casimir Posted March 20 Posted March 20 On 3/17/2025 at 3:26 PM, chasfh said: 2024: Pitching chaos = playoff appearance 2025: Position player chaos = ??? It kind of was position player chaos a little bit last year, but pitching chaos was much more obvious and up front. Plus, the pitching metrics were astonishing considering the strategy that was employed. Dig too deeply into the bullpen in any game and a team is likely to find a pitcher with a bad game. But to the credit of the Tiger coaches and players, it rarely occurred. Quote
casimir Posted March 20 Posted March 20 1 hour ago, Edman85 said: Haven't listened yet, but Tony Paul dropped a 1+ hr podcast interview with Al Avila that appeared to be pretty revealing. What podcast is this? Quote
alex Posted March 20 Posted March 20 1 hour ago, Edman85 said: Haven't listened yet, but Tony Paul dropped a 1+ hr podcast interview with Al Avila that appeared to be pretty revealing. Yeah, just heard that. Al has always been pretty straight forward. Pretty interesting. He did gamble with a few FAs - but his trades, for whatever reason, never brought too much back. Yet, he did get Reese Olson for DNorris at the very end. Quote
Motor City Sonics Posted March 20 Posted March 20 1. Roster Chaos 2. ?????? 3. Profit. The Roster Gnomes. Quote
Motor City Sonics Posted March 20 Posted March 20 1 hour ago, Edman85 said: Haven't listened yet, but Tony Paul dropped a 1+ hr podcast interview with Al Avila that appeared to be pretty revealing. I am sick of Al Avila disrobing every chance he gets. He's not as sexy as he thinks he is. Think: Billy Squire's Rock Me Tonite video. Quote
Sports_Freak Posted March 20 Posted March 20 11 minutes ago, alex said: Yeah, just heard that. Al has always been pretty straight forward. Pretty interesting. He did gamble with a few FAs - but his trades, for whatever reason, never brought too much back. Yet, he did get Reese Olson for DNorris at the very end. Blind squirrel finds a nut Clock....right twice a day. Al Avila....makes 20 trades...gets one player. 1 Quote
1776 Posted March 20 Posted March 20 39 minutes ago, casimir said: What podcast is this? https://www.detroitnews.com/story/podcasts/tigers-today/2025/03/20/tigers-today-podcast-al-avila-reflects-on-tenure-as-general-manager/82560550007/ 1 Quote
Edman85 Posted March 21 Posted March 21 Listening to Avila now. Interesting discussion on transitioning the front office toward the analytic age. Quote
Tenacious D Posted March 21 Posted March 21 3 hours ago, Edman85 said: Listening to Avila now. Interesting discussion on transitioning the front office toward the analytic age. Great interview. Thought Avila was very fair and self-reflective. And Tony Paul is the best Tiger Podcaster, IMO. 1 Quote
Motor City Sonics Posted March 21 Posted March 21 (edited) So, I have been extremely busy with work - Is Keith going back to 2nd base? - Javy will play more 3rd than Shortstop? - So where does Ibanez play vs. Lefties? - How bad is Keith at first? - Is Keith bound for DH duties, if Tork is back? - Who is playing Center? - Will there be a trade for another CF? If there is a significant trade does that mean the team does not expect Meadows to play for a long time? - What's up with Meadows? - How is Bonderman's change up looking? Edited March 21 by Motor City Sonics 1 Quote
Tigermojo Posted March 21 Posted March 21 11 minutes ago, Motor City Sonics said: So, I have been extremely busy with work - Is Keith going back to 2nd base? *Probably not unless Hinch convinces Torres to diversify.* - Javy will play more 3rd than Shortstop? *Probably.* - So where does Ibanez play vs. Lefties? *Batting for Carpenter* - How bad is Keith at first? *Work in progress* - Is Keith bound for DH duties, if Tork is back? *Tork was made for DH. Keith will be better than Tork* - Who is playing Center? *Perez and Greene for now* - Will there be a trade for another CF? If there is a significant trade does that mean the team does not expect Meadows to play for a long time? *Doubtful. I think they like Jahmai Jones for depth* - What's up with Meadows? *Still numb* - How is Bonderman's change up looking? *Better than ever but his fastball is 75 mph* *Answers above* Quote
1776 Posted March 21 Posted March 21 3 minutes ago, Motor City Sonics said: Who invented liquid soap, and why? Al Avila addressed that in the video link above. Quote
