Detroit Tigers 2013-14 Off-season thread

[CONN CHRIS]

I didn't even know that Below was back. It seems like he has been kicking around spring training for a decade.

[RandyTiger]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

I didn't even know that Below was back. It seems like he has been kicking around spring training for a decade.

Almost - he's was drafted by the Tigers in the 19th round of the '06 amateur draft and has spent every year but one with the Cats. When he was DFA'd in '13, he was out of options.

The Marlins snapped him up and assigned him to their AAA affiliate, New Orleans, and he tossed 2 games for them in the Bigs in May. He also pitched for Korea's Kia Tigers that year.

The Cats signed him in the off-season to a minor league deal with a spring training invite. He's been a moderately-successful minor league pitcher, but not so good in the Bigs.

[Below's Baseball Reference page]

[RandyTiger]

Tigers 7, Yankees 7 (10). [Boxscore]

Summary: Bats impressive, but bullpen falters.

Pitching: Sanchez was sharp in his third outing of the spring, tossing 4 innings featuring a mixture of fastballs (topping out at 95 MPH), sharp changeups, and some breaking balls. He gave up 1 run on 3 hits (2 singles and a wind-aided solo HR to Cervelli) while striking out 3 (all swinging).

(Note: The last three starters, Scherzer, Verlander, and Sanchez have given up a combined 1 run over 12.1 innings. Hope they can do that a few times during the regular season.)

Reed followed Anibal, and promptly surrendered a solo HR to Cervelli, (Yes, that guy again. They should have super-glued him to the bench before the game...). After that, he settled down and tossed 2 flawless innings, striking out 3 (all in a row, no less), featuring his 97-MPH fastball and a much-improved changeup. His other secondary pitch, the slider, still needs some work as he's "tipping" it off by throwing from a slightly different arm angle at times. He's still a strong candidate to go North in 2 weeks.

Putkonen worked the 7th, giving up a single that went nowhere.

Krol gave up 3 runs on 4 hits (3 singles, 1 double) and a walk in the 8th. That isn't going to help him make the Opening Day roster, but to be fair, two of those hits came on ground balls and one on a blooper - and the Cats didn't have their best defense on the field at the time.

Ortega wasn't any better in the 9th as he yielded 2 runs on 2 hits (double, followed by a 2-HR Almonte HR) and a walk.

Marinez pitched the 10th, giving up a single.

Well... could have been worse, I guess.

Hitting: The Boys eked out 13 hits and a walk, stranding 7. Here's how they did:

Kinsler, 1-4: a single and run scored in the 1st.
The donkelly, 1-4: RBI single and run scored in the 1st.
Lennerton, 0-1: fielder's choice RBI in the 9th.
V. Martinez, 1-3: SF RBI in the 1st, single and run scored in the 3rd.
Avila, 2-4: single and run scored in the 1st, single in the 7th.
Collins, 2-5, 2 doubles: double and run scored in the 3rd, double in the 10th.
Crowe, 2-5, 2 RBI: single in the 1st, 2-run double in the 3rd. Caught stealing 3B in the 3rd.
Castellanos, 2-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI: 2-run double in the 1st, double in the 6th.
Holaday, 1-5: single in the 1st. Would have had an RBI, but Castellanos was thrown out at home (CF Williams to C Cervelli).
Perez, 1-3, BB : single in the 4th, walk and run scored in the 9th.

Defense: 5-4-3 Double play, 10th inning, (F. Martinez-Travis-Lennerton).

Next game: Thursday, March 13, Marlins @ Tigers, 1:05 Eastern.
- Detroit TV: FS-D. (Yippee!)
Pitching matchup is going to be interesting: Drew Smyly vs. former Tiger prospect Jacob Turner.

Will have a report Thursday evening on the game.

[RandyTiger]

Disclaimer: the following is not an advertisement, nor do I profit from posting the links or receive any kind of reimbursement for mentioning these services. I merely want to make Tiger fans aware of their options for following games if they are out of the Detroit market, do not subscribe to MLB Network, or are simply unable to listen/view games for whatever reason.

Here are your options:

1. MLB Gameday Audio is just $19.99/year, and I believe you can stream that to any device live... or listen later to the broadcast. ST, regular season, and post-season included.

2. MLB.tv is a much more pricier option, starting at $109.99/year ($19.99/month) for the standard version, which doesn't allow you to stream to devices. The premium, at $129.99/year ($24.99/month) does. You can watch the game at a time and place of your own choosing.

(The broadcast is not subtitled, according to customer service reps. Few online videos are, no matter the source. *grumble*)

3. ESPN Gameday (available from the scores page), or MLB GameDay (Tigers homepage will display availability) are online graphical versions of the game in progress.

