Detroit, MI

No Detroit Tigers position players in first wave of All-Star voting, not even Riley Greene

Published

2 years ago

June 17, 2024

No Detroit Tigers position players in first wave of All-Star voting, not even Riley Greene

ATLANTA — The Detroit Tigers don’t have any position players in the running for the 2024 All-Star Game in the first update of balloting, which lists the top 10 players at the five infield positions, 10 players at designated hitter and 20 players in the outfield.

MLB released its first update of fan voting Monday afternoon, but there isn’t a single Tigers player listed among the 80 position players from the American League, not even outfielder Riley Greene.

Twenty position players from each league make the All-Star team, with at least six outfielders. Fans can vote on MLB.com, but Phase 1 of the voting concludes June 27 at noon ET. (Fans cannot vote for pitchers.)

WATCHING HIM GROW UP: After taking the next step, Tigers’ Riley Greene is thinking ‘pure’ at the plate

Greene is by far the Tigers’ best position player, especially with fellow outfielder Kerry Carpenter on the injured list.

“He’s a hell of a player,” said Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal, seemingly on track to be the AL’s starter in the All-Star Game. “I don’t think that embodies him as a player. I’m about as big of a 31 fan as there is. I love the way he does everything. Watch the series he just had, too. That kind of speaks to who he is as a player.”

Other teams in the AL Central have multiple players on the leaderboard, including nine players from the Cleveland Guardians and six players from the Kansas City Royals, though the Minnesota Twins have just one player — shortstop Carlos Correa — on the 80-player leaderboard.

Among AL outfielders, Greene ranks 10th in fWAR (1.9), fifth in wRC+ (133), fifth in OPS (.824), 11th in batting average (.252) and tied for fifth in home runs (14). The 23-year-old, who plays all three outfield positions, also ranks sixth in plate appearances (301) and tied for 10th in games played (70).

“The fans obviously have the power in this to do what they see fit,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I think Tarik is well-positioned, one way or the other, Jack (Flaherty) has had a really good year, Riley, I would love to see him get some love. It’s not something I pay huge attention to, but it’s fun for the guys and fun for the fans.”

HIM: How Tigers’ Tarik Skubal matured into an Opening Day ace with Cy Young potential

In fWAR, which is the number of wins a player adds to his team compared to a replacement-level player, Greene’s 1.9 trails only Aaron Judge (5.0), Juan Soto (4.5), Kyle Tucker (3.2), Jarren Duran (2.9), Daulton Varsho (2.2), Colton Cowser (2.1), Willi Castro (2.1), Yordan Alvarez (1.9) and JJ Bleday (1.9) on the list of 25 qualified AL outfielders.

Castro played for the Tigers from 2019-22, but he was cut loose alongside third baseman Jeimer Candelario and utility player Harold Castro in November 2022 — exactly two months after Scott Harris took over as the president of baseball operations — because the Tigers didn’t think he was worth paying a projected $1.7 million in his first year as an arbitration-eligible player.

Castro, a 27-year-old switch-hitter who plays infield and outfield, has turned into an above-average player for the Minnesota Twins over the past two seasons, making $3.3 million in 2024.

REMEMBER WILLI? Ex-Tiger Willi Castro: ‘I really appreciate A.J. Hinch’ for instilling versatility

Meanwhile, Greene is hitting .310 with five home runs across his last 18 games, dating to May 29. He set career highs in Saturday’s 13-5 win over the Houston Astros with four hits and six RBIs, delivering his second multi-homer game of the season.

The Tigers selected Greene with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 draft. He has never made the All-Star team in his three MLB seasons, hitting a combined .266 with 30 home runs and a .761 OPS in 262 games.

Tarik Skubal, a win-first player

Skubal is the frontrunner to win the AL Cy Young Award. He’s also shaping up to be the AL’s starting pitcher for the 2024 All-Star Game, which is scheduled for July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

But Skubal isn’t focused on the All-Star Game (or the Cy Young Award).

“I’d much rather win a lot of games than be in the All-Star Game,” Skubal said. “That’s kind of how I’ve always felt. I think winning cures everything. Think about every team that wins a World Series. What happens with their guys after that?”

