Detroit Tigers Links: Avila’s Framing Value, Knebel’s Fast Track, and Moya Gets a Look

Feb 18, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila during a team practice at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Pitch Framing Measurement Evolves and Avila Still Looks Good – Lee Panas – Tiger Tales

"Last year, Tigers backstop Alex Avila had 5,460 opportunities to frame pitches and was able to get 72 extra strikes compared to an average catcher. This was worth about 9 runs or one win over the course of the season which put him in the top third of major league starting catchers. Avila has been consistently above average since 2011 saving the Tigers an estimated 17 runs during that time."

Pitch framing metrics are a new and exciting brand of baseball research, and it’s nice to see Alex Avila faring well.

Tigers’ 2013 draft pick Corey Knebel might be on fast track to majors – Tony Paul – Detroit News

"Knebel, now 22, may be keeping a low-profile these days at Tigertown for the simple fact he’s not in major league camp. But, he’s poised to quickly become a story because of an electric right arm that just might have him on the fast track to swap those bland barracks for five-star hotels as a reliever."

It’s not yet known whether the Detroit Tigers will stick him in Lakeland or Erie to start the year, but the way he dominated in the Midwest League last year makes one think he’d be ready to jump right to AA.

Tigers taking a serious look at Steven Moya – Steve Kornacki – Fox Sports Detroit

"With left-handed hitting Andy Dirks out until mid-June after Monday’s back surgery, the Tigers very likely will be adding an outfielder. And while it’s much more likely to be Ezequiel Carrera or a late player pick up, don’t discount Moya. The Tigers are taking a serious look at the left-handed slugger."

Steven Moya is going to need regular at-bats to continue his development so, unless he could be guaranteed those in the big leagues, he’s going to start the year in the minor leagues. Moya seems like the classic “he can hit fastballs in Spring Training” guy, as he has work to do in recognizing and laying off the breaking stuff.

Better know a Tiger: Bruce Rondon – Patrick OKennedy – Bless You Boys

"Rondon now has the better part of a season of major league ball under his belt, and it was a season where he showed great progress and great potential. Insert all the cautionary remarks here about drawing conclusions from small samples, but it’s fair to conclude that Rondon showed flashes of brilliance that have left Dombrowski drooling for more, almost wishing him into being major league ready."

I’m really excited to see Bruce Rondon in his second tour around the league, but I’m still a bit worried about what happens if it doesn’t all come together for him.