The Tigers have opened a dialogue with free-agent outfielders Peter Bourjos and Gregor Blanco, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter links). There’s no agreement close with either player, but the two are under consideration as the team looks to fill its void in center field.
Detroit opened the offseason by trading incumbent center fielder Cameron Maybin, which seemed at the time to be one of several potential moves to shed veterans. But further deals have not been forthcoming, in part due to larger market forces as well as complications with the contracts of the team’s established players (many of which are significant deals that include no-trade protections).
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As things stand, then, the Tigers appear set to host a camp battle featuring some internal options and whatever veterans they add. Current players in the mix include the right-handed-hitting JaCoby Jones and lefties Anthony Gose, Tyler Collins, and Alex Presley.
Clearly, there’s little in the way of established production in that group, so it stands to reason that Detroit would at least seek to build out the group heading into Spring Training. Beyond Bourjos and Blanco, current free agents with substantial experience in center include righty bats like Austin Jackson, Desmond Jennings, and Drew Stubbs as well as southpaw hitters such as Michael Bourn and Sam Fuld. Switch hitter Angel Pagan could conceivably also be an option, though perhaps he’ll cost more than Detroit is inclined to spend.
As for the two names now known to be possibilities, it’s easy to see the potential for a match. Bourjos, 29, has long been known for his speed and glovework, though he’s an uneven performer at the plate. All told, he ended an up-and-down 2016 season with 383 plate appearances of .251/.292/.389 hitting. Bourjos hits from the right side, while the 33-year-old Blanco is a lefty. He had turned in two straight quality campaigns before a downturn in 2016, when he slashed .224/.309/.311 over 274 trips to the plate. After grading as a sturdy defender for much of his career, Blanco hasn’t drawn great reviews for his glove in recent seasons.
blanco hast drawn rave reviews recently…
*hasnt
I would prefer if we got bourjos, good defender, less than perfect with the bat. Perfect as a platoon/4th outfielder
Of all the options, Bourjos makes the most sense for the Tigers. Speedy, young and a good defender. He also has not been as injured as many of the other candidates on the open market. Thus, he represents the safest choice for the Tigers, the most consistent of the options. Bourjos also made near the $2M the Tigers are reportedly budgeting for the spot.
Good analysis, tigerdoc. Bill Parcells’ oft-repeated saying “the best ability is availability” certainly applies to Bourjos and that platoon/4th OF spot.
I agree tigerdoc616!! He also had solid split numbers against LHP(.301/.333/.361/) in 2016. If he is healthy he will be better on defense vs. Collins and close to even with the stick .Gose may equal him in the field but is a big question mark as to how he will perform on offense. I feel Detroit will keep at least one of them as the 4th OF./platoon option.
Sign Ajax he makes the team hype and had his best season as a tiger
Seasons*
Do people think that moya will pass through waivers? I really doubt he makes the roster and i don’t think he has trade value
I think he will likely make it through at the end of spring training. Most teams will be trying to sneak players thru at that same time and few teams will have openings on their forty. He is basically a DH, and that’s not as high on the demand priorities. I agree he looks like the odd man out. Current bench of 4 (in pencil) looks to be Machado (IF), Collins (OF) , Romine (IF/OF), and Avila (C). The question is who will play CF? I am hoping ST will provide the opportunity to acquire a young prospect from another team for that role. If not, Gose looks likely due to lack of competition.
A platoon of Jones and Collins would seem to work and help to ease Jones into the majors. However I would much prefer the Tigers sign Borjous to platoon for the first half or so so jones can develop. I also was hoping for a Justin Wilson for Delino Deshields trade with the Rangers but that seems unlikely. Any other young prospects that might be possible at the start of spring? Is Dalton Pompey out of options yet?
Bourjos is going to be a pretty nice sign for whomever gets him. He’s a solid-to-great defender in CF with great instincts, he’s got decent speed and he can surprise you (for better or worse) with the bat.
Tigers let wyton bernard leave …dude runs like a rabbit…dont get it!Lets not kid ourselves all these options are really weak.I say let jones play everyday
The Tiger front office has been pretty bad so far. Look for more Mike Pelfrey-Mark Lowe signings.
I think they were good signings, but did not work out. Pelfrey seems to have good stuff. They just have him throwing the same pitch all the time. He needs a curve ball or slider. Lowe had a couple really good years. He still might come around. What else can you do when your farm system does not produce or develop talent.
Need good def. in CF for sure, but need a guy who can put his bat on the ball and not whiff. Gose whiffs too much Tyler Collins strikes out too much, Jacoby Jones strikes out too much as of now. Must be smart, adjust and put the ball in play. Upton was striking out all the time for 2/3 of the year and then came on rather late. Avila strikes out too much. Its a priority to put the bat on the ball. Y0u should learn that in T ball or Little League. And also learn the strike zone. Look for a CF who can do these things. Kind of rare. Good hitters do it. We could be happy with .265 in CF and defense and low strikeouts.