SB Nation - Mike Hessman

While You Were Out: Amazin' Avenue Week In Review (12/6-12/12)

James Kannengieser — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:05:41 -0000

A recap of the busy Winter Meetings week:

The Time I Went To The Winter Meetings - Sam starts the week off with some storytelling. Cameos by Omar Minaya, Steve Phillips and Mileycyrustopia.
AAOP: Third Place - Congrats to Schmidtxc for winning 3rd place in the AAOP contest. There were many great plans and it was tough choosing the best.
Why Is It Called The Hot Stove? - For anyone else who didn't know.
Looking Back: Todd Zeile - Alex continues his series about formet Mets on this year's Hall of Fame ballot. Zeile's best years were behind him by the time he joined the Mets, and I secretly hated him for replacing John Olerud, but he had a nice career.
Mets Pursuing Josh Willingham And Juan Rivera? - One of the many rumor discussions that took place this week.
My Dreams Come True: Mets Pursuing 2B Adam Kennedy - Sam and many others were pleased to hear this rumor. If Castillo can be dealt, Kennedy is a solid replacement.
Adam Everett Re-Signs With Tigers - The defensive ace re-upped for one year, $1.5 million.
Hanshin Tigers Get Matt Murton? - This is a player good enough to start on several MLB teams. Good luck, Matt.
Randy Wolf Signs With Brewers - Three years, $30 million it might be a bit much, but Wolf is an above average pitcher who should help that awful Brewers staff.
Things I Would Do If It Meant Not Signing Bengie Molina To A Dumb Contract - Just get it overwith and sign him so we can move on.
AAOP: Second Place - Nice work by MangoMetsFan.
Mets Sign Mike Hessman - A rarity for the Mets, signing a three true outcomes type.
AAOP: First Place - Congrats to Evan_S for his AAOP winning entry.
Cross Rich Harden Off The Wish List - The oft-injured but oft-dominant starter was snagged by the Rangers.
Brandon Lyon Nears Deal With Astros, Bullpen Options Dwindling - Ed Wade strikes again, with the worst contract of the young offseason.
Mets Restructure Henry Blanco's Contract - A look at Blanco's labyrinth contract incentives.
Mets Extend Offers To Bengie Molina And Jason Bay - We might have a Beau Brummell in each corner OF spot.
On Hearing Of Contract Offer To Bengie Molina - Bengie is a muse to all, the Poet Laureate included.
Scott Boras For GM - A lot of people hate on this guy but he's just doing his job. A job he's great at.
A Potentially Bizarre Lineup - Walks at the top of the order, hacks at the bottom.
Who Said It? - Steve Phillips, maybe smarter than we think.
Midnight Poll: Jason Bay vs. Mike Cameron - Taking the pulse of AA readers.
So Long, Putz - Arrivederci, JJ.
Outfielder Valuation And Mike Cameron - Mark provides a nice analysis of positional adjustments and defense, and how they relate to Cameron.
Mets Rumor Mill: Possible Acquisition Tracker - A one stop shop for all Mets-related rumblings.
Why? Mets Sign Elmer Dessens To Minor League Deal - Omar: Why? Uhh, why not!

Wednesday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:51:04 -0000

by Keith Birmingham - AP

Another day, another picture of Randy Wolf.

View full size photo »

Some things to read while making your pitch to Gatorade.

It's been roughly 24 hours since we were told the Brewers were "very close" to a deal with Randy Wolf, but said deal has yet to materialize. Both Tom H. and Buster Olney are saying the Brewers are expecting a response today, now that Arn Tellem has had a day to shop the offer around, but reportedly hasn't found anyone willing to match it. Other notes on Wolf:

Tom H. says he "gets the feeling that the Brewers are suprised that Randy Wolf hasn't accepted their three-year offer yet."
Jayson Stark heard that the Brewers' offer to Wolf was bigger than the three year, $28 million deal the Braves recently gave Tim Hudson.
Jon Heyman tweeted that the Mets don't appear likely to land Wolf, and while MLB Trade Rumors lists them as showing interest in five other pitchers, Heyman says the price of mid-level pitching might drive them to spend a little more in pursuit of John Lackey.
The Junkball Blues has a look at the average return teams get on three year contracts to starting pitchers. There are some good ones (Greg Maddux, Andy Pettitte, A.J. Burnett), but also some disasters (Adam Eaton, Jason Schmidt, Carl Pavano).
Jorge Says No! wonders about the wisdom of offering Wolf a third year, but says the Brewers' willingness to do it implies they don't think they can sign Prince Fielder to a long term deal.

