Time for Detroit Tigers to resolve outfield issues – MLB Update
Detroit Tigers were quite sensational in 2012 as they made it to the World Series finals for the second time in seven years. With little bit more luck on their side, the Tigers could have won the World Series title for the first time since 1984.
However, despite having some of the best hitters in their batting line-up, the Tigers are facing problems as far as their outfield situation is concerned. The team needs an everyday outfielder who is durable and reliable.
"One of the areas we need to address is our corner outfielders," Dombrowski admitted during a press conference.
On Wednesday, General Manager Dave Dombrowski admitted the outfield is an area of concern for the Tigers. For most part of the season, Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland used nine players to split between right and left field. However, none of those outfielders
lived up to the expectations.
In the second half of the regular season and playoffs, Quintin Berry, Avisail Garcia and Andy Dirks filled out the line-up but it seems the Tigers need to find a specialist in the outfield to solve their problems permanently.
Tigers certainly have a need for more athleticism and they will be better off getting an everyday veteran player, who can fill the two corner spots. Dombrowski told the reporters that he is open to the idea of acquiring an outfielder but adding the Tigers
cannot afford to sign some “big dollar free agent player”.
"You gotta say with what he did this year, he’ll be a candidate," Leyland said of Quintin Beryy. "He’ll be a spring training guy, probably compete for a job."
"He still has ability and he still can hit the ball out of the ballpark." he said of Brennan Boesch. "We still see some untapped potential. He has struggled some. He hasn't made the strides we'd like him to make. However, sometimes power hitters take longer
to come about, too."
Considering Dombrowski’s statement, Texas Rangers’ Josh Hamilton who could be a solution to Tigers’ problem is seemingly ruled out. It is unclear if the Tigers will fill the spots internally or via free agency. However, they must address their issues before
the start of next season.
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