FanPost

Start of the season signals a positive sign for Tigers' future

At 12-10, the Tigers are one of the early season surprises throughout baseball. Granted, they've cooled off since their 6-2 start (4-6 in their last 10), but the Tigers have still provided some excitement and made games interesting.

After losing 5 of their last 7, most people (myself included) thought here we go, just like last year, they're about to go into a tailspin. They responded by sweeping the Boston Red Sox in Fenway for the first time since 1965.

54 years. Let that sink in.

Regardless of the season expectations, that's impressive. Sweeping a doubleheader is hard enough, yet alone against the defending World Series champions, in their yard (regardless of their 9-15 start). The grit, fight and fundamental baseball the Tigers have been showing is a positive sign for the future. The wins they've been putting up have been impressive too, even if it means they drop a few draft spots next June.

The mentality and work ethic they have shown, is laying the ground work for the future. Some of that future is not that far away.

Number 1 prospect Casey Mize has absolutely dominated in four starts with a stat line of 2-0, 0.35 ERA, 25K in 26 IP and has only given up seven hits.

Second ranked prospect Matt Manning isn't far behind Mize, with a 2-0, 1.59 ERA, 32 K/22 IP and a .130 AVG against. After a disappointing first year in the system, Alex Faedo is showing his worth after combining to throw a no-hitter in his last start.

The "barren" position player ranks have shown that is not the case with some promising youngsters on the rise. Number four prospect Isaac Paredes has been solid the first month with a .268 BA, and 10 RBI in 15 games. Fifth ranked prospect Daz Cameron has been progressing rapidly and is off to a decent start at Toledo with a .254/.444/.813 stat line.

Even the major league club has had a few nice surprises.

Niko Goodrum is proving to be more than just an afterthought utility player. After a solid year in his rookie campaign, he is hitting a line of .254/.463/.838. On the pitching side of things, Shane Greene is looking like the closer the Tigers hoped he would be, he's second in the league with 11 saves. Matt Boyd is showing his potential with 39 K/31 IP and a 3.16 ERA with 1.02 WHIP.

What all this shows, by the statistics and the eye test, is that the Tigers may not be all that far away after all. They may have a step back or two, but if things keep going the way they are, the future is looking brighter and may be coming sooner than we thought Tiger fans.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the <em>Bless You Boys</em> writing staff.