Country Strong Tigers Q&A w/ Zach Kirksey

Zach was selected by the Tigers in the 29th round of this years first year player draft out of Ole Miss. He hails from West Monroe, Louisiana where he went to West Monroe High School. For his High School career he hit .415 with 16 home runs and 72 RBI. He also was a letterman in football there as well. In his final year at Ole Miss, Zach hit .286 with 13 home runs and 46 RBI. He currently plays for the Class-A New York-Penn League Connecticut Tigers. Where he’s posting a .233 with 5 home runs and 21 RBI. He’s also stole 8 bags.

Zach was nice enough to take sometime to answer some questions for the readers of the Country Strong Tigers. Here are the questions with his answers applied:

CST: When were you first exposed to the game of baseball?

ZK: My older brother played before me, so when he would practice or have lessons I would go to. Whenever I was old enough to pick up a ball and bat I was at it.

CST: What was it like playing in the NCAA Tournament?

ZK: It was a neat experience. We were really close to making it to the Super Regional against UCLA, and with the three starters we had: Bobby Wahl, for sure first rounder next year, Mike Mayers, who I think will be a really high pick next year in the draft, and RJ Hively who was picked up by the Arizona DiamondBacks this year, I think we could have won that SR and went to Omaha. Unfortunately, we lost twice to TCU at College Station and that’s where it ended.

CST: How would you describe your game?

ZK: I’m a power guy at the plate, who’s going to drive in runs. I can also run a little bit and swipe some bags. Every now and then I’ll lay a drag bunt down to open up some holes in the infield and keep the defense honest so they can’t put a shift on. I’m not a guy who’s going to hit for a high average but I’m definitely a better hitter than I’ve shown so far in the NY Penn league. Defensively, I need to get a lot better to be where I want to be. I’ve been working a lot on getting my arm stronger and getting better on my jumps (routes) in the outfield.

CST: In 2008, you were drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 41st round straight out of Junior College (LSU-E). What made you decide to go to Ole Miss instead?

ZK: I was a walk on there, and that’s where I was moved from the corner infield to the outfield. As a highschool baseball player I never saw myself as a professional baseball player, probably because I had never gotten any attention from scouts or many colleges. I knew I had a lot of talent, but I never went out and showcased them through summer ball. I went to a highschool football power house and baseball was secondary. My summers were usually spent doing summer workouts and two-a-days with the football team. I was was trying to move to the next level. So when I showed up at LSUE, I ran a good 60 in front of scouts and had a good batting practice and it took off from there. I decided to come back because I felt that I could play baseball in the SEC which was my initial goal on going to junior college as a stepping stone.

CST: You were drafted in the 29th round by the Tigers this year, did that surprise you at all? Or, were you just happy to be drafted?

ZK: I had a really good year at the plate this year as a senior, but I was mainly a DH and had hardly any at bats against left handed pitchers. I only had 140 at bats and put up some good numbers, but I wasn’t sure it would be enough to get picked up. I had a lot of scout meetings, so I knew I had a chance.

CST: What were your first initial thoughts when you heard your named called?

ZK: It was a relief. I just wanted to get a shot to play some more baseball.

CST: Where we’re you when you heard the news?

ZK: I was actually at home working on some first base drills. I had a couple teams that wanted to see of I could play first.

CST: Turning things away from baseball a bit, what are some of your favorite things to do in your free time?

ZK: I love working out, it’s been a lifestyle for me since I was in middle school. So staying in shape and staying strong is something I’m always working on. It’s been a challenge with playing every day. My first month I was working out a little too hard and I realized that I was playing tired a lot. I had to back off the weights a little bit so I could be my best on the field. I also like to hunt, fish, and I used to be a pretty good golfer but I haven’t played in awhile. My hitting coach at Ole Miss made me quit. HaHa.

CST: Couldn’t help but notice that we both share the same birthday with the G.O.A.T Michael Jordan. How cool is that?

ZK: It’s one of the greatest days in history, you’re welcome MJ!

CST: Person you looked up to growing up?

ZK: I look up to my Dad a lot. It’s where I get my work ethic.

CST: Favorite baseball player? Then and now?

