Tenacious D

I don't think I'd admit to that. I'm not saying it's the reason for deploying this (Edman is correct), but certainly creates interesting decisions that managers need to make. i.e., do you bunt the runner over, intentionally walk a batter to create a force or double play, hit and run, etc...

“I can’t wait to get to flailing at those low and outside pitches,” Baez said.

I know this is not of interest to maybe most of you, but Topps just released their 2023 cards. Best design they have had in years. Also a rarity—a smiling picture of Eduardo Rodriguez in a Tigers uniform,

Mize had back surgery? I missed that one. Guess it’s still a good sign that he’s getting ready to start throwing.

Unlike you Luddites, I like the new extra innings with the runner on second base. Adds a new strategic dynamic and does shorten games.

Could Mize make it back at some point this season? While I wouldn't count on much productivity, it would be nice to get him pitching and shaking off the rust so he's ready to go to start 2024.

I think this is an unfounded or unwarranted fear. Ilitch has and will spend when it makes sense. I applaud the front office for sitting out this last free agency period--the majority of those contracts were ridiculous and will not end well. We have to stop with this lament--yes, it would be great to have Steve Cohen who could care less for any payroll tax restrictions, but he is in the minority. I doubt that Ilitch Sr. would have gone there, if still alive. Our biggest opportunity for improvement is to develop all of the high picks we benefited from the last 5 years, along with this year's class (and probably the 2024 draft, too, which will yield a high pick). Then use free agency, responsibly, to supplement. Not the other way around. This team has legitimate talent--ERod, Meadows, Mize, Skubal, Manning, Greene, Tork and Lange to build around. Plus a bunch of lottery tickets that could go either way and what I believe is a better farm system than we're given credit for. Maybe not a lot of elite talent anymore, since most graduated, but a lot of interesting guys who can contribute as soon as this year.

what kind of a reflection is it on Harris if we backslide even further? Last year was classic Murphy's Law--significant injuries, key players missing time (ERod and Meadows), not a single offensive player hitting close to their career averages/potential? Can we really be worse, and should that be excused? I don't think this is the same situation that Dombrowski was in--when he joined, the cupboards were literally bare. That's not the case now, though admittedly there are a ton of question marks. Personally, I don't see us being worse, although the schedule changes where we don't face our AL Central rivals a disproportionate amount, could have negative implications.

this has been the easiest Michigan winter of my life.

This offseason was different than the last few years. Any time it's a players market, which this offseason was, the teams that are in preferred geographies and have winning records will generally win out in free agency. The Tigers couldn't offer either. Which is why I think Avila misplayed the market, prior to signing Baez and Erod. Many free agents that we probably could have been in on, but we played the tank card instead. Bad timing. Again, there were only a few free agents I would have liked this year--Mitch Haniger was one of them. All of the guys who received 8-10 year deals are not for us--hopefully we learned that lesson with Miggy. If it's a players market after this season, which it likely will be, I suspect Erod and Baez will opt out if they have good seasons. Much more risky for Javy as teams aren't stupid or unaware of his deficiencies. I don't care if he hits .300/30/100 this year--I'll dance a jig if we get out of the balance of his contract.

John Jaso sighting…

Nice to see Boyd and Rogers healthy

I sense a theme.

Still holding out hope that they have deals in place with a couple of major league free agents and are just waiting until they can put Mize and Skubal on the 60-day to make room.

Think you just described Victor Reyes, too.

Chafin didn’t want to come back here. Can you blame the guy?

Santana was also 19 years old. I don’t think I’d drop him based off last year, especially with a high walk rate and some power. You could easily make the argument that he is a top-5 talent in the org. I also can’t get behind putting Jung over Keith, but I hope that is the outcome because I’m very high on Colt.

That was the knock on Okudah by some—that playing in the Big 10 wasn’t as challenging or the best test.

I kind of like this

underwhelmed in the KBO, but hopefully he can be our new Trayce Thompson.

Pretty cool autograph card of Pacheco that I just purchased off eBay:

I don’t see a scenario where the Bears make their pick,

I was part of the “be patient” brigade. They did bring some guys in, but no one clear cut or who looks to be an upgrade. I’m still convinced that Schoop moves over there for some games, with Maton getting more starts at 2B.

I’ve read them all. His was the only one that I was left, he’s really not very good and I hope he enjoys summers in Toledo (and Erie, eventually). He’s not blocking Dingler or Crouch, but I don’t think anyone else is coming up behind those guys.