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Tigers FO thread, Scott Harris Pres. of Baseball Ops,Tigers Hire Jeff Greenberg GM

https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2022/12/06/watercooler-wednesday-64/
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??..

This is the last day of MLB?s GM Winter Meetings. The first time in 2 years that GMs have met in person.

The meetings cover a variety of issues. Of course, GMs start the trading process in earnest ? meeting with players and agents to establish interest and begin a potential negotiation process.

But it?s also a chance for new Front Office people to be introduced and to network. GMs are joined by other team executives, owners, scouts, trade show exhibitors, players, lawyers and accountants. Overall, there are approximately 3,000 who attend this event.

The GM meetings are multi-purpose. There is MLB business to address, trade shows to attend and job interviews ? in addition to starting the free agent and trade processes. The vast majority of trades are completed post-meeting.

There is also the Rule 5 draft, multiple award ceremonies and the Hall of Fame vote announcement. And the 2023 draft lottery in which the Tigers beat the odds and are picking #3.

Of course, there is much that happens at these meetings that never gets reported. Only the biggest news makes headlines. But we can expect that there will be statements made by the Tigers and rumors circulating.

Were your expectations of this event ? and the Tigers? participation ? met based upon the event?s purpose(s)? Keeping in mind what all the other teams did for comparison purposes and that there is still 1 more day of Winter Meetings.

With 1 day to go, have your expectations of the Winter Meetings been met?

1. Yes, I understand this is primarily an event to kick off future moves.

2. I have to take a wait and see approach.

3. No, I was hoping to get a better handle of what the Tigers will do.

VOTE
 
https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-earn-third-pick-in-mlb-draft-lottery
Tigers net No. 3 pick in 2023 MLB Draft in inaugural Draft Lottery.
Tigers official site

https://www.blessyouboys.com/2022/12/6/23497482/mlb-draft-detroit-tigers-lottery-wyatt-langford
Tigers land the third overall pick in MLB?s inaugural draft lottery.
We?re very happy with that considering the sixth worst record last year.
BYBTB

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/s...t-lottery-get-third-overall-pick/69705271007/
Tigers jump three spots in draft lottery, get third-overall pick.
Detnews

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/...verall-in-2023-mlb-draft-lottery/69706055007/
Detroit Tigers get third pick overall in 2023 MLB draft after move up in first-ever lottery.
Freep

https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2022/12/tigers-move-up-to-no-3-spot-in-2023-mlb-draft.html
Tigers move up to No. 3 spot in 2023 MLB Draft.
Mlive
 
Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris: "We're really busy.
We don't have a trade to announce how busy we are, but we don't find the trade market or free agency to be sluggish right now, even if on Twitter it doesn't look like something's happening."

Scott Harris on payroll for 2023: "I'm never going to comment on our payroll. We have a firm idea of what our payroll is going to be, but strategically it doesn't make sense for me to disclose that."

Scott Harris: "As I told you guys in Vegas, we're shopping in all aisles. We're talking with every agent out there."

Scott Harris said the Tigers don't have any untouchable players in trade talks.
"That'll be consistent throughout my tenure here. We're not going to look at any player as untouchable. We have varying levels of interest in making moves with any player."

Scott Harris said the Tigers haven't asked free agents for their opinions on the Comerica Park dimensions, but they have received questions about the topic. He suggested it's a non-factor in potential deals.

More from Scott Harris on the Comerica Park dimensions: "I don't really have a tangible update. We are having conversations about enhancing the experience for all of the stakeholders." He specifically mentioned pitchers, hitters, fans and staff members.

Scott Harris on getting the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 draft: "Great result. Our whole room was really excited to go from six to three. Every opportunity to acquire an impact young player is sacred, and now we're even closer to the top of the draft."

Evan Petzold Freep
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2022/12/08/five-for-friday-53/
FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

Scott Harris has just gone through his first real test as the head of the Detroit Tigers at the 2022 Winter Meetings. The purpose of this event is to cover a variety of subjects and concerns within baseball. Trades and free agent signings are just one of many priorities.