ZK: I loved watching Griffey Jr when I was younger. Sweetest swing in baseball. But I like a lot of guys, Gary Sheffield stands out. I dont know how he hit with all that movement in his swing. Today I love watching Albert Pujols. The way his swing is so simple but with so much power and torque is pretty incredible.

CST: Favorite sports teams? Professional and collegiate?

ZK: I really don’t have a favorite baseball team. There’s not a pro team in Louisiana so I never really kept up with a team, but I like the Texas Rangers a lot. They play gorilla ball, I love it.

CST: Any pre-game rituals?

ZK: Not really, hit off the tee a bit before stretch and get after it.

CST: Favorite music to listen to and or artists?

ZK: I like a lot of different music but my favorite artist is Led Zeppelin.

CST: Why did you choose the number you chose, any special reason or was it just given to you?

ZK: I didn’t have much of an option. I think it was 27 or 56.

CST: If not for being a pro baseball player, what would your profession be?

ZK: I’d probably be working with my Dad, or doing something self employed. I don’t really want to work for anyone else other than myself.

CST: Final question, where do you see yourself in 30 years?

ZK: In thirty years….hopefully retired with a nice MLB pension!

You can follow Zach on Twitter.

Happy 59th Birthday Tom Brookens

Country Strong Tigers wants to wish former Detroit Tigers player and current 1st base coach, Tom Brookens a happy 59th birthday!

As a manager, Brookens lead the West Michigan Whitecaps to a Midwest League Championship in 2007. In 2008, he was promoted to manage the Tigers Double-A affiliate the Erie Seawolves.

Tom played for the Tigers from 1979-1988. He was drafted 4th overall in the 1st round of the 1975 amateur draft by the Tigers. During his 10 years in Detroit, Tom compiled a .246 avg with 66 home runs and 397 RBI. Along the way, Tom earned himself a World Series ring with the Tigers in 1984. He ended his career 50 hits shy of 1,000.

Thursday’s (8/9) Lineups: Tigers vs. Yankees series finale

Tigers:

1) Berry, CF
2) Dirks, LF
3) Cabrera, DH
4) Fielder, 1B
5) Boesch, RF
6) Peralta, SS
7) Avila, C
8) Infante, 3B
9) Santiago, 2B

Doug Fister is starting for the Tigers. Jackson is getting a much needed/well deserved day off today. AJax last day off was back in early July for the All-Star break. Tigers’ are looking to take the series today if they can pull off a W.

Yankees:

1) Jeter, SS
2) Swisher, DH
3) Cano, 2B
4) Teixeria, 1B
5) Chavez, 3B
6) Granderson, CF
7) Ibanez, LF
8) Suzuki, RF
9) Stewart, C

Hiroki Kuroda is starting for the Yankees. Yankees’ are at least trying to
get out of Detroit with a series split with a win today.
—

It’s still within question as to if the Tigers and Yankees will be playing a game today. Rain has been falling in Detroit since early this morning but, watching this rain storms pattern, it looks like it’s slowly but surely moving off to the Northeast. Baseball should be played on-time if not after a short delay.

Go Tigers! Eat ’em up!

Fu-Te Ni, former lefty Tiger reliever has been released of his contract

Just announced, the Tigers have released lefty reliever/starter Fu-Te Ni of his contract from Toledo.

Fu-Te had been with the Tigers organization since the 2009 season when he signed a minor league contract to play for the Mud Hens. Before signing with the Tigers, Ni was a player in the Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League.

Ni made his Tigers debut on June 29th, 2009 against the Oakland Athletics. The first batter Ni faced was Jason Giambi and yeah, you guessed it, he struck him out.

Ni hasn’t pitched since May 18th for the Mud Hens and had been on the DL off and on throughout the season. He first went on the DL on April 18th with shoulder problems. Then, on May 20th he was put on the DL again with a strained UCL (elbow) which ended his season for surgery.

From 2009-2010 with the Tigers, in 58 games Ni went 0-1 with a 4.33 era, 43 strikeouts, 30 walks in 54 innings pitched. Needless to say, Ni never really figured it out.

With all these shoulder/elbow issues Ni has been having, it’s a question as to wether he’ll pitch in the MLB ever again.

