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

https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/24/watercooler-wednesday-107/
WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY.
Totally Tigers

Last week, we graded all of the Tigers who saw action during the 2023 season. It was followed up by asking fans to evaluate A. J. Hinch and his coaching staff.

Today, we?ll conclude the grading process by asking fans to offer their feedback on the Tigers? PoBO, Scott Harris.

Scott has just concluded his first year at the helm of the Tigers. It was expected that he would spend this year evaluating roster talent before making any really big changes to it.

Harris did broom a number of departments including player personnel, scouting and drafting. He also expanded a number of departments and added significant personnel. At the end of the year, he hired a new GM, Jeff Greenberg.

Scott added 9 new players to the MLB roster and multiple others to the minor leagues via trades, free agent signings, Rule 5 and waiver wire finds.

In all, 9 players were added to the Tigers? MLB roster with 6 of them earning accolades and 3 of them faltering. One of those earned a place in the Rookie of the Year discussion and another became a Gold Glove finalist.

A third was named to the All-Star roster and ended up being flipped for another team?s #5 prospect. Two others had some of the team?s best slash lines and put up positive defensive numbers.

The 2023 season also saw the emergence of several young pitchers who have the potential to be solid starting pitchers in the near future.

On the other side of the coin, Harris did not sign any top free agents which could have been due to the need to evaluate the roster more before committing so much money and multiple years to a new contract.

Filling third base remained a problem throughout the year and the issues at 2B are only partially resolved.

In all, the Tigers saw a jump in performance, winning 12 more games than last year (and losing 12 less) and finishing in 2nd place. Yet, they finished 6 games under .500. In the previous year under former GM Al Avila, the Tigers finished in 4th place, 30 games under .500.
So how would you grade Scott Harris after his first year with the team?

What grade would you give Scott Harris after his first year on the job?

1. High marks.

2. Decent marks.

3. Mixed reviews.

4. Disappointing marks.

VOTE

She forgot to mention that he decided to non tender a perfectly fine 3B who hit 22 HRs and an OPS of .807 last year.
 
Maybe because he hit like shit.

in 2022. But he had a history of being a decent hitter and they had nobody to replace him. Harris lets him go and he is a top 10 hitting 3B in MLB.

We are being asked to evaluate how he did...you have to take that into consideration.
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/26/five-for-friday-90/
FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

If you?ve read anything about Theo Epstein, you?ll remember that he said rebuilding an organization?s culture and foundation take a minimum of 3 years. Once you take over a franchise, there are many layers that require culling in order to get the right mix of talent, personalities and professional skills.

So no one shouldn?t be surprised that on an off day from the October games, the Tigers started making their second round of employee cuts. Eight more employees announced with additional ones that were not included in the reporting. Expect more once the World Series is over.

Most of those terminated are not among the top tier of decision-makers. However, releasing them makes a big statement about the cultural changes being made within the Tigers organization.

So what are the most important takeaways?

I?ve got 5:
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/28/deeper-discussions-93/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers

Oh, those special assistants who work for GMs. They have become quite the controversy for many MLB teams.

Initially, their main purpose was to be mascots for their organizations. Figureheads trotted out at special events and spring training to impart words of wisdom to players and glad-hand fans who would be inspired to buy more tickets.

But then, things changed. Some ?special assistants? actually got involved in how their teams were being run. Offering advice and putting GMs in a quandary. And because of their status, they were never held accountable for offering bad advice.

Some of these teams found themselves in this uncomfortable position because of their owners who pushed these special assistants upon them. Many of them who had direct access to an owner?s ear.

Recently, stories about some special assistants who are weighing in heavily with thoughts about who should interview for manager and GM positions.

The casual fans don?t understand how the influence of much older, retired players and managers can disrupt a team and muddle the message. Especially when they haven?t been active in the game for decades and still hang onto now outdated strategies.

Several years ago, the Marlins released all of their special assistants and it was a disastrous event for the organization. Fans were very unhappy and unleashed a significant amount of bad press on the team. They were forced to bring them back.

The Detroit Tigers have had special assistants for years. All of them have had different jobs.

