alex

Yeppers, they did show some things during this series. There is some hope in that they can play some good games (there will be ups and downs and injuries), develop some younger talent and depth and - just perhaps they have a 'vision and direction' moving forward 🤔 ⚾ 🧭

All IMHO, this is a reason to have decent vet players in the lineup. To take 'some pressure' of these two. Imagine a lineup of all AA- AAA players? We are NOT Toledo or Erie. IMHO, few prospects playing MLB can develop that way. There is also the idea of constant losing. It may become habitual, accepted, expected, etc. With said, 5 players JBaez, AMeadows, JSchoop, Miggy, EHaase have to produce 'some'. I do agree that not signing WMyers, etc. this past off season was not going to make a whole lot of difference. However, the idea is really more about taking some pressure off Greene & Tork. I, like many, feel they can handle 'some pressure' but not the entire offense just so an org can find out from other youngsters 'who can play'. The Tiger organization should be able to tell during this season who can and cannot become part of the next core from players on the current MLB team, AAA and some as low as AA (ex maybe CKeith). They also have some draft positioning this year. I believe 3 of the first 46 or so picks. They need to capitalize there. So, back to vets who can help, of those 5 listed, 3-4 need to produce some. This will take a bit of pressure of the Greene & Tork. However, Greene & Tork need to take the next steps as well. The team is not so deep as they cannot take a flyer on a player like EFlorial. That is not the same as WMyers, etc. He is young, affordable and controllable for awhile. The question is do they think they have more talent within? Why go after McKinstry, Witherspoon and Paulson and NOT go after an arguably better positional player prospect? There will also be injuries to vets and youngsters alike and hopefully in 2 mos. we are not thinking they should of grabbed so-so when they had a chance. For some reason, and I am not sure why (the time is not now of course), I am not sure how aggressive SHarris will be with actual talented players on the market in future years. Just seems like he likes reclamation projects and potential undervalued AAA types with his time here and in SF. Of course players have to be willing to come here as well. Things can change very fast (see Cleveland Spring 2022, predictions and into the beg of the season and their avg age, etc.). I actually think Chris I. is ok with adding talented players, just as he was last year (ERod, Javy and Chaffin, etc.) - when the time comes.

Thanks for the data! So, it would seem the first month of the season it goes by the standings of last year, (If I remember correctly) as the worst to first as you said . Then once May 1st is upon us it would go in accordance with the current season standings. (note: I may need to be corrected here)... If the above holds (based on last years standings for the month of April) - that means two teams, Oakland and KC would get first dibs, then Detroit and so forth. We may be looking at several waiver claims through the season. I do feel EFlorial may be one of the more interesting players (not that it means that much but he was a top 100 MLB Pipeline for a couple years as well).

Does anyone know how DFA works? A team puts in a claim? or is the claim based on last years standings, ex the team with the worst pecking record puts in first claim has to work out a deal - and if not then the player is waived or would any team have a chance for a deal straight up and NYY choose which deal? IMHO, some team(s) more than likely would put in a claim for this player (EFlorial). ... not entirely sure how it works.

I posted this on another thread- any more thoughts (Thanks casimir): Should the Tigers look at Estevan Florial, DFA, from the NYY? https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/flories01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-04-01_br They just brought in LHB McKinstry, Paulson and Witherspoon. None have the pedigree of Florial. That is 'not' to say Florial is the better player or they 'should' do this - but he is young (same exact age as RKreidler), has athleticism and tools (speed, power and arm, decent glove as well) and has had success at AAA. He is out of options, but is not Arb eligible until '26. Would this be a 'calculated risk' worth taking? or do we have simply better options. He does have some swing and miss tendency but does also have the ability to draw some walks. The NYY are always in a 'Have to win now' mode and maybe initially brought up Florial too early, hence the scenario. IMHO, this type of player could possibly do well in Comerica Park (reminds me of Granderson early on). I also think Vidal Brujan, back in the minors with Tampa, might be a good fit for the Tigers/park as well (we'll see on McKinstry though... ).