Tigers’ flame-throwing closer Bruce Rondon, has been promoted to Triple-A Toledo

Bruce Rondon, the Tigers top closer prospect, is now just a call-up away from the Big Leagues.

On Monday, the Tigers announced they were promoting Rondon from Double-A Erie to Triple-A Toledo. His call-up was impart to his outstanding numbers at Erie. In 21 games, he had an ERA of 0.83, 12 saves and 23 strikeouts. Also, the recent injury to Mud Hen closer Chris Bootcheck played a role in his promotion as well.

Tigers general manager and CEO Dave Dombrowski was quoted saying “He’s ready to go to Triple-A, in our opinion”.

Bruce early in his career had issues with walking to many batters. His BB/9 (walks per nine innings) last year at Low-A West Michigan was 7.6. This year, it has improved vastly. Between both Lakeland and Erie, his BB/9 was 3.8.

Rondon is the next Tigers closer in waiting, in my opinion. He has a real heavy fastball. At times, he’ll average 100+ mph on it. To go along with his fast fastball, is the slider, his out pitch. Which has a lot of movement on it due to his arm slot he throws from.

If he can keep his BB/9 down and continue to strikeout hitters with regularity, he’ll definitely make a bid to make the Tigers roster in 2013. Which, if I know Tigers fans, he’ll be a popular choice to take over the Tigers closer role in favor of the Big Potato, Jose Valverde.

Tigers’ finally land their right-handed bench bat in the person of former Cubbie Jeff Baker

On Sunday, the Tigers finally acquired the right-handed bat off the bench they had been looking for.

Jeff Baker is his name and hitting lefties is his game.

He will be wearing the #18 on his Olde English D uniform when he suits up on Monday for the series opener against the New York Yankees.

Baker, the former Colorado Rockie and most recently Chicago Cub, was traded to Detroit on Sunday for two players to be named later. The Tigers will have until October 31st to decide which two players to send to the Cubs.

Since the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline had passed, the Cubs had to place Baker on waivers to move him. The Tigers made a claim for him and then subsequently acquired him.

Baker is a 31-year-old utility man who has started at the first, second, third base positions, as well as the two corner outfield spots. His versatility makes up for the recent demotion of former Tiger utility man Don Kelly. As well as a right-handed bat off the bench who can hit left-handed pitching.

“Primarily, we were just looking for someone to swing the bat against left-hand pitching, and he’s a good fit in that regard. He’s hit them well throughout his career,” Dombrowski said. “It’s a lot like what really we were hoping Ryan Raburn would do, and had struggled for us this year.”

Jeff’s career number against lefties are quite impressive. He’s hitting at a .304 clip with 25 home runs and 97 RBI. Also, his OPS (on-base + slugging percentage) is quite high as well at .869.

Even though this isn’t the most “sexiest” move by Dombrowski, I still believe it’ll be an effective one. In Baker, the Tigers will get a guy who can play multiple positions, which helps when giving regulars days off. A bat that’ll hit and hit well against lefties and just a flat out solid role-player off Jim Leyland’s bench which’ll play a key role in the Tigers playoff push.

—

Here are some quotes from Jeff upon his arrive today in Detroit:

“In Chicago, we were going through a little bit of a rebuilding phase, and we were definitely going younger, so I was kind of taking role of mentoring some of those young guys and helping them become big leaguers and learn how to go about their business every day,” Baker said. “I get to come over here and it’s about winning. Every day is about winning, trying to get into the postseason, and I’m definitely fired up.”

A tweet from Tom Gage of the Detroit News: newest of #Tigers Jeff Baker on what he thought when hearing thousands of Detroit fans at Wrigley in June: “Must be fun to play in Detroit.”

Top Tigers’ prospect Nick Castellanos will play in the Arizona Fall League

According to Mark Anderson of TigsTown.com, Nick Castellanos will be playing in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) this fall. Dave Dombrowski confirmed this through Mark via a discussion yesterday.

He’ll likely be playing for the Salt River Rafters out of the West Division of the Arizona Fall League.

This is a wise decision by Dave and the Tigers organization to send Nick to the AFL in my opinion. It gives Nick the opportunity to get more AB (at bats), more time to learn how to play right field, and most importantly, more general baseball experience.

