Detroit Tigers Links: Avila’s Arbitration Case, Al Al’s Slider, Scherzer and Tanaka

Oct 12, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) hits a single during the fifth inning in game one of the American League Championship Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

How much should Alex Avila be paid in 2014? – Patrick OKennedy – Bless You Boys

"What factors will the arbitration panel consider? Contrary to how most fans place a value on players, performance on the field is not the primary factor, nor even the secondary factor in determining how much a player is to be paid in arbitration. The collective bargaining agreement spells out the factors to be considered, and some factors which may not be considered."

Patrick breaks down the arbitration process and provides several comparable cases.

Throwing Less of Al Alburquerque’s Very Best Pitch – Jeff Sullivan – FanGraphs

"Just about half the time, batters have swung at Alburquerque’s slider. More than half of those times, the batters have whiffed. It’s the same for both lefties and righties, so it’s not like Alburquerque has run some horribly lopsided platoon split. He’s fallen in love with his slider because his slider has been amazing."

Jeff wonder whether or not throwing more fastballs (and fewer sliders) is really what Al Alburquerque ought to be doing.

Question for new Tiger Ian Kinsler – Tom Gage – Detroit News

"Despite being their new second baseman, Kinsler had a prior commitment and won’t be in town for the Tigers’ festivities this week. That’s too bad, because I wanted to get his thoughts about how much he’ll miss Rangers Ballpark in Arlington."

Will Kinsler’s numbers suffer away from the hitter-friendly Rangers ballpark?

What does big Masahiro Tanaka deal mean for Detroit Tigers’ Max Scherzer? – George Sipple – Free Press

"Tanaka, who has never thrown a pitch in a Major League Baseball game, was given the fifth largest deal ever for a pitcher. The only bigger contracts for a pitcher were given to Clayton Kershaw (7 for $210 million), Justin Verlander of the Tigers (7/$180), Felix Hernandez (7/$175) and CC Sabathia (8/$160).“If you’re one of the able-bodied, better pitchers in baseball, it gets your attention,” MLB Network analyst Ron Darling said"