The Detroit Tigers Will Run Early And Often In 2015
By Tony Fischer
The Detroit Tigers have hit the ground running this spring training. The Tigers are among the team leaders in the grapefruit lead in stolen bases and have shown that the running gsme will be a big part off the offense this season.
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The strategy was no more evident than in Monday’s game against the Braves.
Newly acquired outfield speedster Anthony Gose got on base to lead off the game. On the very next pitch he was running and stole second easily even after hesitating after his initial jump. On the pitch that followed Ian Kinsler laced a single to score Gose from second and give the Tigers the early lead. Then on the first pitch to Miggy; Kinsler was off and thrown out a second but it required a perfect throw from the Braves backstop to get him.
This has been a trend for the Tigers this spring who seem hell-bent on running no matter who is at the plate. They have also been running early in games to put pressure on the opposing defense.
The Detroit Tigers ranked 7th in steals last season and can improve on that number after adding more speed to the line-up this offseason. Offseason acquisitions Anthony Gose, and Yoenis Cespedes are both threats to steal when they get on base. Jose Igelsias is returning after missing last season with shin splints but is healthy now and also has base stealing ability. Hernan Perez who is slated to make the team as a utility IF/OF is alos blessed with speed meaning the Tigers not only have speed spread through the entire line-up they also have it on the bench when they need it in the late innings.
As a baseball fan I love the stolen base and the triple so I guess you can say I have the need for speed. The 2015 Detroit Tigers could satisfy that need and it could be the difference between making the playoffs and sitting at home.