Tag: Gregory Soto

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The Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies make a 5 player swap

New Detroit Tigers president, Scott Harris promised to take calculated risks in rebuilding the Tigers roster. Saturday afternoon, Harris made good on his promise as the Detroit Tigers sent two-time All Star relief pitcher Gregory Soto and utility player Cody Clemens to the Philadelphia Phillies for Nick Maton, Donny Sands and Matt Vierling.

This is a trade that helps both Philadelphia and Detroit. The Phillies looking to improve their bullpen did so by trading for closer and All Star pitcher Gregory Soto, giving up utility players in the trade the Phillies also received Cody Clemens to aid the loss of a role player.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 05: Nick Maton #29 of the Philadelphia Phillies singles in the eighth inning against Phil Maton #88 of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

So what did the Detroit Tigers get in this trade that can help them in 2023? The answer is a lot. Nick Maton, brings  infield and outfield versatility appearing in 86 games for the Phillies it was clear that he had become one of the team utility players. Again, Maton’s versatility is a big asset as the Tigers can insert him in just about anywhere on the field.

C- Donny Sands, seems to be more of a throw in and will not be counted on very much if at all at the MLB level. That is okay as it strengthens the Tigers overall minor league system.

OF- Matt Vierling is the real get in the trade for Detroit. Vierling is a player who has breakout potential which is why he was Detroit’s prime target in the deal. With a Phillies team that was stacked with outfielders, Vierling has been waiting for a legitimate opportunity to play everyday. Scouts believe Vierling has the potential to develop into a solid hitter not too mention he can play all three OF positions.

BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Gregory Soto #65 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The loss of Soto was big for a Tigers team looking to improve their bullpen. However, there is a bigger picture. This is another rebuild for the Tigers and they needed and need to cash in players for prospects and players who are on the verge of breakout seasons.

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The Detroit Tigers do not have a closer, not yet anyways

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has not named a closer to start the 2021 season. In part because that vital role is still in the process of identifying the right pitcher. What does it mean for the Tigers moving forward? That question remains to be answered. What does it mean right now? Not much.

The Detroit Tigers opened the 2021 MLB season at home vs the Cleveland Indians. The Tigers beat the Indians 3-2. As the game moved into the latter innings, hard throwing Gregory Soto (left handed pitcher) entered the game. So Soto is the closer right? Wrong.

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 01: Manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during player introductions prior to the Opening Day game against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on April 1, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Indians 3-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

It needs to be stated, manager A.J. Hinch who is a very analytically driven manager really does not care about saves. Hinch cares about wins. He has a very good feel for who should be in the game and when. In Thursday’s season’s opener Hinch called on Soto.

More to the point, A.J. Hinch does not believe that a closer needs to or should only face three batter. But rather whoever is called on should and better be able to get six to nine batters out. This is a new era of Detroit Tigers baseball. A much more modern game.

Although Hinch went with Gregory Soto in game one and has not named a closer, the Tigers manager does fully intend to name a closer at some point during the season. My personal takeaway is that Hinch is going to make the relief pitchers earn the position.

Because Hinch has a good feel and is analytically driven it is not outside the realm of possibility that Hinch goes with two closers. That is closer to where today’s MLB game is.

DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 27: A detailed view of the baseball hat and glove of Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers sitting in the dugout prior to the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Comerica Park on August 27, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. The Angels defeated the Tigers 3-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

In fact, it should not surprise anyone if Hinch uses pitchers anywhere at any time. Meaning, Soto who closed game one could come in in the sixth inning game two. It all depends on the situation and where Hinch thinks a pitcher’s strength can best be utilized.

As the Tigers now have a more modern thinking manager and excellent pitching prospects it can do nothing but help the organization.