Tigers Biggest Series of 2012 Starts Tonight

It may not be the biggest by the end of the year but a sweep is just what the Tigers need to climb atop the division and stay there, and let’s not forget right now is the time most Tigers play at their absolute best.
THE YOUNG GUN: Sure, Nick Castellanos is the Tigers top prospect but Avisail Garcia has slowly climbed up the system and flashed his tools and in the past few years he has turned those into results.  He deserves the call and could be the Tigers weapon to success f they make the postseason.  First he needs to help this series, and he can.  Some compare him to former Tiger Magglio Ordonez and if one thing is for sure he can get a clutch hit like him, so don;t be surprised if he gets a huge hit and some attention while making his MLB debut tomorrow.  No he started the year repeating HIgh A ball, not because he was bad but the fact he was young, and he tore it up, so the argument that he can’t help Detroit is a bad one.
THE OFFENSE: The Tigers need to stop the White SOx 2-5 and they can beat them.  The other parts of the order need be pitched well but the 2-5 holes are the Sox best hitters and if the Tigers stop Youkilis, Dunn, Konerko and Rios they can win the series and possibly more.  It also helps that the Tigers three best pitchers are pitching, so the chances of shutting down those hitter goes up.  So get these guys, don’t walk guys, and get the hitter in the bottom of the order out.
PITCHING
Friday: Jake Peavy vs Doug Fister- Fister has been awesome since All-Star Break besides one bad start and Peavy shuts down the Tigers since he was traded to Chicago.  This is Chicago’s best chance to win.  This should be a pitcher’s match-up.  I thinK Fister should rebound and I predict him as the Tigers Player of The Game.  Both of these teams will need to get hits.  I think the Tigers will need to bring out their power tonight too  LINE PREDICTIONS: Peavy 7 IP 3 ER 6 H 1 BB 8 K  Fister 7 IP 2 ER 7 H 2 BB 8 K
Saturday: Francisco Liriano vs Max Scherzer- Scherzer will surpass the 200 K mark during this game and he should hold down the White Sox well as he has started a mini hot streak, he just needs to avoid walks and be the power pitcher he is.  I like Scherzer and the big things expected of him should come out now.  Liriano could get bombed by this offense, but he could also do a decent job, the Tigers offense needs to show up and make a statement during this game.  PREDICTED LINES  Liriano 6 IP 5 ER 7 H 3 BB 5 K  Scherzer 6.2 IP 2 ER 7 H 2 BB 10 K
Sunday: CHris Sale vs Justin Verlander- Verlander needs to bounce back after a bad start and he will because he is an ace.  His W-L record is not what he has been this season and he can shutdown any offense, and I expect him to have another special game against CHicago.  Sale is impressive and I like his stuff and how he pitches altogether but the Tigers just need to get a few hits and runs off of Sale and they can win.  PREDICTED LINES Sale 7.1 IP 3 ER 7 H 1 BB 7 K  Verlander 9 IP 0 ER 4 H 0 BB 11 K

Game Predictions:
Friday: White Sox 5  Tigers 6
Saturday: White Sox 3 Tigers 9
Sunday: White Sox 0 Tigers 4

The White Sox struggle in Detroit and the Tigers play well at home and the Detroit Tigers hitting can come alive this series.

NOTE: The Tigers have had some disappointing seasons from guys like Boesch and Avila this year but they can get through it.  Avila still gets on and Boesch can still hit a bomb and they can both get better in September, but the big thing is guys like Max Scherzer and Austin Jackson are doing better than 2011 so the Tigers can do fine and make a run in September, maybe even one like 2011.

Top Prospects Traded At Dealine: One Month In

1. SP Jacob Turner
2. SS Jean Segura
3. SP Arodys Vizcaino
4. C Rob Brantly
5. 3B Zack Cox
6. SP Kyle Hendricks
7. 3B Christian Villenueva
8. SP John Hellweg
9. SP Ethan Martin
10. C Tommy Joseph
11. SP Ariel Pena
12. SP Nate Eovaldi
13. OF Robbie Grossman
14. SP Brian Flynn
15. RP Donnie Joseph
16. SP Pedro Hernandez
17. SP Asher Wojciechowski
18. OF Marc Krauss
19. 3B Matt Dominguez
20. SP Rob Raussman
21. OF Leon Landry
22. OF Gorkys Hernandez
23. C Carlos Perez
24. SP Kevin Comer
25. SP Kevin Rollins
26. OF Bobby Borchering
27. SP Seth Rosin
28. SP Rudy Owens
29. SP Matt Heidenreich
30. RP Logan Bowcom
31. 2B Charlie Culberson
32. SP Juan Sulbaran
33. RP Scott McGough
34. RP DJ Mitchell
35. RP Danny Farquhar
36. SP Colton Cain
37. SS Eduardo Escobar
38. RP Kyle Kaminska
39. SP Steve Delabar
40. SP Blair Walters
41. 2B Tyler Bortnick
42. SP Chris Devenski
43. SP Jake Brigham
44. SP Joe Musgrove
45. SP Todd Redmond
46. SP Jaye Chapman

Some of these guys have reached the MLB or graduated but I left them on since they had little MLB time, others like Brad Lincoln, Eric Thames and Travis Snider have seen time in the MLB so I left them off.  Overall there wasn’t many stars and some have thrived on being traded while others have been bombed but these guys offer some talent that was dealt around.

