Detroit Tigers Links: Avila’s Hitting Woes, Former Tigers Struggle, Weekend Rotation

Apr 16, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) hits a triple in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Cleveland won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

How to get Alex Avila out: an explanation of why our catcher can’t hit – Rob Rogacki – Bless You Boys

"No matter who is pitching, Avila tends to struggle with breaking balls on the inner half of the plate. He sees a slight uptick in whiff rate with breaking balls on the outside edge against lefties, but still demonstrates that hole down-and-in. This inability to hit breaking pitches has led to a career .163 average and .243 slugging average against breaking pitches, while his numbers against fastballs are well above his career norms."

I really like his patience at times, but it doesn’t seem like he’s looking for fastballs in the zone to drive. I love walks, but Alex has forced himself to try to hit with two strikes by letting early-count fastballs zoom by.

Former Tigers struggling in new locales – Tom Gage – Detroit News

"Through his first 13 games with the Rangers this season, though, Fielder was hitting .176 with no home runs and three RBIs. He finally clubbed his first homer Tuesday.As a slugger, you never want your slugging percentage to be lower than your on-base percentage, but to the tune of .235 to .263 this year, it is."

Prince Fielder isn’t the only former Detroit Tigers player to be struggling in the early going of the season.

Rotation set for series against Los Angeles Angels; Drew Smyly to make first start of season – Chris Iott – MLive

"Ausmus said Wednesday afternoon that Smyly will start Friday night in the Tigers’ series opener against the Los Angeles Angels. Max Scherzer will start Saturday with Rick Porcello set to go Sunday."

Rick Porcello vs. the Angels on Sunday. Might be a good day to tell your significant other that you’ll gladly miss the game to do whatever they want for the day.

Miggy aims to get back to all-fields approach – Jason Beck – Tigers.com

"He’s trying to get back to the one-handed finish to his swing that produced a lot of his opposite-field hits. Cabrera had gotten into a two-handed follow through last year during his injuries, and it left him pulling more pitches this season.Cabrera says he feels healthy now, but he’s still trying to get back to the healthy swing."

I’m not worried about Miguel Cabrera in the long-term this season, but I’m worried about the team’s offense whenever he doesn’t hit.