Detroit Tigers 2013-14 Off-season thread - Page 4

RandyTiger · 11-03-2013, 02:35 AM

Reports have Brad Ausmus being named as the new Tigers manager. The organization has not confirmed the move.

[Source: Reports: Tigers to hire Brad Ausmus as manager | The Detroit News]

RandyTiger · 11-03-2013, 05:06 PM

The Tigers have confirmed Ausmus is their new manager.

Edit: Gene Lamont has signed a 2-year contract and will return as the bench coach.

Orcin · 11-03-2013, 05:10 PM

I think this is a great hire, and Tigers fans will be pleased with him. The players will like him, and he will be a great tactical manager.

RandyTiger · 11-03-2013, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orcin

I think this is a great hire, and Tigers fans will be pleased with him. The players will like him, and he will be a great tactical manager.

I'm gonna take a "wait-and-see" position on this guy. At this point, I neither like nor dislike him, but without any managerial experience apart from the Israeli WBC club, I have no idea if he's gonna be up to the job. Having a "high IQ" does not guarantee anything.

Sure, he'll win games - he has a very solid club, be hard to lose 100 games with this team, even with lousy decisions - but until he has a few years experience, there's no way of telling just how good (or bad) a manager he will turn out to be.

I firmly believe managers should start out with losing teams and prove their worth, working their way up, rather than being "born with a silver spoon", so to speak.

We shall see what we see.

RandyTiger · 11-05-2013, 03:24 PM

This continues our series of looking at each Tiger on the 40-man roster, providing an in-depth look into his statistics and how they helped (or hurt) the team in 2013.

-----------------------

The next person up on the list is Phil Coke.

Overall: Popular amongst players, the 31-year old Coke, a veteran of 6 MLB seasons, is decidedly unpopular with the fans due to his ineffectiveness as a pitcher, and his habit of blowing close games.

He was placed on the DL May 1st (retroactive to April 26th) due to a left groin strain, and he was reactivated later that month.

On August 21st, he was optioned to Toledo due to poor performance, only to be recalled on the 31st to ensure his eligibility for the playoffs.

In September, he began displaying arm woes and was sidelined for part of the month and into the playoffs, missing the ALDS and being activated for the ALCS.

He is in his 3rd (and final) year of arbitration eligibility.

-----------------------

Season numbers:

Overall, he was 0-5, with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP, along with 1 save in 3 opportunities and 4 holds. In 38.1 innings, he struck out 30 while walking 21.

His WAR value comes out to -0.2.

-----------------------

Season numbers breakdown: Let's take a look at his numbers.

Strikeouts per 9 innings: 7.0.
Walks per 9 innings: 4.9.
Strikeout/walk ratio: 1.43.

Batting average against: .291
OBP against: .370
OPS against: .809
Groundball/Flyball ratio: 60/66, 0.91.

All of that adds up to the fact that he can't get people out, he can't find home plate with a deep-space telescope, and he's utterly ineffective as a MLB pitcher. The only reason he's here, and not in the minors, is because he is a lefty good in situational match-ups.

-----------------------

Home/Away breakdown:

Home: 0-2, 7.71 ERA, 1.88 WHIP, 0/0 Saves/Opportunities; .254 Batting Average against, with 1 HR allowed.

Away: 0-3, 3.20 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 1/3 Saves/Opportunities; .321 BAA, with 2 HR allowed.

Additional note: some interesting numbers leapt out at me here, with the SO/BB ratio:

Home: 0.89.
Road: 4.67.

While he was ineffective no matter where he pitched, he was worse at home. He should seek employment with another team, it might help his stats.

-----------------------

Platoon breakdown:

Versus LHB: .299 BAA, .345 OBP, .760 OPS.

Versus RHB: .282 BAA, .395 OBP, .860 OPS.

Doesn't really make a whole lot of different who he throws against, does it?

-----------------------

First Half vs. Second Half:

Before ASB: 0-5, 5.83 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, with 1/3 SV/Opps; .274 BAA, with 3 HR's allowed.

Post ASB: 0-0, 4.00 ERA, 2.22 WHIP, with 0/0 SV/Opps; .333 BAA with 0 HR's allowed.

No further comments, the numbers speak for themselves.

-----------------------

Combined Post-season stats: In 4 appearances, he had a 9.00 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP, with no walks or strikeouts over 1.0 innings.

-----------------------

This guy should not be wearing an MLB uniform from these numbers. No ifs, ands, or buts.

