July 6, 2010
John Stroba-Writer
After waiting on the results of my dad's biopsy (no cancer....yay!!), and after a restful 4th of July it is time to get back into the daily grind of blogging about the Tigers. And before diving into who should they be looking at acquiring and rumors of who they (or the Twins) could be acquiring; it makes sense to look at the prospects that could be enticing for other teams. This look only includes players that are in the minors currently.
Toledo MudHens (41-44)
Scott Sizemore 2b: The 25 year old does start the year in Detroit, but really struggled hitting combining that with some struggles in the field leads a summer time demotion to Glass City. Sizmore is hitting the ball down in Toledo as one would expect, and his fielding seems solid. However, blocking his way is Carlos Guillen. Guillen is a much better offensive player than Sizemore is right now. In addition, Guillen's contract does have another year on it. As long as Guillen stays healthy (and that is always a question with Guillen) and is not awful in the field, Sizemore is going to be blocked. That means that Sizemore is probably looking at being 27 year old starter at 2b two years from now. So, the Tigers very well might be willing to give him up as some trade bait for a playoff spot this year. Sizemore is hitting the ball pretty well down there (.315/.385/.465) and doing a solid enough job controlling the strike zone.
Ryan Strieby 1b: Not great overall numbers for Strieby on the year (250/336/435), but since coming back from a wrist injury he is showing more patience and power at the plate. Stribey does have very good power, maybe the most raw power in the Tigers system, and an idea of what the strike zone (rare for a Tigers prospect). However, he is defensively limited to playing 1b and 1b prospects are not in that much demand around MLB. His best asset is his bat.
Jay Sborz RP: Sborz does have very good stuff it ranks right up their with any minor league Tigers pitcher. However, until the last couple of years he did have no clue where the ball is going once it leaves his hand. Putting up some solid though not great numbers (3.45 ERA 1.245 WHIP 15 saves). He still walks way too many (4.3), but strikes out a ton (9.2). While he is not going to be a centerpiece any time soon, Sborz could be a nice sweetener in the deal. Teams do love power arms.
Robbie Weinhardt RP: A much more likely candidate to be dealt. Weinhardt is back in Toledo after rehabbing an injury. A stellar season so far for Weinhardt (1-0 1.98 ERA .951 WHIP in 19 games). Weinhardt does have the look of major league contributor in the bullpen. The question is if he will be a closer. Definitely, a player teams are going to be looking for in return with a possible deal.
Erie Seawolves (33-51)
Zach Simons RP: The Tigers no longer have Simons on their 40 man roster, so they would probably part with him without too much trouble. Scouts think that his fastball/slider combination coming into the year is not quite good enough for the majors. It is hard to argue with the numbers that he is putting up in Erie (1-3 3svs 2.66 ERA 1.082WHIP). He does walk a few (15 in 40.2 ip) but strikes out a lot (46 in 40.2ip). A nice arm that a team might want to take a chance on. Again not a centerpiece but some sweetener.
Lakeland Flying Tigers (39-40)
Daniel Fields CF: Fields is playing Advance A-ball as a 19 year old and is holding his own there (239/346/348). The power is going to come in time as well. The most surprising development is that Fields does have a pretty good idea of the strike zone (31bb/62k). The question is if that is legit eye or more along the lines of A+ level pitchers having trouble with the strike zone. Fields does strikeout a bit much, but mostly likely those levels will drop as he gets older. A definite blue chip prospect right now.
Jacob Turner RHP: Turner gets a promotion up to Lakeland in his first pro season after putting up some very nice numbers at West Michigan (2-3 3.67 ERA, 1.148 WHIP). Turner is a power pitcher that shows very good control, another reason he got the promotion (9bb/51k in 54ip). In two starts, he is getting roughed up in Lakeland, but that is going to be a good for him in the long run. He does have the potential to be an ace in the rotation. Another blue chipper for the Tigers.
West Michigan Whitecap (29-51)
Giovanni Soto RHP: Like Turner, Soto is also 19 years old. He comes with a lot less fan fare, but his performance is speaking for itself (5-5 2.30 ERA 1.184 WHIP 23bb/71k in 74.1ip this season). Soto right now looks like he could be something that is pretty good. He does have a live arm, but it should be said that lots of pitchers look good in Low A ball and never pan out in the majors.
