alex

There is still plenty of time 😉 😄

This is IMHO actually quite good. Now they have these players as depth (I believe mtutiger and others here mentioned this philosophy before as well). FWIW, I believe they could have pulled Feliciano and/or Ibanez back if they were claimed and then just kept them on the 40, all without anyone knowing really publicly they had been claimed. Next they can add from here another waiver claim or two and/or add via FA or trade.

I think sometimes simply because, as you have mentioned, it seems on the outside that nothing much is really being attempted. I to have fallen to this 'appearance' That does not mean some FAs and trades came close to actual fruition. I for one believe WContreras was sought but that was during an early time (he would of checked off several needs: a type of cornerstone player, SHarris was familiar with him, C/OF, fourth place type hiter, etc.) and maybe the Tigs were not ready (actually totally surprised) at this years market for both the price and years it actually took (St Louis is a good organization and they looked at it and jumped on it). Where we 'may' disagree a bit is that ABs should be given to youngsters perhaps (ex Clemens, Kriedler, etc) and not to marginal FAs. IMHO, the youngsters will still get ABs (depth, injuries, etc.) but when (not if) that weaker perspective of depth is challenged - where do they go from there? Lesser ready youngsters - that is a recipe for disaster. Then we go back to 'trying to sign a quality or two FA next off season and you said it yourself... This team won 66 games last year... teams that are unsuccessful generally don't have the same kind of leverage that teams who win more games do. Last years Tigers likely stand as a good example... they won 77 games and did manage to have a decent offseason on paper in the free agent market. ... this predicament again is much less attractive for FAs (a constant 60+ W team as opposed to a close to .500 team). I am NOT saying top guys for 250 mil contracts (like Texas) need be done now per say. Just 2-3 mid level guys who can help win some games, take some pressure off, allow youngsters to develop and get the team 'closer' to respectability so the season for fans can be more enjoyable and a semblance of hope for competing can be there (esp in this division). This out of it by May 15th is not what most fans, players, etc. want. Also, if 'youngsters' are performing well (ex CKieth, PMeadows, WFlores, DDingler, etc. even a player like TNevin for that matter) - SHarris and A.J. will get them in the mix regardless of what 'modest' investments (if that) they put into 2-3 vet types (ex 5 - 10 mil ea if that). Again, IMHO, too many reasons not to get 2-3 vets to help in MANY ways. I have no doubt SHarris will do this soon via FAs and/or trades. You said it yourself several times - they still have time. Also, for the record, as I have mentioned many times here, drafting and developing is key and they will get more chances there as well with 3 of the top 46 picks this summer to go along with all the organization personnel they have changed in hopes to do this. 🙂 Go Tigs !

I think the main theme for the Tigers is and should be to develop young talented players. The appointed staff will have a chance to do so and their upgraded scouting will get a chance with the draft this year (3 picks in the top 46 or so?) to upgrade. IMHO, some of the players that under performed or could not perform last year hopefully will do better (Baez, Schoop, Meadows, etc.). However, there will be injuries. Right now there is little or no depth with position players. I just feel at this time there is a difference between having Clemens and Kriedler (at this point in his career), etc. on the field too often as oppose to say Brian Anderson or ERios and AJPollock or AMcCutchen (or a couple others). However, if the aforementioned players perform better, and Greene and Tork develop along with not having an abundance of injuries all over the diamond (like last year) the team could win as you mentioned 75 - then if you had a couple decent vets who do 'alright' the team could be closer to an 80 win team. With this comes some hope to compete in the division (this division), makes the season more enjoyable and it is more attractive to next years free agent class (ex having a .500 team as opposed to a 60+ W team - of course money talks but the chance to win helps). I bet SHarris has reached out to a few FAs, and Detroit is not a top choice because of the teams most recent record and the ballpark/location. I still think there 'will be' a trade or two and a FA signing or two - but the FA market is getting quite slim. There is a difference between a roughly .500 team and a 60+ win team. Just look at the Tigers themselves from 2021 to 2022.

