Twitter-@DeepShotSports, @det_news
The Detroit Tigers just suffered a MAJOR BLOW to their Line-up and rebuild...
Jake Rodgers was in his 2nd stint in the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers, he was having an incredible season lighting it up on offense as well as being very good defensively behind the plate. Unfortunately it was announced today by AJ Hinch that Jake Rodgers underwent successful Tommy John Surgery. I say unfortunate because we didn't know how bad Rodgers injury actually was and untill today didn't even have a idea he would undergoo such a devastating operation. Tommy John Surgery can ruin a pitcher's career, the 2nd position a player, plays that you don't wanna see have to receive it is a catcher. Even though a Catcher can DH and still hit after a while it still throws a wrench in his career. Rodgers is only 26 years old and still hasn't reached the peak of his success. But, after making his debut in 2020 and having some flashy moments that season he still wasn't as productive as Detroit hoped. But, he earned a call up this season and Rodgers was on fire. Before his injury Rodgers had impressive stats considering he didn't play the entire year... Batting Average .293, 6 Homeruns, 17 RBI's, 17 Runs Scored... It was also announced by AJ Hinch that Jake Rodgers will certainly miss the rest of this season, most IF NOT ALL of next season. The next option's that have played in the Big leagues with Detroit are A. Grayson Griener or B. Dustin Garneau. Well... Griener has been just flat out awful and Garneau you can't make any promises on. The best looking catching prospect in the Minors is without a doubt former Ohio State Buckeye's star Dillion Dingler (I'm sure Tigers fans that will read this cringed over Ohio State being mentioned, believe me it was hard for me to add that in).
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Is Dillion Dingler the next Tigers prospect to be called up and make an impact immediately?...
Dingler is going to turn 23 in a week and 1 day... Rodgers was 25 the day he made his debut. But, although there would be a 2 year difference between the two players debuts, Dingler would be needed right now significantly more than Rodgers was needed at the time he was called up. Now there is a decision to be made by the Tigers, do they leave Dingler in AA Erie where he played all season or give him a promotion to AAA Toledo, hoping that he can be ready to play alongside Eric Haase next season when the calendar reaches April. Even if they land on a decision NOT to bring him up at all next season, Dingler becomes way more valuable now because after a injury like the one Rodgers suffered you can't have to many players to back him up. But, GM, AL Avila never was the type to bring up a player from Double-A straight to the big leagues, actually Avila hasn't been Known to make many smart decisions in general, honestly. There is no better time then next season for Dingler to make an instant impact on the Tigers...
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Free Agent Catchers for 2022 Tigers can consider...
The Tigers and Avila may not pull the trigger on bringing up Dingler. But, could go another route and sign a Catcher in free agency...
1. Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants...
Posey will be considered one of the best Catchers of all-time one day. It may seem like there is zero chance the Tigers could or would get him. But, it wouldn't surprise me a bit. Posey isn't elite anymore and probably after he leaves the Giants he will be signed to be a veteran depth peace. Something the Tigers have been familiar with. Two players that came to mind was former Tigers Catchers, Austin Romine and Wilson Ramos. Both didn't work out to well... But, you can't compare Romine or Ramos to Posey. It would be a great move by the Tigers if they get this done...
2. Yan Gomes, Oakland Athletics...
Gomes was a former member of the Tigers rivals, the Cleveland Indians. He was signed by the Washington Nationals in 2019. He won the World Series with the Nats that year and was playing the best he ever has in his career. That led him to get traded in July to the Athletic's along with Nationals teammate and former Tiger 2B Josh Harrison. This would be another smart move by the Tigers...
3. Alex Avila, Arizona D-BACKS...
If Avila's dad brings him back it would be his FOURTH stint with the Tigers!. Crazy to think about but, it sounds like the most AL Avila thing ever. Avila had a good career in Detroit winning a Catchers silver slugger award In 2012 and he certainly would be a better option than Griener...
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Thanks for reading have a great day/night
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