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Pondering on Porcello
June 11, 2010
John Stroba-Writer
With Rick Porcello getting absolutely blown up in his last start, some people are wondering if he needs to get a few starts down in Toledo. That is a big overreaction. While there is no denying that Porcello did get lit up like a firecracker on the 4th of July, the previous starts to his last one have been pretty good. Heading into his last start, he was putting up a 3.41 ERA over 37 innings and a 1.27 WHIP as well.
What is starting to become a bit of a concern though is that Porcello just is not striking out a lot of people (4.01 k/9) and is even down from a very low start last year (4.69 k/9). He absolutely needs to up those K rates if he does have designs on having a long term career in the majors. His walk rate is staying the same as last year and that is pushing down the BB/SO (want at least 1/2 ratio) down closer to 1. Now, Porcello is surviving so far because he does induce a lot of ground balls. Sinkerball pitchers do not have to have a great K/9 rate in order to survive (but note that the bare minimum K rate should be 1 every 2 innings (or 4.5/9)), so striking out around 6 guys per 9 innings go a longer ways than it would for a flyball pitcher. The reason is that the more groundballs induced the higher chances for routine outs, and even a sharply hit groundball is almost always a single.
So there are some warning signs here with Porcello, especially in the long term. But sending someone down to Toledo requires bringing someone up as well. And there is nobody down in Toledo worth bringing up at this time that can start. I suppose that the Tigers could bring up another RP and move Bonine to the starting rotation, but Bonine is soaking up a lot of innings right now (currently tied with most pen innings along with Zumaya). Bringing up a guy that can only go 1-2 innings is just going to make things more stressful on the bullpen. Already the Tigers have had to put Ryan Perry on the DL (calling up the very hittable Enrique Gonzalez). The best option is Andrew Oliver down in Erie, but it is hard seeing the Tigers bringing him up for anything more than a spot start or two a month or so from now.
Right now, the best option the Tigers have in house is to keep pitching Porcello hoping that more starts are going to be like the previous ones prior to getting nailed in his last start. The bottom line is that the Tigers are getting in more and more desperate need for acquiring some starting pitching.
John Stroba-Writer
With Rick Porcello getting absolutely blown up in his last start, some people are wondering if he needs to get a few starts down in Toledo. That is a big overreaction. While there is no denying that Porcello did get lit up like a firecracker on the 4th of July, the previous starts to his last one have been pretty good. Heading into his last start, he was putting up a 3.41 ERA over 37 innings and a 1.27 WHIP as well.
What is starting to become a bit of a concern though is that Porcello just is not striking out a lot of people (4.01 k/9) and is even down from a very low start last year (4.69 k/9). He absolutely needs to up those K rates if he does have designs on having a long term career in the majors. His walk rate is staying the same as last year and that is pushing down the BB/SO (want at least 1/2 ratio) down closer to 1. Now, Porcello is surviving so far because he does induce a lot of ground balls. Sinkerball pitchers do not have to have a great K/9 rate in order to survive (but note that the bare minimum K rate should be 1 every 2 innings (or 4.5/9)), so striking out around 6 guys per 9 innings go a longer ways than it would for a flyball pitcher. The reason is that the more groundballs induced the higher chances for routine outs, and even a sharply hit groundball is almost always a single.
So there are some warning signs here with Porcello, especially in the long term. But sending someone down to Toledo requires bringing someone up as well. And there is nobody down in Toledo worth bringing up at this time that can start. I suppose that the Tigers could bring up another RP and move Bonine to the starting rotation, but Bonine is soaking up a lot of innings right now (currently tied with most pen innings along with Zumaya). Bringing up a guy that can only go 1-2 innings is just going to make things more stressful on the bullpen. Already the Tigers have had to put Ryan Perry on the DL (calling up the very hittable Enrique Gonzalez). The best option is Andrew Oliver down in Erie, but it is hard seeing the Tigers bringing him up for anything more than a spot start or two a month or so from now.
Right now, the best option the Tigers have in house is to keep pitching Porcello hoping that more starts are going to be like the previous ones prior to getting nailed in his last start. The bottom line is that the Tigers are getting in more and more desperate need for acquiring some starting pitching.
