DETROIT TIGERS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster: BOLD.
*Players who are injured: +
*Players who are Out of Options: ##
*Baseball America '12 pre-season prospect rankings: BLUE #
*Baseball Prospectus '12 pre-season prospect rankings: GREEN #
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (39)
*Projected 2012 Payroll: est. $131,265,000, according to MLBDC Magazine
Disabled List Position Players DH Victor Martinez** +UPDATE 3/12- placed on 60-Day DL; likely out for the season (torn ACL) 3B Brandon Inge+UPDATE 4/3- placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 30th (strained groin)
Pitchers RHP Al Alburquerque+ UPDATE 12/16 - will likely miss half of season (elbow surgery) RHP Luis MarteBA#23 + UPDATE 4/3 - will be placed on 15-Day DL (strained hamstring)
Lost in Rule V Draft/Released/Traded
IF Gustavo Nuñez**UPDATE 12/8 - drafted by Pirates (Rule V) RHP David PauleyUPDATE 3/12 - released RHP Ryan PerryUPDATE 12/9 - traded to Nationals
DETROIT TIGERS
OFFSEASON PREVIEWposted 10/16/2011
General Manager Dave Dombrowski made a splash last offseason by signing Victor Martinez, one of the top hitters on the free agent market, andJoaquin Benoit, one of the top relievers. But his late-season acquisitions of starting pitcher Doug Fister (1.79 ERA in 70.1 IP w/ DET) and left fielder Delmon Young (8 HR, 32 RBI w/DET; 5 post-season HR) were just as important, helping the Tigers run away with the division and eventually fall two wins shy of the World Series. So what does Dombrowski have up his sleeve for this offseason?
There are some holes to fill, especially in the bullpen. One very important role can be filled by exercising the $9 million club option on closer Jose Valverde, who was a perfect 52-for-52 in save opportunities in 2011. Should be an easy decision, in my opinion. Aside from Benoit and Valverde, manager Jim Leyland lacked reliable options late in the game. Al Alburquerque looked like he could be that guy early in the season but he battled injuries and lost the strike zone late in the year. David Pauley, who also came over in the Fister deal, wasn't nearly as good as he had been with the Mariners early in the season. Ryan Perry and Daniel Schlereth still have a ton of potential but the Tigers could target another setup man to pair with Benoit.
Can Raburn be the everyday 2B for the Tigers?
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
One area that probably doesn't need to be addressed is the rotation. Justin Verlander is one of the best, if not the best, starting pitchers in the game. Fister, Max Scherzer, and Rick Porcello make up a solid middle of the rotation and top pitching prospect Jacob Turner is getting closer to making an impact in the big leagues. The 20 year-old struggled in three big league starts but had a fine minor league season (3.44 ERA, 131 IP, 117 H, 35 BB, 110 K in 20 starts between AAA/AA). Bringing in another veteran as insurance is a possibility but it's unlikely to be a top priority.
The lineup remains very good, especially with the return of Brennan Boesch (.283 BA, 16 HR, 25 2B in 115 games), who missed the last month of the season and the playoffs because of a torn thumb ligament, and a full season of Young at the other outfield corner. Miguel Cabrera continues to be one of the best hitters in baseball and Alex Avila and Jhonny Peraltawere two of the better hitters in the league at their respective positions. Austin Jackson strikes out too much (181 K) for a leadoff hitter and doesn't get on base nearly enough (.317 OBP) but he's only 24 and the Tigers will hope that he can improve enough to remain in that spot.
Third basemanBrandon Inge, who hit well over the last six weeks of the season, including a 7-for-21 performance in the playoffs, is signed for another season. Considering that he was designated for assignment earlier in the season before clearing waivers and accepting a minor league assignment, I can't imagine they go to Spring Training with Inge as the only option. Wilson Betemit, who posted an .871 OPS after he was acquired from Kansas City in mid-July, could be re-signed to share time at the hot corner. Another option would be to move Peralta to third base and pursue a shortstop. The Tigers will also have to decide if Ryan Raburn can be the full-time second baseman. The 30 year-old utilityman has posted a .900+ OPS in the second half of each of the past three seasons. He should find his way into the lineup against left-handed pitching, regardless, but they could shop for a second baseman if they don't think he can handle an everyday gig.
