Breaking Down The Tigers - Part 5 of 5

So far we’ve analyzed all positions of the Tigers. We talked about how the Outfield is a mess, and unknown, we decided we liked the Infield and starting Pitching, and we broke down the tools placed into the Bullpen. In breaking everything down, it looks as if there might be a core group of players that can be built around.

Some of the ones we didn’t cover were future players, prospects, and guys that might be on their way out, or are in the middle of a setback. Let’s examine some of them.

Chris Spurling. After more thoughts on Spurling, I think there is a chance he might end up on the Tigers roster, even if it isn’t right away. He was pitching decent from the bullpen, but then suffered an elbow injury that set him back. With Colyer coming in as one of the talked-about futures of the pitching staff, Spurling will need to regain what he was building on before he went down. I think it would benefit Spurling more to be in Toledo. He can work his elbow back into strength, and proceed with his career.

Fernando Rodney. Unless something drastic has changed, Rodney is the next Matt Anderson. He’s someone who throws extremely hard, but lacks consistency and control. He often gets wild, and gives up a lot of runs. Like Spurling, Rodney is coming off an elbow injury. He commands an upper 90s fastball, with a changeup, and he’s also been working on a slider. In 10 appearances in the winter leagues, he struck out 22 in 17 innings, and only allowed one run and six hits. Early reports have him contending for the closing job with the Tigers, but we know that isn’t going to happen. Percival has been signed, and Urbina is there to back him up. Rodney’s best hopes are middle relief, and unless he makes some major steps in Spring Training, he’ll be in Toledo by March.

Nook Logan. Here’s a guy with a lot of talent. He has speed, he can bunt, and he showed that he might be ready for the big leagues. In 47 games, Nook went to the plate 133 times, with 10 RBIs, and a .278 batting average. His on base percentage was good, but he struck out 24 times. The only problem with Nook is that his fielding is a bit sloppy. This could be related to nerves, and over-effort. With Curtis Granderson waiting, Nook’s best chance might be grabbing one of the corner outfield positions. That is, if Thames or Monroe don’t pan out. There also is another possibility that Sanchez won’t work out in Center Field this season, giving a green light to Nook. He’s guaranteed to give a full effort if this is the case.

Curtis Granderson. Arguably the guy the Tigers are paying the most attention too, Granderson has been tagged the future of Center Field for the Tigers. He could see some playing time in September, but I’d look for him in 2006 or 2007. The Tigers aren’t rushing Granderson, something that is all too common in today’s game. Granderson will be with the Tigers in Spring Training, and if he makes a big enough impact, could start the season in Detroit, although I wouldn’t count on it.

Justin Verlander. Justin made a lot of noise after the draft. His agent didn’t tell him about a $4 million offer, and told the Tigers it wasn’t high enough. His dad got wind, fired his agent, and Verlander signed on the dotted line. Verlander has the raw talent that a lot of minor league pitching coaches look for. He’s trainable with a hard fastball, and knows how to win. He struck out 139 batters in 116 innings of work with a 2.40 ERA in his last season at Old Dominion University. He’s given himself a two year goal to reach the major league level. If he has a good season in Toledo, I’d expect him wearing the Old English D by 2006.

There are others penciled in on the roster. Kenny Baugh, Colby Lewis, Mark Woodyard, and Roberto Novoa. I don’t see any of these guys coming in and making any kind of noise to get a spot on the roster. Some – or all – might end up in Toledo. Other guys already there are Nate Cornejo, and Chris Shelton. Cornejo’s time has really come and gone. He may end up back in the big leagues as a reliever, but right now he’s just not ready. Chris Shelton may someday get a chance, but with Pudge on the roster for at least three more seasons, it doesn’t fair well for him.

The Tigers don’t have a strong farm system. Dombrowski has made efforts to improve it, but it will take a lot of time and work. They have been careful not to trade away their top prospects, which should be commended. Organizations like the Yankees have moved from farming teams to buying teams, and their minor league system has suffered from it.

Patience is the key word for building a future. The Tigers are struggling in free agency, and don’t really have anyone to bring up. All is not lost, and the Tigers will continue to build. Each year there is a new prospect in any organization that has a break-out season. Who that is, and where they are now is unknown, but you can be sure that the Tigers are building not only to win now, but also to maintain that winning in the future.

So what do you think about the Tigers after this week? I feel a little better myself. I don’t look at the Outfield in the same bad light, and I don’t see as much wrong with the bullpen. What I see is a core that they can work with. Guillen, Pudge, Inge, Infante, Monroe, Bonderman, and Maroth, are the players I’m most excited about, and wouldn’t try and move them or let them go.

I also believe that the Tigers aren’t done. I see some trades happening, and the team improving. This could be the year that the Tigers contend for the Central Division.