Detroit Tigers: White Sox Outfield is Beyond Bad

If you are a fan who watches every single Detroit Tigers game, it might seem like the Tigers are loaded with problems that continue to build upon each other. In order to stay sane throughout the season, it is helpful to remember that other teams – especially AL Central rivals – have even bigger problems.

While Detroit Tigers fans complain about the bullpen, the manager, and the bench players, one thing is certain – the Tigers outfielders are so much better than the outfielders who play for the Chicago White Sox.

Detroit Tigers fans have enjoyed watching White Sox right fielder Avisail Garcia miss plays in the past two games. The former Tiger just doesn’t seem to see the ball or take the best routes.

The other player who misses way to many plays is Melky Cabrera. Like Garcia, his flaws in the outfield continue to help the opposing teams’ batters. The other problem with Melky Cabrera is the fact that the fans cannot stand him.

A weak outfield can seriously destroy a team. When the players miss their routes and have difficulty maneuvering to catch foul balls, they give opposing teams free outs. The strange thing about the weak outfielders who make their home at US Cellular Field is that the outfield is nowhere near the size of Comerica Park. Until the White Sox get their outfield together, there is no reason why the Tigers cannot continue to dominate this team in 2016.

The White Sox have to play their weak outfielders every day, while the weak pitchers in the Tigers bullpen only have to come out to pitch occasionally. Yes, we have seen plenty of implosions, dumpster fires, disappointments, etc., from the bullpen – but not on a nine-inning basis.

Avisail Garcia as an outfielder has played more games as a DH than an outfielder, but with the other former Tiger Austin Jackson on the DL, Garcia has to man the field. J.B. Shuck and Jason Coats aren’t any better. Garcia only has one error listed, but if you really watch him play, he doesn’t get close enough to the ball to make errors. His fielding percentage is .986, which ironically the same as J.D. Martinez‘s percentage – but the intangibles, like hustle and route running are clearly in Martinez’s favor. 

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In left field, the Tigers get to watch Justin Upton. While he may not be the most reliable at the plate, he is almost certain to make plays in left field. He is speedy and he sees the ball. He, too, has a .986 fielding percentage in left and center combined. It is rare to find any outfielder who is perfect, but Upton isn’t bad out there. Melky Cabrera has a similar fielding percentage, but he has let a number of balls pass him by. After watching a handful of games at US Cellular Field, the fans really do dislike him. Fans do not cheer for him and their ire for the left fielder runs much deeper than the Tigers fans’ frustration with Upton’s plate appearances.

Adam Eaton is another story. The White Sox fans love him. He may not be perfect in centerfield, but he hustles and puts everything into his defensive plays, at-bats, and baserunning. He plays like his job is on the line and the hard-working fans at The Cell love him for it. Cameron Maybin is another well-loved player. Maybin and Eaton both play with the same amount of heart and hustle, but Maybin’s 6’3″ frame makes it a bit easier for him to get from A to B than the 5’8″ Eaton.

Next: Watch the Tigers at The Cell. You Won't be Disappointed

So, when you, the disgruntled Tigers fan begins to complain about whatever Detroit Tigers department is in trouble, just remember – we could have an outfield that is as bad (or worse) than the one that plays on the Southside of Chicago.