https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/21/deeper-discussions-92/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers
Spencer Torkelson took a huge leap forward this season in his effort to improve as a hitter. It is commonly believed that he was promoted way too soon and the cause of much of his struggles in 2022.
This past year, he hit 31 HRs and 94 RBIs, a feat last accomplished by a Tiger back in 2016.
All good news for a team that has been at or near the bottom of MLB in offensive stats. The Tigers are in desperate need of hitters.
However, Spencer is a horrible infielder. For 2 years in a row now, he has ranked as MLB?s worst 1Ber. A position that is the easiest one to play.
In 2022, Tork cost the team 14 runs due to his fielding. This year, a slight improvement ? allowing 11 runs due to his glove work. However, he still ranks last in MLB by a wide margin.
Solid defensive skills are what the Tigers are trying to add to a rebuilding roster and unfortunately, Spencer doesn?t currently have them. It remains to be seen if he can improve enough to be an adequate defender. He is still relatively inexperienced, having only been playing at the MLB level for just less than 2 years.
Scott Harris and A. J. Hinch have both stated that going forward ? and now that Miguel Cabrera is retired ? the Tigers will not have a regular Designated Hitter. The position will be rotated among 3-4 players as the rest of MLB teams have been doing for awhile now.
This brings us to the question as to whether Tork can hit enough ? and offer solid protection in the lineup ? to offset the runs he costs the team. Will his value as a hitter overcome his inability to field?
Knowing that the Tigers still need to make significant and widespread changes to their roster, they will be unable to fill all their needs via a combination of free agents and promoting prospects. They will have to make some trades in order to get the talent they need.
And the bigger the trade piece they have, the better the return will be. Potentially, multiple players received.
Could trading Torkelson bring the Tigers back multiple pieces that will speed up the path to contention?
If not Tork, is there someone else could the Tigers trade in order to get some quality players to fill their holes?
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?
Should the Tigers trade Spencer Torkelson?
1. Yes
2. No
VOTE