I've found ESPN is slightly faster on updating (which doesn't say much, neither is particularly quick), but both services have intrusive, embedded flash ads that sometimes eat into the start of the next inning. Still, they're free.

4. There are two Detroit-area radio stations, run by CBSSports, that broadcast Tiger games over the 'webz as well. They have a "listen live" button, but I do not know how well it works (I'm deaf, so audio isn't of much use to me), but it's worth a look-see:

- 97.1 The Ticket (carries the majority of regular season games) and WXYT 1270 (mostly ST games). [Link]

Hope this helps, guys!

[CONN CHRIS]

Thanks for that Randy. I have become accustomed to 'watching' the Tigers on ESPN gamecast.

[RandyTiger]

@Chris: Welcome, bud.

Contract news: Apparently this got past everyone, but ex-Tiger Nate Robertson is now a Tiger again - he signed a AAA-contract last week. I thought he had retired, but it appears he's been bouncing all over the map since he and the Tigers parted ways four years ago:

2010: Phillies and Florida; Memphis (Cardinals) of the PCL (AAA); Lehigh Valley (Phillies) of the IL (AAA).
2011: Tacoma (Sea) of the PCL.
2012: Witchita (AA), Independent; Iowa (ChN) of the PCL, Las Vegas (Tor) of the PCL.
2013: Round Rock (Tex) of the PCL.

His numbers haven't been very good, except for the time in Round Rock. If you're really interested, here's his Baseball-Reference page.

Insurance and/or filler for Toledo, I'd guess.

[cephasjames]

Originally Posted by RandyTiger

2. MLB.tv is a much more pricier option, starting at $109.99/year ($19.99/month) for the standard version, which doesn't allow you to stream to devices. The premium, at $129.99/year ($24.99/month) does. You can watch the game at a time and place of your own choosing.

This is what we've done the past 3-4 years (premium). I think I saw parts of a good 140 games last year so it was totally worth it.

[RandyTiger]

Marlins 4, Tigers 2. [Boxscore]

Summary: Bullpen solid, Bats languish in loss.

Pitching: Drew Smyly got smacked around for 4 runs (3 earned), on 8 hits (4 singles and 4 doubles) and 2 walks over a 68-pitch, 3.1 inning effort, striking out 1.

He was in more pitch-count jams than I care to count, but a lot of that was due to location and a cutter that was MIA (and MIA-friendly, if you get the pun...). His changeup, which he has been working on, consistently clocked in the upper 70's range, and his fastball topped out at 94. Not a bad effort, just... not on target.

Jose Alvarez took over from Smyly and worked 1.2 innings, striking out 1. He really did a nice job with varying his speeds and locating his pitches.

Nathan worked the 6th and issued a lead-off walk - and the Marlins didn't get any further than that, thanks to Moya (see Defense).

Chamberlain took over in the 7th and gave up a single, which was erased by a really smooth double play by Suarez (see Defense).

Justin Miller did a perfect 8th, striking out 1.

Blaine Hardy gave up a single in the 9th, and then unleashed a pickoff move that was like an unseen rattlesnake striking out of a bush to nab the baserunner. Dang, I don't think I've ever seen any pitcher strike THAT quickly before, it was just a... wow! play.

Offense: The Cats managed 7 hits and 2 walks, stranding 9 on 1-12 hitting with RISP. Here's who did what:

Davis 1-2: Single and SB (4) in the 1st, BB in the 3rd.
Miggy, 0-2: BB in the 5th.
Hunter, 0-3: Reached base on error in the 4th, scored run.
F. Martinez, 1-1: Single in the 8th.
Jackson, 3-3: Triple and run scored in the 2nd; single in the 4th; single in the 6th. (He's been tearing up the field with his bat this spring: .520 BA. He looked balanced and poised today, and he's smacking the ball with authority. The 6 spot suits him perfectly. Remember, he was never really considered a proto-typical lead-off guy, the Cats just didn't have anyone else who could do the job. Now that they do, I think this will be a breakout year for AJ.)
Fields, 1-1: Single in the 8th.
Holaday, 1-2: Sacrifice Fly RBI in the 2nd; RBI infield single in the 4th.

Defense: Suarez really wants a spot on the roster, apparently: in the 1st inning, with a runner on 3B and the infield in, when the ball was hit him to him, he threw the runner out at home instead of throwing to first. Smart move there, something I wouldn't expect a rookie to do.

In the 7th inning, he made a smooth-as-silk 6-3 DP (Suarez-Lennerton) worthy of Ozzie Smith or Jose Iglesias.

The veteran-like poise and smarts he displayed speak well of his chances to make the Bigs at some point in the near future. His bat isn't quite there yet, but that should improve as he muscles up a bit more. If Iglesias doesn't make the Opening Day roster because of his splints, I think Suarez would take his place.