Skubal, 27, has a 2.20 ERA with 16 walks and 98 strikeouts across 86 innings in 14 starts this season. His 2.7 fWAR ranks second among AL pitchers, trailing only Tanner Houck (3.2).

The Tigers have 10 wins in Skubal’s 14 starts.

There hasn’t been an All-Star starting pitcher from the Tigers since Max Scherzer in 2013.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

Listen to our weekly Tigers show “Days of Roar” every Monday afternoon on demand at freep.com, Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.

Source link

Click to comment

Detroit, MI

After Deep Dive, Detroit Lions Learned What Went Wrong With Offense

Published

56 minutes ago

April 2, 2026

Press Room

After Deep Dive, Detroit Lions Learned What Went Wrong With Offense

The Detroit Lions offense failed to meet expectations at certain points throughout the 2025 NFL season.

With center Frank Ragnow abruptly retiring, the team’s offensive line struggled to gel, resulting in the run game being inconsistent and quarterback Jared Goff being pressured far more often than he or the coaching staff would like.

Speaking with Fox 2 Detroit at the annual league meetings, head coach Dan Campbell shared what he learned following a deep dive of last year’s film.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

“I think a lot of it, our efficiency was not good,” said Campbell. “We’ve heard that word a lot, that’s with the run game. In critical moments, what we’ve done a really good job of for four years prior to last year, was when we needed to run the ball, when we needed it in criticals, to set up the rest of the game, it was there for us, we found a way. We were not able to do that.”

With both tight ends suffering injuries, the ability to block effectively was clearly noticeable. Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are a significant reason the Lions’ offense had success the past couple of seasons.

Removing them both from the offense had a detrimental impact on the ability to rush the football and to extend drives.

Far too often, Detroit’s third-down conversion percentages were not at the rate needed to keep drives extended. In the end, the struggles of the offense put the defense in disadvantageous positions as well.

“Look, there’s multiple reasons. It falls on my shoulders, some of it was the offensive line, some of it was losing Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright,” said Campbell. “That had a significant blow too, now. All of those things. That’s why we go through the cut-ups. You check yourself, but also, from a personnel standpoint, where can we get a little bit better and help our guys.”

While Campbell did not mention the issues with John Morton, Detroit’s offense was not the same with the experienced coach at the helm.

Explosive plays were a struggle and Goff was forced to toss the football quite quickly. His average air yards per pass was down compared to 2024.

Detroit made the decision to part ways with Morton and hired Drew Petzing to lead the offense in 2026. Campbell indicated he has been impressed very early on with what the former Cardinals coordinator has brought to the table.

For more comprehensive Detroit Lions coverage and NFL insider analysis, follow us on X, @detroitpodcast, head on over to our Facebook page and give it a like, subscribe to the Detroit Lions On SI Lone Wolves YouTube Channel.

Source link

Detroit, MI

‘Outpouring of love’: Hundreds gather for vigil at park in remembrance of man found in Detroit River

Published

13 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Press Room

‘Outpouring of love’: Hundreds gather for vigil at park in remembrance of man found in Detroit River

ECORSE, Mich. – It was a stunning outpouring of love and sorrow at John Dingell Park on Wednesday night.

More than 100 people filled the park tonight for Tyler Bojanowski, the 25-year-old Wyandotte man who was found dead in the Detroit River on Monday (March 30) afternoon.

“The love and support that we received from everybody, that helped,” Delray Dillon, Bojanowski’s stepfather, said. “We just really want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the support, the love, and the prayers.”

Dozens of candles were lit, many with his face on them, as people came by and gave hugs to his heartbroken parents.

Between prayer and tears, Tyler’s family took time to thank everyone who loved him and helped in the search.

Tyler was first reported missing by his mother, Nicole Dillon, after he failed to return home following a night out with friends on Feb. 4.

She told police her son had also recently suffered a brain injury from a car crash.

The vigil was held at John Dingell Park, which, sadly, was the last place Tyler was seen alive.

His passport was found in a gazebo on the day he was reported missing.

There is no official word on how Bojanowski died, as the medical examiner has not reported the cause of death.

A GoFundMe Page has been set up to cover his memorial services.

Source link

Detroit, MI

NFL.com proposes blockbuster Detroit Lions draft-day trade

Published

1 day ago

April 1, 2026

Press Room

NFL.com proposes blockbuster Detroit Lions draft-day trade

The Detroit Lions haven’t made many headlines for their offseason moves this year, and that’s been mostly by design. Detroit is trying to manage a tight budget, make fringe improvements, and keep their long-term cap health in a good spot.