CONN CHRIS · 11-05-2013, 03:29 PM

Amen!

RandyTiger · 11-05-2013, 06:50 PM

Tigers are in the market for a new hitting coach as Lloyd McClendon, according to news reports, will be hired to manage the Mariners.

Unconfirmed reports have pitching coach Jeff Jones likely returning to the Cats.

Unknown at this point who else will be coaching. The only confirmed name is Lamont who returns as Bench Coach.

RandyTiger · 11-06-2013, 04:09 AM

This continues our series of examinations of each Tiger on the 40-man roster, providing an in-depth look into his statistics and how they helped (or hurt) the team in 2013.

-----------------------

The next person up on the list is Doug Fister.

Overall: Fister continued to display his worth as he reached personal bests in several categories, ranking 8th in the AL with wins, 14th in innings pitched, 19th in ERA, and tied for 23rd with Justin Verlander in WHIP. All of that adds up to a very impressive package, and a steal at the $4 Million the Cats forked over this past season.

The 29-year-old righty, with 4 years of accumulated service time over 5 seasons, promises to be a mainstay of the rotation for several more years at the very least, as he is in his first year of arbitration eligibility.

I think it can be safely said that this is one of Dombrowski's more impressive trade results, and a steal, to be honest.

He throws 4 pitches: 2-seam fastball, cutter, curveball, and a changeup.

-----------------------

Season numbers:

Overall, he was 14-9 (personal best in wins), with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. In 208.2 innings, he struck out 159 (personal best) while walking 44 (2nd lowest amongst Tiger starters).

His WAR value comes out to 4.1, 4th on the pitching staff (and 4th on the starters).

-----------------------

Season numbers breakdown: Let's take a look at his numbers.

Strikeouts per 9 innings: 6.9.
Walks per 9 innings: 1.9. (4th in AL)
Strikeout/walk ratio: 3.61. (9th in AL)

Batting average against: .281
OBP against: .329
OPS against: .710
Groundball/Flyball ratio: 374/287, 1.30.

Something very striking: He gave up 14 HR this season for a 0.60 HR/9 IP, 2nd lowest in the AL!

Something also needs to be said about the value he brings as a fielder: With 53 total chances as a pitcher (tied for 1st in AL with Dickey of Toronto), he was perfect, which tied for 1st in the AL. He was also involved in 5 double plays, tied with Verlander and Harrell of Houston for 1st in the AL.

For the sabermetricans amongst us, his Zone rating was 11.038, and his range factor / 9 innings as a pitcher was 2.29, 1st in the AL, and 1.61 RF/Game, 2nd in AL.

All of that adds up to an incredible package. What team wouldn't want him?

-----------------------

Home/Away breakdown:

Home: 8-5, 3.55 ERA, 1.31 WHIP; .293 Batting Average against, with 5 HR allowed.

Away: 6-4, 3/77 ERA, 1.30 WHIP; .270 BAA, with 9 HR allowed.

Remarkably consistent.

-----------------------

Platoon breakdown:

Versus LHB: .264 BAA, .314 OBP, .690 OPS.

Versus RHB: .302 BAA, .347 OBP, .734 OPS.

Interesting difference. He's going to have to learn to come inside better against righties if he truly wants to be dominating.

-----------------------

First Half vs. Second Half:

Before ASB: 7-5, 4.02 ERA, 1.25 WHIP; .274 BAA, with 9 HR's allowed.

Post ASB: 7-4, 3.18 ERA, 1.39 WHIP; .292 BAA with 5 HR's allowed.

-----------------------

Combined Post-season stats: In 2 starts, he was 1-0, with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP, striking out 8 and walking 2 in 12 innings.

The Tigers won both games he pitched in, and he was credited with the ALCS game 4 win.

-----------------------

He'll get a hefty salary hike, and in my opinion, he's worth every cent.

cephasjames · 11-06-2013, 07:52 AM

Looking ahead at LF: is Nick Castellanos going to be the every day starter? Columnist, Jonathan Mayo, thinks he'll be a better fit than Andy Dirks.

Quote:

With Austin Jackson and Torii Hunter set to return to fill two-thirds of Detroit's outfield, that leaves left field. With all due respect to Andy Dirks and his fans, it's difficult to see how he would be a better option than Castellanos at this point. Having Castellanos in left and Dirks as a fourth outfielder should make the Tigers better.

Will Detroit go with, cheap and basically unproven, Castellanos or will they sign a less expensive, experienced guy?