By the way, over two months ago Jorge Says No! predicted Wolf would get three years, $31 million on the open market. Impressive.

I feel the need to clarify my position on the Wolf rumor a bit, because I feel I was a little hard on the front office in this one act play last night. I still don't think Wolf wants to play in Milwaukee, which is why Arn Tellem has spent the last 24 hours searching for anyone on a coast willing to match the Brewers' offer. With that said, I'll give credit where credit is due to the front office for finding the guy they wanted and being aggressive in an attempt to get him here. If it turns out that the scenario I laid out is true and Tellem was just using the Brewers to raise the price for someone else, so be it. At least we're talking about the Brewers making an effort, and not hearing the reasons why they can't.

Meanwhile, the Brewers are close to a deal to bring Claudio Vargas back for another season, and are just waiting for formal acceptance from Vargas and his agent (FanShot). Conversation on the deal is probably complicated a bit by the fact that Vargas is currently in the Dominican Republic pitching in winter ball.

They're also expecting an answer sometime today from Craig Counsell, who may or may not be seeking a two year deal for next season. It sounds like Counsell and his agent spent the day yesterday checking out other options. Don't be surprised if a deal gets done relatively quickly.

Ken Macha told reporters yesterday that Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra are the only pitchers guaranteed a spot in the Brewer rotation next season, implying that Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan will have to compete to earn an opportunity (FanShot). Open competition should be good for all involved, especially if the Crew manages to bring in some high-upside pitchers to compete.

Tom H. has all of those notes (and a terrible headline) in his roundup piece today, along with this note: The 40 man roster is starting to fill up, so don't be surprised if the Brewers decide not to take a chance on a Rule 5 pick in tomorrow's draft. I think that's a poor decision. Among others, Tim Dillard and Luis Cruz could probably pass through waivers without much notice. Passing on a cheap lottery ticket to protect one of those guys doesn't seem to make sense.

In the minors:

Project Prospect has a look at the speed of several Brewers who recently performed in the Arizona Fall League. Jonathan Lucroy appears to be in about the middle of the pack, while Taylor Green rated out way on the low end. They mustn't have had enough data to publish a ranking for Lorenzo Cain.
Angel Salome will be the next Brewer prospect to head out for winter ball: He's reportedly leaving at the end of the week to play for Este in the Dominican League. You can keep up with him and all the Brewer winter leaguers in our Winter League Updates.

We're continuing the effort to put together a BCB All Decade Team, and if you haven't cast your first votes yet, there's still time. Voting at first base will remain open until 4 pm today, and voting at second base runs until 4 pm tomorrow. Check back later today to vote for a shortstop.

Around baseball:

Braves: Designated outfielder Ryan Church for assignment.
D-Backs: Acquired pitchers Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy in a three way deal that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and outfielder Austin Jackson and pitchers Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth and Phil Coke to the Tigers.
Mets: Signed 1B/3B Mike Hessman to a minor league deal.
Nationals: Signed outfielder Jerry Owens to a minor league deal.
Phillies: Signed Ross Gload to a two year deal.
Pirates: Are expected to sign Bobby Crosby to a one year deal.
Tigers: Signed catcher Robinzon Diaz, who was recently released by the Pirates.
Twins: Designated Boof Bonser for assignment.
White Sox: Signed Mark Teahen to a three year, $14 million deal, avoiding arbitration.
Yankees: Will receive the #1 pick in tomorrow's Rule 5 Draft as the PTBNL in the Brian Bruney trade.

Meanwhile, ~~Gritty von Canthitalick~~ Jason Kendall continues to search for work, but there's more suitors than you might think: The Rangers are reportedly strongly considering Kendall, now that Jarrod Saltalamacchia injured his shoulder playing winter ball. The Royals have also expressed interest.

From surprising news to what might possibly be the week's least surprising news: John Lackey is having a hard time finding a team willing to offer him a six year deal.

Actually, this might be the most surprising news: Kudos to the BBWAA for their decision to allow Sean Forman of Baseball Reference to join their organization.

