tiger2022

I think a team can make the playoffs with 3 good starters, a good bullpen, decent defense, and an even slightly below offense. Of course, those pitchers need to stay healthy. I thought Skubal, Flaherty, and Olsen made up the 3 starters. Mize is serviceable. But you really need at least 3 or even four guys, probably up and coming arms, that can step up when injuries happen. With Carpenter, Torkelson, Baez, Verling, Canha, Greene, Urshela, and even Rogers (home run hitter) it seemed the offense might be just good enough to make the Tigers contenders. Other than Greene, who got injured and Vierling those guys didn't produce much. Urshela and Baez are a big plus on defense. But I don't see how the offense can be remotely even average next season since they probably won't sign anyone other than the blue light specials. Skubal isn't going to want to stay here. I can't imagine he is happy with the direction the team is going. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Boras doesn't quietly put pressure on the organization to trade him in the offseason. I know people salivate over prospects but giving up a premier talent for question marks who probably won't be impact players isn't helping the franchise. It seems like they are putting all their eggs in high school kids they drafted the last 2 years. They won't be ready for at least 4 years. But at least Ilitch is making money, so that's all that really matters.

It won't be going away. They have a big hole in the bullpen, need at least 3 more reliable starters, Skubal will be traded away by the trade deadline next season, and there doesn't appear to be a lot in the upper minors to help. And of course, they won't spend until they are close. They aren't close.

5 in a row. Lots more pain coming down the pike after the fire sale/giving away players for not a whole lot in return..

I think the terrible offense has to have an effect on the pitchers. It's tough going out there knowing if you give up 2 runs you probably have a shot at a no decision at best.

But people on here say the royals suck and the Tigers are their equal.

If you don't mind streaming it and doing a bit of work closing out pop ups, try sportsurge.

When I was in high school, one of my teachers was talking about an octopus and said its arms had testicles all over it.

Don Mattingly is a close example. I think Albert Belle is kind of in the ballpark but more power and only played until he was 32. Of course, the sport writers don't like him and his career #s might be a bit short.

Is Harris done evaluating Zach McKinstry or does he need 2 more years to get all the information he needs?

And Stanton is 34. And so is Freddie Freeman. I think Freeman, Judge, Trout, Kershaw, Verlander, and Scherzer are all easy 1st ballot guys. I think Stanton should be too, but some smartest guys in the room voters will not vote for him the 1st time.

Yup, just cutting payroll at the trade deadline every year and getting a bunch of cheap, probably AAA level players, in a return for trades. They will always be 2 years away from spending to compete. I have a feeling they will trade Skubal before opening day next year and Greene will be the following year. I even had a sneaking feeling they would be willing to trade Skubal if the other team took on Javy's contract in return for lesser prospects.

Trout is an easy 1st ballot guy. Since Bonds retired, he's the best player to walk out on an mlb field. Besides, if he stays healthy for a few years, he'll have a shot at 500 home runs.

They've been doing it for about 10 years now..

How does McKinstry stay in the lineup constantly? I'd prefer him to start a game at pitcher.

I predict there will be a hurricane somewhere before the end of the calendar year.

Jung would definitely be behind McKinstrey. Hinch loves that guy for some reason

Can you explain why Flaherty and Buehler would sign here? I suspect Ilitch wants to keep salary low and wouldn't want to hand out long term contracts to pitchers. I am guessing Flaherty is not going to want a one year deal. And they will probably have better options with teams that have chances of making the playoffs. Alonso is going to want a big contract with lots of years...can't see Ilitch spending money. I'm thinking if they sign guys it will be someone who had a really down year or someone who won't make much of an impact (Canha, Urshula).

It's about as meaningful as nfl draft grades the day after. It means nothing at all.

Not everyone can get a mouth full of sh*t and claim it tastes delicious.

It was fun watching Flaherty pitch for half a season but he's off to a quality organization so we should all be happy for him.

I guess I can buy the 2029 playoff tickets now that these 2 guys are in the organization.

Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?

I remember the Cubs and Tigers used to have the most day games....and the Cubs got lights hopefully, the Tigers can get some lights this century.

The Orioles are planning on having strong offensive players come up every year instead of trading them all and then hoping they can resign a bunch if guys in a few years.

It is tough to follow an owner who doesn't give a flying bleep and bleeds the city for every dollar he can get, but I just can't follow another team. In the 90s when they sucked the whole decade and up until 2005 or whatever I just didn't follow baseball at all. I like watching Skubal and Flaherty pitch, and if they trade them, I will just not care about this team anymore. So I might just not pay attention until they actually try putting a winner out there. I think there are a lot of fans who feel like this.