Second half. - ktd1976's Dynasty

ktd1976's Dynasty Blog

Second half.

Posted on June 25, 2021 at 11:17 PM.

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TIGERS SHIFT FOCUS TO SECOND HALF OF SEASON, WILL BE BUYERS AT THE TRADE DEADLINE

With the All Star break behind them, the Detroit Tigers have put themselves in a very good position. The Tigers currently lead the A.L. Central by a whopping 23 games. They could easily coast to a division title, and a playoff appearance. But, that isn't their goal. The goal is to get to, and win a World Series. The Tigers haven't been to a World Series since 2012, and haven't won one since 1984. They hope to change that this season.

And they are prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal. "We're all in. We're gonna look to improve this team at the deadline for sure. Ownership has given me the go ahead to add payroll, whatever it takes, to bring that World Series Championship home" said GM Al Avila.

The question is where can the Tigers improve? How do you improve a team that has been on a tear the entire season, winning 80 of their first 92 ball games? One possible area could be the starting rotation, though it has been outstanding. Spencer Turnbull currently has the highest ERA, at 3.35. However, with three starters currently in their first full seasons as starters, they could look for a veteran to take some innings from them. Jose Urena, currently in that role, could be replaced by an upgrade, however they could just continue to use Urena in the "6th starter" role.

The most likely area the Tigers could look for an upgrade is on the bench. Greyson Greiner, Victor Reyes, and Harold Castro have played pretty well, but Niko Goodrum has struggled, hitting just .223 with only 7 RBI. Promising rule 5 pick Akil Baddoo has also struggled to the tune of a .224 average, though he does have 9 home runs and 27 RBI. Also, there isn't much of a base stealing threat on the bench. Maybe a player like Tim Locastro of the Diamondbacks could be a fit?

The other areas they could possibly upgrade would be Shortstop, or Center Field. Willi Castro has played pretty well, hitting .269 but he has just 25 RBI, and 5 HR in 80 games. And his defense has been pretty subpar, having just a .967 FLD% with 10 errors. At Center Field, Jacoby Jones has played pretty well, but not spectacular. Jones has a .277 average with 11 HR and 41 RBI, but has struggled lately after a torrid start. Jones does provide excellent defensive value though.

The only real shortstop available that would appear to be an upgrade over Castro would be the Rockies Trevor Story. Story has a .280 average with 12 HR and 36 RBI, and would be a defensive upgrade as well. Adam Frazier is also available, but he hasn't hit this well at all. Didi Gregorius and Jose Iglesias appear to be available as well, but again, wouldn't be much of an upgrade.

There are several Center Fielders that appear to be on the market. Starling Marte (.259, 14, 43) Would be an upgrade with the bat, but maybe a slight downgrade in the field. Andrew McCutchen is also available, but he would be an even bigger downgrade in the field. But, he has hit very well this season (.288, 19, 59).

Then you have the wild card. Mike Trout. Trout requested a trade from the Angels over the All Star Break. That doesn't mean he is available, persay. The Angels are under no obligation to trade Trout. However, the Angels are paying him $35.5 million a season for the next 10 years. Do they really want to risk upsetting a player who they have that much money tied into? A disgruntled player might not perform as well as he could. Trout also has a full No-Trade clause in his contract, so he could veto any deal the Angels reach, handcuffing where they could trade him if they even want to. Then you have to figure that the haul the Angels would ask for would be astronimical. Not many teams could absorb the huge contract, AND have the prospects/players to send the Angels back in any trade.

Could the Tigers make a play for Trout? I'm sure they would inquire. But, any Trout deal would almost certainly have to include Spencer Torkelson, who was just promoted to AA Erie, and the Tigers have no intention of trading him. Landing Trout is unlikely, and the guess is he won't be moved at the deadline. Story, on the other hand, is a free agent at season's end, and would likely cost a lot less. Maybe a deal centered around Willi Castro and a couple other prospects would be enough to pry him from the Rockies?

Whatever the case, it should be an interesting couple of weeks, as teams gear up to make a run.