By George B. Eichorn
Play Ball! Tigers baseball is back. Time to enjoy the hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jack!
Following a frustrating 99-day labor dispute, Major League Baseball is primed to lift the lid on its 2022 season. While a majority of teams open on April 7 the Tigers festive Opening Day – a Detroit holiday – is Friday, April 8, at 1:10 p.m. against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park downtown.
Owner Chris Ilitch did as he promised – allowing general manager Al Avila the money he needs – an estimated $243 million – to secure veteran players to compliment the youngsters who are seemingly ready to give Detroit a possible winning season in the American League Central.
Avili went out and added everyday shortstop Javier Baez, catcher Tucker Barnhart (via trade), starting pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Pineda and relief pitcher Andrew Chafin. The club appears ready to add power hitters/top prospects Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson to manager AJ Hinch’s lineup. Gone from last season are pitchers Matthew Boyd, Ian Krol and Jose Urena, catcher Derek Holland, outfielders Niko Goodrum and JaCoby Jones and catcher Grayson Greiner.
Hinch has a mixture of youth and veterans in his lineup. Their infield has Torkelson or Miguel Cabrera at first base, Jonathan Schoop at second, Baez at shortstop and Jeimer Candelario at third (voted Tiger of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association for a second consecutive season.) Cabrera will be the designated hitter with Barnhart or Eric Haase behind the plate.
Akil Baddoo, the Deroit Sports Media Association Tigers Rookie of the Year is in the outfield along with Robbie Grossman and either Greene, Victor Reyes, Derek Hill or Haase.
Starting pitchers include Rodriguez, Pineda, Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Matt Manning. Tyler Alexander opens the season in Pineda’s spot. The bullpen is led by closer Gregory Soto with Cafin, Michael Fulmer, Jose Cisnero and Alex Lange. Those battling for the remaining bullpen spots are Joe Jimenez, Jason Foley, Rony Garcia, Will Vest, Jacob Barnes, Drew Hutchison or Chase Anderson.
The final bench positions are from this list: catchers Dustin Garneau and Ryan Lazarnway; infielders Harold Castro, Willi Castro and Isaac Paredes and outfielders Derek Hill and Victor Reyes. Hinch likely will use the two extra April roster spots on pitching, giving Detroit a roster of 15 hurlers and 13 position players.
Will this be enough for the Tigers to compete all season long for the AL Central Division title or a wildcard post-season berth? Let’s give them at least 50 games to better predict.
On the broadcast side, Matt Shepard, Kirk Gibson, Jack Morris, Craig Monroe and Dan Petry call Tiger games on Bally Sports Detroit. Dan Dickerson and Jim Price are on flagship WXYT-FM 97.1.
Promotions and giveaways include Tigers magnet schedules, Detroit Stars replica jersey, Lou Whitaker replica jersey, floppy hats, t-shirts, light-weight hoodies, tote bags and Tigers hats. Whitaker’s number 1 will finally be retired on August 6 before the Rays/Tigers game.
My prediction: Third place and missing the playoffs.
Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com.
