Tigers named Ryan Garko as the club’s Vice President of Player Development and Assistant GM

[kalinecountry]

FIVE FOR FRIDAY

by Holly Horning Spring training is only 8 days old since pitchers and catchers reported and already we are learning new and different things about this new group of Detroit Tigers. The most obviou…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

Spring training is only 8 days old since pitchers and catchers reported and already we are learning new and different things about this new group of Detroit Tigers.

The most obvious is that approximately half the players invited showed up well in advance of their report dates in order to get to work. Some even arrived before the official start date. Remember in the past when more than a couple players showed up beyond their report dates due to family issues, yearly visa issues, etc.?

But what else are we seeing that is new and different now that the new regime has been in charge for a full year?
What is catching our eyes the most?
I’ve got my top 5………..

 

[kalinecountry]

MONDAY MUSINGS

by Holly Horning Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky. So let’s get to it! …

totallytigers.wordpress.com

Monday Musings.
Totally Tigers

Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky.
So let’s get to it! Here are the most interesting topics that hit my radar over the past week………..

 

[kalinecountry]

UNLOCKING PLAYER POTENTIAL

by Holly Horning Ever since Scott Harris was hired after the 2022 season, we’ve been watching the Tigers evolve as an organization. The franchise went through a much-needed modernization whil…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

UNLOCKING PLAYER POTENTIAL.
Totally Tigers

 

[kalinecountry]

MONDAY MUSINGS

by Holly Horning Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky. So let’s get to it! …

totallytigers.wordpress.com

MONDAY MUSINGS.
Totally Tigers

Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky.
So let’s get to it! Here are the most interesting topics that hit my radar over the past week………..

 

[kalinecountry]

NUMBERS DON’T LIE

by Holly Horning Not too long ago, I blogged about the rankings of prospects and farm systems. A complicated affair where a variety of baseball organizations do their rankings as often as 3 t…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

NUMBERS DON’T LIE.
Totally Tigers

 

[kalinecountry]

Offseason In Review: Detroit Tigers

The Tigers had a fairly encouraging season last year and spent the offseason bolstering the depth with various mid-tier acquisitions. …

www.mlbtraderumors.com

Offseason In Review: Detroit Tigers.
MLBTR

 

[kalinecountry]

IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE – Part 1.

by Holly Horning The Detroit Tigers are gradually winnowing down their spring training roster with only 10 more days to go. Scott Harris has emphasized that the young players won’t be blocked…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE – Part 1.
Totally Tigers

 

[kalinecountry]

IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE – Part 2.

by Holly Horning On Tuesday, we started addressing the factors that go into the creation of the Opening Day roster. A number of elements that are based upon an overall strategy and limitation…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE – Part 2.
Totally Tigers

On Tuesday, we started addressing the factors that go into the creation of the Opening Day roster. A number of elements that are based upon an overall strategy and limitations rather than simply selecting the best performers.
What they all had in common were contractual and team-controlled obligations.

 

[kalinecountry]

THE BLACK HOLE

by Holly Horning (with apologies to Simon and Garfunkel) Where have you gone, Alan Trammell? This Tiger nation turns its lonely eyes to you….. Ugh, just when you thought the shortstop s…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

THE BLACK HOLE. (at shortstop).
Totally Tigers

 

[kalinecountry]

MONDAY MUSINGS

by Holly Horning Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky. So let’s get to it! …

totallytigers.wordpress.com

MONDAY MUSINGS.
Totally Tigers

Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky.
So let’s get to it! Here are the most interesting topics that hit my radar over the past week………..

 

[byco42]

MONDAY MUSINGS

by Holly Horning Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky. So let’s get to it! …

totallytigers.wordpress.com

MONDAY MUSINGS.
Totally Tigers

Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky.
So let’s get to it! Here are the most interesting topics that hit my radar over the past week………..

The most vexing thing about the toilet-paper unis is that MLB knew they were inferior before they foisted them on the players.

And they perhaps bent the truth to some degree to promote them. Actually, they lied.