Al Kaline, of course, was one. He was an advisor, evaluator/coach of outfielders and mentor to players. Willie Horton is a mentor as well and remains with the team although age and health have decreased his involvement.

Al Avila brought Kirk Gibson on board with responsibilities that included infield instruction, personnel decisions and scouting. And then adding the Front Office voice to tv broadcasts. It is unclear how much of this he is doing today due to health reasons.

The former GM also brought in Lance Parrish and gave him the responsibilities of traveling throughout the minor leagues, offering instruction and writing reports based upon his observations. Given the new player development department and new layers of instructors and regional directors, it is unclear whether he is still doing this.

And then there is Alan Trammell. Tram remains very active on the field watching and coaching infielders and helping some transition from 1 position to another. He is mentioned often by current minor leaguers and their coaches who appreciate his experience and instruction.

There is Jim Leyland who was hired by Dave Dombrowski a year before he departed Detroit. At the time, Leyland said he was going to be ?very active? in his role as scout and talent evaluator.

Under Al Avila, he did much more. He told Avila who to sign (Jordy Mercer, Josh Harrison, etc.) and helped run the war room at draft time. He sat with Al at every spring training game and was often seen in the GM suite at Comerica during games, taking notes.

It is believed that he no longer does any of this and has been relegated by Scott Harris to special events and meet-and-greet events.

Finally, there is the newest special assistant, Miguel Cabrera. He has stated that he does not want to coach and his duties will be further defined going forward.

The last assistant, Mike Russell (a scout appointed by Al Avila), was removed from his position by Scott Harris.

Don?t look for the Tigers to banish any of the remaining special assistants. A very bad PR move and would be seen as a diss against some of Detroit?s most beloved members.

So what do you think about these special assistants? Is it helpful to have them from a PR standpoint? Do they bring value?

Or do they complicate how an organization is run given that they played 50 years ago? Or managed since the 1980?s?

What should be the role of special assistants to the PoBO/GM?

How should the Tigers manage their 6 special assistants going forward?

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 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?

How should the Tigers manage their 6 special assistants going forward?

1. Make them all figureheads only.

2. Mix of figureheads and advisors.

3. Gradually phase out the position entirely.

VOTE
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/30/the-best-money-ever-spent/
THE BEST MONEY EVER SPENT.
Totally Tigers

Isn?t it amazing what happens when you sign quality talent?

I?m not talking about the players.

I am talking about the personnel. Specifically Scott Harris, Ryan Garko, Rob Metzler, Kenny Graham, Gabe Ribas, Ryan Sienko, Mark Connor, A. J. Hinch and his coaches and the dozens of others who have been brought in to craft the entire process of acquiring, developing and promoting the talent we see on the field. (Jeff Greenberg remains off this list simply because he was just hired.)

It is the difference between night and day.

Few teams have been as clueless as the Tigers when it came to hiring those to run the organization. After Sparky Anderson?s retirement, there was a parade of first-time managers and former players who became skippers.

And it really was sad that the Tigers couldn?t go beyond their boundaries and explore managerial talent outside the organization. Instead, they took the easy way out by hiring Dave Dombrowski?s former Marlins manager, Jim Leyland, who had been retired for 6 years since walking away from both of his contracts with the Marlins (after 2 years) and Rockies (after 1 year).

Seriously, how many other organizations decided that going after long-retired managers was the perfect solution to their needs? It really does smack of either being unimaginative, lazy, desperate and/or believing that the personnel you bring in isn?t really important to winning.
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/let-the-river-run/
LET THE RIVER RUN.
Totally Tigers

On Tuesday, I blogged about the best investment the Tigers have ever made. Hiring top end talent to run every aspect of the organization. Talent that is already shown to have paid off in the scouting, development and promotion of players.

A number of Tigers have given testimonials now about how they have been helped perform better.
And now, we?re hearing from the minor leaguers, too.
 
Last edited:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sulliru01.shtml
LET THE RIVER RUN.
Totally Tigers

On Tuesday, I blogged about the best investment the Tigers have ever made. Hiring top end talent to run every aspect of the organization. Talent that is already shown to have paid off in the scouting, development and promotion of players.