1984Echoes Posted March 21 Posted March 21 23 minutes ago, Motor City Sonics said: So, I have been extremely busy with work - Is Keith going back to 2nd base? - Javy will play more 3rd than Shortstop? - So where does Ibanez play vs. Lefties? - How bad is Keith at first? - Is Keith bound for DH duties, if Tork is back? - Who is playing Center? - Will there be a trade for another CF? If there is a significant trade does that mean the team does not expect Meadows to play for a long time? - What's up with Meadows? - How is Bonderman's change up looking? Mojo... I think a lot of your answers were not correct. Supplying alternative views: Keith back to 2nd? Mojo correct, Torres not going to move. BUT: In the Tigers game of musical chairs: It would be easy to see a multi-position swap where Torres is PH for and Keith moves over to 2B. Javy more 3rd than SS/ Ibanez plays where? I think these two are related. And also related to your first question. Ibanez still has one option left. I think he's playing at Toledo to start the year. It is immaterial whether Baez plays more 3B or SS. The KEY issue here is that Baez CAN play 3B, and SS, and 2B. Maybe even some OF? Which means if you have McKinstry (LH'ed) and a RH'ed McKinstry (Baez), then a 3rd utility IF'er (Ibanez) is not needed. It opens up a possible spot for BOTH Malloy and Tork. I'm not guaranteeing Ibanez starts in Toledo. But he's in HUGE danger right now. IMO. Sadly, Baez is probably not worth more than that right now... Backup IF'er. But he's a sunk cost and if he still has a terrific glove and can find some of his lost pop (in his bat), he's slightly better than Ibanez. Not by much... but it is what it is. I think Ibanez starts in Toledo for these reasons. And Baez may play a bunch of SS, a bunch of 3B, and a smattering of 2B and/or the OF. It won't matter. He's just a utility guy now. But I'm just guessing. The little of Keith I've seen at 1st he looks fine. Not Gold Glove... but no worse than Tork at 1st. I don't know if Tork can get his 1B job back, But I would say this: Torres is signed for only 1 year. Are we going to offer him a few more years? An extension? If not, if we let him walk as a free agent: AND Tork shows he still has some staying power/ MLB bat/ AND he dedicates himself in the field... maybe he has a shot at getting 1B back in 2026, moving Keith over to 2B. But I don't think that will happen this year. But... we'll see how the season plays out. Centerfield? No, no trade. Just get me by guys (band aids) until Meadows gets back. I don't know where he's at in his rehab... but I thought he was making good progress...? Early May-ish I think... but I'm guessing? Bondo's changeup? You didn't get the memo? He's MASTERED it!!! Wait until you see him throw it!!! (But don't hold your breath!) Quote
papalawrence Posted March 21 Posted March 21 41 minutes ago, Motor City Sonics said: Who invented liquid soap, and why? Only people over 50 would get that Quote
monkeytargets39 Posted March 21 Posted March 21 2 hours ago, Motor City Sonics said: Who invented liquid soap, and why? Steven Softsoap Jr Quote
Tenacious D Posted March 21 Posted March 21 3 hours ago, papalawrence said: Only people over 50 would get that Thanks for that. Haven’t thought of that movie in over 30 years. Daphne Zuniga was a National Treasure. Quote
Motor City Sonics Posted March 21 Posted March 21 47 minutes ago, Tenacious D said: Thanks for that. Haven’t thought of that movie in over 30 years. Daphne Zuniga was a National Treasure. Driving with a load not properly tied down Love that movie. And it is a fair question. Who invented liquid soap and why? What's the point? Quote
gehringer_2 Posted March 21 Posted March 21 4 hours ago, Tigermojo said: Tork was made for DH. Keith will be better than Tork* this one will be interesting to watch. So far Keith has not shown as much flexibility on stretches as Tork. Spencer was getting to where he could do a respectable split. Quote
Tiger337 Posted March 21 Posted March 21 7 hours ago, 1984Echoes said: Mojo... I think a lot of your answers were not correct. Supplying alternative views: Keith back to 2nd? Mojo correct, Torres not going to move. BUT: In the Tigers game of musical chairs: It would be easy to see a multi-position swap where Torres is PH for and Keith moves over to 2B. Javy more 3rd than SS/ Ibanez plays where? I think these two are related. And also related to your first question. Ibanez still has one option left. I think he's playing at Toledo to start the year. It is immaterial whether Baez plays more 3B or SS. The KEY issue here is that Baez CAN play 3B, and SS, and 2B. Maybe even some