David Watts · 11-06-2013, 08:33 AM

Just wondering what y'all think? A J Pierzynski is a free agent and CBS has him projected to get around 7.5 mil next season. Do any of you think he would be a good fit for the Tigers? A lot of me says no, but I do like his no nonsense approach to the game. Could A J be the leader this team needs? Was really hoping Hunter would be that guy, but he's clearly lacking in that department.

RandyTiger · 11-06-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Watts

Just wondering what y'all think? A J Pierzynski is a free agent and CBS has him projected to get around 7.5 mil next season. Do any of you think he would be a good fit for the Tigers? A lot of me says no, but I do like his no nonsense approach to the game. Could A J be the leader this team needs? Was really hoping Hunter would be that guy, but he's clearly lacking in that department.

The Cats are not gonna hire another catcher - they're clearly committed to Avila as the everyday guy, despite his offensive and defensive issues, and the DH slot is already taken.

Plus, by not re-signing Pena, they've signaled a commitment to cutting personnel expenses as well. Pena out-hit and out-performed Avila defensively, yet he's gone, and he barely made anything.

Holaday, an unproven rookie, will be Avila's backup at the league minimum. Take that as you will.

RandyTiger · 11-06-2013, 07:23 PM

The Tigers have hired 3B Coach/OF Instructor Dave Clark, who spent the last 5 years with the Astros.

Clark formerly played from 1986-1998 with 6 different teams.

Jeff Jones has been re-hired as the Pitching Coach.

Slots still to be filled are the hitting, 1B/Infield, and the bullpen coaches.

I've put managerial information up on the initial post.

David Watts · 11-06-2013, 07:34 PM

Will Dave be bringing the five with him.

RandyTiger · 11-06-2013, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cephasjames

Looking ahead at LF: is Nick Castellanos going to be the every day starter? Columnist, Jonathan Mayo, thinks he'll be a better fit than Andy Dirks.

Will Detroit go with, cheap and basically unproven, Castellanos or will they sign a less expensive, experienced guy?

I've been thinking about this all day, and these are the two scenarios that seem most likely:

1. The Tigers will platoon Castellanos and Dirks, easing Nick into the starting role and seeing how he responds to MLB pitching on an extended basis. Throwing him directly into the fray is apt to have bad results, and while another full season in the minors might make sense, the Cats need help there too badly to ignore his potential.

2. If they do sign someone else, it'll be to a one-year contract and that person will platoon with Dirks - until Nick is ready, perhaps at the ASB, to stay with the team regularly.

3. Unless, of course, they trade Dirks for some prospects, sign someone else to do the job or platoon with Nick.

Either way, the job is Castellanos's to win or lose, and I expect by 2015, he'll be the starting every-day Left Fielder.

RandyTiger · 11-06-2013, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Watts

Will Dave be bringing the five with him.

Who knows? This was Aumus's choice, approved by Dombrowski, so if the new guy thinks Clark will be a fit, then there's nothing else to do but to see what happens.

Can't do much worse than Lamont or Brookens have over the past few years.

David Watts · 11-06-2013, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyTiger

Who knows? This was Aumus's choice, approved by Dombrowski, so if the new guy thinks Clark will be a fit, then there's nothing else to do but to see what happens.

Can't do much worse than Lamont or Brookens have over the past few years.

Sorry, lame attempt at humor....The Dave Clark Five was a rock group in the 60's

RandyTiger · 11-06-2013, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Watts

Sorry, lame attempt at humor....The Dave Clark Five was a rock group in the 60's

Expecting a deaf man to be cognizant of musical groups is like expecting a blind man to describe Michelangelo's David in all of its sublime detail.

Your attempt was not lame, David.

cephasjames · 11-07-2013, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyTiger

Your attempt was not lame, David.

Oh, I thought it was.

cephasjames · 11-07-2013, 06:38 AM

Tigers up for major awards:
Cabrera, MVP
Scherzer, Cy Young
Iglesias, RotY

No big surprises there. I'd be shocked if Miggy and Max don't win. Julio (I mean Jose) is a toss up, imo.

RandyTiger · 11-13-2013, 08:06 PM

Max Scherzer has won the AL Cy Young.

Congrats, Max, and very richly deserved.

11-03-2013, 02:35 AM	#61
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Reports have Brad Ausmus being named as the new Tigers manager. The organization has not confirmed the move. [Source: Reports: Tigers to hire Brad Ausmus as manager \| The Detroit News] Last edited by RandyTiger; 11-03-2013 at 02:51 AM.

