Detroit Tigers Spring Training 2015 Roundtable

Credit: Flickr, Creative Commons http://goo.gl/fJW0zM Tom Hagerty

So it has come to this.

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The Detroit Tigers’ 2015 season officially kicked off a couple of hours ago when pitchers and catchers made their first appearance in sunny and (not so) warm Lakeland, Florida.

While most Tigers’ fans are digging out and trying to warm up after a long winter season of snow, ice and bitter cold, we are now just a couple of days until baseball games will be played again–albeit practice games, but games nonetheless.

The 2015 Detroit Tigers are a team with a lot of question marks. Their window for AL Central dominance has seemingly evaporated with their rivals getting better and the team coming back to the pack.

With a packed lineup and starting rotation helping to dominate a relatively weak division since 2011, the Tigers still have not been able to grab the ultimate prize as a favorite within the baseball media.

Perhaps as they translate into a perceived second-tier team, they could sneak up on people. Or they could finish in fourth place.

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, 2015 will be a very interesting year for the Tigers.

So as we begin that intriguing chapter, we gathered the Motor City Bengals staff together and cobbled together answers to some burning questions as the team hits Lakeland.

One exciting website note. You may notice a new name in the staff roundtable, Dave Holcomb, who will be joining us as the new Motor City Bengals co-editor beginning March 1. We are very excited to have him!

Oct 17, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) makes a catch against Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (not pictured) during the third inning in game five of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

What 2015 Detroit Tigers Spring Training story line (or story lines) is most intriguing to you?

Dan Byrne: The left side of the infield. Iglesias will need to be a magnet and play 130 games. I’d like to see Castellanos improve to the point where he actually WANTS the ball to be hit to him. If the above happens and both of these guys hit, it will help to offset some pitching concerns.

Zane Stalberg: With more uncertainty than usual surrounding this team, there are plenty of storylines to follow as Spring Training approaches. For me, of all those storylines, two stick out. First, it will be very compelling to see how this team responds to being written off by a lot of the national media. The Tigers have always been viewed as a heavy favorite in this division and it is curious to see whether or not they will play with a chip on their shoulder. Secondly, it will be just as intriguing to watch, and judge, whether Justin Verlander has returned to form. In my mind, Verlander is one of the three most important players on the team this year, and whether or not he can regain some of his former glory will play a major role in the end result of the 2015 season.

Josh Scramlin: One of the most intriguing storylines for me personally is how Yoenis Cespedes fits in with this Detroit team. He said earlier in the offseason that this was the first team that he felt fully welcome, so if he was uncomfortable in Oakland and Boston and still put up great numbers, how high is his ceiling? For some odd reason Cespedes has a group of doubters that constantly follow him wherever he plays, so I think his tale is worth watching in Spring Training.

Steve Mitzel: Two story lines – who will emerge as the up and comer. Will it be Moya? Collins? Lobstein? Or someone that is not on any of our radar screens this year. The fact of the matter is that the Tigers need a young player to perform this year to fill some holes. The other story line will be Jose Iglesias and how healthy is now and can he continue to be healthy.

Tom Zahari: My storyline to watch is the health of the Tigers. This doesn’t just include Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera (although they are kind of a big deal to watch). I’m watching Jose Iglesias. Iglesias was out all of 2014 with shin injuries I had never heard of before and I do not know what his recovery will be. The Tigers need him to be a defensive wizard that he was in 2013 and their everyday shortstop. I’m watching to make sure he is still healthy, has his range, and can still beat out infield hits as we move forward through the 2015 season.

Blair Tatrault: I’m anxious to see if Jose Iglesias is completely healthy. Since he sat out last year, it’s easy to forget how well he plays shortstop. The Tigers don’t have much behind him, so it’s critical he makes a complete recovery. I’ll also be watching Justin Verlander and Bruce Rondon closely–the game is still about pitching and the road ahead gets a lot tougher if these guys aren’t pitching at a high level for most of the season.

Matt Pelc: The health of the team will be the biggest story line in Lakeland. A year ago the team went in to Spring Training relatively healthy and players began to drop like flies. It actually began before Spring Training last year when Justin Verlander had surprise surgery in January. Jose Iglesias played in two Grapefruit League games before bowing out, Andy Dirks and Bruce Rondon soon followed and we never saw them again. I am interested to see how Iglesias plays having been off his feet and away from true baseball action since Oct. 2013 and how Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera progress throughout March. The Tigers have to hope no one else gets hurt because they don’t want to be shorthanded come Opening Day. Injuries hampered the Tigers last year more than most realize.

