Category Archives: Minors

Front Office, Minors

Tigers announce minor league staffs

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Here we are only a week and a half into the offseason, and already the team has generated 3 news items – and we haven’t even gotten to trade season or tendering contracts yet. Today, the Tigers announced their minor league staff assignments and things are all shook up.

Toledo

So things at Toledo are pretty stable. Larry Parrish is back at the helm. Jeff Jones is pitching coach, and Leon Durham remains as hitting coach. With the departure of Don Slaught, Toledo could still lose a member of their staff.

Erie

Erie’s entire staff from last year was let go. Matt Walbeck was promoted from West Michigan to lead the Seawolves. He brings along pitching coach A.J. Sager who filled the same role with the Whitecaps last year. Hitting coach Glenn Adams spent the last 6 years as the Mariners minor league hitting coordinator before being let go in August.

Lakeland

Larry Herndon returns as hitting coach, and Britt Burns is pack as pitching coach. But Mike Rojas, the manager for the last 2 years, is now the organizational catching coordinator. Kevin Bradshaw, who was the GCL Tiger manager last year, assumes the same role for the L-Tigers.

West Michigan

Another former Tiger earns a promotion as Tom Brookens jumps from Oneonta to the Whitecaps. Ray Burris was a first year pitching coach for Oneonta last year, and will move with Brookens. Benny Distefano was promoted for the GCL Tigers to become the hitting coach.

The Tigers also announced new staffs at Oneonta (Man-Andy Barkett, Pit-Mark Johnson), the GCL Tigers (Man-Benny Castillo, Pit-Greg Sabat, Hit-Basilio Cabrera) and the VSL (Man-Josman Robles, Pit-JorgeCordova,Hit-Jesus Laya) and DSL (Man-Andres Thomas, Pit-Marcos Aquasvivas, Hit-Francisco Cabrera) teams.

Given some of the desire to change the Tigers approach at the plate, it was little surprise that on the top 5 teams, only 2 hitting coaches returned (Durham and Herndon). Toby Harrah will return as hitting coordinator, and he certainly had a track record of patience as a player. (for more on Harrah’s philosophies check out this article)

And a scout

The Tigers also announced that they hired Murray Cook as East Coast Crosschecker. Cook is a former colleague of David Chadd and spent the last 5 years with the Red Sox scouting department. Prior to that he was a colleague of Dave Dombrowski spending 10 years with the Marlins scouting department.

2006 Season, Contracts, Minors

Killing time

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After taking a couple days off, the Tigers will hit the field for a workout tomorrow. I’ll take today off as well, but I’ll hit the blog with more stuff tomorrow night.

In the meantime, for your reading pleasure…

Arizona Fall League

Last year I was watching Arizona Fall League games on gamecast and seeing Humberto Sanchez dominate. This year I haven’t even looked at a box score. Fortunately
Kurt’s got the update on Jordan Tata, Brent Clevlen, and AFL veteran Kody Kirkland.

Six of Jeter, half dozen of Polanco

Placido Polanco was a very deserving ALCS MVP. Tom Tango, esteemed sabermetrician and co-author of The Book, compares Polanco to leading AL MVP candidate Derek Jeter. Read the article to see who is more valuable, or at least who is more of a value.

The Ordonez contract, another look

Via Baseball Musings there is an article in the Pioneer Press that Magglio Ordonez is “worth every cent” of his contract. I said at the time of the signing that I didn’t think there was anyway that Ordonez would ever be worth his contract. Of course I didn’t expect him to help the team into the World Series in the 2nd year of his contract either.

Joe Sheehan points out (premium) that the Tigers now in the World Series, will benefit immensely from the additional revenue.

Now someone else making a lot less money may have been capable of similar production. But finding that player is always the tough part. The Tigers have what they have in Ordonez and that was enough to get them to the World Series. At the same time, it hasn’t prevented the team from spending money. They continue to add to the domestic and international scouting staffs and they drafted high-talent/tough sign guys and got them into the organization. Not all spending needs to be on free agents.

One other thing I said at the time of the signing was that it felt like an Ilitch move. I did that more to assign blame at the time. What’s fair is fair, and so the credit goes to him today.

2006 Season, Minors, Roster Management

Durbin and Rabelo Up, Lewis DFA’d

The Tigers purchased the contracts of Chad Durbin and Mike Rabelo today. They had one spot open on the 40 man roster, and to free up the other spot Colby Lewis was designated for assignment.

Durbin is a 28 year old right hander coming off an excellent season for Toledo. He posted a 3.11 ERA and fanned 149 against 46 walks in 185 innings.

Mike Rabelo is 26 and posted a 779 OPS between Erie and Toledo. He would most likely become the backup catcher in the event that Ivan Rodriguez or Vance Wilson were to become injured in the postseason.

Because both players were in the organization on August 31st, they could both be placed on the playoff roster as an injury replacement.