Moya, 6th inning: Kid's got a cannon for an arm - he was playing RF for this game, and when he caught a flyball, he fired to Miggy, doubling the runner off first. Not bad. Pity he's not going north with the team, he's a few years out yet, but he has a nice strong arm. I'm sure his bat will catch up with that ability in time.

Next game: Friday, March 14, Nationals @ Tigers, 1:05 Eastern. SP: Porcello.
- Detroit Radio: WXYT 1270.

[RandyTiger]

Originally Posted by cephasjames

This is what we've done the past 3-4 years (premium). I think I saw parts of a good 140 games last year so it was totally worth it.

That's a good number of games, and I think the one of the most valuable aspects must be the ability to watch it whenever you want instead of having to arrange your schedule around the games themselves.

<gripe>
If the broadcasts were subtitled/captioned, I'd cut the cable cord (baseball and football are the only things I watch apart from news now and then) and save more than a few pennies.

I also wish MLBN wasn't subscription-based in addition to the regular cable fees, it would make the bill a lot easier to stomach, since I'd be glued to that channel. As it is, paying it is like watching He Who Must Not Be Named pitch.
</gripe>

[RandyTiger]

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News has written a truly intriguing piece about the geopolitical and travel situation for teams in the Grapefruit league, outlining some of the travel challenges that have cropped up since some teams defected to the Catcus league.

If how baseball business is conducted interests you, it's worth the read.

[RandyTiger]

Roster moves:

1. The following players have been optioned to Toledo (AAA):

RHP Justin Miller.
1B Jordan Lennerton.
OF Daniel Fields.

2. 3B Francisco Martinez assigned to Erie (AA).

3. INF Devon Travis assigned to Minor League Camp.

Roster section updated.

[RandyTiger]

Injury update: SS Jose Iglesias is seeing another specialist today to see if there is anything further that could be contributing to the "stress reaction in his shins" issue.

It's looking more and more likely that he will be spending some time on the DL, but as the Tigers can backdate, he might not be out for very long. Several options exist, including getting him some extra AB's in minor league ST games to help him prepare for the season.

To explain: with the minor league games, a player can bat out of order, such as leading off every inning and not playing the field, or leading off the inning and playing the field some innings, others not, etc. It's a way of getting a player concentrated reps in a hurry.

If he does go on the DL, the Cats have options in Worth, Suarez, or Perez, and don't forget Lombardozzi can play SS as well.

Edit: Further update: Jose has been fitted with a "microcurrent machine with biofeedback" for pain management to see if that helps. Head Trainer Kevin Rand was noncommittal about further specialist involvement.

Beats the heck outta me as to what that's gonna do, and I'm beginning to think they're just grasping at straws here.

[RandyTiger]

Roster move: OF Steven Moya optioned to Erie (AA).

Roster updated. I'll have to put an active roster list up on top of the 40-man.

[RandyTiger]

Tigers 12, Nationals 6. [Boxscore]

Summary: Offense roars in lopsided win.

Pitching: Rick Porcello got slapped around a bit, finally getting the hook in the 5th inning with no outs after giving up a single and triple in succession. He didn't pitch badly (72 pitches, 52 strikes), he was just hittable.

He finishes with a line of 4 IP, 7 hits (4 singles, a double, triple and HR), 5 runs, and 3 K's.

Coke came on in relief, and managed a hitless-and-scoreless inning (!), striking out 1. He even hit 92 on one fastball.

Alburquerque did the 6th, giving up a solo HR and 2 singles while striking out 2.

Rondon tossed a perfect 7th, striking out 1 as he dialed his fastball up to 98.

Lobstein finished off the game with 2 perfect innings, getting outs but nothing else. Can't ask for any more than that.

Offense: I'd say the Boys had a pretty good day with 22 hits and a walk, stranding 10 on 11-18 with RISP. Here's who did what:

Kinsler, 2-4, a double (3) and 2 runs scored:
- Ground rule double and run scored in the 3rd; single and run scored in the 4th.

Suarez, 1-2, RBI:
- Pinch-hit (Kinsler) RBI single in the 6th, and then got picked-off first.

Hunter, 4-4, a double (3), 2 runs scored, 2 RBI, and an SB (1):
- Single in the 1st; RBI single and run scored in the 3rd; RBI double and run scored in the 4th; single and SB in the 5th (double steal with Lombardozzi).

Miggy, 2-4, a run scored:
- Single and run scored in the 4th; single in the 5th.

Lombardozzi, SB (3):
- Pinch-run (Miggy) SB in the 5th (double steal with Hunter).

