My grandfather passed away this afternoon. His health steadily declined over the past month or so. We got to see him and my grandma when we were home in August for our family reunion. He was a good man, a family man, a lowkey funny man. My entire family is, of course, sharing stories and photos of him on social media. What I want to share is longer than what most social media posts are, so here is a fun story I have of the man we all knew as Papa.
Several years ago, we were home around Christmas time because my wife's grandfather had passed away. All of the services were going to be in the spring time because you can't really do much in terms of burial in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in December, but we wanted to be with our family. During that week we were home, we took a trip to see my family for their annual Christmas get together. Papa suggested that if we were going to be around for a bit that I come out to hunting camp to hunt for a day or two. After clearing it, I went out there with my dad and Papa. As we were leaving camp to go to our respective seats, dad told me 'nothing that doesn't have antlers.' I said okay, not thinking I would see much only having just a few hours of light. Papa turned to me and said 'Bullshit. Charlie he's home for just a few days. Shoot whatever the fuck you want!' I looked at him, looked at Dad, shrugged my shoulders and said okay. Just before sunset, I had a small doe walk into the bait pile. I waited for a bit hoping for maybe another (read: bigger) one come in with it, contemplated, then shot it. This was the first deer I had ever shot. We didn't hunt much as kids, which looking back at it I hate myself for that. I walked back to camp and Papa had just gotten there before I did.
Papa: 'See anything?'
Me: 'Yup.'
Papa: 'Well did you dress it out?'
Me: 'I didn't have a knife. (I wasn't planning on hunting so didn't come home prepared) Papa, this is my first deer.'
Papa: 'Oh?'
He then walks over to where the Crown Royal was stored and pulled out two shot glasses. He poured, we toasted, then had one more. Just Papa and I sitting at King Pine Camp. Sharing a few shots of whiskey. It was everything.
24 August 2017
04 August 2017
The Foundation is Set
The dust has settled on the MLB trade deadline. The Tigers ended up pulling off one more trade which most everyone was expecting. They sent Justin Wilson and Alex Avila to the Chicago Cubs for more prospects. As with the JD Martinez trade, the prospects weren't the highest profile. To be fair, the pieces that the Tigers moved were not worthy of top ten or twenty ranked prospects. After the Martinez trade, the fan base was ready to run Al Avila out of town. After the Wilson/Avila trade, most seem to be willing to give it a chance. These trades were necessary and were extremely helpful for the organization.
All in all, the Tigers got six prospects all of which are infielders. Third basemen and shortstops at the moment. Some people that know more than I do think one or two might end up being an everyday player at the major league level while others will end up being a serviceable bench player. So why should a fan be excited about players that aren't going to be the next Bryce Harper or Kris Bryant? Because the Tigers didn't have these types of prospects before. Looking at the top prospects within the organization, before the trade, seven of the top ten prospects for the Tigers are pitchers. The other three prospects were all outfielders. When all you draft is power arms and outfielders this is what you end up with. After the trades, two of the new prospects are slotted into the top ten and another is within the top fifteen. The farm system still isn't the best in the league, in fact I believe most have it ranked in the bottom third of the league, but it is improving.
I think that the foundation is set for the next era of the Detroit Tigers. I don't think that we'll see a decade's worth of ruling the AL Central, but they are going to be fun to watch. The players that are coming up in the next three to four years aren't the power hitters we have come to grow and love. These are going to be guys that hit doubles and get on base and manufacture runs. It is going to be very different. It'll be a different type of game played. Think of the way the Kansas City Royals play, that is how I think it'll be for the Tigers. On base guys in front of some power bats. These trades that were made are not going to solve the problem though. It is just the start of the solution. Al Avila is rebuilding the organization, he needs time. They have drafted fairly well the last two years, getting some pitchers but also going after athletic players.
