Detroit Tigers Links: AJax problem, Tram and Lou HOF snubs & J.J Putz

Jun 26, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson (14) runs on a 3-2 count in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers Have Tough Choice To Make With Austin Jackson If Struggles Continue – Brad Faber, Rant Sports

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“Although Jackson batted leadoff from 2010-13, he relinquished that spot to Ian Kinsler this season, and so far the Tigers have struggled to find the right place in the order for him. Perhaps not having a fixed spot in the lineup is part of what has contributed to Jackson’s struggles in 2014.
Thus far, Jackson has batted first, second, fifth, sixth and seventh. He has really struggled at the top of the lineup, going hitless in six at-bats in the leadoff spot and batting just .136 (3-for-22) in the two-hole. Jackson has posted his best batting average in the five-hole, batting .301 in 83 at-bats, but the emergence of J.D. Martinez has forced him out of that spot.”

The patience the fan base has in Austin Jackson has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it may be at an all-time low in 2014. He can’t seem to hit anywhere in the lineup, his defense is average, and he’s not a huge threat on the bases. Jackson seems like a good dude and when he’s going good, the Tigers are usually tough to beat. But those hot stretches are becoming more and more rare.

Is Detroit getting shunned in Cooperstown? Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker still waiting for Hall of Fame – Gillian Van Stratt, MLive

“Bill Haase — who has worked for the Detroit Tigers organization as well as the Hall of Fame over the course of his career — echoed the snub sentiment during his speech at the reunion Monday night.

“Alan Trammell, Jack Morris and Lou Whitaker top my list,” Haase said.

While none of the players from 1984 have made it, manager Sparky Anderson was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2000. The Detroit Tigers have 20 former players in Cooperstown.”

Stack Tram and Lou against a lot of SS and 2B in the Hall and they match up or exceed many of them. Perhaps it has a lot to do with the fact that the Tigers declined so quickly after 1984, but why should that matter? Cooperstown is about individual achievements and Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, and Jack Morris all are Hall-of-Fame players. Bottom line that can never be denied–had these guys played in New York, L.A., or Chicago, they’d each have a plaque by now.

Tigers rumors: Would J.J. Putz make sense in Detroit? – Sean Heyboer, Bless You Boys

Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Putz’s average fastball has regressed to an average of just under 90 miles per hour this season, but he is pitching to a 55 percent ground ball rate. The Diamondbacks originally placed the 37-year-old Putz on waivers on June 20, giving them 10 days to trade, release or outright him. He was let go when the Diamondbacks presumably found no one who was interested in giving up a player for his services. The Diamondbacks will pay all of the $3.5 million left on Putz’s contract this year. If he chooses to sign with another team, they will only have to pay the prorated portion of the $500,000 minimum salary requirements.

With the bullpen still in shambles, even with the team playing better of late, why not? You can see what he has before the trading deadline and not have to risk a prospect to do it.

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