https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2022/09/13/watercooler-wednesday-54/
WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY.
Totally Tigers
Today, another opportunity for readers to discuss the hottest topics in a forum where thoughtful dialog and a variety of opinions are welcomed.
Let?s create some running conversational threads. And for those of you back in actual offices, here?s a question to take with you ? or use via Zoom ? as you talk to your co-workers.
Here is today?s topic:
Yesterday, I wrote about each of the positional spots and how they may be filled for the 2023 season. If you need a refresher, here it is:
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2022/09/12/positional-puzzles/
Chris Ilitch is currently searching for a new GM. It is expected that the rebuild ? and the pace of it ? will be a primary topic of discussion with all candidates.
We know that Ilitch was very unhappy this year and pointed to ?no progress at the MLB level? as the main reason for firing Al Avila.
Statistics also show that the fan base starts disappearing permanently at year #5 of a rebuild and it takes seasons to get them back ? if ever. The Tigers are currently in year #7.
But Chris also shelled out over $243 mill on free agents alone this past year and got nothing in return. How likely is it that he will open his wallet that much again for a new GM?
The Tigers are strongest in their pitching, despite a large number of injured pitchers. Some of them will miss next year. But their bullpen remains strong.
The biggest concern is with their lineup ? the 8 defensive positions and their offense. Only 1 player currently is guaranteed to remain in his same position next year.
The new GM is going to have to make a decision about the team?s goals for 2023.
There is a possibility that he will have to backtrack on the current rebuild plan and commit to some strategic, but limited, tearing down of the roster.
He could also focus on ?rebooting? the team in which a number of players and contracts are moved while moderately upgrading any new trades or signings.
The last option involves a significant upgrade to the roster that includes more owner investment in the lineup and potentially some important trades (possibly involving some top young talent) that would visibly boost competitiveness.
Which option do you believe is most likely to happen?
Which plan do you believe the new GM is most likely to pursue?
1. A step back into a limited rebuild.
2. "Rebooting" in which there is further roster editing and moderate additions.
3. Significant roster upgrades with intent to be competitive.
VOTE
