Detroit Tigers Links: Steven Moya Mud Hen, Youth Movement

The Detroit Tigers, contrary to popular belief, have some worthy pieces in the minor leagues.

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They also have a very good MLB team, so though we may want to see some of the players from down on the farm, it may not be time for some and the perfect time for others.

Case in point, our first story. With the terrific season that Steven Moya had in AA last year which included playing in the MLB Future’s Games, winning the AA league and AA All-Star Game MVP awards, and being tabbed as one of the top prospects in the Arizona Fall League many thought Moya’s next stop was Detroit.

But it seems more likely he will spend the majority of the season in Toledo and why not? The Tigers got Yoenis Cespedes which means the outfield is set for 2015. There is no reason to bring up a young guy only to have him sit on the bench. The best place for him to hone his skills is Toledo and should the Tigers suffer injuries in the outfield, he could be the first man up.

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This same logic does not apply to Tyler Collins, who made the 2014 team out of Spring Training but struggled and was replaced by J.D. Martinez on the roster. Collins likely WILL make the team as a fifth outfielder behind Cespedes, Martinez, Anthony Gose and Rajai Davis. He’s paid his dues in Toledo and would bolster the Tigers bench but not diminish or hamper his devlopment. Several other youngsters could serve a role according to our second link.

Expect Tigers’ Moya in Toledo in 2015, in majors in ’16 – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

Moya, 23, had a monster season at Double-A Erie in 2014. He hit .276 with 35 home runs and 105 RBIs and earned Eastern League MVP honors.One longtime scout said at the MLB winter meetings last month that there’s a view among at least some baseball people that Moya could hit righties in the big leagues right now, but will need a couple years to hit lefties.Moya said at an autograph signing in Detroit last month that he felt more comfortable against left-handers than he did before the season, and went as far as to say, “I really like facing lefties a lot.”

Detroit Tigers: Youth Will Be Key to Improving Offense and Winning in 2015 – Ben Rosener, Bleacher Report

Fellow outfielder Tyler Collins provides a solid blend of speed and pop, while catching prospect James McCann shows the ability to succeed on both sides of the ball thanks to a .295 batting average in Triple-A and a strong, defense-first reputation.

Next: Tigers' New Years Resolution: Sign RP Janssen