Should the Tigers look at Estevan Florial, DFA, from the NYY? https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/flories01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2023-04-01_br They just brought in LHB McKinstry, Paulson and Witherspoon. None have the pedigree of Florial. That is 'not' to say Florial is the better player or they 'should' do this - but he is young (same exact age as RKreidler), has athleticism and tools (speed, power and arm, decent glove as well) and has had success at AAA. He is out of options, but is not Arb eligible until '26. Would this be a calculated risk' worth taking? or do we have simply better options. He does have a swing and miss tendency but does also have the ability to draw some walks. The NYY are always in a 'have to win now' mode and maybe initially brought up Florial too early, hence the scenario. IMHO, this type of player could possibly do well in Comerica Park (reminds me of Granderson early on). I also think Vidal Brujan, back in the minors with Tampa, might be a good fit for the Tigers/park as well (we'll see on McKinstry though... ).

Totally agree. Enough of the 'higher' end on base guys, with bat to ball skills and some power and/or speed to go with, cannot hurt the organization and depth.

Agreed. Depth is of utmost importance. Baddoo just has to maintain focus and he will get a chance to prove (or not), more likely sooner than later, that he is a productive MLB player.

Yeah with you on Hernandez. Can see maybe Houston looking at him? I am even more surprised with ABaddoo. Speed will play a much bigger role this year and as it did in ST players like Baddoo can now help create more offense. He had a 'decent' spring... IMHO, he should of made the team. I wonder if there is more to it? He just has to go down to AAA and play well (like last year). McKinstry was good a AAA last year. Some pop, decent speed (niether exceptional though), LHB and quite versatile (but out of options). I am not sold on Kreidler's bat yet and I think he can benefit with more 'steady' ABs at AAA. You mentioned it before he missed a lot of last year. I will not be surprised if they make yet 'another' move soon...

Agreed. Heck, he is just a yr older than Tork. Not every decent player is 'good' before age 27-28. All good teams have players that are vets, some cast-offs, etc. We are just trying to get a nucleus of players under say 26 and Baddoo is in that mold and he 'could' be part of a said core/nucleus.

Yes, have said it before and will say it again: Depth on the roster this day and age is of utmost importance. Gone are the days of even 3 SPs on a team pitching 200 innings. You need 8-10 SPs today ready for 150 IP each. Also gone are the days of a team with 6-7 position players starting 150+ games each. We remember when we could rattle off good teams starting lineups. Because of inevitable injuries and the league (and union) not quite up to snuff in understanding the workloads that today's players endure on their bodies (conditioning big time, practice time and the games, etc.) this will be the case (with occasional outliers) for awhile. IMHO, a few lesser overall games on the schedule (ex 150-155 maybe), more players on the roster (I would say 27-28, yet it took sooo long to get it to 26!!), more days off in season (ex scheduled 7 inning DHs, maybe 2-3 per team) and maybe a few other tweaks would help. We all want to see the star players and the quality of the games not compromised - there will need to be some changes in the future. All IMHO, of course.

Yep, so much entertainment to go along with the sheer love of the game that most of us share. They were not good per say, but much more entertaining than '74 & '75. They also had All Stars RLeFlore and RStaub. SP Dave Roberts was decent and John Hiller quite good out of the BP. They brought up Jason Thompson and his 'roof top' homers. Horton, Stanley & Freehan was still on the team and productive when healthy. A gold glove caliber 3B in Aurelio Rodriguez. The 'Bird' made it magical and easy to remember. As one poster said, today it would be a bit different. Yet, regardless we enjoyed it. It was a very memorable year for Tiger baseball.

IMHO - Yes. There also has to be alot depth as injuries will occur (with all teams) and that will keep the Toledo shuttle quite active. The players who start at AAA initially - will hopefully have the right attitude (ex Ibanez/Baddoo/Carpenter/Nevin if on IL, etc.). It seems JSchoop has to get off to a decent start (first showing now in the Spring he still has it). It more than likely will be a short leash if not - yet, he is still young enough (and reported in actual better shape) to simply bounce back after an off year. CHernandez so far is looking decent and he works the count and is playing around the IF dirt. I would not even be surprised if there a is a deal for another multi-positional type younger player ex VBrujan of Tampa, or someone similar (He does have 1 more option I believe, but perhaps nowhere to really play there as they have alot of IF depth). Speed is coming back to baseball and the Tigs, playing out of Comerica, can take advantage of that if they get the right players. So far possibly with Vierling, Baddoo even JDavis as possible depth. PMeadows would also be in this category - but he really also has alot of upside in several areas.