•UPDATE 10/28 - Valverde had his 2012 club option exercised.
•UPDATE 11/17 - The team has agreed to terms with free agent catcher Gerald Laird to be the backup for Avila. So don't expect to see Martinez behind the plate at all next season.
•UPDATE 11/30 - Infielder Ramon Santiago has been re-signed to a two-year deal. He'll likely see most of his time at second base but he can also play shortstop and third base. •UPDATE 12/7 - Reliever Octavio Dotel, who was very good in the post-season with the Cardinals, has agreed to a one-year deal. He'll be in the mix for the 7th inning setup role.
Dombrowski has acknowledged (thankfully) that Jackson is not an ideal leadoff hitter. I would say he is an awful leadoff hitter. Barring more acquisitions I would love to see Boesch hitting leadoff and Avila(high OBP) hitting second but it will never happen because Leyland is an old school guy how doesn't recognize OBP as meaningful.
They definitely know Jackson isn't an ideal leadoff guy. That's why I thought they would be serious contenders for Reyes or Rollins. There isn't an ideal leadoff guy in the lineup so Leyland will probably continue to go with the fastest guy, Jackson. He could improve his OBP but he's always going to be a high strikeout guy that would fit better lower in the order.
How high do you think the Tigers are on Turner? I am definitely not confident about a Turner-for-Jurrjens deal like I've heard about. Jurrjens is too injury-prone, in my opinion, and I want to see what we have with him first before we send him anywhere.
They like him enough not to include him in a deal for Jurrjens. I think it would take a much bigger name than Jurrjens for them to part with Turner. But at just 20 years old, I don't think they're ready to hand him a rotation spot. That's why they're looking for a veteran #5 starter stop-gap for 2012.
Is there any chance they are looking at W. Rodriguez? They need somebody to start games who can throw with his left hand. Rodriguez seems like a perfect fit.
Sounds like they're looking for another starter and Wandy is probably on the block. I don't think he's worth Turner or Castellanos so it will be interesting to see if any of their 2nd tier of prospects can get them a guy of Wandy's ability.
It's one option. And it would allow them to move Jackson down in the lineup. But Pierre's overall production is pretty low. Good at stealing bases. Not so much anything else.
Doubtful on Garcia in 2012. Based on his age (20), 2011 level (Hi-A), and plate discipline (18 BB, 132 K), my guess is that he is a long-term project with some upside.
Exactly. And if they do put Cabrera at 3B, they'll have a whole year to decide if he's capable of staying there in 2013. If not, he or V-Mart are on the trade block.
Miggy goes nowhere until his contract is up. Say whatever you want about Verlander, but when you watch the Tigers every day, you see that Cabrera is the indisputable MVP of this team.
I just heard Peter Gammons say that Cabrera will work out in left field and third base this spring. It's important for this to work so that they have a spot in the field for Cabrera when Martinez comes back next year.
No way they bat Avila after Prince butting the two lefties back to back. I love what Alex brings to the plate but, Young has to be in the 5 spot doesn't he? And has there been any mention by anyone in the organization that Cabrera is going to spend any time at all at third?
Sounded like they were very reluctant to move him earlier. Don't think they'd move him for Garza, who has been mentioned in trade rumors. If they're going for it all this season, maybe they'd trade him but only for the right pitcher.
Re: Avila
I just think Avila is a much better hitter and Prince needs some solid protection behind him. Could go either way. Delmon in the #5 spot definitely makes sense against LHP's and when Avila doesn't start. Still lots of questions. The team hasn't announced that Cabrera is going to 3B. But he said he was aware this could happen and the team reportedly had him preparing physically for the possibility this offseason.
