#Detroit free press tigers series

The rotation isn’t great and the offense remains a work in progress. Even then, the Tigers had a 30-46 division record. The Tigers finished a surprising third in the AL Central last year, but a lot of that had to do with the division being one of the majors’ worst.

#Detroit free press tigers series

(If ever there was a year to play more than four games against the Pirates…) But their inability to take series from powers such as the Blue Jays and Rays will leave the Tigers at home in mid-October. The Tigers will thrive against the rebuilding squads mentioned above. That's a 10-game jump from last seasonl it'd be a nice leap if not for the (sudden?) expectation that the Tigers should make the playoffs.Ģ022 SCHEDULE: Predicting all 162 games this season Will the Tigers make the playoffs?Īlbom: Not yet, but they’ll be chasing in September.įord: No. But this team will have bouts of inconsistency because of the young pitchers and reliance on young hitters like Torkelson and - eventually - Greene. A year ago, the Tigers played winning baseball in the second half, putting together an impressive 37-34 record, and this year’s roster is even better. But the back end of the rotation will lead to another third-place finish in the division. That’s a slight improvement over last year’s 77-85 record and it should be good enough for the Tigers to stay in contention in a weak AL Central through at least early August. JEFF SEIDEL: AJ Hinch is already working wonders with the Tigers. But even with the improved roster and Hinch’s magic touch, the organization appears to be a few developments - rather than free-agent signings - away from cracking the postseason.

The Tigers made several outstanding offseason additions to boost the lineup for manager AJ Hinch, one of the best skippers in baseball. 500 record, for the first time since 2016, sometime in late September. Add in some series sweeps of truly bad A’s, D’backs and Orioles squads and the Tigers should clinch at least a. The Tigers will be better - though not dominant - against the AL Central, thanks a handle on the rivalry with the Royals and close to break-even performances against the Guardians, Twins and White Sox. Read on and find out: How many games will the Tigers win?įord: 85. Will they whiff, like so many Javier Baez at-bats, or connect for a deep one, like so many Miguel Cabrera at-bats (502 times through last season). (Yes, even Carlos.) Free Press sports writers Mitch Albom, Ryan Ford, Carlos Monarrez, Evan Petzold, Jeff Seidel and Shawn Windsor all took their swings at the big issues facing the franchise in 2022. Our writers are more optimistic, however. In total, he logged 129 games played between Double-A and Triple-A.CARLOS MONARREZ: Thank Chris Ilitch for this newfound Tigers optimismīEHIND THE PLATE: Barnhart's 'Screw you' attitude could be just what Tigers need 304/.407/.519 with seven home runs and 22 RBI overall. He played 41 games with the Mud Hens in 2021, where he slashed. ( Of course, that’s optimism that the Tigers will play baseball in 2022.) It’s harder to see him making a debut, but without the Tigers on the field, a scorching start with Toledo might change things when the Tigers do pick things up down the line. He may be a shortstop by trade but could also find himself getting at-bats at third base or second base if the roster allows it. The reason this work stoppage may benefit Kreidler is that the MLB team is not playing, and a strong start from Kreidler may earn himself a spot to be called up.

He’s toolsy, and the hit tools are there and exciting for fans, so this chance to keep developing is going to help. With the Tigers picking up Javier Báez in free agency this offseason, there’s not as much room for Kreidler to make the jump to the big leagues if he continues to hit well in Triple-A. Detroit Tigers Ryan Kreidler gets to make strides in 2022.

Since the Mud Hens will still play in 2022, it is an excellent thing for Kreidler to be able to get back on the field, and the lockout may help him, as was mentioned above. Kreidler made his Triple-A debut in 2021 and got off to a hot start very early on with the Toledo Mud Hens. It’s not to say that he will be the next top-tier prospect, but he is someone who has value for the Tigers organization. The way things stand, Kreidler is the best shortstop prospect who is most readily available to make it to the big leagues.