I do not see why Nevin is a 'seat-filler' and Kreidler may be more the furure? They are both apx the same age. Nevin had a higher pedigree when drafted (former no. 1 and NOT by the Tigers). IMHO, Kreidler has to hit 'some'. Yes, he has a lot of defensive talent and seems to have a high BB IQ - but he will still have to hit some. Maybe a couple hundred ABs and playing everyday at AAA can help Ryan. I would like to see him hit .260 or so there really. Cesar has ability, has done this for a long time and is not 'over the hill yet' - again just IMHO. He may be getting closer to that point, however... Depth is soooo under rated and maybe playing constant youngsters PT in the big leagues may not always be the best thing. Yes, we want to draft & develop young players - yet, as far as the MLB team, because of injuries most all in camp no doubt will get chances at both AAA and MLB.

All good points. Personally I never minded the extra innings. I am a real fan of the game. However, I totally understand this and am very much for it. IMHO, the health of the players is of the utmost of importance. You simply cannot deplete a staff for a single game, makes NO sense and this then has further repercussions, as you mentioned (Edman85), to the pitching staffs at AAA, AA, etc. Eventually maybe the league and union will realize a 27-28 man roster may be best (though it took a long time to get to 26). There are simply too many injuries this day and age and there are many reasons. One, the athlete him/herself may just be over conditioned (Though not a university degree, I was a trainer for many years including some pros). There may be too much 'overall' physical training and that is why many staff's are now realizing there are times to cut back on total workloads. This in itself is a science that dabbles into several areas: kinesiology, nutrition, genetic factors, rest, etc. and although there are 'generalities' there is no 'cookie cutter' way as many bodies act differently. Second to that, the average fan is not interested in 3+ - 4 hour long games (many of us here are not the avg fan of course). That extensive game length is probably not appealing to many who may begin to have interest in watching the games as well.

Is there not some tax benefits as well? Not a major reason if so - but does not hurt.

Good move as in 'nothing' to lose. Amazing - how every year there are several MLB players that have to go to camp on MiLB contracts (at least to start). I actually think there 'may' be 1-2 more of these in the next 10 days or so as a few players will be scrambling to get to camp. Perhaps the Tigs may be a 'choice' now.

Good points, mediums to play out to, many players looked at (minus the bully). Nice post !

Looks about right. However, there is most often always going to be injuries. IMHO, unless JRogers wins the starting C position outright it would seem that he may need to get regular ABs, for at least awhile, because he did miss all of last season. CHernandez more than likely may have an opt out if he does not break camp. They may even have one (or more) invite(s) to bring into camp. The WBC will allow for a few players (in every camp) to get more 'look-see' time as well.

Cannot hurt to be stashed at AAA and see if he can improve a bit. Has big power, good arm and an athlete. 'Had' good plate discipline in the minors but not in his brief MLB stint. Maybe they can help his 'contact' game a bit at Toledo.

So there is an official date that players can be put on the 60 day IL that are currently on the 40 man roster? It would seem several teams may be going this route of course to give out a few potential MLB deals...

