Jose Azocar Is Center Of Attention For Tigers

DETROIT—One of the main issues facing the Tigers this spring is determining who will play center field on an everyday basis.

That mystery does not extend to high Class A Lakeland, where Jose Azocar can—and will—play center.

The 20-year-old is so smooth defensively in center that he split time there last year at low Class A West Michigan with 2014 first-rounder Derek Hill. With the speedy Hill out of action until at least June after having Tommy John surgery last summer, Azocar is positioned to play center every day in the Florida State League.

“He can really, really play center field,” farm director Dave Owen said. “Jose can play anywhere out there . . . He’s got a cannon. He can really throw. He doesn’t have blazing speed, but he’s quick.

“He gets great jumps and just really has a good feel, as a young player, for playing the game.”

The Tigers knew they were taking on a bit of a project when they signed the young Venezuelan back in 2012. Azocar spent two seasons in the Venezuelan Summer League before making his U.S. debut in 2015.

Azocar hit .281/.315/.335 with 11 doubles, eight triples and 14 stolen bases in 129 games in the Midwest League. He has hit only one home run as a pro.

“He’s got a knack for really squaring balls up, really all over the place,” Owen said. “He drives the ball all over the field. He doesn’t have much power—yet. That may come as he gets older.”

Azocar struck out 22 percent of the time while walking infrequently last season, so his plate discipline must improve.

“He’s got some swing-and-miss,” said Owen, particularly when it comes to chasing pitches out of the zone. “He’ll figure out the strike zone. He can kind of cut (his swing) back, and he’ll figure out how to shorten things up and recognize pitches. When he does, he’s going to take off.”

TIGER TALES

• Righthander Drew VerHagen started spring training working as a starter after working exclusively as a reliever the past two seasons.

• The Tigers invited outfielder Anthony Gose to big league camp after they removed him from the 40-man roster this offseason when they acquired Mikie Mahtook.

— Chris Iott is a writer based in Michigan