11-03-2013, 05:06 PM	#62
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	The Tigers have confirmed Ausmus is their new manager. Edit: Gene Lamont has signed a 2-year contract and will return as the bench coach. Last edited by RandyTiger; 11-03-2013 at 05:08 PM.

11-05-2013, 03:24 PM	#65
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Phil Coke This continues our series of looking at each Tiger on the 40-man roster, providing an in-depth look into his statistics and how they helped (or hurt) the team in 2013. ----------------------- The next person up on the list is Phil Coke. Overall: Popular amongst players, the 31-year old Coke, a veteran of 6 MLB seasons, is decidedly unpopular with the fans due to his ineffectiveness as a pitcher, and his habit of blowing close games. He was placed on the DL May 1st (retroactive to April 26th) due to a left groin strain, and he was reactivated later that month. On August 21st, he was optioned to Toledo due to poor performance, only to be recalled on the 31st to ensure his eligibility for the playoffs. In September, he began displaying arm woes and was sidelined for part of the month and into the playoffs, missing the ALDS and being activated for the ALCS. He is in his 3rd (and final) year of arbitration eligibility. ----------------------- Season numbers: Overall, he was 0-5, with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP, along with 1 save in 3 opportunities and 4 holds. In 38.1 innings, he struck out 30 while walking 21. His WAR value comes out to -0.2. ----------------------- Season numbers breakdown: Let's take a look at his numbers. Strikeouts per 9 innings: 7.0. Walks per 9 innings: 4.9. Strikeout/walk ratio: 1.43. Batting average against: .291 OBP against: .370 OPS against: .809 Groundball/Flyball ratio: 60/66, 0.91. All of that adds up to the fact that he can't get people out, he can't find home plate with a deep-space telescope, and he's utterly ineffective as a MLB pitcher. The only reason he's here, and not in the minors, is because he is a lefty good in situational match-ups. ----------------------- Home/Away breakdown: Home: 0-2, 7.71 ERA, 1.88 WHIP, 0/0 Saves/Opportunities; .254 Batting Average against, with 1 HR allowed. Away: 0-3, 3.20 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 1/3 Saves/Opportunities; .321 BAA, with 2 HR allowed. Additional note: some interesting numbers leapt out at me here, with the SO/BB ratio: Home: 0.89. Road: 4.67. While he was ineffective no matter where he pitched, he was worse at home. He should seek employment with another team, it might help his stats. ----------------------- Platoon breakdown: Versus LHB: .299 BAA, .345 OBP, .760 OPS. Versus RHB: .282 BAA, .395 OBP, .860 OPS. Doesn't really make a whole lot of different who he throws against, does it? ----------------------- First Half vs. Second Half: Before ASB: 0-5, 5.83 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, with 1/3 SV/Opps; .274 BAA, with 3 HR's allowed. Post ASB: 0-0, 4.00 ERA, 2.22 WHIP, with 0/0 SV/Opps; .333 BAA with 0 HR's allowed. No further comments, the numbers speak for themselves. ----------------------- Combined Post-season stats: In 4 appearances, he had a 9.00 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP, with no walks or strikeouts over 1.0 innings. ----------------------- This guy should not be wearing an MLB uniform from these numbers. No ifs, ands, or buts.

11-05-2013, 03:29 PM	#66
CONN CHRIS Global Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 28,866	Amen! __________________ Check Out My Cards!