Also Jon Gray I believe. They went all out for SP this off-season it seems. Maybe they need a little BP help as well? Josh Smith, EDuran, DHarris all make potential interesting young trade targets that could be available.

Trade Idea, Always much easier said than done of course, but may make some sense: NYM: GSoto, JWentz, JCisnero and a decent prospect (no one on MLB Roster) / or a top prospect (out of our top 5 for ex CKeith, IPacheco or maybe even JJobe). Det: BBaty, EEscobar (they just signed DMendick for utility) and HCarrasco / or MCanha (more so the top prospect here w/ Canha). Tigs get to fill out part of the lineup and top a prospect. NYM get salary relief (at some point they will seek it) and decent controllable arms. After we 'could' deal HCarrasco+ to a team needing a SP in some capacity for another decent prospect (ex Angels/JAdell, Tex/JSmith or EDuran). Just thought to float an idea... 🙂 ☃️ After all it is Christmas time, lol...

Yes. I agree, on each front. For this off season if they sign 2 of the decent remaining FAs and/or make say one more deal, for starting types - that is addressing the the MLB team.

IMHO, there will be a couple/few positional player additions before (or even during ST). Yes, it has been perhaps frustrating from a position player side in terms of additions - but SHarris strikes me as having a plan and that included positional player additions via Trades and or a couple FAs. Sure there may not be any 'needle' movers (on the surface) remaining (in FAs) but they are not going in with WPerez, RKreidler, KClemens, JRogers, PMeadows, etc. on the MLB roster when they more than likely all need AAA time themselves. The team is not 'tanking' and with the new draft order in place it makes no sense. Sure the likes of BAnderson, ERios, JProfar, GSancez, MGarver, AMcCutchen, BDuvall, AJPollack, TPham, JSegura, etc. are not 'exciting' per say but any two could still help win games while youngsters gain time at AAA - and a trade or two may be had as well for a younger player (and even a vet if willing to take on salary). Then towards the midway point of the season much will be reevaluated. Who has developed? who is behind? who could be moved? added? etc.

Yea, just heard/saw a short video excerpt from his platform interview that he (Myers) wanted to get to play at a place closer to home and that the ballpark was a factor. Cannot say for sure, but sounds like he may have had other offers.

Totally agree. 1B maybe some 3B, LF/RF... At this rate the end of next month - there may be no FAs left. I see Jeter Downs was claimed by WA. I would say patience is very important here - but it is getting frustrating. SHarris may have under estimated a bit how Comerica plays in the FA one year hitter contract efforts.

Yes, this is a good list. Can also maybe throw in a player like Joe Adell (Angels) and a few more. There hopefully will be some action at some point as the FA names are dwindling everyday (ex WMyers so far today. You would think we could of beaten that offer or the BDrury one as well. Yet, in either case maybe the park played a part also). I actually think Detroit more than likely has made a couple fair offers to FAs hitters - but nothing has come of any of them. Comerica is not a hitters first choice to build value (also just mentioned by ToddWert). Hopefully Detroit will not wait til everyone is signed - then other teams will also be on the trade train. Even if SHarris (or any FO chief) is on vacation I bet there are check ins and if someone is available the next in charge will be 'given the go' to proceed if something can be consummated. If opportunity knocks you have to be ready, just ask Steve Cohen, lol. Was he not in Hawaii (or somewhere) this past week but still got CCorrea?

