Tenacious D

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.

Yes, but they are eligible. Probably moot, cause I’m guessing that the majority of seniors who get drafted in those rounds never make it to the majors, or just get a sniff. Getting back to the original thesis, a players signing bonus, which can vary significantly, should be factored into their overall compensation when discussing whether or not they can live comfortably after playing.

All of the Detroit sports rebuilds have hit a speed bump this year. Coupled with Michigan State playing like a bad MAC team this season, and it’s been a pretty lousy sports year.

Yeah—I know most don’t get that. Which is why I referenced round or pick dependent. For example, the slot for the last pick in the 10th round (316) is $148K. Not chump change, either, but not life changing. I assumed, though, that the majority of guys who make it to the majors are selected in the first 10 rounds of the MLB draft (excluding international signees). If true, then most have some signing bonus, in addition to their MLB salaries. (of course given how low minor league pay is, they probably use their signing bonus money to supplement until getting promoted).

Turner said most of his professional income came from his signing bonus, which I suspect most players who make it to the show likely receive, too. Of course, those vary widely based on which pick and round they were drafted in.

Do teams use it as an evaluation tool for a potential last look at a player before they need to decide to protect them on the 40-man roster?

well, since strikeouts are fascist, I don't think she cares.