We could have used this days ago, but Dave Cameron of FanGraphs has a guide to deciphering sources in Winter Meeting rumors. Again today, the meetings provide us with some things you might never have known without the internet, and wouldn't have missed:

Michael Tucker, who hasn't played in the majors since 2006, is in Indianapolis and wants to play next season.
Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson heard about a trade offer the Diamondbacks made for him and was offended by it.
C. Trent Rosecrans gave the Meetings' Best Hat Award to Manny Acta.
Blue Jays beat reporter Jordan Bastian gives us a look at the hotel lobby, complete with Christmas tree.
Jonathan Mayo of MiLB.com had to step away from the meetings for a moment to help his mom figure out the TV.

On this day in 1977, the Brewers traded pitchers Jim Slaton and Rich Folkers to the Tigers for Ben Oglivie. The 29 year old Panama native would spend the last nine years of his career as a Brewer, hitting .277/.345/.461, leading the AL with 41 home runs in 1980, and appearing in three All Star games.

Happy birthday today to:

Doc Medich, who made the final ten starts of his major league career for the 1982 Brewers, and turns 61.
Ed Romero, who spent parts of eight seasons as a Brewer in the late 70's and 80's and later served as a minor league infield coordinator and manager. He turns 52.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some snowblowing to do.

Drink up.

Evening Prowl: Granderson-Jackson Trade Reactions, Views on Scherzer, and Other Minor Deals Made Today

Ian Casselberry — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:30:24 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Curtis Granderson looks ahead to a future in pinstripes, after being traded to the New York Yankees in a three-team deal on Tuesday.

Browse more photos »

As we did yesterday, let's do a little recap of Tuesday at the Winter Meetings thus far, if for no other reason than to catch some breath after the big three-team trade involving Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson. (Maybe you heard about it?)

The deal's still not official, pending physical exams. (Jason Beck mentioned that Granderson hadn't heard from the Tigers as of this afternoon, and hasn't heard from them in a while, which may have been an indication of their plans.) But that's apparently the only hurdle left to clear.

There's plenty to sort through, which I'm sure we'll be doing - both as a blog and community - in days, weeks, and months to come. I know there's already been a lot of that today at BYB, as this deal is viewed from several different standpoints and through a range of emotions.

As a baseball writer, I think the Tigers made a good trade and am excited about the pitching they've received in return. Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth should be fun to watch over the next few years. As a fan, I'm disappointed to see a popular, homegrown player like Granderson off to another team. And I really came to enjoy watching Jackson pitch this season.

For tonight, however, I'll leave the emotional reactions to The Detroit Tigers Weblog and Mack Avenue Tigers. Detroit4Lyfe rounded up a lot of the post-trade response thus far. Here's more from today:

Ken Rosenthal says the Diamondbacks viewed Scherzer as a reliever, not a starter, which is why he was on the trade block. His mechanics also raise some eyebrows among scouts.

That lines up with what D-Backs beat reporter Nick Piecoro wrote early this morning, after trade discussions had stalled. Lack of a consistent third pitch, an inability to pitch deep into ballgames, and - again - those mechanics were all causes for concern.

(Hat tip to Mike McClary)

Fangraphs' Dave Cameron believes the Yankees are the winner in this deal, as they're getting the best player in Granderson. But he thinks the trade "makes some sense" for the Tigers.

ESPN's Keith Law, however, thinks Detroit came out on top here, getting two power arms and a full-time, lower-cost centerfielder. Law especially likes Schlereth out of the Tigers' bullpen, and sees Jim Leyland handling him well. (Insider)

If you'd like to learn more about Austin Jackson, the centerfielder coming to Detroit in return for Granderson, check out this NY Times profile of him. Tyler Kepner writes about Jackson's lack of power, basketball skills that almost led him to Georgia Tech (and comparisons to Chauncey Billups), and his status as a top prospect in the Yankees' organization.

(Thanks to granderson28 - who might have to change that screen name - for posting that in comments.)

In a FanPost, Boney thinks Tigers fans will eventually learn to like this trade.

Long-time Tigers minor leaguer Mike Hessman signed with the Mets today. The agreement is a minor league deal, with a payout if Hessman chooses to play in Japan (the amount depends on when he goes). Hessman didn't get a call up to Detroit this year, batting .217/.324/.442 with 23 homers and 77 RBIs in 131 games with Triple-A Toledo.

Detroit also picked up a minor league catcher this afternoon, signing Robinzon Diaz. Diaz played with the Pirates this year, splitting time between the Triple-A and major league clubs. The Tigers were reportedly interested in Diaz before the trade deadline.