In the last few weeks or so, Nick has been learning to play the right field position at Double-A Erie. This is impart to Nick being blocked at third base at the big league level by Miguel Cabrera. Learning to play the right field position gives Nick the best opportunity to play in the majors possibly at the end of the year or the next 4-5 years or so until Miguel vacates third base.

Castellanos’ hitting skills are without question, the best in the Tigers farm system. He can flat out rake.

Starting the season at High-A Lakland, Nick was hitting a cool .405 with 3 HR and 32 RBI. At both High-A Lakeland and Double-A Erie, he’s hitting a combined .359 with 9 HR and 51 RBI. That’s 415 AB worth of production. Sure, he strikes out more than he walks but, he’s still just 20 years old. Still a lot time for him to learn plate discipline and pitch recognition.

If Nick can go into the AFL, takes care of business, play well in Spring Training, we could possibly be talking about him making the 25-man roster in the Spring of 2013. That’s how take talented this kid is.

Tigers’ land two trophy fish; In deal with the Marlins

Tigers fans rejoiced on Monday evening when the Tigers announced they were bringing in two key pieces to help bolster the roster for a postseason push.

Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez from the Miami Marlins.

The Tigers shipped three prospects and a draft pick to the Marlins for the two. Top Tigers pitching prospect Jacob Turner, top catching prospect Rob Brantly and up and coming lefty starter Brian Flynn are all now Marlins. Sure, that’s an awful steep price to pay but, that’s what teams do that are seeking a World Series title.

In the last few weeks, it looked as if the Tigers were going to need to address more than just a starting pitcher and second basemen. But, with the teams recent resurgence and players like Boesch, Delmon and Peralta swinging the bats a lot better, those question marks were quickly erased. Though, I still think the Tigers should add a veteran bat to the bench, possibly after the July 31st trade deadline, it’s great to see these guys finally playing better.

Now, back to the trade. As the saying goes, “you give up a lot, to gain a lot” which is what the Tigers did with this trade. Trading prospects can be a tricky situation because, you just never know how really good/bad a kid is going to be. But, in my opinion, prospects are meant to be traded. They’re meant to be traded for proven big league talent to help good teams become great ones. Simple as that.

Anibal Sanchez. He’s a 7-year major league vet with a mid-90’s fastball to go along with plus changeup, curveball and slider. His career major league record is 44-45 with a 3.75 era. He’s known for striking hitters out, racking up almost 700 strikeouts in almost 800 IP.

Anibal is a solid #2 to #3 starter at worst. He’s a strikeout pitcher so, he’ll fit in nicely with the likes of Verlander and Scherzer. Sanchez gives the Tigers another proven starter to help sure up the starting rotation for the remainder of the season and into postseason play. With rookie Drew Smyly pitching in his first major league season, it was almost vital the Tigers go out and get a veteran starter to help out down the stretch. Sure, Anibal is a free agent in the off-season but, I can’t help but think that the Tigers will be able to re-sign him.

Omar Infante. To most of you, this name should sound familiar. Unless, you’ve only been since 2007, than you might not.

From 2002-2007, Infante was a Tiger. During his time in Detroit, Omar wasn’t really known for being a good hitter or even a starter for that matter. It wasn’t until 2007, when the Tigers traded Infante to the Braves for Jacque Jones, he really started to come into his own for the Braves. Ever since than, he’s posted a batting average higher than .270. Being an All-Star in 2009.

Adding Infante to an already scary good lineup, makes this team that much better in my opinion. He’s a legit #2 hitter, who can also hit pretty much anywhere in the lineup minus the #4 and #5 spots. Infante sures up what has been a revolving door at second base for the Tigers in 2012 and possibly beyond. Look for him to make a world of difference for both the Tigers offense and defense in the months to come.

All and all, this trade was a “win now” trade for the Tigers and a “win later” trade for the Marlins. With the way the Tigers have been playing lately, recently sweeping the Chicago White Sox, taking sole possession of 1st place in the AL Central and the soon return of Andy Dirks and Al Albuquerque, the Tigers are heading in the right direction to take the reins as best team in the American League and beyond.

Quintin Berry the next Magglio? Ok, maybe not.

Reading the title to this article may have had you wondering, “how in the hell can Quintin Berry be compared to Magglio”? Well, that’s simple, minor league batting average.