Actually I am ok with the moves so far for the MLB team: Boyd, Lorenzen, Ibanez and even Feliciano (also Malloy). The upper management has improved it would seem along with scouting, player development, conditioning, the hitting philosophy and other areas where there is potentially upgraded personnel coming aboard. My concerns, and it may be early still, are with the depth of the MLB team. Injuries are going to happen. Right now we do not even have a complete team to put on the field. When (not if) an injury or two occurs we currently have no depth. I actually do think the team has a chance to still be decent - provided some smart moves are made. We are not in a strong division really. Two years ago we came on strong and were thought to be turning the corner (then injuries and down years took place). No one gave Cleveland a chance at this time last year and for that matter well on into May - but it happened. There is some time still. Some players to had - be it FA and/or trade. However, if the mindset is to 'Come to Detroit to get better' that IMHO does not attract many 'position' players (aka Comerica Park, listen to Lorenzan Presser). Veterans know what coaches are for. Many hire their own personal coaches in several areas. Not every player need be 24 or under for this team to get better. If that were the case then just follow minor league teams - but the Tigers are a MLB team. BTW, we will get even more 'prospect' talent in the next draft, ex 3 picks in the top 46? We just have to start developing players (esp positional) regardless and that should be perhaps the organization's main focus - but many of us would not mind a few more MLB players as well along the way.

It seems maybe so - as that deal was not bank breaking. Maybe his BB/K ratios were not a top choice. If it is players that want to get better - and they then chose to come here is a selling point - that sounds more like a Edwin Rios type idea (which might be ok) or even GSanchez (Haase more 1B and OF). This team needs a middle of the order bat (maybe two). Still think something will happen before too long. WMyers could be a decent fit. Not a first choice but at this time... JProfar could bat at the top of the order and is able to move around - but hard to believe either of these two will have to settle on a one yr deal.

It does 'look' deflating... trying to sell MLB hitters on coming here to get better is not the line most want to hear. They need to get some players here soon. Right now they do not have positions filled. Yes, there is always some time but players are coming off the board every day. Then you throw in injuries that are inevitable, and you see a picture that is not too 'bright'. Maybe there is a trade and/or signing(s) in the works (hard to think there is not). Just a few too many holes at this time it seems.

More data will come out. Who knows. I am not saying he decided on less money - as he agreed to SF initially. Yet, maybe he thought it over, had some hesitation and this gave him a 'window' to get out of IMHO, what would have become a VERY pressured situation. Sometimes when it comes to that much money a person can decide (family involved too remember) on what is best long term for many reasons and the few (to him maybe) extra beans may not be worth it. No doubt several things may have been going on here... Stay tuned to the same 'Bat' channel in Gotham City, lol...

Hmm, this could be an opportunity for Detroit (and other teams) to look at and 'act' upon. IF they could get Canha (OF/1B) and McCann, salary relief for NYM - if they actually even seek it (crazy... but it hits our payroll though but these two players could help for 2 yrs) and a top of the line prospect like BBaty (or at least MVientos+) for RP and a mid-level prospect package - it might solve a few areas in one deal. Also, as someone else mentioned, I wonder if the SF move gave Correa cold feet in that it would have been a very pressured position- and in a not so hitter friendly ballpark as well. With NYM he is not 'the guy' with many stars surrounding him.

Agreed. Would need to be more a quality prospect ex 3B MVientos as they have BBatty and may 'buy' another 3B next off season.

I tend to agree. Seems he needs a change of scenery. Maybe he had put a lot of pressure on himself as he was a key piece in the MBetts deal. Still young enough to take a chance - and yes not often do you see many fall offs like this from AA to AAA.

There may be much to this, especially when it happens for the first time. If repeated or also by other means (trades, FA, etc.) then a player can adjust/cope more accordingly. Yes, I do know Candy was traded here - but apx 5 yrs since. Perhaps there may have simply been an 'air' in the clubhouse where too many players just wanted 'to be in the big leagues and play' mentality was there. That winning baseball (along with how they were all coached and the quantity of players thereof) simply did not mesh with a new idea and a bit of a changing approach (ex 'control the strike zone') moving forward. That and the organization as a whole simply needs better hands on development (coaching, new habit's) and more talented players.