MLB: "Using all of the feedback it had collected, Nike created a jersey that was well-received by players, complete with lighter fabric for the numbers, letters and patches – a necessity due to the performance-driven material and the thinner body of the uniform. Gone were the days of thick, embroidered letters, numbers and patches, replaced by sleeker and more efficient options." LINK

MLBPA: "The league has said that the goal was to improve the jerseys’ feel and that it solicited feedback from players along the way. “We offered input—suggested what the challenges were going to be—and they needed to be remedied on the front end,” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark told reporters last week (late February, 2024). “They weren’t.”

An MLB.com story last week insisted that the jerseys, which players previewed at the All-Star Game last year, drew “favorable reviews from players.”

[Nick] Castellanos disputes that characterization. “That was the first time that everybody was like, ‘What are these?’” he scoffs. “‘This is cheap.’”

"I know everyone hates them,” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said. “We all liked what we had. We understand business, but I think everyone wanted to keep it the same way, for the most part, with some tweaks here or there.”

Nike designed; Fanatics manufactured; MLB sanctioned, and no one is taking responsibility for these new, reviled threads.

"The problem is that laywers and businessmen think that us young athletes are stupid." Nick Castellanos.

 

[kalinecountry]

The most vexing thing about the toilet-paper unis is that MLB knew they were inferior before they foisted them on the players.

And they perhaps bent the truth to some degree to promote them. Actually, they lied.

MLB: "Using all of the feedback it had collected, Nike created a jersey that was well-received by players, complete with lighter fabric for the numbers, letters and patches – a necessity due to the performance-driven material and the thinner body of the uniform. Gone were the days of thick, embroidered letters, numbers and patches, replaced by sleeker and more efficient options." LINK

MLBPA: "The league has said that the goal was to improve the jerseys’ feel and that it solicited feedback from players along the way. “We offered input—suggested what the challenges were going to be—and they needed to be remedied on the front end,” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark told reporters last week (late February, 2024). “They weren’t.”

An MLB.com story last week insisted that the jerseys, which players previewed at the All-Star Game last year, drew “favorable reviews from players.”

Castellanos disputes that characterization. “That was the first time that everybody was like, ‘What are these?’” he scoffs. “‘This is cheap.’”

"I know everyone hates them,” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said. “We all liked what we had. We understand business, but I think everyone wanted to keep it the same way, for the most part, with some tweaks here or there.”

Nike designed; Fanatics manufactured; MLB sanctioned, and no one is taking responsibility for these new, reviled threads.

"The problem is that laywers and businessmen think that us young athletes are stupid." Nick Castellenos.

I like that Nick Castellanos says what's on his mind and has a IDGAF attitude towards MLB and the corporate greed at the MLBPA's expense.
Haven't liked or trusted Manfred from early on in his capacity.

 

[kalinecountry]

FIVE FOR FRIDAY

by Holly Horning There seems to be some debate about how good the Detroit Tigers really are this year and how far they can go. Some point to the much better start this season and current record tha…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

There seems to be some debate about how good the Detroit Tigers really are this year and how far they can go.
Some point to the much better start this season and current record that shows the team playing above .500. Others claim the improvement seen at the end of last year is proof of better play.
On the other end, some say the AL Central standings are misleading. Others use offensive stats to show that this team is still a work in progress.

So what is the best way to evaluate the Tigers’ performance and chances for a higher finish to the 2024 season?
It all has to do with stats and where they rank in MLB that will give us a better and more accurate way to evaluate. This team has to be compared with the other 29 franchises (or at the very least, the other 4 teams in the AL Central) in order to put a proper context to their play.
Here are the top 5 rankings fans need to watch throughout the year………

 

[kalinecountry]

PROMISE, PRAISE AND PRAYER

by Holly Horning We’re going to combine a couple topics routinely covered here at Totally Tigers because they really are all connected to each other. It’s because all 3 can help explai…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

PROMISE, PRAISE AND PRAYER.
Totally Tigers

We’re going to combine a couple topics routinely covered here at Totally Tigers because they really are all connected to each other. It’s because all 3 can help explain the success or lack thereof when it comes to some Tigers’ performance.
On Tuesday, we covered the history of Detroit’s first round draft picks and how that honor was no guarantee of success. In fact, potentially not offering those players any advantage at all in their development.
We’re also going to return to the topic of the new player development system that started to be implemented back in 2022 and more fully last year.
Lastly, we’ll add what to expect from the young players when they get promoted and the timeline needed as they adjust to the major league level.
For purposes of this discussion, our conversation is going to center around 3 players – Riley Greene, Wenceel Perez and Spencer Torkelson. Three players with 3 very different development and progression experiences.