The Draft Haul
June 10, 2010
John Stroba-Writer
One of the most important things that a baseball franchise can do is to have good drafts. A good draft allows a team to stockpile cheap talent and allows a team to stretch their budget even more if they get prospects that can actually contribute on the MLB level. A good farm system can also be a cornerstone for a huge trade (like a Miguel Cabrera deal), or to get that one guy that can put you over the top. The Tigers did not have a first rounder this year (because of the Jose Valverde signing) but did have two supplemental first rounders (courtesy of Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney signing elsewhere). And the Tigers in recent years are known for going over slot. Down below will be thoughts on the Tiger picks as far as scouting reports have them.
Nick Castellanos 3b (HS): Castellanos is thought to be one of the best hitters in the HS draft class. He does have a very projectable body that looks like he will be a very good power hitter once he does fill out and figure out how to use his big body with total efficiency. Currently he plays SS, but as he fills out will probably move to 3b. A very high upside here looking at a multiple All Star, if he maxes out his ability. He does project as a good defender as well. The reason he fell down so far is because he is thought to be a near lock to play ball for the University of Miami (one of the top Division I programs). So it will probably cost the Tigers top 10 money in order to get this guy signed. The Tigers would not have drafted him if they did not think they could not sign him. If they do sign him it will be quite a coup for them.
Chance Ruffin RP (Texas): Ruffin is a guy that did have marginal major league stuff, but his makeup and mentality (son of former Major Leaguer Bruce Ruffin) to make it work. However, being moved to the pen did jump his stuff up a good 3-4 mph. He was the closer for Texas this year and did pitch in some big moments. Probably not going to be a closer with the potential closers stacked through the Tigers system (Zumaya, Perry, Schlereth, Weinhardt to name a few), but he could be a very good setup man for them.
Drew Smyly LHP (Arkansas): A bit of a departure for the Tigers here. Dave Dombrowski teams tend to like guys that can really bring the heat and might have a bit of an issue with their control. The logic being here when they do it (like Justin Verlander) you get a very nice starting pitcher potentially an ace as well. A strikeout pitcher can make a defense look better than it is, because the team will be handling less chances than with a control pitcher that relies on the defense behind him. Smyly is a lefty that does not have great power (guys like Andrew Oliver are extremely rare), but does have 4 pitches that he can throw for strikes a fastball, curve, cutter and a change up. Pretty much all the pitches grade out as average with maybe the fastball (if he can stay in the 91-93 mph range) might be a tick over average. This is the kind of guy that fills out the back of a rotation. The upside is that he could move quickly through the farm system if he gets off to a very good start.
Rob Brantly C (UC-Riverside): Brantly does have an interesting bat. In college he does show an idea what is a strike zone is (and that is pretty rare for most Tiger prospects). Pretty good speed and a solid enough arm. Hit for average. Not the best at receiving pitches either, which is a bit of a surprise considering his athletic build. His swing needs some work, scouts talk about shortening his stride and keeping everything together. A lefty hitter, which if he can stay as a C, is really going to boost his value some. He does have below average power now, but scouts think if they can correct some of his hitting flaws then he could be an above average power hitter. There is a lot of ifs in here, and Brantly is a draft eligible soph and that gives him a good bit of leverage as well.
Alexander Burgos LHP: A JUCO player so there is nothing in a way of a free scouting report (not unusual for JUCOs though) another pitch to contact guy (just like Cole Green drafted a round before him). A fringey upper 80s fastball with supposedly good secondary stuff. Then again aren't all lefties with that kind of stuff supposedly have good secondary stuff? it sure seems like it.
John Stroba-Writer
One of the most important things that a baseball franchise can do is to have good drafts. A good draft allows a team to stockpile cheap talent and allows a team to stretch their budget even more if they get prospects that can actually contribute on the MLB level. A good farm system can also be a cornerstone for a huge trade (like a Miguel Cabrera deal), or to get that one guy that can put you over the top. The Tigers did not have a first rounder this year (because of the Jose Valverde signing) but did have two supplemental first rounders (courtesy of Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney signing elsewhere). And the Tigers in recent years are known for going over slot. Down below will be thoughts on the Tiger picks as far as scouting reports have them.
