Detroit Tigers: Improvements Made in Spring Training

Now that the last spring training game has been played, it’s time to look back on the improvements that the Detroit Tigers have made. From pitching to baserunning, the Tigers are looking like a team that is ready to hit the regular season full blast.

Mar 18, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) hits a double against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Cardinals 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

They finished the 2016 spring training season with an 18-11-1 record. Many of their wins were won by over five runs (although they did have that disappointing 16-1 loss to the Blue Jays). The wins were impressive and it landed the Tigers in the fourth spot in the Grapefruit League.

They finished just four games back from the Washington Nationals who won the league and behind the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins. Two of the Nats’ four losses were to the Tigers.

If you were able to watch any of the spring training games, there was one thing that stood out: baserunning. The Tigers were one of the worst teams when it came to 2015 baserunning numbers, but it appears that they have been working hard to move up in the rankings. Batters also managed to come through when men were on base, even if the man who earned the RBIs was the unlikely hero in the order. For example, in the last spring training game, it was Anthony Gose – the number nine batter – who hit the three-run home run, not James McCann or Jose Iglesias who batted before him in the order.

Baserunning improvements were guided by Kirk Gibson, who worked with the team for the majority of spring training. Players like Tyler Collins and Ian Kinsler benefitted from Gibby’s help. Collins commented: “I wanted to work on my burst speed and first-step quickness. There are people that have noticed it and said something to me about it.”

Gibson helped the team understand the logistics of baserunning, especially regarding awareness of surroundings. In 2015, the Tigers were frequently caught between the bases – whether they were trying to steal or not. In many games, it seemed like players did not put everything they could into baserunning. It often seemed like the team was just waiting for someone to come through with a big hit – and those did not always arrive.

Even though spring training stats do not matter in the regular season, it is notable that a handful of players did steal numerous bases. Speedy Jose Iglesias stole four while Kinsler, Collins, Mike Aviles, and Andrew Romine each stole two. Getting baserunners in scoring position usually equates to more runs scored. Stealing in the big leagues is challenging, which makes these small number quite impressive.