Cubs Keepers: Darwin Barney

Darwin Barney is the Cubs starting second baseman right now, he has been with them team full-time since 2011.  He’s a great defender and does some of the small things on offense, and has been a good number eight hitter this year.  The problem with Barney is that he needs to take more walks, though that is a common problem with most players today.  If Barney raised his average a bit, like he could do any given year and took some walks he would be a great number two hitter and his value would go through the roof.  The Cubs have young infielders coming up though like Josh Vitters, Javier Baez, and Junior Lake so the major question is if you would trade Barney or keep him.  My answer is that his defense is good and he has played poorly this year with some bright spots.  WIth Barney I would work hard with him and at least keep him another year in hopes of him improving, If he does a lot I would trade him after 2013, as long as Lake developed to his ability.  Barney worst case would make a good back-up middle infielder, but he could be a lot more and I know next season he will at least get a little better, if not a lot.  His 2011 season wasn’t bad and there is no guarantee all those guys will develop into to MLB players or stars so keeping Barney around isn’t bad, and he makes a decent Cub for now.  I see the Cubs improving as talent comes up and they fix their pitching and Barney could easily be a part of this, he pays a great second base doing all over and making good throws and when I’ve seen him play I thought he was a decent player but be has to be more patient and just hit.  Once his OBP goes up his average and every other hitting percentage will follow and he could even cut back ona few Ks.  The thing I like most about Barney this year is that his power is going up.  It can go a bit higher too and that’s helping him become a better second baseman.  I see him being decent in his career. He could be a Cub for a long time if he can make some of those adjustments at any rate or become a back-up at the very worst case or for a short time if his value hits high or another team offers a good deal.  For now I’d say Barney is an improving Cub.

Brian Flynn Interview

Today I was lucky enough to get the chance to interview Brian Flynn, a recently acquired Marlins starting pitcher who currently pitches for AA Jacksonville.  Flynn was drafted last season by the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round and has been a top prospect since he began playing pro ball.  He was traded to the Marlins last month with Jacob Turner and Rob Brantly in exhcnge for Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez.  I’d like to take the chance to thank Brian Flynn for doing the interiew and I wish him luck in his career, though with his skills he may not even need it.  Enjoy!  Be sure to follow Brain Flynn on Twitter @TheBFlynn as he comes up through the Miami Marlins system

Niklas Jarvinen: Being a southpaw pitcher is considered unique and special by most baseball fans and scouts.  Are you a natural Left Handed Pitcher or was it something you were taught?   Has anybody ever made a big deal out of you making a lefty?

Brian Flynn: I am actually completely right handed. When I was 3 I  picked out a ninja turtle baseball glove in KMart. On the way home my parents realized it was left handed, they decided I could just play that way. Solid decision.

NJ: You signed with the Tigers last season after the drafted you in the seventh round. What would you say your year in the Tigers organization like?  Did you have a favorite pitching coach in the organization?

BF:My year with the Tigers was amazing. They are a class act organization and they did nothing but help my career progress. Both pitching coaches I had in the organization contributed to making me the pitcher I am now.

NJ: On July 23^rd, 2012 you were traded by the Tigers to the Marlins in a deal that involved Jacob Turner, Rob Brantly, Anibal Sanchez, and Omar Infante.  Can you take us through this experience?

BF: Being traded was a very surreal experience. I actually found about the deal on Twitter. My teammates in Erie started congratulating me and after the manager had heard it leaked and everything was official he called me into office to give me the news. It was an exciting unforgettable day.

NJ: What are your thoughts on the Marlins and the direction they’re headed in?

BF: It is an exciting time to be a Marlin. The new ballpark, uniforms, and faces have brought new energy to the franchise.

NJ: So you have been flying quickly through the Tigers and Marlins systems since you were drafted just last year.  You are already in AA.  Do you feel like you are flying up through the minors?

BF: It’s definitely been a fun ride to this point. The Tigers gave me great opportunities out of the gate and I just did my best to perform and improve as a pitcher the best I could. I am thankful for both organizations allowing me to continue to grow and challenge myself.

NJ: Also while on the minor league subject, What is life like in the minors for you?

