From the “this does not surprise us in the very least” department, Tigers GM Al Avila announced today that the club is declining its $16 million option on right-hander Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez had a terrible year in 2017, going 3-7 with a 6.41 ERA in 2017. That’s a long slide down from his 2013 season, in which he won the AL ERA title, going 14-8 and posting an ERA of 2.57 in the first year of his five-year, $80 million deal. Since then he’s gone 28-35 with a 5.15 ERA. He never started 30 games or more over the course of the contract. The declination of the option does come with a nice parting gift for Sanchez: a $5 million buyout. Which is pretty dang high for a buyout, but that’s how the Tigers rolled three or four years ago.
Detroit Tigers' Al Avila finally gets his manager in Ron Gardenhire Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free PressPublished 4:46 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 Ron Gardenhire becomes the 38th manager of the Detroit Tigers after being introduced at Comerica Park, Friday, October 20, 2017. At long last, Al Avila got his man. It had been more than two years between the time Avila first contacted veteran manager Ron Gardenhire, late in the 2015 season, and Friday afternoon, when he helped Gardenhire put on the Detroit Tigers home uniform for the first time. A lot has changed in those two years: The Tigers are no longer a win-now team. They are no longer a collection of household names. Their expectations have fallen fast, from aiming for the World Series to hoping for simple respectability. http://www.freep.com/story/sports/m...rs-al-avila-ron-gardenhire-manager/785374001/ Welcome to Motown Ron! You have your work cut out for you.
Report: Tigers sign Mike Fiers to one-year, $6 million contract ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports that the Tigers and free agent pitcher Mike Fiers have agreed on a one-year, $6 million contract. He notes that the Orioles had offered Fiers two years. Fiers, 32, just won a championship with the Astros but was non-tendered last week. He had a disappointing regular season, posting a 5.22 ERA with a 146/62 K/BB ratio in 153 1/3 innings. He did not appear in the postseason. Fiers will join the back end of a rotation that includes Jordan Zimmermann, Michael Fulmer, Matt Boyd, and Daniel Norris.
Detroit Tigers Ian Kinsler Garning Interest by Adam McIntosh Per Marc Carig of Newsday, the New York Mets have had trade talks with the Detroit Tigers about Ian Kinsler. While the Tigers have already signed a pair of free agents this Winter, and have expressed that they’re willing to part with veterans. Ian Kinsler is the player most likely to be on the radar of teams this winter. Although, Kinsler’s career lows of .236 in 139 games played, 22 home runs and a .725 OPS is likely to scare teams away from the $11 million Kinsler is owed next season. Just a couple weeks ago Jason Beck of MLB.com broke down potential returns for the Detroit Tigers if they were to actually trade away Ian Kinsler. Per Beck, some options the Detroit Tigers include for targeting include: The Tigers’ targets are no different than they were during their trading spree over the summer. They need hitting and position prospects, even after adding slugging infielders Jeimer Candelario and Isaac Paredes from the Cubs’ system and Dawel Lugo from the D-backs’ system in July Jason Beck also points out that the Mets have a farm system that is top heavy in pitching, which is something that the Detroit Tigers aren’t looking for. At least not in a system, that is short in impact bats currently. The Mets haven’t been the only team interested in Kinsler, other teams include the Brewers and the Angels. https://motorcitybengals.com/2017/12/09/detroit-tigers-ian-kinsler-garning-interest/
Three-time 20-game winner Jack Morris and six-time All-Star shortstop Alan Trammell have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Modern Baseball Era Committee. Morris was named on 14 of 16 ballots (87.5 percent) while Trammell was named on 13 of 16 ballots (81.3 percent), with both clearing the 75-percent threshold necessary for election. The Modern Baseball Era Committee considered a ballot of nine former players and one former executive whose contributions to the game were most significant from 1970 to 1987. The Modern Baseball Era Committee held meetings Sunday in Orlando, Fla., site of Baseball's Winter Meetings. Christopher Ilitch, President & CEO, Ilitch Holdings "On behalf of the entire Detroit Tigers organization, it's an honor to congratulate Alan Trammell and Jack Morris on their election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This announcement is truly a proud moment for all of us, and for the legion of Tigers fans who watched these all-time greats excel during their years wearing the Olde English 'D.' Their