I think these trades might have helped jump the rebuild ahead a year, but it will all depend on how the prospects develop. I think they will be making noise in 2019 but 2020 or 2021 seems to be more likely for them to really threaten to take the AL Central back from other teams (most likely the Chicago White Sox). That will depend on the coaching in the minors. Get excited about the future Tigers fans. It'll take some time, but get excited.
All in all, the Tigers got six prospects all of which are infielders. Third basemen and shortstops at the moment. Some people that know more than I do think one or two might end up being an everyday player at the major league level while others will end up being a serviceable bench player. So why should a fan be excited about players that aren't going to be the next Bryce Harper or Kris Bryant? Because the Tigers didn't have these types of prospects before. Looking at the top prospects within the organization, before the trade, seven of the top ten prospects for the Tigers are pitchers. The other three prospects were all outfielders. When all you draft is power arms and outfielders this is what you end up with. After the trades, two of the new prospects are slotted into the top ten and another is within the top fifteen. The farm system still isn't the best in the league, in fact I believe most have it ranked in the bottom third of the league, but it is improving.
I think that the foundation is set for the next era of the Detroit Tigers. I don't think that we'll see a decade's worth of ruling the AL Central, but they are going to be fun to watch. The players that are coming up in the next three to four years aren't the power hitters we have come to grow and love. These are going to be guys that hit doubles and get on base and manufacture runs. It is going to be very different. It'll be a different type of game played. Think of the way the Kansas City Royals play, that is how I think it'll be for the Tigers. On base guys in front of some power bats. These trades that were made are not going to solve the problem though. It is just the start of the solution. Al Avila is rebuilding the organization, he needs time. They have drafted fairly well the last two years, getting some pitchers but also going after athletic players.
I think these trades might have helped jump the rebuild ahead a year, but it will all depend on how the prospects develop. I think they will be making noise in 2019 but 2020 or 2021 seems to be more likely for them to really threaten to take the AL Central back from other teams (most likely the Chicago White Sox). That will depend on the coaching in the minors. Get excited about the future Tigers fans. It'll take some time, but get excited.
19 July 2017
Burn It To The Ground
The first big piece has moved out of Detroit. The Tigers sent JD Martinez to Arizona for three prospects. The immediate reaction from the twitterverse was less than favorable we'll say. Al Avila's virtual head is on a pike outside of Comerica Park at this very instance. Of course we as fans are upset over it. No one really likes to see a fan favorite like Martinez get traded, but this is how you rebuild your farm system and major league club. The fact that the Tigers haven't done this in recent years is in part to why there is tremendous backlash. It's going to get worse, a lot worse, before it gets better. The whole thing has to be burnt to the ground in order to rise again. Get ready for some 2003 era type baseball to be played in Detroit folks.
Here is the one thing that I think people need to keep in mind: JD Martinez wasn't going to be playing for Detroit next year. He is a free agent at the end of the year and is going to garner a lot of attention in the offseason. He is going to be looking at a multi-million, multi-year deal. This is something that the Tigers front office said going into this season that they are going to be moving away from. They are getting 'younger and leaner' (Al Avila's words). With the passing of Mike Illitch, the win now mentality that brought the big names and big contracts is gone. It is now time to watch the team draft and trade for young talent and develop the team. This has already started after Dombrowski was let go/fired after the 2015 trade deadline. Avila is doing a good job in drafting and we are starting to see the draftees make their way up through the farm system. Get familiar with names like Manning, Burrows, and Funkhouser. Eventually those guys are going to be the core of the pitching staff.
Patience is required for the next three to four years. We won't see it from the fans, but that is what is needed. Anyone with half a brain knew that this day was coming. The major players are getting older and contracts are expiring. The young talent might be forced into playing time before they are ready, but that happens when you are rebuilding the organization. As great as it was to see the Tigers get big name players and be very successful over the past decade, it came at a cost. They sold the future for the present. While it didn't bring a World Series to the city, it made them relevant. Avila was left holding the reins while Dombrowski went to Boston and has been gutting their farm system.