Dave Holcomb: Even though the Indians and White Sox both have stronger rosters, and the Royals are coming off a trip to the World Series, the Tigers are still the most talented team on paper in the division. But they are also the oldest. Miguel Cabera and Victor Martinez are both over 30 and recovering from offseason surgery. They combined for 212 RBI last season. The Tigers need those guys to anchor the middle of the lineup again this season. After David Price, Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez are penciled into the second and third spots in the Tigers rotation. Both have been excellent pitchers in their careers, but each also have question marks going into 2015. Sanchez hasn’t made over 30 starts since 2012, and Verlander has admitted he didn’t feel right at all last season. Verlander went 15-12 with a 4.54 ERA, his highest since 2008, and just 159 strikeouts, his lowest since his rookie season. He will absolutely have to be completely health and better for the Tigers to win the division. To conclude, the shortstop position and bullpen are also health question marks. Detroit traded rookie shortstop Eugenio Suarez to acquire Alfredo Simon from Cincinnati. That means they are counting on Jose Iglesias returning to form and playing shortstop every day. As for the bullpen, closer Joe Nathan is 40 years old. How much does he have left in the tank? Fellow reliever Bruce Rendon also needs to fully recover. The 24-year-old throws gas and could eat up the middle innings if he is healthy.

Aug 24, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Alfredo Simon (31) pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Thinking of the new-look starting rotation, do you think Alfredo Simon will win the #5 spot? Why or why not? If not him, who should get the slot?

Dan: I think he will because that is why they got him. Dombrowski is determined to convince fans he has the bullpen all figured out. I didn’t (and still don’t) like the transaction. First sign Simons shows of vulnerability in the rotation he should be “penned” and one of the kids given a chance. Lobstein or Farmer.

Zane: I do believe that Alfredo Simon will win the fifth spot in this rotation, and could even end up as the fourth man, depending on Shane Greene‘s production. This is largely because of his 2014 season. Many have questioned whether or not that was a fluke, and it just may be, but until Simon lets the Tigers down, the job should be his job to lose. And, I fully believe he will turn out to be a very good addition to this team. I am optimistic that Simon will benefit from Comerica, as so many have before him, and that this improved Tigers defense, along with a full year of starting under his belt, will help him succeed once more in 2015.

Josh: I believe that Alfredo Simon will win the fifth spot in the rotation. He was a reliever his entire career until last year when the Reds took a gigantic gamble and made him a starter. It worked out beautifully and he garnered his first ASG appearance. As bad as the bullpen has been, I think Simon will serve the team better in the rotation anyway, because his ideal role in the pen would be a long reliever, and Kyle Lobstein is a better fit for that position. Simon has the talent and durability you want to see in a starter, I firmly believe he takes the five-spot.

Betsided

Steve: Simon will end up in the four spot to start with Shane Greene winning the five-spot out of Spring Training. Simon will continue to be in the 5 rotation all year long with Lobstein pushing Greene hard for the 5 spot. Simon has the capability to perform in the four spot. If Lobstein and Greene perform we could see Simon slipping to the bullpen.

Tom: The 5th starter’s role is Alfredo Simon’s going into the 2015 season. The question is will he be the Simon of the first half of 2014 or the second half of 2014. The Tigers brought Simon on board to be their 5th starter, or they would have made a move to try to acquire James Shields. I think that Simon would work better in the bullpen and he still may end up there, but as of now, he is the Tigers 5th best starter and he will be their 5th starter.

Blair: As a veteran who was acquired at a high cost to join the rotation, Simon will be the #5 starter when the team breaks camp. I would expect he’ll be given until June or so to nail it down, but if he’s wavering at that point and someone else is ready (Lobstein, Farmer, etc.), he may be moved to the bullpen.

Matt: I wasn’t crazy about the deal that brought Simon to Detroit, particularly by giving up on Eugenio Suarez. The shortstop is young and while he will never have superior defensive skills, his hitting could blossom and he could have been an eventual replacement for Ian Kinsler at second base. Nonetheless what is done is done and while the trade wasn’t great, I am a little more high on Simon that some. I feel he will be as good of a #4 or #5 as any other pitcher in the division. He had a solid first half last year and there is no reason, under the tutelage of Jeff Jones, he can’t recapture that success.