V. Martinez, 2-4, with a run scored and 2 RBI:
- RBI single and run scored in the 3rd; RBI single in the 4th.

The donkelly, 1-1, a double (4):
- Double in the 7th.

Avila, 1-3, a walk, and a run scored:
- Single and run scored in the 4th; walk in the 5th.

Jackson, 1-4, double (2), 2 run scored and 2 RBI:
- RBI double and run scored in the 3rd; fielder's choice RBI and run scored in the 4th.

Carrera, 1-1, a run scored:
- Single and run scored in the 8th.

Castellanos, 3-4, a double (5) and 2 RBI:
- Double in the 2nd; RBI single in the 3rd; RBI single in the 4th.

Davis, 2-3, a HBP, double (3), RBI and caught stealing:
- HBP in the 2nd; RBI single in the 4th; double and caught stealing 3rd in the 6th.

Collins, 1-1, a triple (1) and run scored:
- RBI triple and run scored in the 8th.

Perez, 1-4, a run scored, SB (1), and an SF RBI:
- Single, SB, and run scored in the 6th; SF RBI in the 8th.

Defense: Double plays, 1: 6-4-3 (Perez-Kinsler-Martinez), 2nd inning.

Next game: Saturday, March 15: Astros @ Tigers, 1:05 Eastern.
- Houston Radio: KBME 790.
- Detroit Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.

[RandyTiger]

I've debuted a new-look offensive section, outlining the sequence of the offensive successes, and I'd like to know:

Is this something you would like to see continued? Does it help you to visualize the action a bit better? Yeah, it's more work, but I don't mind (helps me, heh), rather than just stat lines.

If it's annoying, just say so, and I'll drop it. Otherwise, it stays.

Also: With Sunday's game, I'll start posting full stats (BA, RS, RBI, SB, BB, etc.) as part of the offensive section overhaul.

[RandyTiger]

Schedule for the next 7 days:

Sunday, March 16: Tigers @ Nationals (SS), 1:05 Eastern.
- Detroit Radio: 97.1 The Ticket.
- Washington TV: MASN.

Monday, March 17: Nationals @ Tigers, 1:05 Eastern.
- Detroit Radio: WXYT 1270.

Tuesday, March 18: Blue Jays @ Tigers (SS), 1:05 Eastern.
- Detroit Radio: WXYT 1270.

Tigers (SS) @ Mets, 1:10 Eastern.
- NY TV: SNY.

Wednesday, March 19: OFF.

Thursday, March 20: Tigers @ Nationals, 1:05 Eastern.
- Washington Radio: WJFK 1580 AM, WFED 1500.

Friday, March 21: Tigers @ Braves (SS), 1:05 Eastern.
- Detroit TV: FSD.
- Atlanta Radio: WFOM 1230, WIFN 1340.

Saturday, March 22: Tigers @ Blue Jays, 1:05 Eastern.
- Toronto Radio: SN590.

[cephasjames]

Originally Posted by RandyTiger

I've debuted a new-look offensive section, outlining the sequence of the offensive successes, and I'd like to know:

Is this something you would like to see continued? Does it help you to visualize the action a bit better? Yeah, it's more work, but I don't mind (helps me, heh), rather than just stat lines.

If it's annoying, just say so, and I'll drop it. Otherwise, it stays.

Also: With Sunday's game, I'll start posting full stats (BA, RS, RBI, SB, BB, etc.) as part of the offensive section overhaul.

I like it, Randy. The more info I get here the fewer places I need to look.

[RandyTiger]

Originally Posted by cephasjames

I like it, Randy. The more info I get here the fewer places I need to look.

Very well, will continue that, then. Thanks for the feedback!

[CONN CHRIS]

Originally Posted by RandyTiger

Is this something you would like to see continued? Does it help you to visualize the action a bit better?

Very good! I like it if you have the time Randy.

[Tram2Whitaker]

Originally Posted by RandyTiger

D

1. MLB Gameday Audio is just $19.99/year, and I believe you can stream that to any device live... or listen later to the broadcast. ST, regular season, and post-season included.

2. MLB.tv is a much more pricier option, starting at $109.99/year ($19.99/month) for the standard version, which doesn't allow you to stream to devices. The premium, at $129.99/year ($24.99/month) does. You can watch the game at a time and place of your own choosing.

(The broadcast is not subtitled, according to customer service reps. Few online videos are, no matter the source. *grumble*)

Unfortunately, since I live in Michigan I am technically "in market", and cannot use this. The thing is, except for a couple of the Fox saturday games, all Tiger games are on cable. To get FSD, I have to get Premium Tier Digital cable, which starts at $59.99 a month + taxes and such, then goes up after 6 months. Since Tigers games are the only thing I'd watch, it is not worth the hassle or money.