Tigers 1. Anthony Gose (L) CF 2. Jose Iglesias (R) SS 3. Ian Kinsler (R) 2B 4. Victor Martinez (S) DH 5. J.D. Martinez (R) RF 6. Tyler Collins (L) LF 7. Nick Castellanos (R) 3B 8. Jefry Marte (R) 1B 9. James McCann (R) C __________________________Norris vs Volquez___8pm Royals 1. Alcides Escobar (R) SS 2. Ben Zobrist (S) LF 3. Lorenzo Cain (R) CF 4. Eric Hosmer (L) 1B 5. Kendrys Morales (S) DH 6. Mike Moustakas (L) 3B 7. Alex Rios (R) RF 8. Omar Infante (R) 2B 9. Drew Butera (R) C
I thought a very important thing happened the other night in whats become a lost season. Rondon was on the mound and Alex Rios was on 2nd, McCann thought he was stealing signs and made a visit to the mound - but not just any visit. he walked right by Rondon who didnt seem to know what was going on and McCann acted like he was cleaning his cleat off on the backside of the mound. the point to this was that McCann stared down Rios the whole time not taking his eye off of him until his return to the plate. He made it known to Rios that he didnt like what he was doing. Im not sure McCann even said anything to Rondon but plenty was said trust me. sounds like nothing but it was actually a big deal IMO. this kid is a rookie catcher and in a short time has shown great leadership and it should be no coincidence that while Miggy has been out hes been vocal and leading in more ways than one. This kid has been a leader at every level but for someone in his first year be this way in the bigs is impressive. Im not sure if there are 'captains' on the Tigers but if anyone is chosen I think this is the guy
Dammitt, Dude. I got the baseball chill's reading that. Excellent post! McCann is no fluke... From the dugout scuffle to the throwing base runners out, to the clutch hitting, to the take no prisoners, take no shit attitude, he is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
I like what I've seen this season. He can hit and his defense (considered to be his weak spot) has been stellar I think he is 3rd in the league at 45% throw out rate.
Tigers 1. Rajai Davis (R) LF 2. Ian Kinsler (R) 2B 3. Miguel Cabrera (R) 1B 4. Victor Martinez (S) DH 5. J.D. Martinez (R) RF 6. Nick Castellanos (R) 3B 7. James McCann (R) C 8. Jose Iglesias (R) SS 9. Anthony Gose (L) CF ________________________ Astros 1. Jose Altuve (R) 2B 2. Preston Tucker (L) RF 3. Carlos Correa (R) SS 4. Jed Lowrie (S) 3B 5. Carlos Gomez (R) CF 6. Evan Gattis (R) LF 7. Luis Valbuena (L) DH 8. Marwin Gonzalez (S) 1B 9. Jason Castro (L) C
actually his defense has always been excellent, it was his bat that would hold him back if anything. hes batted really well and came up with some timely hits along the way including a walk off homer not too long ago. trust me we wont ever have to worry about his defense, he has one of the best arms Ive seen coming out of the minors in years. base stealers are quick to figure out who to run on and who you dont, McCann has quickly gained a rep for the latter. he also has very few passed balls which shows his mobility back there. this kid is a future All Star - BOOK IT *YES*
the one area he needs to focus on as far as improvement goes is his framing of pitches. we have a pretty weak staff but that doesnt change the fact that he needs to tuck those pitches off the plate in more and atleast appear that they are strikes. this is something Ausmus was excellent at and is very important for a catcher to do. I also think its something that comes with experience. he will come around in time, I do like the nickname hes been given of 'McCannon' - thats kewl
Tigers 1. Ian Kinsler (R) 2B 2. Jose Iglesias (R) SS 3. Miguel Cabrera (R) DH 4. Victor Martinez (S) 1B 5. J.D. Martinez (R) RF 6. Tyler Collins (L) LF 7. Nick Castellanos (R) 3B 8. James McCann (R) C 9. Anthony Gose (L) CF _____________________Verlander vs McHugh____7pm Astros 1. Jose Altuve (R) 2B 2. Preston Tucker (L) LF 3. Carlos Correa (R) SS 4. Jed Lowrie (S) 3B 5. Carlos Gomez (R) CF 6. Colby Rasmus (L) RF 7. Evan Gattis (R) DH 8. Luis Valbuena (L) 1B 9. Jason Castro (L) C I think the Astros might surprise come playoff time...
