https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2024/01/24/let-the-pressure-begin/
LET THE PRESSURE BEGIN.
Totally Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are going into their 2nd year under the new regime. New people have now had the chance to work together, the problems created and/or ignored by the former Front Office have been been discovered and changes have started to be implemented.
So what should our expectations be throughout the 2024 season?
We sat on our hands throughout last year, understanding that it was Scott Harris? first season in charge and that naturally, it was going to take some time for him to assess the organization. And as a result, many small moves were made last year as the organization readjusted.
But this year?
We can?t be as patient. Especially because we sat through the unmitigated years of disaster from 2015 through 2022. We need to start seeing bigger signs of hope and progress.
Chris Ilitch does, too. The Tigers have lost just too many fans. Studies show that fans start departing for good after 5 years of witnessing bad sports. It?s been over 6 now for the Tigers. Ilitch can?t afford another year where the Tigers remain uncompetitive.
The franchise lost app. $30 mill in revenue for the 2022 season. Only 5 other MLB teams lost more. (The figures for 2023 aren?t out yet.) This doesn?t even include the big question mark surrounding broadcasting rights ($60 mill/year) which are likely to expire at some point within the year due to the bankruptcy issues tied to Bally Sports. Currently, who will pay for what and how much is still up in the air and won?t be resolved for several months at least.
All of this means that the honeymoon for Scott Harris is officially over at the beginning of April. The pressure is on.
He?s got to start showing bigger and better results this year.
Multiple small moves will no longer cut it. It?s time for bolder moves.
But we need to understand that it?s going to take a month or two for what will eventually be the current roster to settle in. If we don?t include any pitchers, there will be at least 5 new positional players making their debuts. The Front Office needs to see how well they adjust before making any changes.
I wrote last week about just how many holes the Tigers have. One can deduce that the team is still a good distance away from being seen as an October player.
Positionally, the outfield is fairly well-settled. There is actually a surplus of players both current and expected to make their debuts later in the season.
The bullpen is also looking pretty good.
It?s the starting pitching and infield that are of real concern and will require the most work. And that?s what Harris must address and significantly improve this year.
Today, let?s focus on the latter group ? the positional players. First, by reviewing where the holes and question marks are that Harris must address.
And there are a lot of them.....
More in the link.
) he is supposed to be healthy now.
