Tenacious D

definitely didn't have anyone else in mind--not close enough to other team's front office personnel. and don't have any objections to his style/type. just asking the question, because if I were a Giants fans, I'd be discouraged with what took place last year. And we hired the architect of that team. not being negative, just seeking other perspectives. this was a popular hire and I'm genuinely curious about what inspired that excitement.

that's fair, but I'm going by his limited track record. It's hard for me to point to any of his specific accomplishments. For the record, I'm optimistic that he'll be successful, but the faith that everyone has put in him seems a bit blind. And fashionable.

agree--the reactions varied from we had fleeced Tampa Bay to Paredes didn't have a role, and Meadows filled a need. No one could have predicted Candy's demise or Meadows physical and mental challenges. I still don't think it's a lost trade--no reason to think that Meadows can't be a contributor next year.

anyone concerned with the Harris hire? I feel that Tigers Twitter got physically aroused when this was announced, because he's 1) young 2) analytics guy and 3) not Avila. Seemed like a lot of group-think taking place, but if you look at his performance objectively, it's hit or miss. Clearly, SF had an amazing season in 2021, but that team seemed to overachieve and they fell significantly last season. Red flag? Someone had posted the SF transactions during his tenure and they seemed a bit underwhelming. Doesn't seem like they've had a ton of success via the draft. I hope I'm wrong, but I wish he had a more definitive track record of success--open to other perspectives. Perhaps I've missed something critical, but I fear this has the potential to be similar to Dan Quinn with the Lions, when everyone was excited because he came from the Patriots, but was a failure when asked to replicate that type of success with another organization.

They showed a graphic in yesterday’s WS game that the Astros had four pitchers, who were key contributors, signed as international free agents (for $10K each).

I categorize it as they weren't trying to lose, but also weren't driven to win. As you mention, they bought into a philosophy of building a team could be a sustainable winner, but failed at executing this (and had some shitty luck along the way).

There is some talent in the org--it's not barren, just unproven and snake-bit. Way too early to give up on the likes of Mize, Skubal, Manning, Turnbull, Tork and Greene, who've all seen the majors. Javy Baez, Austin Meadows and ERod could all snap back. And I think there could be more help on the way, especially with an improved development approach, in the form of Colt Keith, Dillon Dingler, Wenceel Perez, Parker Meadows, Josh Jung, Peyton Graham, Ty Madden, Brant Hurter, Dylan Smith, Jackson Jobe, etc. Unfortunately, we aren't on the cusp (unless Harris can pull together an amazing Hail Mary this offseason) and will have to be patient for a few more years.

Big game for JV. Beyond the obvious for his team. It would help his own reputation/legacy to change the narrative around his career performance in the World Series.

Avila had convinced him that signing expensive free agents was not sustainable and that the team needed to be built via the draft. This differentiated himself from Dombrowski’s approach, where we routinely sacrificed draft picks when signing veterans. I have a buddy who knows Chris—he told him the plan was to build a foundation through draft (basically tanking), and spend when the time was right. Apparently both Al and Chris believed that the progress made in 2021 warranted last offseason’s free agent investments. I’m cautiously optimistic. Won’t be a bunch of impulse purchases, like signing Fielder long-term because V-Mart got hurt, but that’s probably a good thing.

Why argue this point now? We’ll know within a few months time if ownership is interested in increasing payroll.

Agree, but nothing to get excited about. Striking gold (i.e., JD Martinez) is rare. I don’t think Harris was successful doing that in SF.

I’m not as confident in a lot of transactions—Harris’ hands are a bit tied, similar to what Dombrowski inherited. Too many injuries, underperformers and bad contracts.

There really is no evidence that Ilitch Jr would/will not spend. You might not like the return, but the Tigers made significant investments last offseason in Baez, ERod, Chafin and acquiring Barnhart. I see no reason to think he will prevent Harris from doing what he needs to this offseason. I don’t think he’ll have an open checkbook like his Dad did, but few teams do.

RoboUmp?

“Can’t hit, can’t throw. What can he do?” -Adam Ant

We’ll agree to disagree. Baez could have easily had close to 40 throwing errors last season (thanks, Tork). Unless he is willing to address, he should move over to 2B.

I agree with this. The Salvador Perez' and J.T. Realmuto's are the exception at C--most can't hit a lick. I think you use next year to see how Rogers can do getting significant playing time with Haase, and evaluate from there. With any luck, the two college catchers in our system (Dingler at Toledo, Crouch at Erie) will show some improvement and possibly become part of a longer term plan. C is not an area I would prioritize this offseason. Fix SS and one of the corner outfield positions. Lots of good FA options at both positions.

You are the McGyver of broadcast media hacks. Can you now turn that initiative and innovation to curing cancer or climate change? The world thanks you in advance.

More fun Verlander stats:

Nick’s always been a bit of a bonehead, but it’s nice to see him have a nice moment. I agree that it wasn’t as difficult a catch as he made it look, but if it helped the Astros lose, I’m all for it.

JV’s WS ERA is now 6.07, the highest among all pitchers with at least 30 IP. He might get one or two more shots at remedying this.

There is one podcast with two hosts, that I won’t name. One of the hosts really struggles enunciating and it’s really hard to listen to (not to mention frequent production issues). Both are reasonably knowledgeable, but just because you know something about the Tigers doesn’t mean you’ll be good at discussing it.

Thank you for making it worse for me.

Really his only blemish. It’s not a pressure thing, because there are plenty examples of him stepping up in the spotlight. Fatigue factor or just fluke?

Something everyone can agree on.