Nick Castellanos 3b (HS): Castellanos is thought to be one of the best hitters in the HS draft class. He does have a very projectable body that looks like he will be a very good power hitter once he does fill out and figure out how to use his big body with total efficiency. Currently he plays SS, but as he fills out will probably move to 3b. A very high upside here looking at a multiple All Star, if he maxes out his ability. He does project as a good defender as well. The reason he fell down so far is because he is thought to be a near lock to play ball for the University of Miami (one of the top Division I programs). So it will probably cost the Tigers top 10 money in order to get this guy signed. The Tigers would not have drafted him if they did not think they could not sign him. If they do sign him it will be quite a coup for them.
Chance Ruffin RP (Texas): Ruffin is a guy that did have marginal major league stuff, but his makeup and mentality (son of former Major Leaguer Bruce Ruffin) to make it work. However, being moved to the pen did jump his stuff up a good 3-4 mph. He was the closer for Texas this year and did pitch in some big moments. Probably not going to be a closer with the potential closers stacked through the Tigers system (Zumaya, Perry, Schlereth, Weinhardt to name a few), but he could be a very good setup man for them.
Drew Smyly LHP (Arkansas): A bit of a departure for the Tigers here. Dave Dombrowski teams tend to like guys that can really bring the heat and might have a bit of an issue with their control. The logic being here when they do it (like Justin Verlander) you get a very nice starting pitcher potentially an ace as well. A strikeout pitcher can make a defense look better than it is, because the team will be handling less chances than with a control pitcher that relies on the defense behind him. Smyly is a lefty that does not have great power (guys like Andrew Oliver are extremely rare), but does have 4 pitches that he can throw for strikes a fastball, curve, cutter and a change up. Pretty much all the pitches grade out as average with maybe the fastball (if he can stay in the 91-93 mph range) might be a tick over average. This is the kind of guy that fills out the back of a rotation. The upside is that he could move quickly through the farm system if he gets off to a very good start.
Rob Brantly C (UC-Riverside): Brantly does have an interesting bat. In college he does show an idea what is a strike zone is (and that is pretty rare for most Tiger prospects). Pretty good speed and a solid enough arm. Hit for average. Not the best at receiving pitches either, which is a bit of a surprise considering his athletic build. His swing needs some work, scouts talk about shortening his stride and keeping everything together. A lefty hitter, which if he can stay as a C, is really going to boost his value some. He does have below average power now, but scouts think if they can correct some of his hitting flaws then he could be an above average power hitter. There is a lot of ifs in here, and Brantly is a draft eligible soph and that gives him a good bit of leverage as well.
Alexander Burgos LHP: A JUCO player so there is nothing in a way of a free scouting report (not unusual for JUCOs though) another pitch to contact guy (just like Cole Green drafted a round before him). A fringey upper 80s fastball with supposedly good secondary stuff. Then again aren't all lefties with that kind of stuff supposedly have good secondary stuff? it sure seems like it.
Holaday C (TCU): MLB lists his first name as John the scouting report does say Bryan. Whatever. The basic scoop on this college senior is that he is a very good defender with a plus arm. Raw power with good gap power already. He does have the look of a backup but if things break right he could be a decent starter. A right handed hitter and perhaps and interesting platoon mate for Avila several years down the road.
Corey Jones 2b (Cal State Fullerton): Jones does seem to be more athletic than the average college 2b, his natural position is SS. Given the Tigers needs he could move back to that spot, especially if Scott Sizemore becomes entrenched at 2b. Barring that scouts do like his live bat, and he is starting to understand the concept of a strike zone. He might have some pop in the bat at the pro level. Hopefully he signs soon and start making a big impact.
Patrick Leyland C (HS): The son of current Tiger skipper Jim Leyland. Scouts like his ability defensively and his offensive potential, but he does have a way to go on both accounts. Considering that Detroit is spending an 8th round pick here it could tell us a couple things about Leyland and the draft. Obivously , Leyland is a pretty good product that needs a lot of time and instruction. Also, it could signal how the draft overall is not that great. It will be interesting to follow and see if the kid signs here.
