Detroit Tigers: Nicknames Show Off Special Team Relationships

The Chicago Cubs have Bryzzo, but the Detroit Tigers have Miggy, JV, K-Rod, and V-Mart, and as well as a few others. All of the nicknames are for individual players.

Even though Detroit Tigers fans know there are some special relationships on the team, the team does not have any special portmanteaus to show off the chemistry of their favorite players.

Until now.

It is clear that the Tigers have players who get along especially well with other teammates in the dugout. There are also several teammates who seem to gel especially well on the field. Instead of having to call them all by their own names, I have come up with a number of combinations, like “Bryzzo” (which is the combination of Kris Bryand and Anthony Rizzo).

Here we go:

Now that Justin Verlander and Alex Avila are back together, it is safe to say that the pair will be battery mates on a regular basis. Instead of referring to the pair as Verlander and Avila, why not call the duo: “Avilander” – pronounced ah-vee-land-er? It gets the pair covered in one quick name and it addresses the “JV” part of the equation.

The other duo that seems to be in each other’s back pocket is none other than the Ian Kinsler and Jose Iglesias pairing. These middle infielders couldn’t be any more in tune with each. At this point in their time together, they might even be finishing each other’s sentences. This one was a tough one, so I turned to the Name Combiner for a little help. My two favorites are Kiggy and Igan.

The other two players who have a special friendship are Nick Castellanos and J.D. Martinez. Their friendship has ties to their time growing up in South Florida and starting with the Tigers in 2013. Again, there are two good options to choose from: JD-Nos (Jay-Dee-Nose) and Castinez (Cas-Tee-Nez). It just isn’t very appropriate to combine their first names.

Picking on the Pitchers

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A few of the pitchers would do well with combo nicknames. One pair that seems to get along like peas and carrots is Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris. This one is easy: Borris. Justin Wilson and Alex Wilson need to be more than just The Wilsons. Why don’t we just call them Jalex or Alexin. And, if the eighth and ninth inning guys are going to be Bruce Rondon and Francisco Rodriguez, why not give them a portmanteau, too. There are plenty to choose from, like Brusco, B-Rod, Fruce, or F-Ron.

Of course, we do need a name for Mike Pelfrey and Anibal Sanchez. The pair is known for being..well, mediocre…together. So, when the pair pitch and give up runs to the other team, we can call it an “Anibake” or a “Smike” or a “Panibal.” It’s ok to chuckle a little.

Next: V-Mart Looks Ready to Play

And, since Don Kelly has returned to the club, he can finally get his combo nickname with Jim Leyland: Jimdon or Leyly or Jimly or Donnyland. And, don’t forget about Cabrinez.