Detroit Tigers: Akil Baddoo is proving water always finds its level
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Tigers offense is ice cold right now, and the legend of Akil Baddoo seemed like he was never going to cool off. But, water always finds its level, and it should not be too worrisome. Baddoo may not be back to hitting .340 any time soon, but he will surely continue to level things out.
When the Detroit Tigers selected Akil Baddoo in the Rule 5 Draft this past fall, it may not have seemed like he was much of anything. But after turning heads in Spring Training and getting off to one heck of a start, he quickly became a fan favorite here in the Motor City.
The Tigers should have expected that Baddoo would cool off, but some seemed to think the Tigers had the next best power hitter. However, Baddoo has simmered down and is no longer hitting as well as he was.
The thing is, Baddoo has been good for a Rule-5 pick who had not played above High-A ball while with the Minnesota Twins organization. While yes, Baddoo has cooled down, it does not mean he is still performing better than some may expect.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo has shown water always finds its level.
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The former second-round pick of the Twins organization has been more than just an occasional pinch hitter or defensive replacement for the Tigers. In 2021, Baddoo has played in 29 total games, accumulating 92 total plate appearances.
He is now hitting just .205/.261/.482 with 12 of his hits being for extra bases, three triples, and four longballs, with 16 RBI.
Baddoo has cooled off from his early-season tear, but the Tigers should not be too worried at all.
Look at Victor Reyes, and he was nothing but a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner, or defensive replacement for the Tigers. Baddoo has garnered real playing time and deservedly.
After bursting onto the scene, teams are going to adjust and be able to learn how to pitch the left-handed bat.
It’s the same as when a pitcher bursts onto the scene his rookie season and is mediocre the second half of the year. But with Baddoo, teams can get the book on him and get him out. The thing to keep an eye on is if Baddoo can make the adjustments.
Water always finds its level; Baddoo was simply not going to keep the pace he kicked off his career with. While yes, he came into the MLB with a bang, making quite the jump, he was not going to be able to keep the pace up, that is for sure.
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Do not count out another tear from Baddoo, the key for him will be adjustment-making and if he can do it successfully.