Game #8: Chicago White Sox @ Detroit Tigers, Saturday April 5th, 2025 1:10Pm

[gotime909]

I remember PASS. They were the best.

I remember pass was channel 25 on the old brown push button converters. Before the digital age lol

 

[kalinecountry]

DEEPER DISCUSSIONS

The Detroit Tigers and their fans have been pleasantly surprised this past spring and the early 2025 season with the performances of both Casey Mize and Spencer Torkelson. Both struggled mightily d…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers

The Detroit Tigers and their fans have been pleasantly surprised this past spring and the early 2025 season with the performances of both Casey Mize and Spencer Torkelson.
Both struggled mightily during their tenure in Detroit. Mize since 2020 and Tork since 2022.
Both first round draft picks.

Mize said it was being left off last year’s playoff roster that kicked him into high gear during the off-season in which he spent the entire time working with coaches and consultants on refining and expanding his pitch arsenal.

For Torkelson, multiple returns to Toledo and warnings by A. J. Hinch didn’t do the trick. The real motivation came when the Tigers called him to say he was being moved off 1B.

On the other hand, Tarik Skubal’s motivation came from having Tommy John surgery in college and being picked in the 29th draft round. He knew he was better and worked his way up to the 9th round the next year, signed by the Tigers. He talks about always playing with a chip on his shoulder.

Both Mize and Torkelson have mentioned that they leaned on their top draft pick reputations too much. That they figured what got them there would work for them in MLB.

Historically, the Tigers haven’t had a successful #1 draft pick since 2010 with Nick Castellanos. Everyone after him – and through 2017 – failed to find their footing in MLB and are now out of baseball. Part of the reason may be the Tigers’ former poor player development system.

Only 1 #1 draft pick for Detroit ever won Rookie of the Year. Justin Verlander.

Does picking a #1 offer a distinct advantage?
Does being known as a #1 draft pick a blessing or it is a curse?
Today’s blog addresses this question and allows readers to share their thoughts in more detail. And hopefully, to actively engage with others by responding to their posts and creating back-and-forth discussion threads. The more the merrier!
For this one blog only, you’ve got 6 sentences max to share your thoughts. Of course, you can also respond to other readers.
TT will supply the ammunition. One thought-provoking question. Several options provided. One hard choice to be selected. One vote.
Ready?

Is being a #1 draft pick a blessing or a curse?

1. A blessing

2. A curse

VOTE