SeattleMike

Shelton was not a rookie in 2006. He had 450+ plate appearances the yearbefore as a 25-year-old and posted a 132 OPS+. He started hot in 2006 but faded in June and July and was sent down at the trade deadline. 106 OPS+ in 2006. Only 150 PAs in MLB after that (with Texas and Seattle; 75ish OPS+). Strange decline but also strange some second division club didn't give him 600 PAs to see if he could rediscover his magic.

I don't think the 86 wins was a mirage. The last two months most definitely was. Before the trade deadline the Tigers were hampered by a few injuries and young player growing pains that depressed the W-L record. If the Tigers had had KC health all season long I suspect they would have finished close to 86 wins even without the super heater in the closing months. I definitely want them to bolster the roster, but if they only tinker with it I wouldn't be surprised if they finish around 85 wins again.

My understanding, through secondary sources, is that Tork has consistently resisted making changes that the organization has recommended. Maybe he is beginning to come around.

After Tork returned from minors and Greene the IL, Tork had a 125 OPS+, only one point worse than Greene. So not accurate to say he contributed next to nothing to the playoff run. That's not to say he is a long-term solution at 1B.

Ain’t that the truth

I am pretty dismissive of the idea that baseball managers matter. But this year Hinch really challenged my suppositions.

This year would you rather play 39 games against the Rangers, Angels and A's or 39 against the White Sox, Twins, or Royals? Maybe a slight preference for the latter but it's pretty close. Boston was certainly at a disadvantage, but they have more resources than any club in Central so no tears for them.

Torkelson had a 125 OPS+ after his return so I'm thinking the Tigers are in no hurry to move on from him, especially because his defense also improved.

Dickerson was talking about this on the radio.

Except the Dodgers

Might as well!

I’ll bet they target a RH hitting power hitter although not necessarily at 1B. Sandanter is intriguing. SH who’s strong from both sides of the plate. 40 HRs this year. Maybe sell him on learning 1B if Tork doesn’t breakout.

If you add 50-70 million to the payroll, which would put you in the middle of the pack, you might increase attendance by a million. That assumes you spend wisely, but sometimes you have to spend money to make money.

The Tigers have had the better overall at-bats in this game. Yet will likely lose comfortably. Sequencing can be everything.

Not the last two days