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Farm Report
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Written by John Verburg
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Tuesday, 13 September 2011 21:11 |
Erie didn't finish the season strongly, losing 7 of its last 10 games to finish 67-75 on the season. The Seawolves for the most part hovered around the .500 mark for much of the season, however, that doesn't tell the whole story. The Tigers AA affiliate housed at one time or another quite a few of the organization's top prospects. It didn't help out on the field, but some of the performances were really encouraging at times.
Offensively, Erie finished 4th in the Eastern League in batting average with a .266 mark. They were fifth in runs, but lacked power, hitting only 70 home runs, which was worst in the league. The Seawolves were in the middle of the pack in drawing walks, but near the bottom in striking out with a roster made up of several contact hitters including Jamie Johnson and Brandon Douglas.
Pitching wise, Erie finished in the bottom half of the league with an ERA of 4.37. There was some talent on the staff, but there was certainly some issues with the staff. As a whole they just walked too many hitters and gave up the 2nd most home runs in the league. The bullpen was shaky at times, but there was some talent that moved out of Erie to Toledo..
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Tiger Headlines
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Written by Garret Craig
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Tuesday, 13 September 2011 00:16 |
Doug Fister has been an incredible addition to the Tigers. He’s won five games in just eight starts since coming to Detroit a day before the non-waiver trade deadline. His presence in the Tigers’ rotation significantly increases their potential for postseason success.
There is also a chance for Fister to contribute to the team beyond his personal achievements on the field. As a sinkerballer who pitches to contact in an effort to induce ground balls quickly and consistently, he is stylistically similar to Rick Porcello.
In his third major league season, Porcello has been good in his professional career, but has not yet lived up to the hype generated by scouts who touted him as the most advanced high school pitcher in the 2007 MLB draft. At that time, he was thought of by some as highly as Tigers’ prized prospect Jacob Turner is thought of now--most pictured him as a future staff ace.
Porcello still has potential to be that pitcher; he’s still learning and maturing with every start. But the presence of Fister in Detroit could accelerate that process, as he is a perfect model for his younger counterpart in the Tigers’ rotation. At 27, Fister is nearly five years older than Porcello, and is about to cap off his sixth professional season. Porcello is nearing the end of his fourth--though both broke into the major leagues in 2009.
Pitch-wise, the pair have essentially the same repertoire, but it seems, from watching him in his limited time in Detroit, that Fister has learned how to utilize his arsenal much more effectively than has Porcello.
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Around the Majors
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Written by Nick Shlain
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Tuesday, 13 September 2011 14:27 |
The American League Wild Card leading Boston Red Sox didn’t enjoy their stay in Tampa Bay over the weekend. Boston dropped the first game of the series on Friday when John Lackey was only able to record nine outs before exiting and then lost a back and fourth extra-inning affair in 11 innings when Daniel Bard gave up a triple to Desmond Jennings and a walk-off single to Evan Longoria. In Sunday’s finale, the Rays jumped on Jon Lester with a two-run double by Rays MVP Ben Zobrist that led to a three run first inning. James Shields held the Sox bats to one run in 8.1 innings and dropped Boston’s season record against Tampa to 5-9.
Then, panic. And the GM makes some comments so you know it’s serious. Now all of a sudden the Red Sox are in a real race and every one of Michael Lewis’ books has been made into a move.
Well, not really.
On Monday morning, the Rays had a 7.76% chance of making the playoffs according to Clay Davenport’s Postseason Odds. Those odds have gone up a bit (to 9.65) as the Rays defeated the Orioles 5-2 cutting idle Boston’s lead to just three games in the standings. Tampa once again grabbed the lead with a two-run double off the bat of Zobrist.
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Tiger Headlines
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Written by Joe Brower
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Saturday, 10 September 2011 17:21 |
It sounds sweet, doesn’t it? If the Tigers and Texas Rangers sit down and talk this winter, they may realize its not that far fetched. In fact, it could make a lot of sense for both teams.
This September is getting very exciting, and I see something more than just a one-year postseason run from these Tigers. I believe they are set up for a good two or three year run where they should be in the driver’s seat each September. Justin Verlander and Victor Martinez are under control through 2014, Miguel Cabrera through 2015, and youngsters like Austin Jackson, Alex Avila, Brennan Boesch, Max Scherzer, Doug Fister, and Jacob Turner are under team control for just as long. The biggest question for the Tigers over the next couple of years is who will be playing 3rd base and 2nd base.
The Tigers have assigned Will Rhymes and Danny Worth to the Arizona Fall League. I believe they did this because they are hoping their 2012 second baseman will emerge from the twosome. They also have Ryan Raburn under contract next season, who’s bat could allow the Tiger’s brass to overlook his suspect defense. I expect the Tigers to sign Ramon Santiago to another deal as well. His value to the team has been proven over the last month or so. So, at second base, there are options within the organization. They aren’t fantastic options, but capable bottom of the order hitters at least.
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