11-06-2013, 04:09 AM	#68
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Doug Fister This continues our series of examinations of each Tiger on the 40-man roster, providing an in-depth look into his statistics and how they helped (or hurt) the team in 2013. ----------------------- The next person up on the list is Doug Fister. Overall: Fister continued to display his worth as he reached personal bests in several categories, ranking 8th in the AL with wins, 14th in innings pitched, 19th in ERA, and tied for 23rd with Justin Verlander in WHIP. All of that adds up to a very impressive package, and a steal at the $4 Million the Cats forked over this past season. The 29-year-old righty, with 4 years of accumulated service time over 5 seasons, promises to be a mainstay of the rotation for several more years at the very least, as he is in his first year of arbitration eligibility. I think it can be safely said that this is one of Dombrowski's more impressive trade results, and a steal, to be honest. He throws 4 pitches: 2-seam fastball, cutter, curveball, and a changeup. ----------------------- Season numbers: Overall, he was 14-9 (personal best in wins), with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. In 208.2 innings, he struck out 159 (personal best) while walking 44 (2nd lowest amongst Tiger starters). His WAR value comes out to 4.1, 4th on the pitching staff (and 4th on the starters). ----------------------- Season numbers breakdown: Let's take a look at his numbers. Strikeouts per 9 innings: 6.9. Walks per 9 innings: 1.9. (4th in AL) Strikeout/walk ratio: 3.61. (9th in AL) Batting average against: .281 OBP against: .329 OPS against: .710 Groundball/Flyball ratio: 374/287, 1.30. Something very striking: He gave up 14 HR this season for a 0.60 HR/9 IP, 2nd lowest in the AL! Something also needs to be said about the value he brings as a fielder: With 53 total chances as a pitcher (tied for 1st in AL with Dickey of Toronto), he was perfect, which tied for 1st in the AL. He was also involved in 5 double plays, tied with Verlander and Harrell of Houston for 1st in the AL. For the sabermetricans amongst us, his Zone rating was 11.038, and his range factor / 9 innings as a pitcher was 2.29, 1st in the AL, and 1.61 RF/Game, 2nd in AL. All of that adds up to an incredible package. What team wouldn't want him? ----------------------- Home/Away breakdown: Home: 8-5, 3.55 ERA, 1.31 WHIP; .293 Batting Average against, with 5 HR allowed. Away: 6-4, 3/77 ERA, 1.30 WHIP; .270 BAA, with 9 HR allowed. Remarkably consistent. ----------------------- Platoon breakdown: Versus LHB: .264 BAA, .314 OBP, .690 OPS. Versus RHB: .302 BAA, .347 OBP, .734 OPS. Interesting difference. He's going to have to learn to come inside better against righties if he truly wants to be dominating. ----------------------- First Half vs. Second Half: Before ASB: 7-5, 4.02 ERA, 1.25 WHIP; .274 BAA, with 9 HR's allowed. Post ASB: 7-4, 3.18 ERA, 1.39 WHIP; .292 BAA with 5 HR's allowed. ----------------------- Combined Post-season stats: In 2 starts, he was 1-0, with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP, striking out 8 and walking 2 in 12 innings. The Tigers won both games he pitched in, and he was credited with the ALCS game 4 win. ----------------------- He'll get a hefty salary hike, and in my opinion, he's worth every cent.

11-03-2013, 05:10 PM	#63
Orcin Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 9,848 Infractions: 1/0 (0)	I think this is a great hire, and Tigers fans will be pleased with him. The players will like him, and he will be a great tactical manager.

11-05-2013, 06:50 PM	#67
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Tigers are in the market for a new hitting coach as Lloyd McClendon, according to news reports, will be hired to manage the Mariners. Unconfirmed reports have pitching coach Jeff Jones likely returning to the Cats. Unknown at this point who else will be coaching. The only confirmed name is Lamont who returns as Bench Coach.

11-06-2013, 08:33 AM	#70
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,625 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Just wondering what y'all think? A J Pierzynski is a free agent and CBS has him projected to get around 7.5 mil next season. Do any of you think he would be a good fit for the Tigers? A lot of me says no, but I do like his no nonsense approach to the game. Could A J be the leader this team needs? Was really hoping Hunter would be that guy, but he's clearly lacking in that department.

11-06-2013, 07:23 PM	#72
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	The Tigers have hired 3B Coach/OF Instructor Dave Clark, who spent the last 5 years with the Astros. Clark formerly played from 1986-1998 with 6 different teams. Jeff Jones has been re-hired as the Pitching Coach. Slots still to be filled are the hitting, 1B/Infield, and the bullpen coaches. I've put managerial information up on the initial post.

11-06-2013, 07:34 PM	#73
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,625 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Will Dave be bringing the five with him.

11-07-2013, 06:38 AM	#79
cephasjames Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,736	Tigers up for major awards: Cabrera, MVP Scherzer, Cy Young Iglesias, RotY No big surprises there. I'd be shocked if Miggy and Max don't win. Julio (I mean Jose) is a toss up, imo. __________________ 5000+ Generic Logos Free for the Taking FREE: Uniforms and logos for 500+ teams spanning 1871-present Great Lakes League: 10 Conferences, 100 Teams Pre-OOTP 23 Custom Cap & Jersey Template v3.0 by Deft and NoPepper (with layers from other various artists) that I use: Caps, Jerseys Last edited by cephasjames; 11-07-2013 at 06:41 AM.

11-13-2013, 08:06 PM	#80
RandyTiger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,510	Max Scherzer has won the AL Cy Young. Congrats, Max, and very richly deserved.