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Some impressions of the Tigers...
- I was really impressed at TigerFest with Victor Martinez. He carries himself like a true veteran player, and is anything but egotistical about catching. He says he'll do whatever is necessary to win. I believe him. Don't be surprised if he emerges as an important leader, not only on the field, but in the clubhouse.
- Thought it was interesting how Phil Coke carries a huge chip on his shoulder about being traded by the Yankees. He was told during the postseason of '09 by general manager Brian Cashman he'd be there for a long time. He was traded to the Tigers not long after the World Series. "Guess by a long time he meant only a month," Coke said.
_ Magglio Ordonez is in easily the best shape he's been in as a Tiger.
- Jim Leyland has his batting order set for every spot except second. It's likely one of the three young second basemen - Will Rhymes, Danny Worth or Scott Sizemore - will hit there.
- Brandon Inge said that as good as Justin Verlander has been the last five years, he can still be better. "Nobody wants to hit against him," Inge said. "Wouldn't surprise me if he is scary good this season. Key will be keeping his pitch count down in early innings."
- I'm glad the Tigers are honoring Sparky this season. Was overdue. Hope they find a way to honor Bill Lajoie as well. He was every bit as integral to their success during the 1980s as Sparky.
- Thought it was interesting how Phil Coke carries a huge chip on his shoulder about being traded by the Yankees. He was told during the postseason of '09 by general manager Brian Cashman he'd be there for a long time. He was traded to the Tigers not long after the World Series. "Guess by a long time he meant only a month," Coke said.
_ Magglio Ordonez is in easily the best shape he's been in as a Tiger.
- Jim Leyland has his batting order set for every spot except second. It's likely one of the three young second basemen - Will Rhymes, Danny Worth or Scott Sizemore - will hit there.
- Brandon Inge said that as good as Justin Verlander has been the last five years, he can still be better. "Nobody wants to hit against him," Inge said. "Wouldn't surprise me if he is scary good this season. Key will be keeping his pitch count down in early innings."
- I'm glad the Tigers are honoring Sparky this season. Was overdue. Hope they find a way to honor Bill Lajoie as well. He was every bit as integral to their success during the 1980s as Sparky.
posted by Pat Caputo at
11:36 AM
9 Comments:
Pat, the 2nd batter should have high OBP with some speed and hit left handed that is able to hit in the hole with Jackson at 1B. Usually the 2nd hitter sees a one or two more fastball then usual when Jackson is on 1st. So the 2nd hitter has to be able to hit the fastball. The guy that comes to mind is Guillen, who is a good fastball hitter that can hit the hole. Seem like a waste to have him hit 6th. Rhymes would be might second choice follow by Raburn.
Guillen is an injury waiting to happen though, Barry. Busta Rhymes is a good choice. I can't really see Rayburn up that high in the order. Maybe he'll surprise though.
If Magglio and the Big Guy are right, they'll be scoring more runs though. Jackson is key, and hopefully he keeps improving.
Anonymous, your right about Guillen and I like Rhymes too. Raburn is my third choice because he can get hot, can hit a fastball and has a little bit speed. More importantly he wins by default.
Book, I really enjoyed watching the Tiger-Fest online - had it up and going all day. I thought you did a great job in the morning and was envious of your 'hanging with the boys'.
I didn't hear any real big surprises though. 2011 will be like the last 5 years - depending how the ifs play out.
I really enjoyed Porcello recounting his scuffle with Youkillis.
I gotta believe there is one more move to be made - and I don't mean Galaraga to Arizona.
Hope is eternal guys. But a team in order to go the the finals needs a strong defensive catcher that can hit relatively well, two strong power hitters, a power starting pitching lineup (look at Philly, my god) and a good finishing reliever.
Great that everybody is so optimistic but the Tigers have too many 'ifs'. Including a strong middle defense.
Fred, you are right, there needs to be at LEAST one addition.
But a good above average team.
Anonymous,
I think you might be slightly underestimating what the Tigers have - they do have 2 strong power hitters in Cabrera and Mags - a formidable rotation Verlander - Scherzer and Porcello at least.
Perralta is not a weakness up the middle at short - and you got Jackson in CF. 2B will sort itself out in spring training.
I get a kick out of this belief that certain position must hit well - This is simply not true. I'll take a strong D catcher over a great hitting catcher anyday - but that being said - Avila is neither and that is the next big trade we need.
My own humble opinion I agree with both you and Barry that Rhymes should get a good shot at 2b - he just seems like he makes things happen.
Fred Brill,
That event is fun. Players are relaxed. If they make any moves, they will be minor. Might want to add more depth at catcher in organization.
Caputo
Anonymous,
Obviously. I am more optimistic. I see this as a much better team than in 2009 - and that led AL Central most of the season and won 86 games. I can see this team getting into the 90s.
Caputo
You're right, Pat, but you're on the high side of the variation curve.
I'm thinkin' we're at 86 games with a low of 81 and high of 91. Actually, that's pretty good.
Problem with the Tigers is that they have more things that can go downside than upside(good performance, lack of injury)from the 86 wins.
Regression analysis doesn't factor in clubhouse leadership, confidence, home fan support,etc. That's why we love baseball in this area, a great baseball town as I'm finding out.
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