OT: Watching the Tigers today was...actually kind fun
Yes, they're still only 12-23, but Skubal was special today with 11 Ks in just 6 IP. Miggy hit another bomb and had 2 RBI and the Tigers completed a sweep of the Orioles.
They now have a tough 3-game set against the Ray's then 15 (!) straight games against the Twins and India....er....uh...Guardians. If they're gonna make a move in the division, this is a really good time to do it.
Sure was.....Skubal was dealing!
There were a lot of things that had to line up for the tigers to have a great season (young players stepping up, role players taking the lead, starting pitching staff getting hot, etc ) so far none of those things lined up, and they've had other problems (health).
But one of those things they needed was Miggy to be an above average MLB player (not the all-time great he's been in the past) and that happened this series.
Good points on all the things that haven't worked out so far.
But Miggy, for all the struggles he seemed to have to start the season, is actually above average now:
Avg.: .287 (MLB Avg. = .235)
OPS: .728 (MLB OPS = .684)
MLB numbers are way down compared to previous years. In fact BA is currently lower than any other full season in MLB history. But Miggy's always hit better when it's warmer, so here's to hoping his numbers continue to rise!
Wow…was not aware of the BA, that’s crazy. What is the theory as to why?
It's crazy alright....Pirates won today dispite being no-hit.
Huge combination of factors. Shifts for one, only elite starters typically going deep into games (fresh arms/two times through the order), hugely decreased emphasis on hitting for average (ongoing for a long time now, granted), cold weather, etc.
Yeah, the weather in particular is one that makes comparing one spring month to full seasons not apples to apples. All your other points are definitely valid but the game has been going in this direction gradually for years. My guess is this season will only end up slightly more favorable to pitchers than the past year or two.
For a long time, hitters had an advantage in MLB because of video and because theoretically hitters can practice as long as they want, while a pitcher can only put so much stress on his arm(plus steroids helped a lot for a period there.)
But two technological advances have tilted things back in favor of the pitcher in recent years: 1. High-speed cameras that can measure the RPMs on any pitch and 2. Biomechanic analysis that gives precise angles and measurements on how the body moves through delivery.
As a result, you've got guys that are relative nobodies doing stuff like this regularly: https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1525990492143505410
https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1524194084684013568
Nobody tries to hit for average anymore because the odds of stringing together two or three hits in an inning against that is almost always going to be a losing proposition. If you get a mistake from the pitcher or run into a ball, you better get the maximum bang for your buck.
That said, the next technological advancement that is coming in the next few years is more advanced pitching machines, where you can plug the velocity/spin rate on each pitch of that day's starting pitcher into a computer and batters will be able to practice against the exact same pitches they'll be seeing that day.
It's actually better than that.
Going into tonight's game at Tampa, he's at .297 with an OBP of .344 and OOS of .768 for the season.
Since May 1st his #'s:
https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1526327019251847170?t=7Iw7Dab-1yIyMp8G2D704g&s=19
3 HRs, 3 doubles, .347 BA, and .969 OPS.
Not bad for an old guy!
Go Tigers!
I almost forgot how to celebrate.
I have faith in the Tigers. Part of that recent W/L record is boneheaded shit. Not a lack of talent. IDK if that's on coaching or on youth. But this team does have the ingredients to be a .500 club.
Also believe in this team. I believe it’s youth growing pains still. Braves were under 500 until something like early August last year. We have a lot of talent. Keep fighting and see what happens. And no matter what, no dumb trades to make a run. Not now. Window is just opening.
Considering the numerous injuries, the pitching staff has been outstanding (ahem, Chris Fetter). The bullpen in particular has been consistently lights out. Michael Fulmer, despite having a couple rocky outings recently, has been one of the better relievers in baseball. If they could get some of the bats going like Candelario, Schoop, Torkleson, etc. they could possibly make a run. Unfortunately, their pathetic hitting has put them into a serious hole to start the year.
Skubal is on pace to be an All-Star this year.
Beau Brieske has been impressive, too.
Tigers are still about 2 years away from finishing the season at .500. I would hope they stay well away from 100 losses. May be in 5 or 6 years they will be competitive for the division or wild card.
It might no longer take much more than a .500 record to reach the playoffs some seasons:
With 12 out of 30 MLB teams now heading to the playoffs (thru last season it was 10 of 30) and increased interleague play, it's even possible for a team to occasionally sneak in at .500 or slightly worse.
We'll be competitive for a wild card much more quickly than your listed timetable; a division title and beyond, however, may have to wait a few years longer unless some of our best hitting prospects explode beyond their projected ceilings.
The injuries this year have been insane, and have not allowed the Tigers to really get going.
And just had Meadows and Reyes leave the game yesterday, and Pineda the game before, and as you mentioned right before an important stretch.
Fire Scott Coolbaugh!