A lot of attention is put on the Tigers high-priced, big guns, but they have done a good job of developing players.
Outfielder Brennan Boesch was a third-round draft choice, who has become a major league regular. Alex Avila was a fifth-round pick and an All Star last season. It would not be a surprise if he is again in 2012. Left-hander Drew Smyly did well for a first major league start, given his limited minor league experience, and the strong Tampa Bay lineup he faced Thursday. Andy Dirks, Duane Below and Danny Worth have not been overmatched in the major leagues. All the above have been Tigers’ non first-round draft choices since 2006. And that’s before getting to the players the Tigers traded away to acquire veteran talent.
There was a time when the Tigers prospects would consistently arrive in the major leagues with a deer-in-the-headlines look - and not be able to perform. That’s changed. Their player development system is doing a better job of teaching them how to play the game. Not just with top prospects, but others who are able to contribute for periods when necessary over the course of these marathon seasons.
It’s an underrated factor why the Tigers have become one of the better teams in baseball.