SeattleMike

Is it such a good idea to sell so low on Torkelson?

This Phillies team is classic Dombrowski, except the bullpen is more reliable. Lineup of mostly veterans acquired from other organizations with power and spotty defense in places. And a killer rotation, many of whom are homegrown. He is a master of the quick turnaround.

He usually keeps the Tigers in the game. In 14 starts he’s allowed 3 runs or fewer 11 times, 12 if you only count earned runs. That will play as a #4 or #5 starter. He does need to go deeper in to games. He’s only averaging 5IP a start.

Thought I read recently that he was beginning baseball activities this week. Perhaps he'll be back right after the All-Star break, if not sooner.

Not surprising. The pitching staff was surviving on low BABIP and the offense on unsustainably high BA with RISP.

On the flip side we need to revise what one considers a quality start. I think 6 innings and 2 runs is a better measure of quality in this environment than 3 runs.

There is no reason to dump him at this point. But counting on him going forward would be Avila-esque.

The Tigers need both Greene and Carpenter in the lineup on a consistent basis. Neither hits lefties well at this point though, which further underscores how devastating Tork’s failures have been. Having clarity on Torkekson should be liberating at this point. Finding offensive production at 1B is not difficult. I’m warming to the idea of moving Keith there and giving Jung some run at 2B, starting sooner rather than later.

What confounds is that he hit 31 HRs last year as a 23-year old. This season makes no sense. I'll bet he eventually ekes out a decent career but probably won't not in Detroit.

What's incredible is that coming into today the Tigers were 19th in runs scored per game. There are 11 teams worse than the Tigers? What the heck has happened to offense in MLB.

You watched a lot from 2017-2020?

Had a feeling the wheels would come off after the Carpenter injury. Didn’t expect to score only 3 runs in 5 games on this road trip, but not surprising an inconsistent offense takes a bigger dip when one of its two best hitters goes down. Still think they will end up a .500 club, unless they dump Flaherty and/or Skubal and additional injuries hit.

You are disappointed with Greene? A 23-year old posting a 135 OPS+? Tough critic.

Down goes Carpenter down goes whatever meager offense they had. Not a coincidence that last year’s 9 game losing coincided with the absence of both Green and Carpenter.

Keith top 3 Tiger hitter since May 1. He’s fine.

They still had a one run lead after 6. And the bullpen couldn’t hold it. Among league leaders in blown leads after 6 innings. Beginning to realize there is nothing special about Fetter et al. Not in the same league as Cleveland or Seattle for instance in terms of pitching development.

Baseball

To this day I never feel comfortable with any lead of fewer than 9 runs.

Who remembers when the Tigers blew a 7-run lead in the 9th against the Angels in late August of 1986. Willie Hernandez gave up a grand slam with 2-outs and the Tigers lost 13-12. They ended up getting swept in a 4-game series, which essentially ended their season. Thankfully for Hernandez no Twitter.

The Tigers recently blew a 7-run lead to the Blue Jays. If they were up 15-0 in the 8th I understand throttling it down. Otherwise pedal to the metal.

In 13 starts he has allowed 3 runs or more only 3 times. And in 6 of those 2 runs or fewer. As a 4th or 5th starter that works.

Interestingly he has the same xwOBA as Canha, at .306. Yet Canha has a xOBA almost 80 points higher. Keith's actual production has been abysmal for sure. But under the hood doesn't it look quite so bad. Still feel good about his career prospects.

Torkelson broke even Monroe, who a few times did criticize Tork's approach at the plate

26th in OBP so not much traffic on the bases. 22th in slugging so not much power. Pray tell have the Tigers actually been a lucky on offense to this point? Scary thought.

Exactly. How many games have the Tigers lost due to defensive miscues at critical moments? I can think of a few.