IMHO, I agree on all fronts. Yes, Harris will more than likely sign 1-2 more SPs, maybe for not as much (or one for as much?)... I am on board as long as it does not effect what is done with potential upgrades for position players. Where I (many of us) hope to see one longer term solution type acquired and another couple more shorter term types perhaps. All depends on how the market plays out and who is 'really' is open to coming to Detroit and at what price/cost. A week from now we may know a bit more 🙂 😉

Yes, this - but also - sports in general are very volatile per say. You just cannot say, as I heard one Tigers commentator mention at the end of 2021 season - while assuming the other current player WARS remain the same; if we 'add' WAR here, there, etc. plus this past years WAR on a few players stay the same or go up then we contend... NOT that simple. The repeat WAR of several Tiger players did not happen from their 2021 seasons (Candy included, Grossman, Schoop, etc.) and several more got hurt. The Tigs can try to improve at several positions 'now'. Getting certain players added to the roster and hopefully most of them will perform adequate/well. Then add in some improvements by current players ex Baez, Baddoo, Meadows, Tork, Schoop, etc. Yet, there will no doubt be some regress also. We hope the progress outweighs here. This is how any management must think. Detroit just had an abundance of things 'not' go well in 2022. In the end, maybe all for the better, as changes have been/are being made all across the board. This along with hopefully better luck on the 'health side' (yet, there are always going to be some injuries) - may lead the team to be more (and perhaps much more) competitive. Maybe even contend for awhile at least with the increased post-season mix (perhaps wishful thinking 🙂 🙄).

Much agreed with, however Harris himself said rosters and especially Ps are so volatile year to year. You can never 'count' on a certain 3 SPs (see Fullmer, Boyd and Norris, etc., etc.). Gone are the days of teams with 3 SPs giving you 200+ IPs each year. I agree with Dan O'Dowd and other FO types who say you need to be 10 deep in SPs or your season has a chance of derailing awfully fast. IMHO, Harris/staff will try to accumulate as much talent as possible, regardless of position, If he/they feel a player of interest is available 'now' and/or a real potential to acquire (FA, trade, draft, waiver, etc.) he will go after him. Although perhaps over time it may be there - the 'timeline' concept - may not be apply here in the early goings, meaning 'get who you can if the player fits now' mode may apply. There has to be a 'trust' factor and that assurance comes/came between Chris I and SHarris - and Harris would not have come here, IMHO, had he not been given some assurances of such. There already have been quite a few changes throughout the organization. I do think there needs to be 'some' first hand 'eyeball/interaction+' to take place still with the Tigs players, but this day and age most teams already know a lot about players, so analytics, value, etc. is already there. There will be additions 'this' off season, who and to what extent on the payroll remains to be seen as other teams will no doubt be going after many of the same players as well. 🤔

I agree and think they will get someone more 'settling' for the position along with another versatile type (like Hoy Park perhaps) that could also be a platoon type (depth option) to go with say A.Ibanez. IMHO, there is going to be more changes to not only the MLB roster but also the AAA-depth area.

I think it is a definite idea worth looking at. However, Toronto is very RH right now - so they may need to make another move or two first... Yes, both a C (Jansen?) and Biggio could make sense for a Detroit package that might include a RP+ Hoy Park, though not a big time prospect, yet still young, LH and can play around the INF was just designated by Pit yesterday. He has OBA skills (noted for working the count), some power and speed. Wonder if they looked at Hunter Renfroe (Milw, RH OF power bat and decent D) before he was dealt to LAA? Seems may of been a possible Candy straight 1-1 deal for him as possible.

I in fact do remember that. He got some time with another instructor (perhaps his personal instructor or a previous coach I thought I heard?). This is perhaps another part of it. The team has been losing for so long with many of the same faces and perhaps it might be best for both sides really. There are some options out there and I am sure they are looking at many things from signing a younger type vet ex ERios (or JVolser of SF AAA) or a mid age vet BAnderson to an older FA JTurner or ELongoria or even a deal for a vet to help another team trim salary (and we get a prospect to go along with) ex JDonaldson, ARendon, etc. It is obvious there will soon be some additions in the next 60 days or so. 😉 Let us hope for a competitive team (+) once again. 🙂