BY GEORGE B. EICHORN
Like clockwork – it happens every February. While ardent fans shiver in the cold and snow in Michigan, the players and staff of the Detroit Tigers move operations to Tiger Town, deep in the heart of Florida.
The Tigers have plenty of work to do: what lineups to use, what pitchers to include on the roster, and what set of analytics is needed to avoid another 98-loss season. We offer a bit of advice as you follow our Boys of Summer this spring – buy a program so you know what number goes with what player!
Fourteen of the club’s top prospects will be training with the big boys at camp. Detroit’s future will be on display for fans in sunny central Florida. Another plus: 2018 injured slugger 1B Miguel Cabrera appears ready for training camp.
New veteran additions/camp invitees are shortstop Jordy Mercer, starting pitchers Matt Moore and Tyson Ross, relief pitchers Jose Fernandez, Eduardo Paredes and Reed Garrett (Rule 5), infielders Gordon Beckham, Kaleb Cowart and Brandon Dixon, and catcher Bobby Wilson.
Gone from last year’s second -consecutive 98-loss team: DH Victor Martinez (retirement), shortstop Jose Iglesias, catcher James McCann, 2B Dixon Machado, starting pitcher Francisco Liriano, and relievers Alex Wilson and Warwick Saupold.
There will be plenty of battles for roster spots in the team’s renovated Tiger Town complex. Manager Ron Gardenhire has his eyes on a new second baseman as the Detroit Sports Media- 2018 Tigers Rookie of the Year Niko Goodrum stakes his claim along with Gordon Beckham, Brandon Dixon, Ronny Rodriguez and Dawel Lugo.
The starting pitcher staff will come from these hurlers: Jordan Zimmerman, Michael Fulmer, Matthew Boyd, Matt Moore, Tyson Ross, Daniel Norris, Ryan Carpenter, and Spencer Turnbull.
A new catcher debuts in Tiger Town as McCann was not the answer behind the plate. Grayson Greiner is expected to get the majority of work at backstop with John Hicks the likely backup (and spare DH/first baseman.) It will be another year of seasoning for catcher Jake Rogers in Erie and/or Toledo.
The race for bullpen arms will be fought hard in Lakeland. Shane Greene is still the closer. Joe Jimenez is expected to be the set-up man with others contending for up to six more spots. They are: Drew VerHagen, Buck Farmer, Victor Alcantara, Louis Coleman, Reed Garrett, Jose Fernandez, Matt Hall, Daniel Stumpf, Blaine Hardy, Eduardo Paredes, and Zac Reininger.
Also new: The Tigers will break in play-by-play TV broadcaster Matt Shephard for five games in Lakeland as he joins the crew of Kirk Gibson and Jack Morris – replacing Mario Impemba and Rod Allen on Fox Sports Detroit.
Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com