Outside of those it is always fun to watch those with some bloodlines get drafted in Detroit (or your favorite team as well). This year that list includes Drew Gagnier RHP (his brother LJ is currently pitching for Toledo), Drew is said to have better stuff than his brother but much wilder as well. LF Bo McClendon (son of current hitting coach Lloyd McClendon). RHP Ricky Knapp (son of the Tigers current pitching coach) and RHP Ben Verlander (little brother of current Tigers ace Justin Verlander).
Down on the farm
June 6, 2010
John Stroba-Writer
As the Tigers begin to search the trade market for upgrades they are certainly going to be keeping an eye on their minor league system for prospects they could include in a deal. Also some prospects progress might mean that they can trade a player from their major league roster or could call him up if needed later in the season.
Toledo Mud Hens (AAA)
Scott Sizemore 2b: Sizemore's struggles is the reason that Carlos Guillen currently playing 2b for the Tigers. One thing that the Tigers really have to be happy about is that Sizemore is really playing well down in Toledo hitting a robust 380/430/521 down with with a pretty good eye 7bb/13k in 78PAs. Sizemore is getting a couple games in at 3b as well. Sizemore does not have a lot of range at 2b to begin with, and it is certainly possible that his ankle has diminished that range even more. Right now, if Guillen proves that he can handle 2b it remains to be seen what happens with Sizemore. It is certainly possible if Sizemore does have the arm (and that is always a concern with a 2b switching positions) and the instincts he could be a 3b next year for the Tigers if the Tigers decide to let Inge walk away in FA. Otherwise, he is probably looking at backing up Guillen next year with a few spot starts at 3b.
Should Sizemore continue to hit well in Toledo he could be included in a deal that could net a high quality SP. A team that should be rebuilding the Houston Astros could be very interested in Sizemore. Lance Berkman could be a possibility there as well, though according to mlbtraderumors.com he is wanting teams to pick up his option for next year. It is hard to see the Tigers doing that. If they are going to be pursuing an Astro it will probably be Roy Oswalt.
Robbie Weinhardt RP: Weinhardt is one of the last cuts the Tigers made in Spring Training, and his fastball/breaking ball combination is very effective against the International League so far this season (1-0 3 holds 2.35 ERA 1.00 WHIP). His stuff is probably not quite closer level, but he should be a solid set up/middle relief guy for a good number of year. With Ryan Perry getting tagged in his last 4 outings, it could speed up the timetable for Weinhardt to make his Detroit debut. While RP prospects are not a huge trading chip one could see Weinhardt being in a trade if the Tigers are picking up all of someone's salary or agreeing to pick up a 2011 option (like with Berkman). Doing so, would be reducing what a ballclub could ask for.
Casey Fien RP: Fien does get a small cup of coffee with the Tigers in 2009. Unfortunately opposing hitters enjoy that cup a lot more than he did (7.94 ERA, 1.68 WHIP). Fien does not have the ability to overpower hitters. He relies on keeping the ball down and in the past he does have a huge split with runners on/bases empty and that suggests he struggles out of the stretch. This year the splits are not as strong, so maybe he is overcoming that. Hard to see him up before September comes along unless massive injuries happen in the bullpen.
Jay Sborz RP: Sborz is a big guy that the Tigers drafted out of High School many years ago. His biggest problem always has been staying healthy. Last year he did put up some really nice numbers at AA, and this year he is the Mud Hens closer and doing a very nice job there as well (1-1 12 saves 3.32 ERA 1.25 WHIP). In addition he is striking out more than a batter an inning (24ks in 21.2ip), but is still a bit homer prone (3 dingers in that stretch). Like most Tiger pitching prospects Sborz throws very hard. At 25 years old, he is on the borderline of being a really legitimate prospect, but he should have a solid career if he can stay away from the gopher balls. Either he or Weinhardt would get the call if the Tigers reach down for another bullpen arm.
Erie SeaWolves (AA)
Andy Oliver LSP: If the Tigers are going to be reaching down into their farm system for another SP, then Oliver is going to be the guy that they go to. If not for struggling his last season in college then the Tigers would not have had a chance to draft him in the second round. His slider is working again leaving only improving his change before he is finally ready to be knocking on the Tigers rotation door. Oliver is a rare power left who does have consistent mid 90s heat with movement. Oliver will probably be one of the prospects that the Tigers might have to part with for a serious upgrade. He is having a very good season in Erie (5-3 3.66 ERA 1.22 WHIP) with a very good 20bb/52so in 59 ip with only 6 dingers given up in that time.