If last year was no fluke, Peralta is much more consistent and reliable and is just a better all-around hitter than both Avila and Young. I am not sure why he is always overlooked.
Don't think so. They have a pretty solid group of lefties (Below, Wilk, Oliver, Crosby) to choose from as their #5 starter if Jacob Turner doesn't win the spot. And Drew Smyly could be ready by mid-season. No need to move Coke back and forth anymore. They should leave him in the 'pen.
I'd say the chances are better that he splits time with Raburn and Santiago, and serves as a late-inning replacement for Cabrera and occasional starter at 3B.
Unless he gets hurt, he's shown that he's capable of playing every day and producing without any days off. And he is likely to get more AB's as the DH this season.
Trying to decide what to do with a $4 Andy Dirks in my very deep, high inflation AL-only 4x4 keeper league. He's having a decent spring. But I'm worried that they may decide to keep Clete Thomas who is out of options over Dirks. How do you see this playing out?
I still have Dirks in there, because I think their OF defense is better with him instead of Delmon Young, who could DH. Too early to tell right now but I like Dirks to get in the lineup at some point, unless Cabrera really stinks it up at 3B and he's forced to DH on a regular basis.
We'll see. Two bad starts in a row, but he was good early on. I think Below might be the safest pick but he could also pitch in long relief. Not sure if Smyly is ready to make the jump after just 45 IP in AA. Very polished but it would still be good to get him at least another month or two in the minors.
That's how I have it, as well. Since they just announced their Opening Day lineup, I made the change temporarily. After Opening Day, I'll start a new post with the 'go-to' projected lineup.
Posts
39 comments:
What do you think the Tigers do with Santiago? He's been with the team for most of the past decade, and he's pretty good. I hope they re-sign him.
I don't really see another team giving him a starting opportunity so I'd expect him back at a reasonable rate.
Tigers need to spend on Cuddyer to play 2B or 3B.
Dombrowski has acknowledged (thankfully) that Jackson is not an ideal leadoff hitter. I would say he is an awful leadoff hitter. Barring more acquisitions I would love to see Boesch hitting leadoff and Avila(high OBP) hitting second but it will never happen because Leyland is an old school guy how doesn't recognize OBP as meaningful.
They definitely know Jackson isn't an ideal leadoff guy. That's why I thought they would be serious contenders for Reyes or Rollins. There isn't an ideal leadoff guy in the lineup so Leyland will probably continue to go with the fastest guy, Jackson. He could improve his OBP but he's always going to be a high strikeout guy that would fit better lower in the order.
How high do you think the Tigers are on Turner? I am definitely not confident about a Turner-for-Jurrjens deal like I've heard about. Jurrjens is too injury-prone, in my opinion, and I want to see what we have with him first before we send him anywhere.
They like him enough not to include him in a deal for Jurrjens. I think it would take a much bigger name than Jurrjens for them to part with Turner. But at just 20 years old, I don't think they're ready to hand him a rotation spot. That's why they're looking for a veteran #5 starter stop-gap for 2012.
Is there any chance they are looking at W. Rodriguez? They need somebody to start games who can throw with his left hand. Rodriguez seems like a perfect fit.
Sounds like they're looking for another starter and Wandy is probably on the block. I don't think he's worth Turner or Castellanos so it will be interesting to see if any of their 2nd tier of prospects can get them a guy of Wandy's ability.
Sign Juan Pierre and put Delmon at DH? Sound good to you?
It's one option. And it would allow them to move Jackson down in the lineup. But Pierre's overall production is pretty low. Good at stealing bases. Not so much anything else.
Well I would enjoy a .279 avg and 50 RBI out of the leadoff spot. That's more than Damon would give us.
Any chance Avisail Garcia could contribute in 2012? He would really help the offense w/o V-Mart.