That is it in a nutshell - D2 (drafting and developing). Bingo! The International part also needs improvement. With said I too feel there is more overall depth and several players may be able to take a big step forward this summer. They also have 3 of the top 46 picks I believe. Should be an interesting period - one would think 🤔 ⚾ 🌤️

That is true, such things do happen for half a season (ala Orange Crush aka CShelton and many more). I do think they thought about it and felt it was worth the gamble to let RGrossman try to figure it out and 'maybe' increase his trade value. A.J. likes Robbie as well. I also think Thompson probably had a 'opt out' as Edman85 here mentioned. With said Thompson is a decent all around athlete (hence some CF last year on a very good team). He has power. However, he has not quite put it together consistently in the big leagues but has shown periodic flashes and hence not just a 'one time wonder' fallen out of the Majors (like so many others). This suggests to some people that he does have some ability to adjust. The Dodgers have liked him for awhile and saw something again last year and they re-acquired him (a good move for the WS contending team) AND they brought him back for '23 at 1.4M (I know, nothing for L.A.). All in all it would seem he has been a decent platoon player and the LAD have liked him so that says something.

All IMHO, 1) I do think Chris I. will make resources available when the time comes for player additions 'after' the team and organization is looked at and evaluated under the new leadership. I say that because as we remember after the second half of 2021 most all were on board with the direction of the team. Then things happened as an unusual amount of injuries took place and some players under performed. With said the Tigers did get: ERod, Javy, Chafin, Meadows, etc. To me that was a sure fire sign that Chris I. would do so if he (and the GM, Mgr, etc.) felt things were going in the right direction. FWIW, I feel they did potentially reach out to several FAs this off season (WContreras, WMyers, JSegura,... ) but the prices were much higher than anticipated (esp early on) and Detroit is not exactly a FA hitters destination at this time (ex the park and state of the team). Also, I do not believe SHarris would have come aboard if he felt this was the case in terms of extreme budget restraints (after a year or so of course). That kind of news, promising one thing and delivering another, would no doubt travel fast among the industry heads and that would make it very difficult to hire anyone worth their salt in the future. 2) For the roster, I feel A.J. had as much say on who to look at and potentially acquire as AA did (ex adding AMeadows at the end of the spring of '22). However, when it came time to select whom is to be on the roster itself during the season (proven vets excluded) then I feel that was more AA call. As mentioned here earlier, TThompson and KCarpenter may have been proof of that it would seem. Nobody is totally faultless and no one is to take all the blame in either case really. That is why sweeping changes were made throughout the organization. 3) To this end/now, I feel the club is heading in the right direction under SHarris and his new regime. It will take some time - but as I have said before things can change very fast. Just look at last years professional prognosis for both Detroit and Cleveland - a year ago at this time! Drafting and developing is the utmost importance here. You are talking about elite talents here on the field. Yes, we say so and so cannot do x, or so and so has to go. Yet, the bottom line is to get to this level, you have to be 'elite'. Remember we all knew the kid who was a can't miss in HS or college. We have to remember very few even make it to the show let alone succeed. So much of this is mental and the ability to adjust. Hopefully, we are identifying those who can 'recognize' this aspect in our player development additions and have proceeded accordingly. Controlling the strike zone makes a lot of sense, esp for offensive players (not for every player but by far for most). Again, for this long time fan, I feel we are on the right track. Some luck needs to take place as well. AA may have been a bit overly optimistic about some players in the org. for quite awhile. I cannot tell you how many times I remember him saying 'so and so can run like a deer or so & so has light tower power' - yet, he did ID some ex maybe the likes of ABaddoo (if he moves forward). With said I feel SHarris (and the new staff members, along with some returning ex RGarko) may be much more in tune to the identifying/developing talent process moving forward. Yes, we do not want to hear patience again and again - but maybe there is more hope this time. Go Tigs 🙂

Seems like an 'ok' move. Was thinking more like ERios as he has some upside (power upside) and is more a 3B/1B. Hernandez should not take too many ABs from younger players. We have to remember just because there are younger players around does not mean they should be getting 'all' the ABs. Heck, WCastro, VReyes, DHill, DCameron, CStewart, MGerber, etc., etc. were the younger players we were worrying about getting ABs 3-4 yrs ago, lol. Who knows one of them may still become a solid MLB - which Hernandez has been up until last season. The other thing is there are sooo many injuries this day and age. If we were to lose a vet or two (all clubs do) someone has to fill in for some of it. If CKieth, WPerez, RKriedler, etc. show they can play between MiLB & MLB time - they will get their chances I/we have to believe.