achievements on the field, and character off, exemplify what's best about the sport of baseball - and I'm thrilled the Modern Era Committee saw fit to enshrine Tram and Jack in Cooperstown. All of us with the Tigers are looking forward to August, when we will be honoring these legends by retiring their numbers at Comerica Park.” Al Avila, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations/General Manager "All of us in the Tigers baseball operations department congratulate Alan Trammell and Jack Morris on the result of today's election. I can’t think of any two players more deserving of this honor than Tram and Jack. These two Tigers greats played an integral role on the 1984 World Series Championship Team. We’re extremely proud to have both of these great baseball men still representing the Olde English 'D.' Again, congratulations Tram and Jack, and we’re counting down the days until Induction Weekend." Al Kaline, Baseball Hall of Famer/Tigers Outfielder 1953-1974 "I congratulate Alan Trammell and Jack Morris on their election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Playing for the Tigers was truly a privilege and to go into the Hall of Fame as a Tiger is a milestone that I am thrilled to now share with both of them. I am honored that they will join those who wear the Olde English 'D' in Cooperstown." Willie Horton, Tigers Outfielder/Designated Hitter, 1963-1977 "Having been a part of the Tigers and this city for many years, I have been able to witness the impact that Tram and Jack have had not only on the game of baseball, but in the city of Detroit. It is a celebrated addition to our rich history to have them properly recognized for their contributions."
Detroit Tigers trade 2B Ian Kinsler to L.A. Angels for 2 prospects Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press ORLANDO, Fla. — The Detroit Tigers were not bashful about their plans. When they arrived at the MLB Winter Meetings on Sunday, their goal was to trade second baseman Ian Kinsler. During the first few days, general manager Al Avila’s lieutenants spread that word to teams throughout the lobby at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Each evening, Avila remained optimistic the Tigers would find a landing spot for Kinsler. Now, it appears they have. The Tigers have traded Kinsler to the Angels for two prospects, right-hander Wilkel Hernandez and centerfielder Troy Montgomery, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation. Montgomery, 23, is a .279 hitter in four minor-league seasons. He is the No. 20 ranked prospect in the Angels’ system, according to MLBPipeline.com. Hernandez, 18, is an Venezuelan prospect with upside who has yet to advance past rookie ball. He is the No. 24 ranked prospect in the Angels’ system, according to MLBPipeline.com. The return for Kinsler was limited by a number of factors, including his contract, the trade market and his no-trade clause. Combined, they gave Avila little leverage in negotiations. Still, the Tigers were committed to moving Kinsler as part of the next step of their rebuilding process. Kinsler, 35, is one of the better second basemen in baseball, despite a down season in 2017, when he hit .236 with 22 home runs, 52 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Over his 12-year career, he has been a consistent player both offensively and defensively, hitting .273 with 234 home runs and 225 stolen bases. He is a four-time All-Star. Kinsler is under contract for an affordable $11 million in 2018, but now more than ever, teams are interested in players with team control. He is scheduled to hit free agency after next season. Between the trade and free-agent markets, there were more second basemen available than teams with needs at the position, and the teams expressing interest in recent days — the Mets, Brewers and Giants — did not have deep farm systems. The small-market Brewers likely did not want to absorb Kinsler’s entire contract. But perhaps the biggest influence on trading him was his no-trade clause, which gave him some control in choosing his destination. All of the other teams interested were covered under Kinsler’s no-trade clause. Kinsler's departure sheds another part of a disappointing Tigers era. Kinsler joined the team four years ago in a one-for-one swap with the Rangers for first baseman Prince Fielder. In four seasons in Detroit, he was solid at second base, a consummate professional who impacted the team’s play in many ways. But despite coming out well ahead in the deal — Fielder played just parts of three seasons for the Rangers due to a neck injury — the Tigers were only able to piece together one postseason berth in his time with the team. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2017/12/13/tigers-trade-ian-kinsler-angels/950315001/ Dixon Machado is expected to take over as the Tigers’ full-time second baseman next season.