Duane Below SP: Below does have some talent being named the Tigers minor league pitcher of the year in 2007. Since then it is a bit of struggle for Below hitting rock bottom having Tommy John surgery after only 2 starts at Erie. The very good news is that Below is back in Erie taking his turn in the rotation. The numbers are not great (2-5 4.36 ERA, 1.29 WHIP in 11 starts). The control (one of the last things to come back after TJ surgery) is pretty decent 15bb/37 in 43.1 innings. Below needs to finish the year healthy, but should he do that and continue to get stamina and better results. Below could be a candidate for the Tigers staff next year.
Wilkin Rameriz OF: Rameriz is crushing the ball at Erie. That is to be expected though, because he was in AAA Toledo last year. His biggest weakness, controlling the strike zone, he is not showing any progress on (22b/82k in 232 PAs). Until he shows that he is capable of making such an adjustment Rameriz is going to continue to flounder and never achieve the 5 tool status scouts give him.
Lakeland Flying Tigers (A+)
Daniel Fields CF: Fields is a surprise signing that the Tigers made after drafting him in the 6th round. Detroit does go way overslot for a guy that most likely would become a first talent at the University of Michigan. The 19 year old is holding his own, in his first year of pro ball. The numbers are not great 240/341/357, but it is very encouraging to see Fields having a clue about the strike zone with a 24:48 eye in 179 PAs. On their own this is nothing great, but a 19 year putting up these numbers in a league where everyone is 2-3 years old than him is very encouraging. Other teams might want him in a trade.
West Michigan Whitecaps (A-)
Jacob Turner SP: While Oliver is probably the closest starter to the majors right now, Turner arguably does have the much greater upside. Turner's stuff gets compared to Verlander's quite a bit though Detroit is not going to rush this young gem arm. His surface numbers are not great (1-3 4.01 ERA, 1.17 WHIP), but looking beyond that there are some things that make minor league watchers drool. 7bb against 44 punch outs in 42.1 ip. Only giving up 3 dingers in that time as well. That suggests that he does have a pretty good idea of how to pitch. Turner is going to be asked for in trade talks. It will have to be an overwhelming trade for Dombrowski to part with this kid. Likely Turner finishes out the year in West Michigan, starts next year at Lakeland and very well could be permanent part of the rotation by mid 2012 (he would still only be 21 then).
Giovanny Soto SP: Soto is starting to make a very strong case for the Tigers minor league pitcher of the year this season. He is 19 like Turner, but he was not considered a top prospect in the Detroit system entering this year. However, he is making a name for himself with his dominating pitching (4-3 1.99 ERA, 1.29 WHIP). He is going a bit deeper in game than Turner is at this stage and like Turner he is keeping the ball in the yard. He does strike out a lot of guys (52 in 54.1 ip), but at this level it is hard to tell from just seeing the stats how Soto is doing it. Hopefully, it is with some overpowering stuff.
John Stroba-Writer
As the Tigers begin to search the trade market for upgrades they are certainly going to be keeping an eye on their minor league system for prospects they could include in a deal. Also some prospects progress might mean that they can trade a player from their major league roster or could call him up if needed later in the season.
Toledo Mud Hens (AAA)
Scott Sizemore 2b: Sizemore's struggles is the reason that Carlos Guillen currently playing 2b for the Tigers. One thing that the Tigers really have to be happy about is that Sizemore is really playing well down in Toledo hitting a robust 380/430/521 down with with a pretty good eye 7bb/13k in 78PAs. Sizemore is getting a couple games in at 3b as well. Sizemore does not have a lot of range at 2b to begin with, and it is certainly possible that his ankle has diminished that range even more. Right now, if Guillen proves that he can handle 2b it remains to be seen what happens with Sizemore. It is certainly possible if Sizemore does have the arm (and that is always a concern with a 2b switching positions) and the instincts he could be a 3b next year for the Tigers if the Tigers decide to let Inge walk away in FA. Otherwise, he is probably looking at backing up Guillen next year with a few spot starts at 3b.