Almost all the Berry naysayers tend to bring up his career .267 minor league batting average. Making it their case that he’ll be just that in the big leagues. But, I bet a majority of those naysayers didn’t know former Tigers’ All-Star right-fielder Magglio Ordóñez was a career .269 minor league hitter. That’s right, career .300 hitter and former batting champ, Magglio Ordóñez was a .269 CAREER MINOR LEAGUE HITTER! Now, Magglio was 23 and a power hitter in the minors. Berry on the other hand wasn’t any of those but, the point is minor leagues stats don’t necessarily make a major league hitter.

Now, before everyone gets all hostile, I’m not saying Berry will be Magglio and become a career .300 major leaguer. All I’m doing is showing you how little minor league stats can mean towards a hitter. Sure, 2,500+ at-bats is not a small sample size but, that doesn’t mean the hitter didn’t learn something from a coach or film session that showed or taught him how to fix a flaw or flaws in his swing. Or, maybe it’s a newfound confidence? The desire to win? The desire to play everyday? Or, the desire to prove the naysayers wrong? Who knows?

In yesterday’s series finale against the Rockies, Berry was inserted into the lineup, playing left-field and batting second. He promptly went 5-for-5 with a run scored and a stolen base. The stolen base was his ninth of the year. Increasing his team lead over Austin Jackson to three. Granted it was against the Rockies, some of the worst pitching in the league, still one helluva feat.

After the game, the social media universe exploded, mostly being Twitter. All the Berry Lovers once again, called for him to be the everyday left-fielder. While, all the Berry Naysayers, called foul and said it was just one of those once-in-a-lifetime games. Which they’re probably right but, who knows, it could happen again. Right?

In my opinion, with the way the team is set up right now. With Dirks still on the DL and not getting much better, Boesch, showing spurts of greatness but, not consistently and Delmon, struggling to produce behind the Big Boys. Berry deserve a shot, in the right situation. What do I mean by that? It’s simple, play Berry until his well runs dry meaning, play him until he stops producing. Having Jackson and Berry back-to-back to start off a game, puts a lot of pressure on opposing pitchers. Which I think, adds another advantage to an already scary lineup.

On a 162 game average, Berry stats would look as follows, .333/.409/.436/.845 127 runs, 183 hits, 42 RBI, and 63 steals. Impressive right? Likely to happen, probably not.

Now, on the flip-side of the situation. Once Dirks gets back from his leg injury, Boesch becomes more consistent as well as Raburn, what happens to Berry then? Bench? Minors? Traded? Released? I’ll take the latter in being placed on the bench. His speed and ability to make the big-time catch, is to valuable to let go. He’d then be used as a pinch-runner or hitter, spot starter and defensively replacement off Jim Leyland’s bench.

Quintin adds a tremendous amount of speed to the Tigers’ lineup. Not only on the base paths but, also in the field. He’s a true base stealer which, the Tigers haven’t had one of those since as far as I can remember, Brian L. Hunter back in 1997. He stole 74 bases that year. Wow!

If Berry can continue to produce consistently out of the 2 spot and as long as Dirks is out, Jim should look to play Berry as much as possible. Tigers’ are a different animal with him in there.

Former Tigers’ catcher Omir Santos joins the Mile High baseball club

Just a week after being designated for assignment, Omir Santos has found another squad to display his talents to.

The Colorado Rockies.

Santos played in just 3 games with the Tigers going 1-for-8 with 1 RBI. He will report to the Rockies Triple-A affiliate the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Santos was called-up on May 30th to lighten the load for ailing catchers Gerald Laird and Alex Avila. Avila would later find himself on the 15-day DL with a right hamstring strain.

Once Avila was DL’d, the Tigers called-up Rookie catcher Bryan Holaday to take his roster spot. Leaving the Tigers with three catchers on the roster, Santos was the odd-man out.

Tigers’ designated Santos for assignment. He spent two days on the waiver wire, with no interest from any teams. He then was out-righted to Triple-A Toledo, only to deny the move and elect for free agency.

Omir will go down in Tigers history as being the guy who beat the New York Yankees on a sacrifice fly on June, 2nd 2012.