Mets Sign Mike Hessman

Sam Page — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:08:46 -0000

The Mets signed corner-infielder Mike Hessman to a 90K, minor league contract. He's one of the biggest three-true-outcome hitters in baseball, a Russell Branyan/Jack Cust-type who can absolutely crush minor league pitching. His last three wOBAs in the minors were .383, .414, and .342. He'll improve a Buffalo offense that was anemic last season, and gives the Mets much needed firstbase depth.

Morning Prowl: Bourquin Banned, Organizational Trees, Top 10 Prospects, and Goodbye Hessman

Ian Casselberry — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:15:18 -0000

[Updated at 9 a.m.]

Tigers minor league third baseman Ronnie Bourquin received a 50-game suspension yesterday, after testing positive for an amphetamine. Good timing, with the team having to decide who to keep on the 40-man roster. He'll serve the penalty at the beginning of next season.

Bourquin played in 118 games between Single-A and Double-A this year. He batted .267/.361/.408 with eight home runs and 77 RBIs.

The Arizona Fall League plays its championship game tomorrow afternoon at 2:45 p.m. ET. And the Peoria Javelinas, with several Tigers prospects, are playing for the title. So here's one last chance for you to get a look at Casper Wells, Robbie Weinhardt, Andrew Oliver, and a few others before next spring. The game will be shown on MLB Network.

(via The Detroit Tigers Weblog)

At Take 75 North, Matt Wallace has thoughts about the 40-man roster, listing 11 players who could be protected by the Tigers. But maybe they shouldn't be, as they could also be replaceable within the organization.

The Freep has a photo gallery of 10 free agents the Tigers should take a look at this offseason. There are a couple of interesting names suggested (Endy Chavez, Frank Catalanotto) and one that makes me - and I'm only speaking for myself - want to pull my hair out (John Smoltz).

With the 40-man roster needing to be finalized today, it's worth checking out the Organizational Tree that Bill Ferris has set up at The Detroit Tigers Weblog. How did each player on the roster end up with Detroit? Some had a pretty direct route, others took a more winding road.

At The Hardball Times, Matt Hagen listed his Top 10 Tigers prospects. The list is headed by pitcher Jacob Turner, Detroit's first-round draft pick this year. He's followed by second baseman Scott Sizemore, who Tigers fans will probably get a good look at next season.

(Thanks to Dberg for posting this in the comments yesterday.)

Jason Beck gives a slow clap to Mike Hessman, who became a minor league free agent on Wednesday. His days in the Tigers organization are very likely over. In five years with the Mud Hens, Hessman got the call up to Detroit for 29 games. He batted.256/.330/.615 with nine homers and 19 RBIs, playing first base and third base.

Other familiar names who became free agents were Dane Sardinha, Macay McBride, and Brent Clevlen.

If you've seen the term "BABIP" get bounced around from time to time in the comments and wondered what that was all about, Big League Stew provides a thorough explanation.

The Royals will add powder blue hats to their day-game ensemble next season. I think they should've gone back to the powder blue pants. Of course, you can't sell uniform pants to fans like you can sell hats.

Porcello and Perry Will Wear the D

Ian Casselberry — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:00:23 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

Detroit Tigers' pitcher Rick Porcello throws against the Tampa Bay Rays in a game from Lakeland, Fla., Thursday, March 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

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Jim Leyland has always said he'll take talent over experience (or salary), and that was backed up with this morning's roster moves. Pitchers Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry can now officially call themselves major leaguers, as both of them were named to the team. (Thanks to Billfer, who passed along the news via Twitter, and Peazgrl for breaking the story in a FanPost.)

Two other pitchers who were fighting for a job and made the cut were Eddie Bonine and Juan Rincon. Bonine should take that long relief role, while Rincon joins Perry in setting up Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney in the late innings. (Or will we have a closer-by-committee, with Rodney currently Leyland's favored choice to get the call in the ninth?)

With Porcello joining the starting staff, the other remaining spot in the rotation will go to Zach Miner. Miner keeps a seat warm for the injured Jeremy Bonderman. And once Dondo's shoulder heals up and he's ready to join the team, Miner will likely head back to relieving, pushing Bonine back to Triple-A Toledo. So Nate Robertson loses out, and ends up as the second left-hander in the bullpen. (That, in turn, sends Clay Rapada to the Mud Hens.) Scott Williamson was also assigned to minor league camp. (And as I've said, I hope he agrees to go to Toledo.)

