The Detroit Tigers Defense Should Improve In 2015
Over the years the Detroit Tigers have been known for their below average defense. With the likes of Delmon Young and Prince Fielder that’s the reason.
The Tigers have routinely sacrificed defense for power and an overall better offense. In a way it’s worked with a top ranked offense to go along with 4 straight AL Central division crowns.
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In 2015 though a lot of that may change. Personnel changes along with simple expectations for improvement will have a big say for a couple of key players.
Make no mistake about it, the addition of a healthy Jose Iglesias over the course of an entire season will do wonders. He’s the most obvious improvement in this defense. This isn’t a knock on ex-Tiger Eugenio Suarez for his defense as he was generally serviceable. But when Iglesias is making some highlight reel plays we’ll know who the better defender is.
When Anthony Gose plays during his time in the platoon, the middle of this Tigers defense (2B, SS, CF) will be superb. A defense featuring Gose, Iglesias, and Ian Kinsler up the middle will be a significant upgrade over earlier seasons. Tigers pitchers should be more than excited for the highlights and better defense.
Unfortunately there will be some question marks about some other Tigers players.
Sep 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) makes a throw to first in an attempt to get Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) on a soft ground ball in the sixth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The most glaring weakness will be Nick Castellanos. Castellanos had the worst Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) among qualified 3rd basemen at -18.4. He’s last in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at -30 too. To put it lightly he struggled on defense during his rookie campaign.
For as bad as Castellanos was a bit of the blame should be put on the Tigers. He was in the middle of switching to the outfield as 3rd base used to be blocked by some fellow named Miguel Cabrera. Once Prince Fielder was traded though it opened the door for regular playing time. Except Castellanos wasn’t getting his necessary reps over at 3rd.
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There should be some modest expectations from fans to see Castellanos improve over at the hot corner. He’ll be entering his age-23 season and has plenty of time to improve.
The rest of the Tigers defense will be an interesting case.
Alex Avila should be back and he’s known for his defensive prowess. His pitch framing has been documented and should be relied upon just like in seasons past.
Tigers fans should be wary about contributions from Miguel Cabrera though. There should be better reports of his off-season surgery later this month. But the aftereffects of his surgery (especially early in the season) may trickle onto the field.
Then that leaves it to the outfield. J.D. Martinez should be fine as he were the lesser of many evils out there in the Tigers defense.
Newly acquired Tigers Yoenis Cespedes will be an interesting player to watch. He will make the highlight plays with his cannon of an arm. Except some of his highlights start with him misplaying the ball so he’ll need a better mindset to succeed.
Overall the Tigers defense should and will be improved from previous campaigns. Ironically the pitcher who needed this upgrade the most in Rick Porcello is now an ex-Tiger. It will help the current group of pitchers though and the bullpen can get as much help as they can.
Now, your thoughts. How do you think the Tigers defense will look in 2015? Improved? Worse? Whatever the case it will be interesting to watch Manager Brad Ausmus shuffle around his defensive replacements though.