Tigers Searching Far And Wide
DETROIT—The Tigers this offseason signed several players to minor league deals who played internationally in 2016.
But that doesn’t signal a major change in philosophy, and it’s not the product of a major increase in scouting overseas. The Tigers simply found players they needed to fill holes.
“It wasn’t any specific direction given or preconceived thoughts,” vice president of player development Dave Littlefield said. “It’s really just more based on the needs that we have, and the scouting reports and the analytical evaluation. As we combine all those things, that led us to a bunch of guys who had played in foreign leagues in the past. That was really more of how it came together.”
No matter what the reason, it’s clear that the Tigers’ crop of offseason imports has a more foreign flavor than in years past.
Righthander Jake Brigham played in Japan last year. First baseman Brett Pill spent the past three seasons playing in Korea, while outfielder Jim Adduci and righthander Collin Balester, who pitched for the Tigers in 2012, spent 2016 playing there.
Righthander Waldis Joaquin spent the past four seasons in the Mexican League, while lefty Travis Blackley and righthander Arcenio Leon played in Mexico last year.
“You try to keep your eyes on everything that’s available to help fill the needs that you have building around your prospects and to create some depth,” Littlefield said.
Littlefield cited third baseman Casey McGehee and relievers Dustin Molleken and Logan Kensing as examples. Those three were minor league signings for the Tigers a year ago who ended up playing in the big leagues in 2016.
“You’re always keeping an eye on having some depth with . . . a variety of guys who move up and fill in at different times,” Littlefield said. “And you never know when you’re going to acquire a guy who gets some traction and ends up being a multi-year player for you. In years past, Don Kelly did that.”
TIGER TALES
• One minor league signing worth watching this spring is William Cuevas, a 26-year-old righthander who made his big league debut last season for the Red Sox.
• Outfielder Derek Hill had Tommy John surgery last fall and is progressing. Barring a setback, he should be ready to play in mid-June.
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