How about on the position player side of the roster? Infielder Ryan Raburn and catcher Dane Sardinha were both optioned to Toledo, while Mike Hessman was told he'll be placed on waivers. If he clears waivers, Hessman says he'd like to return to Toledo. However, he'll also look for opportunities to play in Japan. (Raburn, meanwhile, could be on his way to the St. Louis Cardinals, if they can work out a deal with the Tigers.)

But that last bench spot still remains open, with Jeff Larish and Brent Clevlen left to duke it out. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Larish will get the nod, as he was already playing well enough to make the team, and Josh Anderson took the outfield spot that could've gone to Clevlen. Three more days of Thunderdome - two men enter, one man leaves - for those two.

So I think I know the answer, but will ask anyway. Are you happy with these moves? And if, in fact, the Tigers intend to rotate that closer's job among two or three pitchers, how do you feel about that? You guys already got a head start this morning, but take it away.

Better Know a White Sox Division Rival: Detroit Tigers

larry — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:00:10 -0000

This is the last in a series about AL Central division rivals and the race to be the tallest midget.

Offseason Comings and Goings

Back in 2006, Dave Dombrowski was the darling of GMs. He’d rebuilt the long dormant Tigers from both within and without to form a team that reached the World Series. In 2007, they won 88 games but ran into a rampant Indians team and, to remedy that, Dombrowski flexed his prospects and payroll muscles by first acquiring Edgar Renteria and then Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis (signing both to lucrative extensions for good measure). There was talk of a 1000 run offense. And then the 2008 season happened. They scored 821 runs – a solid performance, good for fourth in the AL – but gave up 857 as both their rotation and bullpen imploded.

Dombrowski’s past dealings had largely exhausted his formerly rich farm system. And his spendthrift ways (along with a super economy, especially in the Motor City, which has apparently almost halved their season ticket base) had largely exhausted his monetary advantage, as well. Still, with their collection of older talent and big contracts, the Tigers have to go all-in. And, to the best of their ability, that’s just what they did this offseason.

Knowing his rotation needed help, Dombrowski did about as well as he could and traded/overpaid for Edwin Jackson. Knowing his bullpen needed help, he signed Brandon Lyon to close. Knowing his defense needed help, he signed Adam Everett to play SS. And knowing his pitchers needed help by having someone catch the ball, he traded for Gerald Laird to do so.

Going out the door were Edgar Renteria, Matt Joyce to Tampa for Jackson, and a bunch of relievers – including Kyle Farnsworth – who helped their bullpen stink. The Gambler also appears to have retired.

Offense

A projected lineup: Curtis Granderson CF, Placido Polanco 2B, Magglio Ordonez RF, Miguel Cabrera 1B, Carlos Guillen LF, Gary Sheffield DH, Gerald Laird C, Brandon Inge 3B, Adam Everett SS

Bench and Spare Parts: Matt Treanor C, Ramon Santiago INF, Marcus Thames OF, Timo Perez OF, Ryan Raburn OF, Brent Clevlen OF, Ryan Larish INF/OF, Mike Hessman OF

This remains a potent offense. Granderson is an ideal leadoff hitter. The 33 year old Polanco keeps chugging along with his blend of batting average dependent OBP and decent pop. Ordonez also keeps chugging along. While his days of 30+ home runs are gone, his line drive ways should keep his batting average high and power numbers good. While Cabrera’s continued weight gains and plate discipline losses make his contract look more risky long-term, the short-term prognosis is still that of an offensive powerhouse. Guillen struggled with back problems late last season and missed all of September. The Tigers will hope that his power returns. Sheffield has been atrocious since coming over from the Yankees. The Tigers will hope to get anything out of him – though he’s healthy for the first time in a long time. Laird is an overall average catcher, though it will be interesting to see how he reacts to his return to a full-time role (it wasn't pretty last time). Inge and Everett are offensive black holes but their defense makes them adequate and this offense can handle their lack of production.