A number of Tigers have given testimonials now about how they have been helped perform better.
And now, we?re hearing from the minor leaguers, too.

wrong link mistakenly attached.

here is the link

https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/author/totallytigersblog/
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/02/five-for-friday-91/
FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

The World Series is now over and that only means??

Time to get the popcorn ready as the Tigers dig into the off-season with their brand new GM, Jeff Greenberg.

Last year around this time, the Tigers had just hired their first PoBO, Scott Harris. And while lots was done to evaluate and re-assess this team, it wasn?t a thrill-a-minute for fans.

But maybe that will change this year.

In anticipation of what both Harris and Greenberg will do, let?s kick off the post-October season with some predictions.

I?ve got my top 5 covering now through the end of December.
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/02/five-for-friday-91/
FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

The World Series is now over and that only means??

Time to get the popcorn ready as the Tigers dig into the off-season with their brand new GM, Jeff Greenberg.

Last year around this time, the Tigers had just hired their first PoBO, Scott Harris. And while lots was done to evaluate and re-assess this team, it wasn?t a thrill-a-minute for fans.

But maybe that will change this year.

In anticipation of what both Harris and Greenberg will do, let?s kick off the post-October season with some predictions.

I?ve got my top 5 covering now through the end of December.

good article.

They are going to need to add some veteran starting pitching.
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/04/deeper-discussions-94/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers

The Detroit Tigers head into the off-season and GM meetings next week to start the process of re-configuring their roster. Yesterday, they already started.

Two of the biggest contracts will be coming off the books. Miguel Cabrera?s due to retirement. The Tigers will buy out his option year for $8 mill.

And Eduardo Rodriguez just opted out of his contract and leaves $49 mill on the table.

The signing of a veteran outfielder will add $11+ mill to the payroll.

Considering that the roster is now being built with top prospects under team control and making the MLB minimum salary, payroll is expected to drop. It doesn?t mean that the Tigers are looking to cut payroll.

In the past, the very large payrolls of this team were due to the need to buy players because the farm system wasn?t producing.

This is typical for all organizations who are rebuilding. The Orioles, for example, won the AL East with 101 wins. Their payroll, due to their youth, was $71 mill.

Scott Harris has emphasized that the team will not sign players who will block their top prospects from advancing. Remember, free agents prioritize the number of years in a new contract and the better free agents are looking for a minimum of 3 ? 5 years in any new deal.

Currently, the Tigers are set with their #1 catcher, 1Ber, SS and all outfielders. In fact, there is a glut of OFers.

Many expect Colt Keith to make the Opening Day roster. He would play 2B primarily but can also play 3B.

Jace Jung is expected to be in Detroit at some point during the coming year. Until then, Harris and Greenberg will likely have Andy Ibanez, Matt Vierling and Zach McKinstry cover 3B.

What they do need is a #2 catcher. Dillon Dingler, despite his excellent defense, remains a question mark due to his offensive struggles.

And then there are the pitchers. One can never have enough pitching and it expected that the Tigers will go after another front line starter to replace ERod and also add a reclamation project similar to Michael Lorenzen.

Their current starting pitching still has quite a few concerns about how they would perform throughout an entire year although the team does have pitchers who could make up an entire starting rotation.

And then there is the bullpen which is unpredictable each year for every team.

In summary, it appears the team?s greatest needs that require filling from the outside are pitching.

Given the team-controlled youth that is now the majority of the team, combined with fewer holes that need to be filled, should the Tigers actually be adding payroll given that several big contracts are coming off the books?

Or should they be adding more payroll despite several guaranteed contracts disappearing? And if so, how much?

Approximately $40 mill will be coming off the books, however arbitration and guaranteed salary increases will further diminish that number by 1/4th to 1/3rd.

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 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?

What should the Tigers do about their payroll for the 2024 season? Please consider their needs, the payroll that is coming off the books, salary increases, the poor free agent market and how this organization is now being run.

What should the Tigers do about their payroll for the 2024 season?

1. Add $25 million or less to the payroll.

2. Add up to $50 million.

3. Add more than $50 million to payroll.

VOTE
 

good article. I agree that E Rod was a selfish player, but he was very effective last year and they are going to miss him in the rotation. Hopefully, they can replace his effectiveness and his innings pitched.