Dave: Alfredo Simon will earn the fifth spot in the rotation simply because the Tigers had to give up quite a bit to get him. The team will not want to give up on this investment. That being said, Simon appears to be a solid fifth starter option. In his first full year starting last season, he went 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA in 196.1 innings while pitching in a very hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Simon should benefit from pitching in the spacious Comerica Park this season.

Sep 1, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Steven Moya singles in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Which young players are making this team? Tyler Collins? Steven Moya? Kyle Lobstein? Any others?

Dan: Collins seems like the logical candidate but perhaps Daniel Fields can finally realize some of the potential that was seen in him a couple of years ago. He was once projected as a middle of the order MLB center-fielder.

Zane: There is little room for young players to crack the majors on this roster in 2015. But, I believe two of the Tigers’ young talents will find their way onto the team this year. First, I think Tyler Collins ends up on the opening day roster for the second straight year. The Tigers are clearly very high on him, and despite falling off the roster last year, he showed promise at the end of the year. With Gose and Davis splitting time in center, it would serve the Tigers well to have some pop off the bench. The other young Tiger I believe will make this roster is Hernan Perez. Perez made a national name for himself by winning a game for the Tigers from the bench. But Tigers fans have been familiar with him for a while, and this will be the year he can make an impact off the bench for this team. In my opinion, he gives Detroit more than Andrew Romine, and he will beat Romine in the battle for the utility infielder spot off the bench.

Josh: As I said in the question before this, Kyle Lobstein is making the team. When Anibal Sanchez was injured and Rick Porcello was struggling heavily in the latter half of last season, Lobstein stepped in and saved the season. The Tigers would not have made it down that stretch in August without his help. As for Tyler Collins and Steven Moya, I wouldn’t mind seeing them come off the bench but a little more time in the minors would be better for them. A person everybody seems to forget is James McCann; with Alex Avila being banged up so bad in his career, it wouldn’t hurt to give McCann a legitimate shot.

Steve: Lobstein is clearly needed and will be pushed along this year. Rondon will be back and in the bullpen and I’d classify him as a young player. I don’t think Moya is ready for prime time yet and will be held back. Tyler Collins will make the trip to Detroit and spend about a month before he is sent back for Moya.

Tom: I think Collins makes the team as the 5th outfielder and as a bat off of the bench and I think everyone else has him the favorite to do that too. If Victor Martinez is not ready for Opening Day, I think Moya makes the team as pop off of the bench or as a possible early season DH against right handed pitching. He will be in the Tigers outfield if anyone goes down this season, and I also think Moya is a Tigers outfielder for the future, but he’s not ready for the big club in 2015. I also think Kyle Ryan makes the team in the bullpen as a late innings lefty. The Tigers’ bullpen needs a lefty and Ryan showed at the end of last season that he can get high leverage outs against left handed batters. Kyle Lobstein is my next man up in the rotation. If the Tigers decide to move Simon to the bullpen or any of the Tigers’ starters get hurt this season, Lobstein will be up in a spot start role, with the possibility of Buck Farmer and Drew VerHagen as others to get some spot starts here or there.

Blair: I see Tyler Collins making the team as the fifth outfielder. He provides a little left-handed pop, can run some, and doesn’t hurt you in the field, though playing center field for any length of time would be a stretch for him. Moya still needs 500 minor league at bats, then might be ready by September. Likewise, Lobstein needs further refining at AAA. Since he’s out of options and is younger and faster than Andrew Romine, Hernan Perez will probably make the team as a utility guy.

Matt: I think Collins strong stint in a limited role in September proves he can be the fifth outfielder and, unlike last season, stick around past April. I am excited for Moya but believe he needs another year of seasoning at AAA. He made a name for himself at AA last year but he’ll be facing big-league caliber pitching on a regular basis for the first time in his career. I am not sure the Tigers would want to carry a young spot starter on Opening Day with more off-days. They want them starting in Toledo not coming out of the bullpen in Detroit, however I’d expect to seeing Lobstein, Ryan, Farmer and VerHagen all at some point this season.

Dave: Kyle Lobstein and Bruce Rondon will likely make the team in an attempt to give the bullpen some depth. Lobstein could also push Simon for the No. 5 rotation spot. I don’t see the Tigers pushing their top hitting prospect, Steven Moya, along too quickly just to sit on the bench this season. The 23-year-old seems better suited to play every day at the Triple-A level. Tyler Collins could potentially claim a bench spot.