Pitching

Rotation: Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Armando Galarraga, Edwin Jackson, Nate Robertson

Bullpen and Spare Parts: Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay, Clay Rapada, Zach Miner, Ryan Perry, Juan Rincon, Alfredo Figaro, Scott Williamson, Dontrelle Willis

You want question marks, this pitching has them plastered all over the place. Verlander was not impressive last season and a return to prior form will be absolutely essential for the Tigers. While his peripherals suggest a decent rebound should be expected, the continued loss of fastball velocity is a concern. Bonderman’s 2008 campaign was cut short by surgery to correct a circulatory problem in his throwing shoulder. His velocity and command have yet to return so far this spring. Galarraga was the Tigers’ one bright spot last season as he turned from random offseason acquisition to staff ace; however, nothing in his history suggests anything close to a repeat and his peripherals show massive regression is on tap. Perennial breakout favorite Jackson will continue to entice but be nothing more than backend fodder. Left-hander Robertson looks to be the current favorite for the 5th spot, but a sprained thumb could cause him to miss the opening day roster.

Starting at the top of the bullpen, Lyon just isn’t that good. He’s a fine enough relief pitcher but he’s certainly not the lights-out closer that is usually associated with the role. This would perhaps be okay – because, after all, more of the high leverage relief innings happen before the typical bases empty ninth inning entrance of a closer – however, it’s not like there’s much else to really like in this bullpen, either. Zumaya is hurt again and will be opening the season on the DL. Rodney was erratic last season after returning from injury but, while he gives up too many walks, he does strike batters out and a return to adequacy is likely. Non-roster invitee Rincon has had an excellent spring and appears to have pitched his way onto the roster – though coming off two poor seasons, not much should be expected of him. Rapada will be the LOOGY while Seay, the man responsible for Jerry Reinsdorf’s hate of Scott Boras, will be the primary lefty set-up man. 2008 top draft pick Perry, a win now selection, is a hard-throwing righty whose fastball touches triple digits and has a slider and change which are also good; while his command can be shaky, he could be a repeat of 2006 Zumaya. Miner, who lost out in the 5th starter derby, will be the swingman. Although Willis was almost a certainty to not make the opening day roster, him being placed on the DL on Sunday was a bit of a shock and even more surprising was that it was for an anxiety disorder.

Farm

There’s just one man in this depleted system that will make an impact this year.

Rick Porcello is a 20 year old righty. There was talk early in the spring about him breaking camp with the Tigers in their rotation. That talk died down, not least because of control problems, but it is a near certainty that he will appear sometime this season in the big leagues. Last season, against older and more advanced competition, he was the Florida State League (High-A) Player of the Year. His 93 MPH sinking two-seam fastball, 95 MPH four-seam fastball, slider, and change are all excellent to good and his low strikeout rate at Lakeland was attributed to the Tigers not permitting him to use his slider in order to force him to work on his curve. He’ll start the season at Double-A Erie but expect the stay to be short.

Outlook

This midget is all-in but it still doesn’t look like it’s enough to take this contest.

Previously: Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians

Morning Prowl: Scouting Dontrelle, Projecting 2009, and Adjusting Stances

Ian Casselberry — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:00:12 -0000

More on Dontrelle Wilils? Jayson Stark talked to a scout (hopefully not the same guy Nick Cafardo spoke with) who said Willis looked "tentative" and "so easy to hit" on Friday. And once again, the lack of "herky-jerky" was noted.

(via The Cutoff Man)

Over at Tiger Tales, Lee has put together a composite 2009 projection for the Tigers' lineup, based on information from the CHONE, Marcel, and ZIPS systems.

Yesterday's Freep included a long feature on Matt Treanor ("the anti-Crash Davis") by Jon Paul Morosi. And you can't get through that many words about Treanor without also including his wife, Misty May-Treanor. Definitely worth a read. Treanor's a really interesting guy.

Does Jeremy Bonderman even own a brandy snifter? In Samara's world, he does, while getting existential about health.

Brandon Inge's home run on Saturday was the result of adjustments he's made in his swing, particularly in where he keeps his hands.

Tiger Geist has a destination in mind for Mike Hessman, if he's not on Detroit's major league roster out of Spring Training.

Friday's Seattle Times ran a piece about Chris Shelton, who's fighting for a job with the Mariners. With the help of an old friend, he's changed his approach at the plate.

Has Dontrelle Willis Figured It Out?

Ian Casselberry — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:00:09 -0000

Yes, I know it's very early in Spring Training. No games have been played, no live competition has been faced. And every player is going to be talked up at this point in camp. But when I see the words "pounding the strike zone" in the same sentence as Dontrelle Willis's name, I can't help but get excited.

After a lost season in which the D-Train tried to rediscover himself, mentally and physically, has he finally achieved a breakthrough? Jim Leyland seems to think so.

I thought he looked very good, very controlled. The ball had life. It's the best groove I've seen him be in."