Tigers, Jose Iglesias agree to $6.275 million salary for 2018, avoiding arbitration I hope he can hit better than .255 this season.
Threw a little fantasy league together for Tigers fans and invited 'Tigers Twitter' to join... just jump in and claim a spot if interested. https://www.fleaflicker.com/mlb/leagues/19445
Tigers sign Francisco Liriano Robert Murray of FanRag Sports reports that the Tigers have signed Francisco Liriano to a one-year, $4 million contract. Liriano split time between the Blue Jays and Astros last year, putting up a 5.66 ERA in 38 games, 18 of which were starts, striking out 85 and walking 53 in 97 innings. He pitched two-thirds on an inning in the World Series...
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Tigers left-hander Travis Wood had to wait a week for his Spring Training debut thanks to an injury on his non-throwing hand. His season is now likely over after one Grapefruit League inning after he blew out his left knee on a rundown play in Thursday's loss to the Braves. Tests conducted at Lakeland's Watson Clinic revealed a torn ACL and medial meniscus, the Tigers announced Friday morning. Tigers medical staff and Wood are currently weighing his surgical options. A typical recovery timetable for such an injury is more than six months, likely ruling him out for the season. Wood -- the former Cubs, Royals and Padres swingman -- signed a Minor League deal with a non-roster invite to compete for a spot in Detroit's bullpen.
March 4, 1934: Tigers hold their first spring workout in their first year in Lakeland, Florida. (This photo is from 1937)
Tigers pitching coach Chris Bosio suggested Wednesday that Stumpf will enter the season as the team's top left-hander out of the bullpen, Chris McCosky of MLive.com reports. "Big stuff, great stuff," Bosio said of Stumpf. "This guy knows what he's doing. We are trying some things with him and he's got the aptitude to do it, as well. We've got a special left-handed reliever right there in Daniel."
Wilson will pitch out of Detroit's bullpen this season after trying his hand as a starter this spring, Chris McCosky of the Detroit News reports.
Tigers tab Zimmermann as Opening Day starter LAKELAND, Fla. -- Jordan Zimmermann will start the Tigers' season opener March 29 against the Pirates. Manager Ron Gardenhire made the announcement Saturday after a 9-3 win over the Yankees. He's the veteran guy here. We picked him up for this reason and ... to me he's the leader of this group," Gardenhire said. "I think he's the guy that should have the ball." Zimmermann, 31, is coming off his worst Major League season. He went 8-13 with a 6.08 ERA in his second season with Detroit after signing a five-year contract. He has an 87-70 lifetime record over nine seasons. Zimmermann put together his best outing of the spring last time out, a five-inning appearance against the Yankees on Tuesday in which he gave up two hits in five shutout innings. He has a 1-0 record this spring with a 4.15 ERA in 13 innings. The right-hander will pitch in a Minor League game at Tigertown on Sunday as the Tigers travel to Port Charlotte, Fla., for their game against the Rays. "To me, it was a natural. I really never thought too much about anybody else," Gardenhire said. "I know where the other kid is. [Michael] Fulmer's a stud and all that stuff. "But for me, when I came over here I was looking at Zimmermann, I was hoping he'll be that guy." https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-jordan-zimmermann-to-start-opening-day/c-268948896 It has been a while since Justin Verlander has not opened the season for the Tigers. Not sure I agree with Zimmermann being the opening day starter but will put my trust (for now) in Gardenhire.
