Tenacious D

And, if you are frustrated with this offseason, you can blame Al Avila, for leaving this team barren of talent, as well as Scott Harris for not being fast enough to make changes, or not jumping into the fray giving out really bad free agent contracts. I don't see how Chris Ilitch is to blame--he was the one that initiated the change in the front office. And he has demonstrated that he will spend. It's really lazy and uninformed to keep blaming he guy. And I've met him in person and thought he was a bit of a douche, but I'm trying to be objective about this situation. Lastly, if you think back to the Dombrowki era, the Tigers were almost never included in rumors, because Dave kept things very close to the vest. Perhaps Harris is the same? Just because you don't have Jon Heyman erroneously mentioning us in any speculation, doesn't mean that Harris and co. aren't being active. They are just being smart.

I realize that Brandon Drury has somehow become a lightning rod, or the straw that broke the camel's back, for this offseason (so far), but everyone does realize he sucks, correct? He has only hit as a Cincinnati Red, basically playing in a ball park with high school dimensions. Look at his stats once he was dealt to San Diego last season. He was abysmal from 2017-2021. I've attached the link to his Baseball Reference profile. See for yourself and then tell me that we really missed out: https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/drurybr01.shtml

This franchise is probably worth closer to $3 million.

There was a lot of speculation yesterday on Twitter that Correa’s physical was a smokescreen and that he was getting cold feet and didn’t want to go forward with the contract with SF. If you’ll recall, Cohen had said earlier in the week that they were late getting to Correa to negotiate so he had put the interest out there. Another player spurns SF.

I don’t want McCann on the team under any circumstances. Hard pass.

with the rash of serious arm injuries plaguing major league baseball (probably like never before), it's a simple supply and demand dynamic with starting pitchers. The salaries being doled out to Boyd, Lorenzen, Lyles, Eflin, Walker, etc... are proof of that. Teams need innings, regardless of the quality of them. And are paying dearly for it. So comparing what Boyd received, for example, to a position player of similar perceived status or quality, is not an apples to apples comparison.

tru dat. Hadn't comprehended the buyout in the overall equation.

even in this crazy free agency spending period, I can't see Pollock getting $13M. The buyout will only work if he ends up getting a multi-year deal.

I'm 56. This is the first time in my life that I've felt optimistic and confident in a Lions team to play a competitive game regardless of opponent. And I believe that will only grow once they use some high picks to shore up their defensive deficiencies. For me, the difference is that there are competent adults in charge, including the owner. I'd say "Restore the Roar," but there really hasn't been anything to restore in my lifetime. "Fear the Roar"???

I actually think they are playing with house money this season. Anything good from this point forward is awesome. Expectations will be much higher next season with 4 picks in the first two rounds, a full season of Jamo and a year of seasoning for this year’s rookie class.

Yes. We’ll get to take care of GB ourselves

Agree to disagree? I can live with that.

Sorry, I don’t believe anything about the organization having a bad reputation, but would love to read about it. Certainly didn’t stop Baez or ERod last season. And I don’t believe we lost out on any free agents this offseason—Harris strikes me as being more disciplined than to make 10-13 year offers. Detroit as a market might turn off some people, mostly based on reputation, but I think the franchise is fine. Again, based on the size of contracts being given out, the only one I feel that we missed out was Mitch Haniger. Who knows if we even pursued him?

You keep referencing a bad reputation. What is that based on? They’ve completely made over their front office and coaching over the last couple of years. They’ve shown a willingness to spend—and successfully attract free agents that they targeted. Are you basing this off of our record last season? I think players and agents are more savvy to recognize that the team had some bad luck with injuries.

For all of our sanity I hope that the new Mrs. Harris will let her hubby make a few calls on their honeymoon and fill the hole at 3B.

Please tell me you trashed Shep?!?

I think they would like him at either 3B or 2B. Not sure he has the wheels to cover LF in Comerica, but would probably be Eric Haase-passable, if necessary. Remember that he was a pitcher in HS and supposedly has a very strong arm, which would play at 3B if he can pick it.

yes--I was riffing off the top of my head, but he's a key player who might be counted upon for 2024. I'd add Jobe to the list, too.

anything from Carpenter will be a pleasant surprise--the cynic in me is thinks he'll be a Brennan Boesch-type. You might get a nice half season out of him. Of course, he could also become another J.D. Martinez, who figures it out later, so I guess there is some hope. I'm more excited to see the guys in the minors and who takes a next step. Players in this category for me include Madden, Dylan Smith, Flores, Olsen, Baby Meadows, Wenceel, Pacheco, Jung, Peyton Graham, Crouch, Christian Santana, Campos and the hyphenated-one.

I doubt Harris is making any personnel decisions based on fan sentiment, but it would have been a very bad look if the new administration gave a raise to a player who hit under .220 with an OPS that would be low for a utility infielder, combined with poor defense. You could even say it would be a bit tone deaf with what is currently taking place with the economy and challenges that others are going through.

I was referencing a national TV audience.

I think the Lions offense might help their cause—I believe most fans would like to see higher scoring games (there were a few nationally televised “duds” this season from a scoring standpoint).

In a lost season, where he’s not blocking anyone, I’ll allow it. Hopefully the hyphenated, human walking machine can challenge that at some point in the season. And Schoop can finish the last half of his last season with the Tigers as utility guy.

I’ll give you a radical, in-house solution. Move Schoop to 3B, where his diminishing mobility will likely play better, and give Wenceel Perez a long look in Spring Training for 2B. I don’t think he’d be that overmatched. You’d want to have a veteran utility player as insurance, but if Harris is serious about giving AB’s to our prospects, this would be consistent with that position.

Are there going to that many head coach vacancies in the league? And no other wunderkind assistant coaches on any other teams that would be considered, too?