Rebuilding Tigers enter Miggy’s last season with low expectations

Whereas the Tigers enter the 2023 season with a ton of query marks, there’s one we already know the reply to — no, the crew most likely will not be competing for its first playoff run since 2015.

State of play: We spoke to MLive’s Tigers beat author Evan Woodbery, who predicts Detroit will expertise a “repositioning” yr because it fields the identical core group as final season.

What they’re saying: “So far as competing this yr, that looks as if a reasonably far-fetched proposition,” Woodbery tells Axios. “The rebuilding actually is not over in spite of everything, as a result of the Tigers actually did not do quite a bit this winter.”

• In 2021, there was mild on the finish of the tunnel, as pundits mentioned the Tigers might compete in 2022.
• That did not occur — Detroit completed 66-96 and missed the playoffs for the eighth straight yr.

What we’re watching: Might 22-year-old middle fielder Riley Greene emerge as the brand new face of the franchise?

• Can Austin Meadows return to profession norms after a depressing season final yr? The outfielder averaged 30 house runs over his final two full seasons in Tampa Bay, however hit zero in simply 36 video games final yr.
• And can 2020’s No. 1 general draft choose Spencer Torkelson flip the nook after an underwhelming rookie season?
• “If this yr is a dud, I believe it’s a must to begin to think about the likelihood that the draft choose is a dud and that is not simple to get well from,” Woodbery says.

Between the strains: Woodbery, who began writing in regards to the crew throughout its final little bit of relevance in 2016, says he misses protecting video games that matter “and I am positive so do the followers.”

• “To a sure extent, (the crew) just isn’t scrutinized as carefully and also you begin searching for extra tales that do not essentially should do with wins and losses as a result of that begins to be irrelevant.”

Backside line: Greatest-case state of affairs is that key gamers take main steps to turn out to be centerpieces of the long run, Woodbery says.

• Worst case is the crew winds up competing within the loss column with the 2003 Tigers — one of many worst in baseball historical past.

What Miggy’s final yr means to me

👋🏼 Hey guys, it is Sam. Miguel Cabrera’s final season is sentimental for me and 1000’s of others who grew up watching the Tigers of their 2006-12 glory years.

Why it issues: After beginning his profession in Florida, Cabrara captivated the sport for 16 seasons in a Tigers uniform and can finish his profession as one in all baseball’s best-ever right-handed hitters. Think about:

• In 2013, he turned the primary to win MLB’s triple crown since 1967
• He is been a two-time American League MVP.
• And he is a four-time AL batting champion, 12-time All-Star and one in all simply seven gamers ever to submit 3,000 hits and 500 house runs.

Sure, however: What I will miss most is Cabrera’s childlike antics and demeanor on and off the sector.

The intrigue: Cabrera will play this season so long as he is wholesome, however anticipate some main load administration this season.

• “We’ll be as clear as we are able to, nevertheless it’s not all the time going to be good. I notice some followers will probably be disenchanted if they arrive to a recreation and he’s not beginning. It doesn’t imply he gained’t get into it. It’s a troublesome steadiness,” supervisor A.J. Hinch informed reporters Sunday.

The massive image: After I was a child, I might spend my summer season evenings watching Miggy assist Detroit compete for American League championships.

• As we speak, I am a fair-weather baseball fan — partly because of the bizarre tradition surrounding essentially the most thrilling gamers, however principally due to all of the shedding.
• So once you’re on the ballpark this yr, cherish these at bats from No. 24 — we’re most likely not going to see somebody like Miggy once more.