One has to assume that what we hear about is the tip of the iceberg and that most of what is started and accomplished lays underneath, waiting for its day to be revealed. The free agent signings we witnessed were of the show-stopper level. Signing an expensive free agent is what a team does when they want to play serious October baseball. The Tigers are nowhere near that level yet so it was unrealistic to expect them to go after these free agents.

I?ve been reading a lot about Harris and what he?s been up to in San Diego. And so far, there?s a lot to like.

Here are my top 5 signs that offer proof that Harris knows what he?s doing so far:
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2022/12/09/saturday-survey-57/
SATURDAY SURVEY.
Totally Tigers

The Detroit Tigers? PoBO, Scott Harris, just returned from the Winter Meetings. He acquired 4 players in the process.

In return for trading Joe Jimenez, Detroit got third baseman/outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy and left-handed reliever Jake Higginbotham. Both are expected to make their MLB debuts at some point this year.

Malloy was the Braves? #6 prospect and their top prospect with having the best bat-to-ball skills and strike-zone discipline. He fits what Harris said the Tigers need if they want to changed their offensive behavior. Scouts have marveled at his pitch recognition and strength. He walks a lot and is only 22 years old.

Higginbotham is a lefty pitcher with a fastball clocked at 95 MPH. He strikes out 9.4K/9.

Jimenez had 1 year left on his contract before becoming a free agent. The Braves had been trying to trade for him since last year but could never strike a deal with Al Avila despite multiple attempts.

The Tigers were in no position to sign an expensive free agent this year. The plan is to perform better in 2023 and compete, but they are still not close to contending for a playoff spot.
What do you think of this trade?

What do you think about this week's trade with the Braves?

1. Solid move

2. No complaints

3. Not happy

VOTE
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2022/12/10/deeper-discussions-54/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers

There were a number of record-setting free agent signings this past week. All of them are expensive and long-term. Several of them that ranged from 9-11 years and involved guaranteed contracts of $300 + million.

Most of the contracts involved full no-trade clauses. And by the time these contracts are over, most of the players will be 40+ years old.

Given the salaries and ages involved, almost all of these contracts are not expected to end well. But these teams are looking to win in the near future while sacrificing the long-term as these contracts fully play out.

The Tigers had a number of these contracts in the past. Because they ended up tearing down the team and trading a number of these players, they were left with 3 contracts that had to play out ? Jordan Zimmermann, Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera. This is Miggy?s last year before retirement. He will be 40 years old this season and has been playing part time while taking up a full roster spot.

The Tigers were also in win now mode a decade ago. However, their desired results by loading the roster with free agent stars fell flat. The team has been in the tear down/rebuild phase now for the last 8 years. Add in a minimum of 2 more years and the process to rebuild will take a minimum of a decade. Detroit holds MLB?s current record for the longest playoff drought.

If you had it to do all over again, would you still take on long-term expensive contracts in the hope of winning that ring? Or is the price too high?

Would you rather build a more sensible team of mostly home-grown players and aim for a team that is sustainable year-to-year ? avoiding the inevitable tear down that comes when your expensive players are no longer capable of playing to a high level due to injury and age? This method would not preclude adding a free agent or two on reasonable contracts to fill the remaining holes.
A strategy similar to what the Cardinals practice.

Today?s blog addresses this dilemma 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 respond to as many other readers as you want.

TT will supply the ammunition. One thought-provoking question. Several options provided. One hard choice to be selected. One vote.
Ready?

Which roster building strategy do you prefer?

1. Win now mode with expensive contracts but followed by tear down.

2. Mostly homegrown sustainable talent that keeps the team competitive every year.

VOTE
 
On the surface, things are quiet with the Detroit Tigers. But below the surface.......

They are exploring deals involving at least 4 positional players: catcher, 1B, 2B, 3B and outfield. They are not committed to keeping Jonathan Schoop at 2B.

Inside sources state that Scott Harris is only interested in players and pitchers who know how to control the strike zone. This was one of his 3 tenets about the team, esp. when it comes to changing the team's horrible offensive skills.

Totally Tigers
 
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