What to do about LF?

[tigers527]

Normally I am a firm believer in the axiom of waiting 40 games before taking a hard look at what you have, but the Tigers LF situation is looking poor and if the status quo remains could be flat out awful.

Jacques Jones: AVG.184, 0HR, 3RBI
although, he did muscle up and ground out for a RBI yesterday.

Marcus Thames: AVG.172, 1HR, 3RBI
it is encouraging that Marcus has only 1K in 29 AB.

Is it time to look elsewhere or within for some kind of LF solution? I say if Brandon keeps hitting, and Granderson can return looking the way Granderson does perhaps move Cabrera into LF. Maybe see if Sheff wants any OF time, and platoon Guillen/Cabrera at DH/1B? Is Jason Bay still on the trading block?

I am not sure what but if this keeps up I would even humor bringing Barroid in here to DH while Sheff spends some time in LF.

[richie hebner]

Left Field

Jones is a slow starter. I think Leland is panicking. He makes too many moves. How do we expect guys like Jones to get it going if he plays a day then is benched for one or two. But watching today's game made me realize that some of the hitters just can't get it done when the heat is on.

I believe if a guy is a major league hitter he can hit left or right hand pitching. All that platooning does is show a weakness. Another thing.....give me a break with this Thames...like Monroe he has had his day in the sun and should be released. Clete Thomas or Rayburn if given the chance will serve adequately.

Hopefully Granderson and Polanco will be back in the lineup soon and should offer some relief.


GO Tigers!!!

[2Chance]

I've never expected great things from Jones. Truth be told, I wondered why the brass wanted him.

Thames has great power numbers and I thought they were trying to get him a full season of at-bats, until they pulled the trigger on that trade.

[Tank]

Shef has the finger injury, which I imagine would keep him from doing anything besides DHing this season. Thomas is going to keep coming down to Earth once teams get a better idea of how to pitch him.

But honestly, I think the Tigs have bigger problems besides who is going to play LF at the moment.

[tigers527]

But honestly, I think the Tigs have bigger problems besides who is going to play LF at the moment.

I agree, but this simple stat says it all, the Tigers are 0-11 in games where they score 4 runs or less, which makes them 6-2* in games scoring 5 runs or more.

Now I tried to track down the LOB numbers of the LF position but could not. Perhaps the pitching needs to be a little better, but I think the offense is more to blame. The 2 positions that are really hurting the team on the offense are C and LF. LF is a position that they should be able to do something about, C is a little rougher to find a fix.

* now the Tigers are 7-2 in games where they score 5 runs or more

[moldyoldie]

I'll give Jones a chance to get on track with the bat, but this team desperately needs a lefthanded power bat -- NOW! Hurry back, Grandy!

Don't be surprised to see Thomas out there in LF with Grandy's return, and if he doesn't start gettin' 'er done, Jones benched or booted.

[Tank]

I agree, but this simple stat says it all, the Tigers are 0-11 in games where they score 4 runs or less, which makes them 6-2* in games scoring 5 runs or more.

Now I tried to track down the LOB numbers of the LF position but could not. Perhaps the pitching needs to be a little better, but I think the offense is more to blame. The 2 positions that are really hurting the team on the offense are C and LF. LF is a position that they should be able to do something about, C is a little rougher to find a fix.

* now the Tigers are 7-2 in games where they score 5 runs or more

I see where you're coming from. It may just be me, but I don't really expect a lot of offense from a catcher. I'd rather have one who hits for .250 and knows how to call a game and work with the pitching staff than one that hits .300 and isn't on the same page as his pitchers.

Of course a catcher that can do all of that is nice.



As far as LF, I don't have any idea what they can do about it. Jones hasn't impressed me, but I do think that splitting time between him and Thames isn't exactly helping either of them to settle into a groove and start hitting.

:noidea

[moldyoldie]

Jones was strokin' the apple last night...FINALLY! He must've read my post.

[sturg1dj]

apparently they moved Cabrera to first and Guillen to third....so when Grandy comes back they should move Cabrera to left, guillen back to first and put Inge at third

[Curtzilla34]

Ryan Raburn if given the chance would be everything the outfield needs. He has speed, power, and average. If they would just leave him in one damn place to settle long enough. While he was down with Toledo a few weeks ago, he tore the cover off the ball playing one position. Do you have any idea how many teams have inquired about getting him last year? Leyland knows his potential.

[moldyoldie]

Ryan Raburn if given the chance would be everything the outfield needs. He has speed, power, and average.

What he doesn't have is a lefthanded power bat.

[TigerNation]

Jacque Jones will most likely end up hitting around .280 for the season. He started slow last year for the Cubs and hit over .330 after the all-star break last year. Don't panic he is a proven big leaguer and should contribute to this team.

[sturg1dj]

there is that one guy who played in SF last season. I know hes old but he had a pretty good season last year and we could get him cheap....whats his name again?