Should Sizemore continue to hit well in Toledo he could be included in a deal that could net a high quality SP. A team that should be rebuilding the Houston Astros could be very interested in Sizemore. Lance Berkman could be a possibility there as well, though according to mlbtraderumors.com he is wanting teams to pick up his option for next year. It is hard to see the Tigers doing that. If they are going to be pursuing an Astro it will probably be Roy Oswalt.
Robbie Weinhardt RP: Weinhardt is one of the last cuts the Tigers made in Spring Training, and his fastball/breaking ball combination is very effective against the International League so far this season (1-0 3 holds 2.35 ERA 1.00 WHIP). His stuff is probably not quite closer level, but he should be a solid set up/middle relief guy for a good number of year. With Ryan Perry getting tagged in his last 4 outings, it could speed up the timetable for Weinhardt to make his Detroit debut. While RP prospects are not a huge trading chip one could see Weinhardt being in a trade if the Tigers are picking up all of someone's salary or agreeing to pick up a 2011 option (like with Berkman). Doing so, would be reducing what a ballclub could ask for.
Casey Fien RP: Fien does get a small cup of coffee with the Tigers in 2009. Unfortunately opposing hitters enjoy that cup a lot more than he did (7.94 ERA, 1.68 WHIP). Fien does not have the ability to overpower hitters. He relies on keeping the ball down and in the past he does have a huge split with runners on/bases empty and that suggests he struggles out of the stretch. This year the splits are not as strong, so maybe he is overcoming that. Hard to see him up before September comes along unless massive injuries happen in the bullpen.
Jay Sborz RP: Sborz is a big guy that the Tigers drafted out of High School many years ago. His biggest problem always has been staying healthy. Last year he did put up some really nice numbers at AA, and this year he is the Mud Hens closer and doing a very nice job there as well (1-1 12 saves 3.32 ERA 1.25 WHIP). In addition he is striking out more than a batter an inning (24ks in 21.2ip), but is still a bit homer prone (3 dingers in that stretch). Like most Tiger pitching prospects Sborz throws very hard. At 25 years old, he is on the borderline of being a really legitimate prospect, but he should have a solid career if he can stay away from the gopher balls. Either he or Weinhardt would get the call if the Tigers reach down for another bullpen arm.
Erie SeaWolves (AA)
Andy Oliver LSP: If the Tigers are going to be reaching down into their farm system for another SP, then Oliver is going to be the guy that they go to. If not for struggling his last season in college then the Tigers would not have had a chance to draft him in the second round. His slider is working again leaving only improving his change before he is finally ready to be knocking on the Tigers rotation door. Oliver is a rare power left who does have consistent mid 90s heat with movement. Oliver will probably be one of the prospects that the Tigers might have to part with for a serious upgrade. He is having a very good season in Erie (5-3 3.66 ERA 1.22 WHIP) with a very good 20bb/52so in 59 ip with only 6 dingers given up in that time.
Duane Below SP: Below does have some talent being named the Tigers minor league pitcher of the year in 2007. Since then it is a bit of struggle for Below hitting rock bottom having Tommy John surgery after only 2 starts at Erie. The very good news is that Below is back in Erie taking his turn in the rotation. The numbers are not great (2-5 4.36 ERA, 1.29 WHIP in 11 starts). The control (one of the last things to come back after TJ surgery) is pretty decent 15bb/37 in 43.1 innings. Below needs to finish the year healthy, but should he do that and continue to get stamina and better results. Below could be a candidate for the Tigers staff next year.
Wilkin Rameriz OF: Rameriz is crushing the ball at Erie. That is to be expected though, because he was in AAA Toledo last year. His biggest weakness, controlling the strike zone, he is not showing any progress on (22b/82k in 232 PAs). Until he shows that he is capable of making such an adjustment Rameriz is going to continue to flounder and never achieve the 5 tool status scouts give him.
Lakeland Flying Tigers (A+)
Daniel Fields CF: Fields is a surprise signing that the Tigers made after drafting him in the 6th round. Detroit does go way overslot for a guy that most likely would become a first talent at the University of Michigan. The 19 year old is holding his own, in his first year of pro ball. The numbers are not great 240/341/357, but it is very encouraging to see Fields having a clue about the strike zone with a 24:48 eye in 179 PAs. On their own this is nothing great, but a 19 year putting up these numbers in a league where everyone is 2-3 years old than him is very encouraging. Other teams might want him in a trade.