We won't know if this trade was a good trade for another three or four years. The guys they got back in the trade are 22, 21, and 18 years old. The highest level any of them have played in is Double A. They might not end up being blue chip, big name players. But getting three players for one, even if two of them end up being just every day mediocre players, isn't that winning the trade? Especially if you get these young players for five or six years of Major League play.
Personally, I'm excited about the rebuild. I know it is going to be painful to watch, but when it's all said and done, if the team becomes successful when the young players come up it'll be fun to see the bandwagon fans come back. The people that are pissed that the organization is trading away players that they can no longer afford could come back into the fold. Homegrown talent is what makes baseball fun. You get to see the guys that are drafted by and then produce for the organization. Even these young guys that are traded for early on in their careers will be seen as an organizational guy.
Here is the one thing that I think people need to keep in mind: JD Martinez wasn't going to be playing for Detroit next year. He is a free agent at the end of the year and is going to garner a lot of attention in the offseason. He is going to be looking at a multi-million, multi-year deal. This is something that the Tigers front office said going into this season that they are going to be moving away from. They are getting 'younger and leaner' (Al Avila's words). With the passing of Mike Illitch, the win now mentality that brought the big names and big contracts is gone. It is now time to watch the team draft and trade for young talent and develop the team. This has already started after Dombrowski was let go/fired after the 2015 trade deadline. Avila is doing a good job in drafting and we are starting to see the draftees make their way up through the farm system. Get familiar with names like Manning, Burrows, and Funkhouser. Eventually those guys are going to be the core of the pitching staff.
Patience is required for the next three to four years. We won't see it from the fans, but that is what is needed. Anyone with half a brain knew that this day was coming. The major players are getting older and contracts are expiring. The young talent might be forced into playing time before they are ready, but that happens when you are rebuilding the organization. As great as it was to see the Tigers get big name players and be very successful over the past decade, it came at a cost. They sold the future for the present. While it didn't bring a World Series to the city, it made them relevant. Avila was left holding the reins while Dombrowski went to Boston and has been gutting their farm system.
We won't know if this trade was a good trade for another three or four years. The guys they got back in the trade are 22, 21, and 18 years old. The highest level any of them have played in is Double A. They might not end up being blue chip, big name players. But getting three players for one, even if two of them end up being just every day mediocre players, isn't that winning the trade? Especially if you get these young players for five or six years of Major League play.
Personally, I'm excited about the rebuild. I know it is going to be painful to watch, but when it's all said and done, if the team becomes successful when the young players come up it'll be fun to see the bandwagon fans come back. The people that are pissed that the organization is trading away players that they can no longer afford could come back into the fold. Homegrown talent is what makes baseball fun. You get to see the guys that are drafted by and then produce for the organization. Even these young guys that are traded for early on in their careers will be seen as an organizational guy.
12 July 2017
Surprise Book
Last week, my wife and I went to a Barnes & Noble because she has run out of books to read. I always offer her any number of my books to read, but all my books aren't good (her words, not mine). Sometimes you just need to go out and buy a new book. I suggested going to Half Price Books, but the selection isn't always wonderful. Half Price Books is the place to go if you want to take a risk on a book you've never heard of and won't be mad if you don't end up liking the book. If you are looking for a new release or a book you want to buy and know you'll enjoy, places like Barnes & Noble is the place to go.
Whenever we go to the book store, I don't ever know what I want. I don't have a lot of authors that I read on a constant basis. I usually wander around and hope that something catches my eye. Not much does. Then I came across this display.
This is such a cool idea! All different kinds of options and topics to choose from I didn't really know where to look. I picked up the book that was wrapped and labeled as 'Blind date with an assassin'. The notes they had for the book:
Whenever we go to the book store, I don't ever know what I want. I don't have a lot of authors that I read on a constant basis. I usually wander around and hope that something catches my eye. Not much does. Then I came across this display.
