Detroit Tigers: Around The Tail

Detroit Tigers News: New for 2020: Every Sunday, we recap what happened with Detroit Tigers baseball and tidbits from around the Al Central

Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to the first “Around the Tail” a weekly recap of the Detroit Tigers news and random items from around MLB.  Let’s take a look at what happened around Tigers baseball.

Matthew Boyd Trade Rumors Continue

Well, the off-season chatter of if or when Matthew Boyd is traded, continues. Our own Brian Johnston discussed the MLB Trade Rumors discussion to the Angels and provided some solid insight on the prospects the Tigers could target. Joe Rampe of the Tigers Minor League Report also provided 10 potential targets the Tigers should try for in exchange for the lefty. Names Joe included were the likes of Jonathan India of the Cincinnati Reds and another former Reds now Dodgers prospect, IF Jeter Downs.  Downs would provide some much-needed prospect depth in the infield. I am perfectly fine having a stable starter in the rotation. This will be the last we will mention of Boyd until something actually happens (or not)

Tigerfest Is Back

The team announced that TigerFest will take place in the summertime. Per Lynn Henning and Anthony Fenech, the team said based on fan feedback, the date was changed.

“By moving TigerFest to the summer, fans will have brand new experiences that include access to the field, more seasonable weather and interactive games and activities that we simply can’t provide in January,”

Despite freezing temperatures in the past, fans still came out to Comerica Park for the event. There is no set date but with the lack of days off during the season, it will be interesting when the team will pull Tigersfest off. The Winter Caravan starts on January 22nd with a free autograph session on January 25th. For more information, click the link here. 

Alex Wilson Returns

A familiar face returns as the Tigers signed Alex Wilson to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. In an interview with Detroit News, Wilson welcomed the opportunity to return to Detroit to help with the young arms.

“This is a good fit for me no matter who else called,because this is where I want to be”

Wilson struggled with the Brewers last year posting an ERA of 9.53 in 13 games. He gave up 12 earned runs over 11 innings, 6 of which came off an appearance against the Cubs on April 6th. This provides a veteran arm to assist one of the worst bullpens in the league.

Down on the Farm News

Mark Ecker, the Tigers 5th round draft from 2016 out of Texas A&M, has retired per reports confirmed by the Athletic’s Emily Waldon. Here’s the state of the 2016 Tigers draft class.

Your Moment of Zen

Here is former Detroit Tigers starter Alfredo Simón in the Dominican League Round Robin playoffs pitching for Los Tigres del Licey as he gets a clutch out. He was throwing at 94 miles per hour. Where was this in his season here? Your guess is as good as mine. I had to do a double-take. Until next week.

https://twitter.com/TigresdelLicey/status/1213289230161600519