1776

Do you know why Israel struck first?

Knowing what we do regarding the history of the Six Days War, why would you expect Israel to cede the land/territories they conquered in the war? Why do you believe they refuse to give the land back?

Realistically, Chapman and Snell will most likely opt out after this year. I was only interested in Chapman as I thought he would fill an immediate need here. Everything is 20/20 hindsight at this point, but Chapman would have been the perfect placeholder for one year at third base in Detroit. Urshela was a solid move as an alternate choice.

Flaherty leaves after throwing 88 pitches and 8 k’s in 4.2 innings.

Both starters over 60 pitches after three innings.

Shome Damonei

Flaherty K’s the side. Monroe kills the radio broadcast-brutal.

Our friend ERod will start the season on the IL with no estimated return time frame. So glad he is not in Motown this year.

I would be shocked, shocked I tell you, if the Tigers ever had the least bit of interest in Ohtani. And I’m good with that.

My primary concern is the total lack of offense from Torkelson and Baez. Offense in general is a concern as well for me.

Yep.

So our three game spring training trip ends today with a 1-1-1 record for the Tigers in the games we attended. Mostly all sun and warm enough to enjoy all of the games, almost like being in Florida 😁 Hoping the team can stay healthy the rest of spring. Headed north in the morning looking at 100% chance of rain to start the day. Ready for opening day.

If I’m not mistaken he only issued one walk in 4.2 innings yesterday. He’s moving in the right direction. I can’t see him starting anywhere but in Detroit this year. This is what he’s been busting it for for nearly two years.

Repeating what I commented on elsewhere, Jack Flahery will receive Cy Young Award votes this year. Torkelson will take a step back this year and won’t see the same level of production as last year.

Wouldn’t be overly surprised. I thought that when they picked him up it was a good move.

We just pulled in the parking lot. Not a bad drive. We took the back roads and left Lakeland at 08:30. 2.5 hours it is.

Killer defensive play but I believe the runner was safe. I told my wife after that play that was the Javy they want to keep on the field.

Agree. The Giants org has several starters within one year, or less, of being MLB ready. If Snell opts out it will likely play in the Giants favor and open up a spot for a younger pitcher and much less money. He and Chapman will most likely be one years deals in S.F.

The fans in Lakeland tonight were either quiet, or supportive of Baez, when he was at the plate. He did hit one on the nose but it was an at’em. Hinch & Company have a difficult decision to make if Baez doesn’t figure something out with the bat.

We attended tonight’s game. I’ll stay with my only two personal predictions from the start of spring training. Jack Flaherty will receive votes for the AL Cy Young Award if he stays healthy. I believe Tork will regress offensively this year. I hope he proves me wrong. On the road in the morning to Ft. Myers.

My nephew is hell bent on joining the military and has passed all tests to date. While having a conversation with his dad, I was told that military pensions are being phased out. Or are already out. Is this fact? Thx.

Projecting a little bit here… Skubal has been named the opening day starter, deservedly so. If Hinch and company stay with the same order that they’ve been using in the spring with Skubal at the top, it would roll out as: Skubal-Maeda-Flahery-Mize-Manning. Olsen throwing four innings today suggests, to me, he won’t be a rotation guy out of the gate. Things may change but that’s where it stands today.

Cody Stavenhagen on yesterday’s breakout game: “Official attendance was listed at 2,011. There seemed to be a lot of online interest in the prospect game, but the meager in-person attendance made for a sleepy atmosphere.” As good as the Tigers pipeline is, I’m a bit surprised at the attendance numbers. If I were anything close to local, I’d have been in the seats.

Optionality

Have you ever read Elden Auker’s book, Sleeper Cars and Flannel Uniforms? It’s a really good read.