2006 Season, Game Post, Minors

Game 148: Orioles at Tigers

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PREGAME: First off, here’s hoping that the Tigers break that trend of winning the series opener and then losing all the rest.

Tonight the Tigers will send out Nate “will somebody chew some gum when I’m pitching so I can get some freakin runs” Robertson. He’ll be opposed by Kris Benson, husband of Anna Benson.

Game Time 7:05pm

And in other news, the Mud Hens will play game 5 of the Governors Cup Championship. That game is at 7pm and can be followed via minorleaguebaseball.com.

POSTGAME: The Tigers won tonight making for their first winning streak of any length since taking the first 2 of a 4 game set against the White Sox. It also makes for their first series win since the Tigers took 2 of 3 in Fenway.

Nate Robertson apparently tired of losing due to a lack of run support through 8 shut out innings backed by some strong defense.

And the Rod Allen moment of the night had to be when Pudge Rodriguez took a foul tip (emphasis on tip). Rod used the injury delay to extoll the virtues of wearing a cup. It was the most amusing and uncomfortable public service announcement ever.

And a short juant down I-75 saw the Mud Hens win their second consecutive International League Championship in a 10-1 rout of Rochester. Similar to their win the night before, the did it on the strength of 4 homers (David Espinosa, Dustin Mohr, Mike Hessman, Josh Phelps). The Hens will now take on the PCL winner Tuscon on Tuesday in the inaugural Bricktown Showdown. The game can be seen on ESPN 2.

2006 Season, Minors

Mud Hens & Whitecaps & Championships

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The West Michigan Whitecaps captured teh Midwest League Championship tonight with an 8-4 win over Kane County. Wil Rhymes led the charge tonight with a 4 hit effort. Cameron Maybin added a double and a single while Matt Joyce homered. Erik Averill pitched 6 shutout innings allowing only 5 hits. Congratulations Whitecaps!

Meanwhile, the Toledo Mud Hens will be trying for their 2nd consecutive International League Championship on Saturday night. It was made possible after a 6-0 win over Rochester forced a 5th and deciding game. Brian Boehringer was throwing a shutout before being ejected in the 6th inning. Preston Larrison, Bobby Seay, and Lee Gardner combined to preserve a scoreless effort. Dustin Mohr, David Espinosa, Jack Hannahan, and Mike Hessman all belted homers for the Mud Hens. Saturday night’s game will be played at 7:00pm in Toledo.

2006 Season, Minors

Erie Coaching Staff Canned

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Manager Duffy Dyer, pitching coach Mike Caldwell, and hitting coach Pete Incaviglia were all fired following yesterday’s game (which ended the season).

Erie had an awful season, and they really had no offense to speak of. Clevlen had come off a good season the year before, and a great spring training, and yet struggled in AA before having success in a very small sample in Detroit.

On the pitching side, it was surprising to see Caldwell let go. Humberto Sanchez took the next step forward in his development under Caldwell this year. Eulogio De La Cruz also finally started to put things together this year after being touted as a prospect for the last several years. Last year Joel Zumaya, who had shown glimpses in prior seasons, became a dominant force under Caldwell. Going farther back Wil Ledezma had an excellent season under Caldwell in 2004.

I honestly don’t know how much Caldwell contributed to those players successes, or if they were just talented enough to do it no matter who the pitching coach was. But he certainly didn’t seem to hurt any of those guys development.

2006 Season, Minors

Tigers Minor League Wrap – August 29th

Toledo 6, Durham 1
Ryan Raburn was 3 for 5 including his 20th homer. Chris Shelton was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and a strike out. Brian Boehringer pitched 7 strong innings allowing 1 run.

Trenton 11, Erie 2
Nate Bumstead was pounded for 9 runs on 10 hits and 4 walks over 4 innings. Brent Clevlen was 1 for 2 with 2 walks.

Lakeland 8, Dunedin 2
Jeff Frazier had 2 homers and Jeff Larish singled, doubled, and walked. Dallas Trahern allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks over 5 innings.

Lansing 7, West Michigan 4
Justin Justice went 2 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base. Cameron Maybin was 1 for 3 with 2 walks. Erik Averill allowed 4 runs on 6 hits, 2 walks and 4 K’s. Ricky Steik allowed 3 runs in the 9th inning to take the loss.

Oneonta – Cancelled (Rain)

2006 Season, Minors

Tigers Minor League Wrap – August 28th

Durham 8, Toledo 7
Alexis Gomez got in one last game before heading to New York and he went 1 for4 with a walk. Josh Phelps was 3 for 5. Chris Shelton was 0 for 5. Jordan Tata started and allowed 5 runs, 3 earned, in 5 innings before being lifted after 73 pitches.

Erie – PPD

Lakeland 5, Dunedin 5 (in progress)
Jim Essian was 3 for 5. Eddie Bonine lasted 7 2/3 innings and allowed 3 runs on 8 hits, 1 walk, and 9 K’s.