And when Tom Gage asked for clarification, Leyland emphasized that it was the best he's seen Willis throw since coming to the Tigers.

What is he doing differently? Perhaps we won't be able to determine that until watching Willis pitch in a game, but Jason Beck described his motion as "more subdued." Maybe that means less flailing out to the side with his arms and fewer herky-jerky movements. But the signature high leg kick is still there.

Ultimately, however, perhaps it's mostly mental with Willis. And visualization the night before might be playing a big role.

"I accomplished what I thought about last night, what I wanted to do," Willis said. "I wanted to throw everything in the zone and try to make them hit everything. I feel like I was around the zone. When I did miss, I was able to make adjustments accordingly. I just want to have them hitting the ball, and with the type of defense we have, I really think that's in my favor to do that. That's all I wanted to do in this batting practice."

This might only be half the battle, though. One thing about consistently throwing pitches in the strike zone is that hitters know they'll get something to swing at. Apparently, Mike Hessman reminded Willis of that last spring by launching several of those batting practice tosses over the fence. And maybe that got into the D-Train's head. But he seems to have learned from that.

"I got some payback on somebody," Willis said. "He knows who he is. I got who I wanted to get. Somebody has hit about five home runs in these BPs. He's hit some missiles off me -- to left, center and right, convincingly.

"I'm not going to say who Mike Hessman is, but I finally got my man back for that. He took it easy on me. But I got my payback."

Hopefully, that payback continues against opposing hitters in actual games.

Mr. 250,000: Tigers 14, Athletics 8

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:45:04 -0000

During the off-season, a few observers thought the Justice League lineup the Detroit Tigers assembled might be capable of scoring 1,000 runs. Apparently, the Tigers have decided they're going to spend September doing their best to reach that lofty number. Over the past three games, no ballpark has been able to contain these guys.

It was Home Run Derby at Comerica Park last night, with five balls getting launched into the seats off Oakland Athletics pitching. It might just be easier to list the Tigers that didn't hit a home run last night. But that would mean not mentioning Gary Sheffield, who not only had a fantastic night with two home runs and five RBIs, but also attached his name to one historically impressive number.

Sheffield's second long ball of the evening was the 250,000th home run in major league history. And his grand slam in the first inning was the 249,999th, which makes you wonder if someone in the dugout told him about that and he figured he might as well get the big number, too. It's like the baseball equivalent of having the top two scores on an arcade video game.

On the flip side, Oakland's Gio Gonzalez created a bit of history for himself, as well, becoming the roadkill underneath the Tigers' home run motorcade. Gonzalez not only gave up #250,000, but also threw the pitches that resulted in #249,998 (hit by Magglio Ordonez) and 249,999. That has to be worth at least a few appearances at card shows in the years to come.

You think there's any chance Gonzalez posed with Maggs and Sheff for a photo after the game? Nah...

One down note for the Tigers: Being handed a nine-run lead should really be enough for a starting pitcher. If you can't even get a decision with such a margin, you really didn't have a good night. Zach Miner, we're looking at you. Perhaps the focus wanes with an 11-3 lead and long breaks in the dugout. But in his last two starts, Miner has allowed 13 runs and 19 hits in 10 1/3 innings. Cause for concern? Could the innings he's thrown be catching up to him?

Back to the positives, Sheff's two homers also put him four away from the 500 mark for his career. Could he reach that number this season? Probably not, with 18 games remaining on the schedule. But it's possible, especially with some of the pitching the Tigers will be facing to close out the year.

Another number worth keeping an eye on is Miguel Cabrera's season home run total. As you know, the young man has been swinging a seriously hot bat in recent months (22 home runs since July 4) and his production has steadily moved him up the list of home run and RBI leaders. With 116 RBIs, Cabrera is currently fourth in the majors. But at 33 homers, he's second in the American League, and with Carlos Quentin's season-ending wrist injury, he has a decent shot at taking the lead in that category. (Alex Rodriguez and Jermaine Dye are right behind him, with 32 home runs.)

We also probably shouldn't underestimate the power of Tigers bloggers' birthdays as a determining factor in this power surge. Were those Detroit bats lifted in celebration for the births of Billfer and Samara? It's a theory that shouldn't be discounted. (I clearly missed the memo on birthdays when I signed up for this Tigers blogging gig. I'm a June baby.) Does the Tigersosphere have any more birthdays between now and September 28? This could be an important question.