BF: It is very simple and straight forward. Travel and play baseball. I am a very easy going person and I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.

NJ: Out of all the cities and teams you’ve been on since being drafted which team and city has been your favorite to this point?

BF: I’ve got to say my current team in Jacksonville. This has been my first extended taste of AA ball and it is a blast. Good crowds, nice city, and really competitive baseball. It’s fun showing up to the field here every day.

NJ: What was it like at Wichita State?  There have been a lot of baseball players drafted from the school in the past few seasons.

BF: Playing at WSU was great. The coaching staff did a good job preparing us for baseball not only at the college level but beyond. It’s also fun to keep up with the guys that are playing in pro ball as well.

NJ: Before attending Wichita State you were drafted by the Red Sox, looking back how do you feel about that and choosing to go to college before starting a professional pitching career?

BF: I think looking back it was 100% the right decision. I have hit the ground running in pro ball and I think that is all because of the development I experienced in college. Both on the field and off.

NJ: So you’re 6’8 and a lefty, do you consider the fact that you are much taller than most hitters as an advantage?

BF: Using my leverage and pounding the bottom of the strike zone is something that I work hard on. The angle I create is something that is vital to my success as a pitcher.

NJ: How many scouts did you talk to before being drafted and did you ever feel any pressure from them watching your games?

BF: I think any player that is drafted has to get used to interacting with scouts. I spoke to many before the draft but when it comes down to it no one can predict how the draft will turn out. Playing in front of scouts is something I think guys thrive on and enjoy doing. The only pressure comes from within.

NJ: The transition from college to pro baseball seems to have been an easy one for you as far as stats and pitching goes ,Is the transition easy? Like a “I’m just going to go out and pitch good” attitude?

BF: The attitude is the same yes. No matter what the level pitchers must work fast, throw strikes, and change speeds. The major difference in pro ball is that mistakes get hit harder and further. Eliminating the mistakes has been the key for me moving forward.

Three Quick Questions:
NJ: Favorite MLB Player and Team As a Kid (There are no teams in Oklahoma so I’m guessing Texas?):
BF:Favorite player: Randy Johnson
Team: New York Yankees
NJ: Your Favorite Baseball Stat? (Like a stat you like to measure your pitching by)
BF: ERA and walks. Really working on limiting my walks year to year
NJ: Who is your favorite Comedian?
BF: Jeff Dunham

MLB Power Rankings: 8/26/12

1. Nationals
2. Rangers
3. Reds
4. Yankees
5. Braves
6. White Sox
7. Rays
8. Tigers
9. Dodgers
10. Giants
11. Cardinals
12. Atheltics
13. Pirates
14. Orioles
15. Angels
16. Diamondbacks
17. Red Sox
18. Phillies
19. Mariners
20. Mets
21. Marlins
22. Brewers
23. Blue Jays
24. Indians
25. Padres
26. Royals
27. Cubs
28. Twins
29. Rockies
30. Astros

Top Ten MLB Pitchers Right Now

1. Justin Verlander- He’s still the best for sure, he’s not having a year quite like last year but he is still doing amazing and amazing things almost every start and his fastball and curveball are crazy good, and all his numbers support him, especially if you look deeper
2. Felix Hernandez- He seems to be forgotten at times playing on a non-contender but he’s another amazing pitcher, and he is fresh off of a Perfect Game against a good team
3. David Price- Best left-handed pitcher in all of baseball, he’s become very hard to hit this year and is just entering his prime, so getting even higher on the list is no stretch for him, and every time he climbs the mound Tampa seems to win
4. Jered Weaver- He was having a very great season until he fell off a bit lately, but he’s still a great pitcher and an ace who can do big things
5. Matt Cain- He has to be one of the most underrated pitchers of the last decade, but this year he’s having a career year and I’d take him over any NL starter right now in a heartbeat
6. Clayton Kershaw- The defending Cy Young hasn’t been much worse in 2012 and he’s still so young I can see him being elite for 12 years barring a drop off in his pitching
7. Madison Bumgarner- I feel this guy could win the Cy Young next year and I see him being the next Clayton Kershaw but likely even better, but he still is younger and will continue to grow on everybody
8. Stephen Strasburg- He’s leading the Nationals to a division crown at his very young age and he’s been an all-star and that’s just the start of what should be a great career with a long list of accomplishments
9. Chris Sale- I got to see Sale pitch last night and it was a treat he was carving up some of the best batters in the MLB with his amazing stuff and getting out after out, he can even field his position well, he amazed me in pretty much every way to say the least
10. RA Dickey- Has had a bit of a drop-off and his prime won;t be as long as most pitchers but right now, he’s tenth best with his great numbers and even better knuckler

HM: Johnny Cueto, Jordan Zimmermann, Jake Peavy, Gio Gonzalez, Cole Hamels, CC Sabathia

Would It Be Smart For The Tigers To Call-Up Castellanos or Garcia?