West Michigan 3, Lansing 1
Mike Hollimon homered and walked. Cameron Maybin took and 0 for 4. Sendy Vasquez was excellent over 6 innings. He allowed 1 run on 3 hits, no walks, and 9 K’s.

Oneonta 11, Tri-City 4
Scott Sizemore had 3 hits and a walk. Ronnie Bourquin was 2 for 4 as was Jeff Junkel. Duane Below, up from the GCL, allowed 4 runs, 3 earned in 5 2/3 innings. Lauren Gagnier pitched 2 scoreless innings in relief.

2006 Season, Minors

Tigers Minor League Wrap – August 25th

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Toledo 10, Louisville 4
Mike Maroth made his 4th rehab start. He allowed 2 runs on 7 h its, 1 walk, and 4 K’s while throwing 79 pitches over 6 innings. Ryan Ludwick was 2 for 4 including his 27th homer and Alexis Gomez singled and doubled twice. Chris Shelton was 0 for 3 with a walk and 3 K’s.

Erie 3, Binghamton 2
Jair Jurrjens pitched 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and 5 K’s.

Binghamton 5, Erie 0
PJ Finigan started and allowed all 5 runs on 8 hits. Chris Maples picked up 2 singles, which was exactly half of the team’s offensive output.

Lakeland 7, Fort Myers 6
Jeff Larish was 1 for 2 with 2 walks. Kevin Ardoin allowed 5 runs over 5 innings. Kevin Whelan picked up the save fanning 4 of the 5 batters he faced.

West Michigan 3, Fort Wayne 2
Matt Joyce homered and Cameron Maybin was 2 for 4. Matt O’Brien allowed 2 runs, both unearned, over 6 innings.

Oneonta 12, Vermont 3
Ronnie Bourquin and Brennan Boesch each had 3 hits. Scott sizemore took a rare 0 for 4. Zach Piccola allowed 2 runs, 1 earned, over 6 innings. Jonah Nickerson allowed only a walk and a solo homer in 3 innings of relief.

2006 Season, Managing & Strategy, Minors

Tiger links and such

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  • Management by Baseball commends Jim Leyland from a management perspective. This isn’t a discussion of baseball tactics, but of how Leyland’s response to being swept by the White Sox was dead-on and helped lead to the Red Sox series victory.
  • There’s a great story about the challenges that 10 year minor league vet and Erie Seawolve Jackson Melian has encountered since being a top Yankee prospect. Early in his career, both parents were killed in a car accident while accompanying Melians team on a roadtrip.
  • The Tigers have announced their Arizona Fall League contingent. Jair Jurrgens, Preston Larrison, Jordan Tata, Kevin Whelan, Mike Rabelo, Kody Kirkland, and Brent Clevlen will be representing the Tigers and playing for the Phoenix Desert Dogs
  • .Carlos Guillen has signed on with Scott Boras. Fortunately the Tigers still have Guillen through 2007.
2006 Season, Minors

Tigers Minor League Wrap – August 24th

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Toledo 8, Indianapolis 7
Jack Hannahan had 2 doubles and a homer. Alexis Gomez doubled and singled. Chris Shelton was 1 for 5 with 4 K’s.

Erie 7, Binghamtom 6 (10 inn in progress)
Eulogio De La Cruz went 6 1/3 innings and allowed 4 runs on 8 hits (2 of which were homers) but he did fan 9. Jackson Melian doubled and homered. Kody Kirkland, who is back at Erie, homered as part of a 3 hit night.

Lakeland – DNP

Fort Wayne 5, West Michigan 0
There weren’t many offensive highlights. Mike Hollimon reached base 3 times (2 walks and a single). Cameron Maybin was 1 for 4. Erik Averill allowed 4 runs on 7 hits over 6 innings.

Vermont 5, ONeonta 3
Scott Sizemore had 2 hits. Ronnie Bourquin had 2 walks and a single. Christian Martinez allowed 1 run over 6 innings.

2006 Season, Minors

Tigers Minor League Wrap – August 23rd

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Toledo 7, Indianapolis 3
Jordan Tata had a strong outing as he shut out the Indians until they broke through for 3 runs in the 8th inning. Preston Larrison who was recently promoted to Toledo walked the only batter he faced in the 8th before Chris Spurling picked up a 2 inning save. Alexis Gomez picked up 3 doubles and Ryan Ludwick was a triple short of the cycle. Chris Shelton was 2 for 3 including a double.

Erie 5, Trenton 1
Virgil Vasquez pitched a complete game and allowed 1 run on 6 hits, 1 walk, and 6 K’s.

Lakeland 7, Dunedin 1
Jeff Larish homered, singled, and drove in 3. Dallas Trahern allowed 2 hits, 3 walks, and 1 run over 5 innings.

West Michigan – DNP

Oneonta 7, Lowell 3
Jeff Kunkel, Ronnie Bourqin, and Brennan Boesch each had 2 hits. Brendan Wise allowed 1 run over 5 2/3 innings. Brett Jensen allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk.

GCL Tigers – Season Over