Jul 29, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Ian Krol (46) pitches in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

We all know the bullpen HAS to be better this year in order for the Tigers to compete. Who do you think will be a surprise in the bullpen in Spring Training that will (hopefully) continue into the regular season?

Dan: As far as the pleasant variety of surprises, I think it will be Ian Krol. As to RHP I am hoping that Hanrahan regains his health. If he has that, he will likely be a very nice addition. The closer role, unfortunately, is being decided by the same stubbornness we have witnessed for three years running. I do not expect to be surprised by either Nathan or Soria, for very different reasons. I think Soria will have a good year and that should not be a surprise. He is still a good pitcher.

Zane: I think Ian Krol will surprise a lot of fans this Spring Training, and will continue that success during the regular season. Krol posted a 2.05 ERA in his first 31 appearances, before the wheels fell off. Many contributed this to a heavy workload, but Krol blames it on a poor work ethic, as was chronicled by Anthony Fenech in the Detroit Free Press. In that article, Krol says “I’m not the only guy, but if I do get the opportunity to come out of spring, I’ll make the best of it.” That attitude will lead to a very good season from Krol, and the Tigers will need it.

Josh: A person that I hope is able to stand his ground in Spring Training and then contribute in the regular season is Josh Zeid. He pitched for two partial seasons in Houston and Detroit claimed him off waivers a few months ago. I love it when a player nobody else gives a shot goes out and proves everybody wrong (J.D. Martinez, anyone?), so I’m really hoping Zeid can do something good. Also, with Ian Kroll not amounting to anything, Zeid could serve as a replacement for Kroll’s specialist roster spot.

Steve: The tandem of Soira and Nathan will surprise many fans after their lackluster performance in 2014. They have solid track records and with the offseason training and conditioning I believe that they will be back to their form. The mere fact that Phil Coke is NOT in the bullpen is a victory for the Tigers. Lobstein will start in the bullpen and will add some depth. The acquisition of Gorzelanny will also be a key pick up.

Tom: If I had to pick a surprise, it would be either Buck Farmer or Kyle Ryan showing up and really performing well to be placed in the Tigers bullpen. I think people will be surprised by Alex Wilson and Tom Gorzelanny. They were two pickups that could really reinforce the bullpen. The three people who need to have better 2015’s with the bullpen are Joe Nathan, Joakim Soria, and Brad Ausmus. I don’t think Bruce Rondon will have the impact coming off of Tommy John surgery in 2015 that people are hoping. Nathan needs to have a better 2015 as the Tigers’ closer and I think he will. Soria will most likely take over the 8th inning. Ausmus has to be much better with his bullpen management for the Tigers to take the next step and I hope after managing a full season, he has the needed experience to succeed. I really think the Tigers will have a better bullpen performance in 2015.

Blair: I expect we’ll see the real Joakim Soria this year. He’s been too good for too long to have suddenly lost it, and should excel as the 8th inning set-up man. Given Joe Nathan’s age and performance problems last year, it would not be surprising to see Soria as the closer at some point. It would also be a tonic for the bullpen if Rondon is healthy and throwing 100 mph again by mid-season.

Matt: Two names–well two and a half names–pop up for me with this question. First name is Joakim Soria. He had no clear role coming over here midseason last year and now he does. He’s excelled through much of his career–it’s a contract year for him so I expect him to be a lockdown 8th inning option. The second name is Ian Krol. He actually was a fairly reliable lefty option through the first six weeks of the season but completely fell apart. It was his first extended taste of the big leagues, so I would expect him to learn and adapt and be better in 2015. Now, I say 2 1/2 because I think Joe Nathan could be better–I mean how could he be worse and not lose his job to Soria (sliding Bruce Rondon to setup)? Nathan has never struggled like he did in 2014 before. We’ll see in Spring Training if it was an aberration or his age has finally caught up. The “half” is because I really don’t know which way Nathan will go.

Dave: It’s hard to believe Joe Nathan and Joakim Soria could be any worse for Detroit this season. Nathan blew a career-high seven saves last season and had a 6.31 ERA in the middle of June. Soria posted a 4.91 ERA before hitting the DL in August. That came after posting a 2.70 ERA in Texas the first half of the season. Just the law of averages say those two will bounce back. As mentioned above, Rendon is a key to the bullpen along with fellow youngster Lobstein. If he makes the major league roster, Joel Hanrahan could also be an effective middle-inning reliever. He recorded 76 saves during the 2011 and 2012 seasons in Pittsburgh.