Detroit Tigers – The “Should’ve Guy’s” Early Season Review

May 12, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) bats during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Does anyone else feel the subtle Panic in Detroit? In a matter of a month, Detroit Tigers fans have gone from planning a World Series parade to abandoning their beloved team. It’s May. It’s a marathon of a season, but the Tigers do indeed seem to be in a bit of trouble.

Last year, I was in New York City with my girlfriend and stuck in traffic with nowhere to go. I said to my girlfriend “I should have turned left on 54^th street.”  She smirked and said “oh the should’ve guy has shown up.” I laughed.  But I now love this concept she has created. How many times do we say we should’ve or would’ve when something happens or we analyze something.

So in tribute to my girlfriend, I present the “Should’ve Guy’s” assessment of the Detroit Tigers as of  May 2015 .

1.  Tigers Should’ve Signed Russell Martin.

I am so stuck on this point. I know, I know. Alex Avila’s dad has deep ties as a scout with the Tigers organization and I can respect loyalty. But it won’t always win you a World Series. So here we are in May with our veteran catcher on the 15 day DL, but needing surgery and will most likely miss most of the season.

It’s an opportunity for James McCann to step up and show that he is a major league catcher. I’d love for that to happen. That’s not the scouting report per se on him, but it might happen.

Ignoring that fact, the Should’ve Guy points out that Alex’s line is .200/.342/.317. Last year it was .218/.327/.359 and oh yeah 2013 was .227/.317/.376. Russell Martin? His line? .281/.383/.583 and just 7 home runs this season and 19 RBI’s. Last year? .290/.402/.430. Dombrowski clearly Should’ve signed Russell Martin

3.  Victor Martinez Should’ve Been Placed on the Disabled List to Start the Season

Did you watch the ESPN crew micro analyze Vmart’s swing from the left side of the plate? Yikes, it made me hurt just walking. Seriously, how is the man actually playing? He’s rebounded a bit lately but he’s a shadow of the Vmart we know.

The 36 year old slugger was rushed back from a major surgery this winter for WHAT!!?!?!  For the Tigers to get a jump in April and May? Or was it because we didn’t have any bench strength at designated hitter and we needed him in the lineup. Placing Victor on the DL for the first 4-5 weeks of the season would have given him a heck of lot more time to recover. And more importantly, contribute throughout the meat of the season.

We watched poor Miguel Cabrera literally limp through the season and it’s Victor Martinez’s turn to limp through this year.

The Tigers Should’ve Placed Vmart on the DL.

4. The Tigers Should’ve Not Re-signed Joba Chamberlain

The lack of moves to improve the bullpen this offseason is one of the most baffling mysteries of baseball. The Tigers seriously had no other options in the marketplace besides Joba Chamberlain? His 5.87 ERA is making Phil Coke look like he Would’ve been a better option.

Wouldn’t Rafael Soriano be a better option for a set up guy? There has to be something besides Joba Fett!

Dombrowski Should’ve Signed Soriano instead of Joba.

5. Ausmus Should’ve Changed the Batting Lineup

I am going to beat this horse until it is beyond dead. The offense worked so well the first month and now it’s just stalled.

What has Brad Ausmus done to help? The first question of a change of lineup, he actually told the press that it “just gave people something to talk about”.

Then after seeing J.D. Martinez struggle he switched J.D. and Yoenis Cespedes.

But yet….

He leaves an injured and slumping Victor in cleanup allowing pitchers to pitch around Miggy to get to Vmart.

He leaves the bottom of the lineup struggle.

I’ll say it again…Ausmus Should’ve switched the lineup

Ahh…the Should’ve Guy.  He’s kind of a super hero.  We’ll see more of him throughout the season unless the Tigers give us a reason to keep him quiet.

Next: Week 5 Heroes and Zeroes