But if there’s one place they could make a splash, it’s in the upcoming NFL Draft, and NFL.com writer Eric Edholm proposed a gigantic trade that would certainly grab the attention of the entire league. Here’s Edholm’s proposal:

2026 first-round pick — 7th overall
2027 third-round pick
TE Ben Sinnott

TE Sam LaPorta
2026 first-round pick — 17th overall
2026 sixth-round pick — 205th overall

Trading away LaPorta for a pick upgrade in the first and sixth-to-third round—albeit in 2027—would certainly draw some reactions. Here’s how Edholm justified the move:

“First off, I don’t think LaPorta will be traded. But it wouldn’t totally floor me if he was,” Edholm wrote. “LaPorta has been great, and losing him hurts Detroit’s offense, but the big picture must be considered: LaPorta is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is coming off back surgery.”

Later adding, “Why would Detroit move up to seven? I suspect to acquire a foundational left tackle. That position is their biggest remaining worry, and their guy might not last until 17. It would be a big risk, but a potentially smart one financially and football-wise, and Brad Holmes has never shied away from making waves in Round 1.”

In short, trading LaPorta would help Detroit’s difficult salary cap management by avoiding paying a pricey extension. Meanwhile, a trade up into the top-10 would help the put the finishing touches on their offensive line with a franchise left tackle.

It’s a well-reasoned trade, even if it’s likely to draw some visceral reactions from fans who love LaPorta.

But would the Lions actually do it? Let’s debate.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes has never been shy about doing what he needs to do to get his guy in the NFL Draft. So if there’s a tackle he’s particularly fond of, I would not be surprised to see him make an aggressive move to get him. The Lions said fixing the offensive line is “everything” this offseason, and it still feels like they’re one big move away from accomplishing that.

Additionally, the potential cap savings are significant. As Edholm points out, the top-end market for a tight end extension is creeping up to $20 million a year, and with likely extensions coming for both running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell—and maybe safety Brian Branch—it’s possible LaPorta could be the odd one out. A few years ago, Holmes made the bold decision to trade away tight end T.J. Hockenson, and the Lions quickly recovered by snagging LaPorta in the draft. Now, the Lions were in a completely different stage of roster building at this point, and Hockenson was a remnant from the previous regime, but it shows Holmes is willing to move on from a talented player prior to giving them an extension.

Why the Lions probably don’t do it

For one, I think the Lions value LaPorta more than people realize. The Lions tight end has oddly been topic of trade proposals for the past year, as fans and analysts wonder how Detroit will navigate the future of that 2023 draft class. But the Lions have shown no indications they are even thinking of moving on from LaPorta. Holmes continues to reiterate that he wants all of those first four picks from the 2023 draft locked up long term.

Additionally, something coach Dan Campbell told Dan Miller this week really resonated with me in regards to how much they value LaPorta. Campbell and Miller were discussing the team’s desire to improve in the running game, as evidenced by their investments in the offensive line this offseason. But Campbell reminded Miller that losing their top two tight ends at the end of the season also played a huge factor in their lowered efficiency on the ground.

“Some of it was losing LaPorta and Brock Wright,” Campbell said. “That had a significant blow, too.”

LaPorta burst onto the NFL scene thanks to a super productive rookie season when it comes to the passing game (86 catches, 889 yards, 10 TDs). But his game has grown the most as of late as a run blocker. For a team that is that devoted to the run, I’m not sure they’d be willing to part ways with a huge part in that success.

Beyond that, it’s also very, very possible that the Lions can find their long-term offensive tackle staying put at 17 overall. Current projections have anywhere between three and seven first-round talents at offensive tackle, and while a trade into the top-10 would nearly guarantee Detroit’s ability to draft one of them, that could be an unnecessary price to pay. On top of that, the Lions aren’t actually adding any additional picks with this trade, just significantly upgrading two.

Still, it’s an interesting thing to think about, and I don’t believe it’s particularly outlandish. Though, I ultimately agree with Edholm in that I would be surprised if the Lions actually pulled the trigger on a trade like this.

Source link