Detroit Tigers Rapidly Rebuilt Farm System
By David Hill
Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
For the past few years, the Detroit Tigers have been in Win Now mode. With each passing year, owner Mike Ilitch has become more and more determined to bring a championship back to Detroit in his lifetime. At 86 years old, Ilitch has placed a greater sense of urgency with each year.
However, this season, despite the Tigers best efforts, they find themselves at 50-52 heading into today’s slate of action, 11.5 games out of first in the American League Central. While the Tigers are only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card, their postseason chances are seemingly minimal.
As such, the Tigers find themselves in an unfamiliar situation at the trade deadline, as they are in sell mode. Instead of making those blockbuster deals, like trading for David Price, the Tigers found themselves trading pieces such as Price and Joakim Soria ahead of the trade deadline. With other potential trade chips, such as Yoenis Cespedes, the Tigers could have a completely different look at this time tomorrow.
After coming into the season with what had been considered the worst farm system in baseball, the Tigers have rectified that issue, receiving top pitching prospect Daniel Norris among a trio of pitching prospects. Soria was traded for JaCoby Jones, a shortstop with an interesting blend of power and speed. Needless to say, that ranking may be a bit higher next year.
What have the Detroit Tigers received thus far, as they look to rebuild? Let us take a look through those players who have breathed life into a moribund farm system.
Next: The top pitching prospect
Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel Norris
At age 22, and the 25th best prospect in baseball, there is no denying the potential that Daniel Norris possesses. Armed with a fastball and changeup that could develop into truly solid pitches in the major leagues, Norris is considered a future ace in the making.
The biggest issue with Norris’ ascension to that ace status is his command. With a career walk rate of 3.8/9, those control issues have helped make the 2015 season a difficult one for Norris. He has posted a 3-10 record with a 4.27 ERA and a 1.511 WHiP in 90.2 innings at AAA, and has struggled in his five major league appearances this season.
Yet, Norris still has plenty of potential. During his brief 6.2 innings in Toronto last season, he was the fourth youngest player in the American League, making his climb to the majors that much more remarkable. With a bit more seasoning, and improved command of his arsenal, Norris could lead the Tigers rotation for years to come.
Daniel Norris instantly steps in as the Detroit Tigers top prospect. In a couple of years, he could be their top starter at the major league level as well.
Next: Ignore his brief major league trial
Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Chances are, the impression that most people have of Matt Boyd involves him turning around and watching baseballs fly out of the ballpark. Or, one could recall his disastrous start against the Red Sox on July 2nd, when all seven batters he faced scored in his second major league start. As far as outings go, it was one that Boyd would love to forget.
Yet, those results mask that the Detroit Tigers picked up a solid pitching prospect in the 24 year old lefty. As more of a finesse pitcher, Boyd is not likely to overpower anyone, but he is considered to have an excellent feel for pitching. With a changeup that is considered his best pitch, Boyd uses his control and ability to locate to keep the opposition off balance.
The potential that Boyd has certainly appeared during his 2015 minor league season. In 18 starts, covering 112.2 innings, Boyd has produced a 9-2 record with a 1.68 ERA and a 0.843 WHiP, striking out 107 batters with a mere 24 walks. Production like that makes it easy to understand how Boyd, with that trade, became the Tigers seventh best prospect, and their second best left handed pitching prospect.
Matt Boyd has put together the numbers to look like a potential top of the rotation starter. While he is more likely to be a third or fourth starter in the majors, the Detroit Tigers appear to have gotten a very underrated starter.
Next: The sleeper
Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
it is easy to be the forgotten prospect when one is included in a package involving Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd. However, for a potential lottery ticket, the Detroit Tigers may end up hitting on lefty Jairo Lamourt.
A larger pitcher at 6’4″ and a debatable 205 pounds, Labourt invokes images of David Wells when it comes to his build. Like Wells, scouts consider Labourt to be a future workhorse, someone whose frame would allow him to consistently eat innings, and potentially hot dogs, at the major league level.
Labourt’s overall numbers with the Dunedin Blue Jays are certainly not impressive, as he posted a 2-7 record with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.581 WHiP. While Labourt has allowed a solid 9.3 hits per nine innings, he has also walked 44 batters in 80.1 innings. Much like Norris, Labourt’s future could well be determined by whether or not he can learn to command his arsenal.
Currently listed as the Detroit Tigers 13th best prospect, Jairo Labourt could be a nice piece for the future. If he can improve his command, he could eat innings, and Little Caeser’s pizza, in Detroit.
Next: A possible future star
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
JaCoby Jones
It is easy to see why prospect prognosticators would fall in love with a player like JaCoby Jones. A shortstop with the potential to hit twenty home runs while stealing twenty bases, in addition to playing solid defense, is truly a rare commodity.
Yet, that is exactly what the Detroit Tigers received in return for Joakim Soria. Yes, there are concerns with Jones, such as his propensity to strike out, yet that does not change the potential that Jones has. Perhaps a more aggressive approach at the plate, where Jones attacks the zone, would make a difference.
At age 23, and with only three games at the AA level to his name, it is likely to be some time before Jones is ready for the majors. At the earliest, he may make an appearance sometime in 2016 as a September callup. Yet, despite his relative inexperience, Jones could end up being a key part of the Tigers lineup within a couple of years.
The Detroit Tigers 11th ranked prospect, JaCoby Jones is still a raw talent. If he can put everything together, the Tigers could end up with an impact player for a rental reliever.