West Michigan Whitecaps (A-)
Jacob Turner SP: While Oliver is probably the closest starter to the majors right now, Turner arguably does have the much greater upside. Turner's stuff gets compared to Verlander's quite a bit though Detroit is not going to rush this young gem arm. His surface numbers are not great (1-3 4.01 ERA, 1.17 WHIP), but looking beyond that there are some things that make minor league watchers drool. 7bb against 44 punch outs in 42.1 ip. Only giving up 3 dingers in that time as well. That suggests that he does have a pretty good idea of how to pitch. Turner is going to be asked for in trade talks. It will have to be an overwhelming trade for Dombrowski to part with this kid. Likely Turner finishes out the year in West Michigan, starts next year at Lakeland and very well could be permanent part of the rotation by mid 2012 (he would still only be 21 then).
Giovanny Soto SP: Soto is starting to make a very strong case for the Tigers minor league pitcher of the year this season. He is 19 like Turner, but he was not considered a top prospect in the Detroit system entering this year. However, he is making a name for himself with his dominating pitching (4-3 1.99 ERA, 1.29 WHIP). He is going a bit deeper in game than Turner is at this stage and like Turner he is keeping the ball in the yard. He does strike out a lot of guys (52 in 54.1 ip), but at this level it is hard to tell from just seeing the stats how Soto is doing it. Hopefully, it is with some overpowering stuff.
I'm Blind, I'm Deaf, I Wanna Be Jim Joyce
Brian LeFevre
Obviously that title is not fair to Wednesday's first base umpire Jim Joyce, but unfortunately he ruined one of the great pitching performances of all time when he called Cleveland's Jason Donald safe at first, robbing Armando Galarraga of the first perfect game in Tiger's history.
Just a couple of points on the play and the aftermath:
Obviously that title is not fair to Wednesday's first base umpire Jim Joyce, but unfortunately he ruined one of the great pitching performances of all time when he called Cleveland's Jason Donald safe at first, robbing Armando Galarraga of the first perfect game in Tiger's history.
Just a couple of points on the play and the aftermath:
- What was Joyce doing on that play?!? After viewing the replay once, it is quite apparent that he completely blew the play. But when you take a closer look at it, he did not put himself into a position to make a judgement to the best of his ability. As the ball rolled toward the gap between first and second, you can see Jim Joyce staring at the ball. But why was he looking there at all?!? What could have possibly been happening over there that he would have to make a judgement call on? The moment he recognized that the ball had been hit on the ground he should have had his eyes plastered on first base and any potential play that could be made there.
- Can there be enough good things said about Galarraga's reaction to the play? I can't possibly imagine a person handling that situation any better than he did. He had just been robbed of a distinction that has only been handed out 20 previously in the history of baseball. And basically he laughed it off! I'm sure that deep inside he fumed plenty about it, but he seems to know what everyone who watched and participated knows: on June 2nd he threw MLB's 21st perfect game.
- Why can't Bud Selig, for one of the few times in his life, do the right thing? Bud was given a golden opportunity to do what was good and right, and he COMPLETELY dropped the ball. If baseball can go back and give George Brett credit for a home run in the infamous pine-tar incident, there is no reason he couldn't have credited Galarraga with his perfect game. People argue that it would take the 'human element' out of the game, and open up Pandora's Box in regards to overruling plays, but I've gotta say that's a load of bull. This is an EXTREMELY unique and rare case, of which there will probably never be an equal. And just because it temporarily removes the 'human element' from the game, does that mean we can't do what's right?!? Mistakes may be a part of the game, but that does not mean you can write them off.
- Assuming the call never gets overturned, can baseball please recognize the achievement? Personally, I think it would be great if MLB would place a plaque in Cooperstown recognizing the first 'unofficial' perfect game in the history of the game. There are tons of great stories littering the history of the game, and this one heck of a story. If you can't give Galarraga his credit, and least let future fan's know of what happened at Comerica Park on June 2nd, 2010.
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