Detroit Tigers early spring training observations: Team is hitting for power

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The Detroit Tigers are hitting for some early power in spring training

The Detroit Tigers were dead last in major league baseball last season with 110 home runs hit. They didn't add much power to the team this offseason. Yet, the long ball has been the team's primary source of offense early on in spring training.

The Detroit Tigers have hit seven home runs through three spring training games. Eric Haase and Kerry Carpenter both hit one in last night's game against the Yankees. New additions Nick Maton and Matt Vierling each homered on Sunday against Baltimore, with Jake Rogers also hitting one out to right field. Then on Saturday, prospects Parker Meadows and Andre Lipcius both went yard. While you really can't take stock into the first three games of spring training, it's still a welcome sight to see so many long balls from a team that provided very little last season.

Here are some other observations from the first three games of spring training:

Akil Baddoo looks like himself again

This is a massive spring for Akil Baddoo. He needs to prove that 2021 wasn't a fluke. So far, he's getting back to what made him so fun to watch that season.

He's hitting the ball hard, getting on base, and wreaking havoc on the basepaths. He had two stolen bases against the Yankees. One could argue that his best asset is his speed, and he's taking full advantage of that.

Again, it's three spring training games, but these are promising signs for a player that desparately needs things to go his way.

Garrett Hill looks rejuvenated

Garrett Hill started the spring training opener against the Phillies, and he looked fantastic. His sinker got all the way up to 97 mph. He struck out two and walked one in two scoreless innings. There are even reports that his sweeping curve has been replaced by a harder split-curve.

If he keeps this up, that would be one heck of a development. He already looked better in the bullpen last season. If he's able to pump 95-97 with his mix of secondary pitches, he could be a very interesting piece in the bullpen.

Bullpen arms are beginning to separate themselves

Again, it's been three games, but we're already beginning to see a few bullpen arms separate themselves from the pack. We already mentioned Hill, but there are a few others.

Let's start with the Rule 5 pick, Mason Englert. He pitched two shutout innings on Saturday, striking out four batters in the process. He doesn't throw very hard, but he has outstanding command and has great offspeed stuff. He hasn't been in any of my Opening Day roster predictions yet simply because I needed to see him for myself (not literally—I am not in Lakeland). If he keeps this up, he's almost a guarentee to win a spot in the bullpen.

Another guy that was impressive was Kervin Castro. He pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday, topping out at 97 mph with his fastball and mixing that in with a nasty curveball. He's a very interesting arm moving forward.

One guy that has already pitched himself out of a roster spot is LHP Jace Fry. He pitched the fifth inning on Sunday, and it was not pretty. He faced seven batters and only recorded one out. He allowed three runs on five hits and also walked a batter. It was nothing but hard contact against him. As of right now, he's certainly on the outside looking in.

Next. Detroit Tigers: Jake Rogers homers after long road to recovery. dark

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The Detroit Tigers are hitting for some early power in spring training

Akil Baddoo looks like himself again

Garrett Hill looks rejuvenated

Bullpen arms are beginning to separate themselves

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