fit in' - we should be looking for players who have talent, whether they work the count or not. I am for several that do - but not a whole lineup!

True. Yet, IF Rushing is a guy they really like (LHB, C-1B, blocked in LA by star players) and they are entertaining trading Flaherty (if healthy at the time, the LAD have interest and we do not plan on re-signing him, even to a shorter AAV deal, etc.) then you come up with a package to get Rushing that includes Flaherty. This is what I have been talking about. The ability to add a prospect (NOT top 5) and make some kind of package deal ex 2 for 2, etc. I have been saying all along and hoping our FO (SHarris & JGreenberg) have the ability to identify, then 'negotiate' theses type of deals, til they get the/a guy they like. A good FO organization has the ability to do this. The above is just an example.

He did sell Lorenzen last year (IMHO). The return looks decent so far. I have been looking on to see if this FO can acquire players outside the organization via trade. It will be very important because anyone who thinks you can build through the draft only and then the FA position(s) you need just shows up, and will sign here, is fooling themselves (including this FO if they think that). IMHO, there has to be player acquisitions. I have mentioned it over and over. Maybe trade from a position of strength or value for value. I still feel a good FO needs someone that can negotiate a deal. There is a knack to this. Do we have that? We have some prospects (I do not mean our top 3-4 either) that another team may be willing to obtain. Maybe they have a player they wish to move on from that is signed. Maybe they have a prospect that is blocked that we like, etc. A good FO can do this. SHarris and JGreenberg need to show that they can identify and project (good scouting, analytics, etc.) and come up with some players via trades. As for Flaherty, still a ways to go. He has to stay healthy and pitch reasonably well. Heck, maybe they hang onto him if a deal is not worth it - do they not get a draft pick if they lose him? that right there has a certain value. Maybe re-sign him to a higher AAV short term deal. I do not think SHarris has any intentions on signing Ps to longer term deals. His history is 'short term' and sometimes pillow contracts. I am actually for this approach when it comes to SPs. They 'may' need to make an exception with Skubal. Yet, if that intention is not there, then they may entertain offers for him at some point. There are two big factors also in relation to building a roster - Health is the big 'elephant in the room' and in today's game - a good GM knows this. Luck is there as well. Yet, preparation can favor those who understand this.

I actually agree with you. He might be decent though and not a huge price tag. I would prefer to find a 'close to/on the cusp' type prospect, like say where Jordan Westburg or Michael Busch were at this time last year. That could cost more and we may have that with Jace Jung already. Maybe Micheal Vargas of LAD is interesting. Good at multiple minor league stops and not 'yet' at the MLB level. It is all a crap shot. That is where real scouting comes in. Yet, no question a certain amount of luck is involved. We can all say I would like so and so ex Josh Jung or Evan Carter or Elly De La Cruz. That is more hindsight, not to mention the cost... Who do you think might be a 'potential' target to help the club?