 

[kalinecountry]

DEEPER DISCUSSIONS

We all know that every team wanting to make the playoffs needs 4 things: solid offense, stellar defense, a lock-down bullpen and both #1 and #2 starting pitchers. Speaking of the latter, Tari…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers

We all know that every team wanting to make the playoffs needs 4 things: solid offense, stellar defense, a lock-down bullpen and both #1 and #2 starting pitchers.

Speaking of the latter, Tarik Skubal is pitching like a #1 starter. But do the Tigers have a #2?
Not yet. But they need to put one in place for next year.

Which brings us to whether that person is currently part of the franchise.
Could it be Casey Mize or Reese Olson?
Will it be someone still down in the minors like Jackson Jobe?
Or are the Tigers still too far away from having a #2 SP? Will they have to go outside the organization to find one?
What do you think?

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?

Who will become the Tigers #2 starting pitcher?

1. Casey Mize or Reese Olson

2. It will be a prospect still in the minors.

3. He will be a free agent or acquired via trade.

VOTE

 

[kalinecountry]

Ryan Garko joins to discuss Detroit Tigers' player development department; top prospect Max Clark shares what he's working on. 77 minutes.

It's a packed show today as Mark and Evan welcome on to the podcast Ryan Garko, Detroit Tigers' vice president of player development. Before the guy's get to the interview, Mark and Evan cover the impressive play of Riley Greene. Could the outfielder swing his way into the MVP discussion? The "Days of Roar" crew also continue to monitor Spencer Torkelson's lack of quality performance and they note recent comments made by A. J. Hinch on the matter. Later in the pod, Evan interviews Max Clark and delves into how the young player is progressing in the minor leagues.

 

[kalinecountry]

FIVE FOR FRIDAY

by Holly Horning In yesterday’s blog, the topic centered on whether the rebuild under Scott Harris is a different one from the original rebuild orchestrated by the Tigers’ former GM. As…

totallytigers.wordpress.com

FIVE FOR FRIDAY.
Totally Tigers

In yesterday’s blog, the topic centered on whether the rebuild under Scott Harris is a different one from the original rebuild orchestrated by the Tigers’ former GM.
As we’ve seen, the Tigers are restructuring their organization quite differently. The people in charge under Al Avila were all let go.
So now there’s a new cast of characters overseeing the project. Many of them we don’t know – yet. But we’re hearing from many – especially from the players – who their favorite department heads and coaches are.
As they become more familiar, expect that we will learn more about them.
But in the meantime, there are a number of them who are already showing their value.
I’ve got my top 5 list of the most valuable Tigers who don’t play on the field. Men who have already shown how they have improved the team.
But you won’t see Scott Harris on my list yet. It’s still too soon to draw conclusions about his work as PoBO.
It’s a different kind of job with a different timeline. His success is based upon how well all those departments under him do.
So without further ado, here are my top 5 MVPs within the organization.

 

[kalinecountry]

MONDAY MUSINGS

by Holly Horning Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky. So let’s get to it! …

totallytigers.wordpress.com

MONDAY MUSINGS.
Totally Tigers

 

[tomdalton22]

MONDAY MUSINGS

by Holly Horning Today, it’s about quick hits – bits of news that catch my radar during the week as well as connecting the dots re ongoing stories. Even the quirky. So let’s get to it! …

totallytigers.wordpress.com

MONDAY MUSINGS.
Totally Tigers

Did Max Clark move up because he is better or because some guys above him are no longer eligible? I can't imagine it's because he has gotten better. He's having a mediocre year so far.

 

[kalinecountry]

The Tigers announced that Ryan Garko has been promoted to VP, Assistant General Manager, while Georgia Giblin has been promoted to VP, Baseball Performance Science. Additionally, Andrew Thomas has joined the organization as VP, Baseball Analytics.