Useful Idiot

Part of the problem, the way I see it, we really don't have any standout talent where I want to say "He is our left fielder" and "He is our right fielder". What we've got is a slew of guys with potential, all needing to be proven. And I think that's the dilemma Hinch and company are faced with too, they don't want to risk allowing the potential diamond in the rough to slip through their fingers. So they play roster games, hoping the choice will become clearer, with time. Perhaps thinning out the herd is the only right way to go? Giving fewer candidates more playing time to establish themselves?

I similarly wonder where they claim a player is "experiencing tightness" and they end up on the IL over that. I've experienced tightness quite a bit, but usually just stretch it out. But then I'm not a finely tuned physical specimen, either. 😕

I'll just have to wait for the other shoe to fall, I guess. I just feel the organization has a "red headed stepchild" attitude for him...to the extent that if he does well the next few weeks, they'll sell-high.

Could be.....I really don't know for sure. At the time I saw it, didn't seem worth writing down as far as the source, etc. Only took on an air of significance when AJ later made the "mirror image" comment, inspiring me to think "no doubt" with sarcastic flair.

There was also a news item, I don't recall if it was Beck, or who....but they stated that when Reyes went on the IL the first time, he didn't think the injury was significant enough to warrant the IL. But the team insisted otherwise. Then when the next IL stint happened right on the heels of his return. Hinch stated the second injury was a "mirror image" of the first. So, I'm suspecting it may have literally been a "Mirror image"...down to the point of being more a case of creative roster manipulation, than actual debilitating injury. Seems he's the odd man out? Then we get the bad news about Mize. and suddenly Reyes is back in the lineup the following day.

Well, I refer back to my earlier suggestion that Reyes was brought up to "showcase"., Obviously if he fails, then there will be little interest (I assumed that would be a given, not requiring elaboration.) And the type of innings eater I have in mind would offer more endurance than the arms we have in the pen, routinely capable of logging 5+ innings per outing. Personally I'd prefer they deal Grossman, but it's just my cynicism assuming that since I like Reyes, they don't I think to make the "innings eater" concept fly, we'd have to be offering to take on a contract someone else would like to shed. We certainly have headroom in our payroll to do such a thing. And might even get us a decent arm to tide us over until Mize comes back, in the bargain

Strangely, I don't think either Avila or Hinch are the true culprit. As bad as it all seems, I believe that Avila is just doing the job he's been asked to do. Little itch is, IMO, the true villain here. Playing monopoly with his New Markets tax credits has seized his attention in an unhealthy way for Detroit sports fans

Maybe Reyes and a bullpen arm traded at the deadline for an innings-eater starter. That way they open a slot on the 40 for Greene at the same time

I try to be tolerant...afterall, the former players ostensibly have more insight than a typical fan, so I just grit my teeth through the occasional rough spot. But in yesterdays series finale with the Jays, it really grew tedious watching Craig Monroe "school" Kirk Gibson on how (bat) grip relates to swing. And then the bit teasing him (hands on) about the towel. I'm not sure if it was restraint on the part of Gibby, or his disability,...but Monroe seemed to me to be getting away with more than he was entitled to.

See what I mean about Reyes being underappreciated in the D?

Well, it looks to me more like his trips to the Il have been mostly a case of creative roster manipulation. And consequently I suspect his recent call-up has more to do with Mize's TJ diagnosis, team trying to culture a little trade bait. I could be wrong, have been wrong before. But this is where my gut is on Reyes. I like Reyes. and think he is under appreciated on this team, so in a strange way, if a trade gets him to a team where he gets more playing time, I'll be happy for him. With Hill/Baddoo/Meadows/ Greene/Castro in the outfield...I don't think Reyes will get the playing time he deserves in the D

When Greene comes up, they will have some congestion on the 40 man. I think a trade will be part of the solution. I think Reyes is most likely to be seen as expendable.

I've likely been the most outspoken of Baez' critics this season. Kudos to Javy for today's performance at the plate. The hit was nice,...but I'm even more encourage by the 3 walks.

The Tigers are 5-3 in the 8 games Reyes has started this season. I really hope they will continue to give him playing time. But cynically I expect the fools will trade him to make room for Junior, once his rehab is concluded. Prediction Reyes plus one other for an "innings eater" type back of the rotation starter

LMAO "range factor" 😮

Hey, you know how it works. Ditch Brandon Inge, go to the word series....

Interesting that you see it that way. I've usually interpreted the "charm" systems such as that t be more of a "training tool" of sorts, used to groom desired behaviors. aka be a good boy, and earn a lollipop. What really grows annoying is some places like Reddit or Imgur where people actually play to the audience, trying to earn "charms"...pandering for reputation, basically.

Hey man, 2 for 3 with a couple ribbies, and no errors......you expect the man to walk on water too? Couldn't resist..."when in Rome"

I've seen him make a few blunders...but I suppose in the spirit of this board I should cherry pick some stat that suggests contrary? Being able the throw the ball all the way to first, is a big plus.😮

Well, if that's the case, I find that comforting. The "good ol boy" networks at most forums tend to be pretty skilled in framing newcomers as "trouble makers", so I've been careful to try and avoid that distinction. Of course the other side of that, I really don't know who the admins here really are, either. At least at the MLB forums, you could rest in the comfort that your anonymity was safe from hostile posters. Here, I'm sure the admins have the full gamut of tools to employ, for whatever purpose might strike them as "fitting".

I couldn't help noticing last night that Harold Castro's throws to first base, actually made it all the way to Tork, without bouncing half-way there or making him lurch to one side like a grasshopper. Perhaps our "solution" at shortstop is not as big a reach as some strive to make it? 😇

At least I'm not one of the scat-flinging monkeys.

It's not a "fake" anything, I'm simply calling you out for the "troll" remark. (and you know this)

Yanno? it's not that the behavior "harms" me in any way. It just seems intellectually dishonest to brand someone a 'troll' when you have resident bad actors trying to provoke and escalate. Frequently the biggest trolls are regular members

This being a moderated board, I think you cross a line branding someone a "troll", because it implies that moderator action should be forthcoming. "Troll" is a leverage word. So I'm not playing "martyr" I see "troll" as somewhat of a designer pejorative, pretty much in the same spirit as "retarded". And I know you have people here who object to the latter. Well I believe the former belongs in the same category