Doubtful on Garcia in 2012. Based on his age (20), 2011 level (Hi-A), and plate discipline (18 BB, 132 K), my guess is that he is a long-term project with some upside.
How about Casey Kotchman? .306 with 10 HR isn't a far call from what V-Mart gave us...
Kotchman would be a good fit if Cabrera doesn't mind DH'ing on a regular basis.
Now, if Miggy can somehow play 3B, then VMart could DH in 2013, right?
Exactly. And if they do put Cabrera at 3B, they'll have a whole year to decide if he's capable of staying there in 2013. If not, he or V-Mart are on the trade block.
Miggy goes nowhere until his contract is up. Say whatever you want about Verlander, but when you watch the Tigers every day, you see that Cabrera is the indisputable MVP of this team.
I just heard Peter Gammons say that Cabrera will work out in left field and third base this spring. It's important for this to work so that they have a spot in the field for Cabrera when Martinez comes back next year.
I think it would make more sense to have Young at DH, Raburn or Dirks in LF, and Santiago or Raburn at 2B.
Sounds like there will be a lot of different lineups. Hard to pick just one 'go-to' lineup right now.
I think Young said he doesn't want to DH.
So are the Tigers free to move Castellanos for a starting pitcher if they are confident in Miggy at third?
No way they bat Avila after Prince butting the two lefties back to back. I love what Alex brings to the plate but, Young has to be in the 5 spot doesn't he? And has there been any mention by anyone in the organization that Cabrera is going to spend any time at all at third?
Re: Castellanos
Sounded like they were very reluctant to move him earlier. Don't think they'd move him for Garza, who has been mentioned in trade rumors. If they're going for it all this season, maybe they'd trade him but only for the right pitcher.
Re: Avila
I just think Avila is a much better hitter and Prince needs some solid protection behind him. Could go either way. Delmon in the #5 spot definitely makes sense against LHP's and when Avila doesn't start. Still lots of questions. The team hasn't announced that Cabrera is going to 3B. But he said he was aware this could happen and the team reportedly had him preparing physically for the possibility this offseason.
If last year was no fluke, Peralta is much more consistent and reliable and is just a better all-around hitter than both Avila and Young. I am not sure why he is always overlooked.
Phil Coke back to rotation?
Don't think so. They have a pretty solid group of lefties (Below, Wilk, Oliver, Crosby) to choose from as their #5 starter if Jacob Turner doesn't win the spot. And Drew Smyly could be ready by mid-season. No need to move Coke back and forth anymore. They should leave him in the 'pen.
What's Inge's shot at winning the 2B job?
I'd say the chances are better that he splits time with Raburn and Santiago, and serves as a late-inning replacement for Cabrera and occasional starter at 3B.
So do you see Cabrera playing 160+ games again?
Unless he gets hurt, he's shown that he's capable of playing every day and producing without any days off. And he is likely to get more AB's as the DH this season.
Trying to decide what to do with a $4 Andy Dirks in my very deep, high inflation AL-only 4x4 keeper league. He's having a decent spring. But I'm worried that they may decide to keep Clete Thomas who is out of options over Dirks. How do you see this playing out?
I still have Dirks in there, because I think their OF defense is better with him instead of Delmon Young, who could DH. Too early to tell right now but I like Dirks to get in the lineup at some point, unless Cabrera really stinks it up at 3B and he's forced to DH on a regular basis.
Oliver got rocked yet again today. Do you still see him as the #5 over Smyly or Below?
We'll see. Two bad starts in a row, but he was good early on. I think Below might be the safest pick but he could also pitch in long relief. Not sure if Smyly is ready to make the jump after just 45 IP in AA. Very polished but it would still be good to get him at least another month or two in the minors.
From what Leyland is saying, I am pretty sure Raburn will start at 2B over Santiago. Dirks should be LF and Young at DH.
That's how I have it, as well. Since they just announced their Opening Day lineup, I made the change temporarily. After Opening Day, I'll start a new post with the 'go-to' projected lineup.
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