This is such a cool idea! All different kinds of options and topics to choose from I didn't really know where to look. I picked up the book that was wrapped and labeled as 'Blind date with an assassin'. The notes they had for the book:
- Revenge
- Romance with a touch of magic
- Exciting fight scenes
- Strong Female Protagonist
- Unputdownable
07 July 2017
Indie Ball
Whenever you think about a sport like baseball, you automatically think of the major league. Professionals that get paid millions of dollars to do the thing that they love and the thing that we love to watch them do. You also think of overpriced tickets, overpriced souvenirs, and overpriced food and drink. You might also think that the players get overpaid. Personally, I think all of those things from time to time. Yes, they have worked their entire lives to get to this point and their talents and efforts have paid off. But what about the guys that never make it to the show? What about the guys that haven't quite given up on the dream? The guys that are playing just to play and maybe have an outside chance of signing with an MLB team? Those are the guys that are playing just to play.
When we bought our house I couldn't help but notice that we are about a ten minute drive from such a team. The St. Paul Saints. They built a new stadium in 2015 in the Lowertown historic neighborhood of St. Paul moving away from Midway (which is for the best). I also noted how dangerous this could be because the tickets are normally pretty cheap unless it's a holiday weekend.
The Saints play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball league. A bit of a mouthful. Basically it's independent league baseball and encompasses teams from Texas to Canada in the central part of the continent. There is a lot that goes on because these games aren't to be taken too seriously. They do a lot of little fun games in between innings with the fans. Lots of interacting keeps things fun and loose.
I'm sure that I've written about this before, but my all time favorite memory revolving around baseball happened at a Saints game several years ago. It was a Friday night game so they had fireworks like plenty of teams do. It wasn't anything crazy extravagant and didn't go into the wee hours of the night, maybe twenty to thirty minutes. In the process of the fireworks going off players from both teams, still in their uniforms, after playing a full game, came out of their locker rooms to watch the fireworks. Just a bunch of guys coming out to watch the fireworks. It was like that scene in the Sandlot when they were playing baseball on the 4th of July and Benny hits a home run and all the players look to the sky to watch the ball then stop to watch the fireworks instead. And Ray Charles' version of 'America the Beautiful' plays. It was magical.
Here's a shot of the new stadium. It's very open. It still has the new stadium smell.
I even bought a hat to support the team! It's my first non-Tigers organizational hat. This is a big step for me. I figure as long as it isn't a team the Tigers play against I'm not breaking my self imposed rule of not buying non-Tigers gear.
When we bought our house I couldn't help but notice that we are about a ten minute drive from such a team. The St. Paul Saints. They built a new stadium in 2015 in the Lowertown historic neighborhood of St. Paul moving away from Midway (which is for the best). I also noted how dangerous this could be because the tickets are normally pretty cheap unless it's a holiday weekend.
The Saints play in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball league. A bit of a mouthful. Basically it's independent league baseball and encompasses teams from Texas to Canada in the central part of the continent. There is a lot that goes on because these games aren't to be taken too seriously. They do a lot of little fun games in between innings with the fans. Lots of interacting keeps things fun and loose.
I'm sure that I've written about this before, but my all time favorite memory revolving around baseball happened at a Saints game several years ago. It was a Friday night game so they had fireworks like plenty of teams do. It wasn't anything crazy extravagant and didn't go into the wee hours of the night, maybe twenty to thirty minutes. In the process of the fireworks going off players from both teams, still in their uniforms, after playing a full game, came out of their locker rooms to watch the fireworks. Just a bunch of guys coming out to watch the fireworks. It was like that scene in the Sandlot when they were playing baseball on the 4th of July and Benny hits a home run and all the players look to the sky to watch the ball then stop to watch the fireworks instead. And Ray Charles' version of 'America the Beautiful' plays. It was magical.
Here's a shot of the new stadium. It's very open. It still has the new stadium smell.
I even bought a hat to support the team! It's my first non-Tigers organizational hat. This is a big step for me. I figure as long as it isn't a team the Tigers play against I'm not breaking my self imposed rule of not buying non-Tigers gear.
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