[gotigers]

April 30, 2015
Kansas City, MO
6:30pm

We just got in not too long ago from Minneapolis, and are getting stuff unpacked. Long day tomorrow with a doubleheader against the defending AL Champions. Other than losing the last 3 of a 4 game series against the Yankees, and the first game against Cleveland, we've taken every series. We haven't had a single day off since April 16th and the guys are exhausted. In good spirits, but exhausted. Taking two of three against Cleveland and then following that up with a clean sweep of the Twins has us at rock solid 1st in the AL Central with a record of 14-8.

It's been a crazy month...many roster moves. This is my first time traveling with the team, as Dave had always done that in the past. He's much more - understandably - obliged to stay at home nowadays. The roster has been completely made over. Here's what we started with:

- C Alex Avila
- C Bryan Holaday
-1B Miguel Cabrera
-2B Ian Kinsler
-SS Jose Iglesias
-3B Nick Castellanos
-CF Rajai Davis
-LF Yoenis Cespedis
-RF JD Martinez
-DH Victor Martinez
-CF Anthony Gose
-SS Andrew Romine
-2B Hernan Perez

-SP David Price
-SP Anibal Sanchez
-SP Justin Verlander
-SP Alfredo Simon
-SP Shane Greene
-RP Joba Chamberlain
-RP Tom Gorzelanny
-RP Alex Wilson
-RP Joakim Soria
-RP Al Albuquerque
-RP Bruce Rondon
-RP Joe Nathan

Well, needless to say, A LOT has changed since then.

Holaday, Rondon, Wilson, and Greene were all sent to Toledo. McCann was called up to replace Holaday behind a struggling Alex Avila. Carlos Marmol and Brian Wilson were both signed to provide experienced middle relief depth. Marmol is struggling a bit, whereas Wilson has been superb. Cabrera was injured for a week and as a result we claimed Kendrys Morales off of waivers, and basically did nothing so we placed him back on waivers as Cabrera has returned.

Andrew Romine, Jeff Locke (waiver pick up), and Alfredo Simon were sent to Toledo after clearing waivers. We also signed Johan Santana who really impressed us after a private workout. Not what he used to be for sure, but we believe he can be useful to us.

However, we also have made some splashes and I believe that our lineup is really starting to get solidified.

Brandon Morrow had a dramatic falling out with San Diego and as a result was surprisingly placed on waivers. I texted Dave and Brad when I saw him pop up on the waiver wire and the both simultaneously responded "GET HIM!", so I put in a claim for not expecting him to reach us. To my astonishment, we got him on April 23rd and not a moment too soon! We were going to call up Kyle Lobstein from Toledo until we asked Morrow if he was ready to go, and he was bouncing off of the walls ready to go. Well...ready he was!

The very next day he was thrown into the fire against the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber and the Indians. Well, in one of the most remarkable pitching duels I've ever seen, Morrow and Kluber went head for 8 innings. Kluber allowing no runs, 4 hits, no walks, and fanning 7 and Morrow, not to be outdone, allowed no runs, 2 hits, 1 walk, and K'd 6...but the man was exhausted and Brad had to hook him. He walked off the field doffing his cap to a roaring, and I mean ROARING standing ovation. Even the Indians players and manager Terry Francona were clapping. I despise the Indians, but I'll never forget that show of sportsmanship from an opposing team. Unfortunately, it was in vain as Chamberlain and Wilson allowed 3 runs to score in the 9th. Kluber went on to show us why he wasn't a fluke and deserved that Cy Young, as he sealed the deal with a coveted complete game shutout. As a sign of respect, Tigers fans and players cheered him for a job well done after the game.

Well his next start yesterday at Minnesota was another one to remember...and he actually got a little bit of run support. He again pitched 8 innings, scattering 7 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, and 5Ks with Albuquerque sealing the deal with a 2-1 victory over Phil Hughes and the Twins.

Also, another coup for our organization was bagging nearly all of the top international free agent prospects. Financially, there will be severe penalties due to going over the $3m cap, but not one signing was made without the consent of the Ilitches. We are all excited about these young men.

-Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is projected to be a superstar, just like his superstar father.
-Andy Ibanez is probably the best 2B prospect since Robinson Cano, and may be even better.
-Smaykin Gonzalez is projected to be the next Derek Jeter. Whenever a scout thinks that a guy is '....potential Hall of Fame material...' you don't pass it up.
-Juan Uriarte, as lead scout Scott Pleis put it, '....has Yadier Molina written all over him...' That says enough for me.
-Franklin Reyes has the most power I've ever seen for a 16 year old kid...he could seriously give Miguel Cabrera a run for his money with the long ball. That's a big bat. Biiiiig bat.

Toledo Mud Hens, who have perpetually struggled through years of losing due to lack of talent, are in first place at 16-10 and partly because of the talent sent down from the Tigers. Let's hope they keep it up!

Also, as of this writing, David Price, Soria, Iglesias, and Cespedes have all been offered extensions, so hopefully we'll be able to lock those guys up. Let's hope that this coming month was as exciting as this one!!!