Where in the world is Francisco Cruceta
Somebody asked about the mysterious Francisco Cruceta. He's still not here. His uniform is in his locker, and his equipment is stacking up, but he's still stuck in the Dominican. Leyland said he has no idea when Cruceta is expected to arrive. It's a government matter now with the visa.
The Tigers say he's working out with others in the Dominican. That's nice, but still, that's not the same as working out with the rest of the big-league club. For all that's said about the repetitiveness of the drills in a spring training camp and how it can seem pointless, there's still a very good reason for it. It's difficult to duplicate, and even if you can, it doesn't include the manager observing players and getting an idea of how they tick.
I swear to goodness this Cruceta guy exists. Somebody under his name pitched in the Caribbean Series, and he pitched pretty darn well. And as Leyland pointed out, if he comes into camp in March and pitches lights-out, nobody will remember the fact that he was gone for so long. But Leyland also said that the key to judging a talented but inconsistent arm is to break down his track record and figure out why the light hasn't turned on yet. That takes time to figure out, and the clock is ticking.
What else is going on?
- The Tigers put Miguel Cabrera through some defensive work this weekend, with Larry Parrish hitting him a few slow rollers. It's an easy way to get him some work on those, which Cabrera said was a point of improvement for him when he reported, but Leyland admits they can only do so much on that. They can't simulate game conditions, which is a better test for third basemen. More than technique, games give a look at where they position themselves, what their first step looks like and how their judgment is on whether or not to try to throw a guy out.
- Fernando Rodney played catch today from about 60 feet away and felt fine. He'll take Saturday off, play long toss on Sunday, and aim for a side session on the mound sometime next week.
- If you're desperate enough to see pitchers actually face hitters, you can watch the Tigers take what they call live batting practice on Saturday and Sunday. Basically, the hitters get in the box against pitchers and basically provide a frame of reference for them. They'll take a few pitches and swing at some, but usually it means little because pitchers are ahead of hitters at this point in camp. Saturday, by the way, will be a little later workout because it's photo day. So if you're planning on showing up (and I've seen and/or talked to some of you out there; you know who you are), you can hit the snooze button a couple more times tomorrow morning.
- The Tigers put their infielders and outfielders through fly ball drills this afternoon, getting them used to fighting the sun to track down a ball. One notable player who wasn't included in the drill was Brandon Inge, which seems odd for a utility player. It seems like the Tigers are mainly working Inge out at third.
Hey Guys,
My wife is flying in tonight and she's delayed so... rather than sit outside the airport, I'm wasting time online. I've just read about the crazy situation with Cruceta and with the injury to Zumaya and concerns with Rodney already popping up, I'm seriously concerned with out bullpen situation. With that in mind, I'm going to float an idea that I know is simple dreaming... With the number of young guys with starting potential and I'm thinking of Bazardo, Miner, and Vazquez as well as McBride, I'm wondering if the Tigers would ever consider moving Robertson to a relief role. I know they just signed him to a big contract to be a starter but I really think Nate would make a great reliever. Here's my case:
1) He doesn't throw that hard but he pitches like a power pitcher and can put guys away.
2) He usually does better the first two times through a lineup. (I'm guessing here based on my recollection but I think the stats will back this up.) Remember how many times last year he was just floating through five innings and then fell apart in the sixth/seventh?
3) The Tigers don't need another left handed starter-- Rogers and Willis give them great balance already.
4) I think it would be easier on Nate's arm-- he's had trouble making it through a full year without getting injured.
5) Most importantly: the Tigers need a shut down guy at the end of the game. Yes, Jones does an admirable job (despite terrifying us all on a regular basis) and Rodney has potential. The rest of the guys in the pen are average at best-- they all have good stretches but none of them qualify as a "go-to-guy" and I don't think the Tigers can rely on any of them to win a number of games. What's worse, if the Tigers choose to trade for bullpen help, they're going to have to give up some serious prospects-- we're kinda low on them-- or will simply overpay.
6) Nate looks like a bullpen guy-- with the quirky glasses and facial hair, he'd be great in the 'pen. Just think about it-- whenever the Tigers go down by three runs, he could pop in the gum and they could show him on the jumbotron at Comerica. He could be the Tigers personal Rally Monkey! (or not)
Alright, that's all the foolishness I'll say on this topic and despite my attempt at humor, I think the Tigers should seriously consider Robertson in the 'pen. (If Nate wins 15 games this year, I'll deny ever posting this entry.)
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Cruceta better hope it's a government thing. JL won't tolerate any slackers or whiners or prima donnas.
Cruceta has already undergone a 50 game suspension for steroid use. Hopefully there is a disconnect with this visa problem.
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I saw an article about the forgooten man Renteria the other day. How about the forgoteen man that has been really forgotten?
Jacque Jones.
Here's a guy who gives us the LHB we really needed in the OF.
He runs well, is a good enough fielder to play CF and struck out only 70 times last year.
His power numbers were off last year but he has a couple of seasons of 25+ HRs and should be able to drive home 75 or 80 (even with his time limited), in this lineup.
Bonus he brings to the table is that he has played in the AL Central before.
Welcome to Detroit Jacque!
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Hey Brent, I like that "Nate the Rally Monkey" thing. Funny. I can visualize that. But "seriously" I remember floating this idea last summer during the bullpen woes. I thought then and think now that's it's something that could work if necessary. Nate has escape-ability. There are two drawbacks to it. One, today's pitchers seem to become so set in their roles (with John Smoltz being an exception) that there's no guarantee they'd be able to make a conversion like that. Two, and more importantly, Nate is an innings eater. That in itself helps the bullpen. But yeah, I like thinking outside the box like that.
Jones had that inexplicable power drop in Chicago, but I see him as a 20+ homer guy. Maybe Guillen and Renteria will be able to trot home in front of a Jones dinger a few times this year.
--Rich
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Prediction: I think mangagement will move the left field fence in about 10 ft in the next couple of years. Especially if they sign Cabrera. Gives them a few more seats to sell too!
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Gentlemen:
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Life got in the way and I've only had time to read the Tiger News, no blogs. Thanks Jason for keeping us informed! Two things:
1. We see this "visa" thing in MLB every year. Every year I have the same question. Why do these guys wait so long? This is their job. Hello, has anyone thought of starting out for the states on Jan 1st if it's going to take so long.
2. Brent, the Nate "idea" is not crazy. It's not going to happen either, but your idea is very valid and I'm right there with you.
Hope everyone is well!
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