Quotes like this drive me nuts about the author (writing about Canha).

"He ranks #23 in hitters who get on base ? above players like Corey Seager, Matt Olson, Trea Turner, Nolan Arenado, Carlos Correa and others."

2023 stats

OBP / (HR just for some perspective)
Canha .355 (11)
Seager .390 (39)
Acuna .416 (41)
Olson .389 (54)

first, it isn't really true. These 3 had significantly higher OBP. Add to the fact that they mashed. There is no reason to even bring his name up with the likes of those guys, other than trying to mislead readers or just more Harris ass kissing.

Canha is a nice add, but there is a reason that the Brewers didn't want to pick up his $11M option, and the fact that the Tigers only had to give up a AA relief pitcher to get him. Don't compare him to MVP caliber players!
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/07/watercooler-wednesday-109/
WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY.
Totally Tigers

Over the weekend, the Detroit Tigers traded for outfielder Mark Canha. In return, they sent Blake Holub, a AA relief pitcher, to the Brewers.

Yesterday, I detailed the reasons why the Tigers added Canha. For reference, as you consider your vote, you may review the info here:

Canha joins a crowded outfield where he is expected to play regularly. He is different in almost every way from the others who roam Comerica National Park. It is also believed that several current outfielders (including Austin Meadows) will be cut and/or traded to make room for him.

What do you think about this trade?

How would you rate the Canha trade?

1. Very solid trade.

2. It appears to have some potential.

3. Disappointing.

VOTE
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/07/watercooler-wednesday-109/
WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY.
Totally Tigers

Over the weekend, the Detroit Tigers traded for outfielder Mark Canha. In return, they sent Blake Holub, a AA relief pitcher, to the Brewers.

Yesterday, I detailed the reasons why the Tigers added Canha. For reference, as you consider your vote, you may review the info here:

Canha joins a crowded outfield where he is expected to play regularly. He is different in almost every way from the others who roam Comerica National Park. It is also believed that several current outfielders (including Austin Meadows) will be cut and/or traded to make room for him.

What do you think about this trade?

How would you rate the Canha trade?

1. Very solid trade.

2. It appears to have some potential.

3. Disappointing.

VOTE

I voted #1, solid trade.

Likely scenario

RF Greene
CF Meadows
LF Canha/Carpenter platoon?

Vierling 3B/OF/utility

Baddoo odd man out?
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/08/promise-potential-and-impressions/
PROMISE, POTENTIAL AND IMPRESSIONS.
Totally Tigers

The first year of any new baseball regime is always the toughest for fans.

Sure, we?re always hopeful when disastrous GMs are shown the door and a new era is ushered in.

But we?re never handed a summary of how good or bad they will be as they step into their jobs. We have to wait for things to unfold. Slowly. Bit by bit.

Fans are in a blind spot for the first year. We really don?t know how things are going to work out. We have to hunt and peck for those little moves that tell us what kind of a PoBO or GM he may be.

We add up all those little clues during the year and start to form some first impressions. And when we get enough of them, we put them together and begin to assemble the new Front Office?s patterns and ways of operating.

Personally, I like what I see in Scott Harris so far. God knows he was given an absolute dumpster fire of an organization to dig out of and had to spend some time steering the ship away from the rocks. It?s going to take longer than a year for him to get fully up to speed given everything he?s had to address first.

But my impression of him is only partially formed. I need to see another year as PoBO in which he moves from the reassessment phase into the re-imagine stage.

Given all of this, I can see how very differently this organization is being run now that the grown-ups are in charge.

And that?s what today?s blog is about.
 
https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/11/09/open-mike-116/
OPEN MIKE.
Totally Tigers

On this long Veterans Day weekend, we?d like to give a special shout out to those of you who served in the US Armed Forces. We thank you for your service!

Today, we welcome readers to share their thoughts about the Tigers or baseball in general. Your observations, comments and questions. Extra credit to those who create topics or questions that generate thoughtful dialog threads.

Considering yesterday?s hiring of Jason Benetti to take over the play-by-play for the team?s tv broadcast, we ask that you save your comments about this news for Saturday, when we will cover it in-depth.

For this day only, a maximum of 6 sentences please.
 
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