Most of the time calling up a player to play in the middle of a pennant chase is a risky moe that only works sometimes, but this year young guns have stole the show in 2012 as a new wave of very young talent is rolling in that includes Mike Trout, Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, and even pitchers like Matt Moore.  Nick Castellanos is a great hitting prospect who could provide average, a bit of power and he could be a driving force since he may be better than options like Delmon Young.  Castellanos could handle the outfield,, as he has a good arm and is just above average in the outfield.  I think Castellanos is a special player, and the type of guy like Trout, who could come up and not be affected too much by being in the MLB.  Castellanos still has a few things to develop and work on, but most are just adjustments and quick fixes.  One thing Castellanos has to do for sure, is take more walks if he comes up, but other than that I wouldn’t be totally worried.  I would call him up, but wait until September 1st.  Another option is Avisail Garcia, a young, toolsy outfielder who has been turning his raw tools into results quick, and I think he may be a better fit for the Tigers this season.  He will need some seasoning during the start of 2012, but for a month he would be okay and help out a bit for Detroit,  I’d call both up on September 1st and play them a decent amount, but if the Tigers don’t call them up, it shouldn’t cost them anything huge other than some possible help, but it is risky calling up Nick Castellanos due to his age and tools, but it’s a risk I’d take and more confidently than calling up the usual young player.

Athletics Acquire Stephen Drew from D’Backs

The Athletics have solved their shortstop problem by trading Sean Jamieson in exchange for Stephen Drew.  Drew is an often-injured shortstop, but is a big upgrade for the A’s at short.  Drew could return to around to the level he was playing at before his injuries and he is in a contract year, which could create a huge stretch run for him.  I also like that he can bring a few tools to Oakland and hit high or low in the order.  He’s an above average shortstop that fits in with Oakland, and that’s all they needed.  The Diamondbacks can just play Willie Bloomquest at shortstop for right now and be fine, Drew was good but he wasn’t needed for the D’Backs right now.  The Diamondbacks got a minor leaguer, Sean Jamieson, who should e a powerful infielder one day, and was a good pick-up by the A’s.  I see this deal working out for the A’s similar to what the D’Backs got in Aaron Hill last season.  Drew should recover his hitting stroke and even if it isn’t to a full extent he will do better than what he has done with the D’Backs so far.  He can play an average defense at this point, and he is a risk worth taking for the A’s, and he’s better than Hicks and Rosales.  EDGE: Athletics

MLB Power Rankings: 8/19/12

1. Nationals
2. Yankees
3. Reds
4. Rangers
5. Braves
6. Dodgers
7. Rays
8. White Sox
9. Orioles
10. Tigers
11. Pirates
12. Giants
13. Cardinals
14. Athletics
15. Angels
16. Diamondbacks
17. Red Sox
18. Mets
19. Mariners
20. Blue Jays
21. Phillies
22. Brewers
23. Marlins
24. Royals
25. Indains
26. Twins
27. Padres
28. Cubs
29. Rockies
30. Astros

Detroit Tigers Notes: Line-Up, Below, Road

• Duane Below was sent back to Toledo and they called-up Luke Putkonen.  I think Putkonen has a live arm and could be a great reliever but Below was just going through a little tough stretch and is a valuable arm for the Tigers as a lefty, even with Darin Downs and Phil Coke.  The whole bullpen hasn’t been good lately but I think it’s just an August swoon, and though it won’t be as good as it was earlier in the year, it will get a lot better.  Below will come back up and should do well when he does, and to get Putkonen back to the MLB was a good move, but sending Below down right now wasn’t as good of a move, and I hope Below will be eligible for a playoff roster too.
• The Tigers beat the Twinkies to win 2 of 3 at Target Field, the first road series the Tigers won since the first series after the All-Star Break against the Orioles.  The road record will have to get a bit better on the road, and that starts by supporting Verlander in his starts on the road.  The Tigers can do better on the road though it won’t be as easy
• Here is a line-up I would run out against righties for the Tigers

1. CF Austin Jackson
2. 2B Omar Infante (I want him ahead of Cabrera as much as possible and he’s a two hitter)
3. 3B Miguel Cabrera
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. C Alex Avila
6. DH Delmon Young
7. LF Andy Dirks
8. SS Jhonny Peralta
9. RF Brennan Boesch

and against lefties

1. CF Austin Jackson
2. 2B Omar Infante
3. 3B Miguel Cabrera
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. SS Jhonny Peralta
6. DH Delmon Young
7. C Alex Avila
8. RF Jeff Baker
9. LF Quintin Berry/Andy Dirks/Brennan Boesch

These line-ups are what I’d do with the Tigers on a temporary basis.