OF? Which means if you have McKinstry (LH'ed) and a RH'ed McKinstry (Baez), then a 3rd utility IF'er (Ibanez) is not needed. It opens up a possible spot for BOTH Malloy and Tork. I'm not guaranteeing Ibanez starts in Toledo. But he's in HUGE danger right now. IMO. Sadly, Baez is probably not worth more than that right now... Backup IF'er. But he's a sunk cost and if he still has a terrific glove and can find some of his lost pop (in his bat), he's slightly better than Ibanez. Not by much... but it is what it is. I think Ibanez starts in Toledo for these reasons. And Baez may play a bunch of SS, a bunch of 3B, and a smattering of 2B and/or the OF. It won't matter. He's just a utility guy now. But I'm just guessing. The little of Keith I've seen at 1st he looks fine. Not Gold Glove... but no worse than Tork at 1st. I don't know if Tork can get his 1B job back, But I would say this: Torres is signed for only 1 year. Are we going to offer him a few more years? An extension? If not, if we let him walk as a free agent: AND Tork shows he still has some staying power/ MLB bat/ AND he dedicates himself in the field... maybe he has a shot at getting 1B back in 2026, moving Keith over to 2B. But I don't think that will happen this year. But... we'll see how the season plays out. Centerfield? No, no trade. Just get me by guys (band aids) until Meadows gets back. I don't know where he's at in his rehab... but I thought he was making good progress...? Early May-ish I think... but I'm guessing? Bondo's changeup? You didn't get the memo? He's MASTERED it!!! Wait until you see him throw it!!! (But don't hold your breath!) I don't think Ibanez is in "huge danger". I expect him to make the team. Tork and Malloy are mostly DHs. I don't see them carrying both. Quote
gehringer_2 Posted March 21 Posted March 21 (edited) 7 hours ago, 1984Echoes said: Mojo... I think a lot of your answers were not correct. Supplying alternative views: Keith back to 2nd? Mojo correct, Torres not going to move. BUT: In the Tigers game of musical chairs: It would be easy to see a multi-position swap where Torres is PH for and Keith moves over to 2B. ..... assume Torres is gone next season, then 1st base is going to shake out based on the relative value of Keith vs Torkelson as hitters - IOW it's up in the air. If Torkelson hits another 30+ and Keith continues as a high average low ISO hitter, we are going to see Torkelson back at 1st. If Torks crashes (again) and/or Keith finds starts finding the seats more often, Torkelson has either become a decent RF or is playing in a different jersey. I don't mind that uncertainty - as long as the team maintains the flexibility to go with whichever happens. And I wouldn't completely exclude the possibility Torres plays some 3rd this season. If the team lets it be his decision done on his terms, they might get a different response than the Yankees got by just trying to drop it on him. In recent years around the league 3B has gotten to be a higher premium position than 2b. If Gleyber is trying to build his FA bona fides, that fact may eventually penetrate his perspective to the Tigers' benefit. Edited March 21 by gehringer_2 Quote
gehringer_2 Posted March 21 Posted March 21 (edited) 1 hour ago, Tiger337 said: I don't think Ibanez is in "huge danger". I expect him to make the team. Tork and Malloy are mostly DHs. I don't see them carrying both. Malloy has hit better this Spring than I expected - enough the make sending him back to Toledo less of a slam-dunk than I expected. If they had any certainty about Baez - particularly playing 3d, then I could see Ibanez being on thin ice, and if Baez hits and plays 3b, Ibanez will still probably be the eventual casualty - but not for now I don't think. I could see them just carrying the extra hitter early in the schedule and waiting to see who gets hurt or plays themselves out of a job. Edited March 21 by gehringer_2 Quote
SoCalTiger Posted March 21 Posted March 21 For a team relying on pitching they sure have an abundance of poor to mediocre defenders with their best two,Meadows and Verling, on the injured list. This spells trouble. 1 Quote
monkeytargets39 Posted March 22 Posted March 22 I’d rather keep Ibanez and dump McKinstry. At least there is something Ibanez does well. Quote
Tiger337 Posted March 22 Posted March 22 I think they'll keep both. Hinch loves guys than can play all over the place. I doubt he'll have two DHs on the roster. Quote
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