As Spring Training nears the midway point, the Detroit Tigers are no closer to deciding on who will replace Cameron Maybin in center field. Stop me if you’ve heard this before. You know the candidates, as we’ve put together our own thoughts on each of them previously.
Yesterday Anthony Fenech tweeted out a series of tweets on the situation, leaving us still scratching our heads:
On the topic of centerfield, Ausmus spoke highly of JaCoby Jones' defense this spring, indicating he was a real competitor for the spot.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) March 7, 2017
Also: The scuttlebutt from the scouts has the Tigers seeking additional centerfield options around the league.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) March 7, 2017
JaCoby Jones seems to be the guy who is turning heads, though, in a perfect world, Fenech writes, “Jones would get more time in Triple-A.” Jones has the least experience of all of the guys in camp, in center field. But, he is hitting .333 with 5 hits (2 doubles) in 15 at-bats; also 4 strikeouts. None of the other guys (Mahtook, Collins, or Gose) can boast of such numbers.
Yet, even with the production, Ausmus and the organization are holding the cards tightly to the chest on the position. No one is wanting to commit too soon to Jones, which is understandable; and neither of the other “more experienced” guys seem to even be competing for the job. Which leaves the Tigers sitting on their hands trying to appoint a starting centerfielder.
There probably isn’t a lot the Ausmus can say to those who keep asking him about the job. He is stuck dealing with the people that have been placed in front of him, trying to figure out which guy will win the spot. He did make one sarcastic remark out who he’d like to have:
Brad Ausmus, speaking sarcastically this morning about the Tigers' centerfield situation: "I'd like to have Mike Trout."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) March 7, 2017
Yeah, Brad, wouldn’t we all. Even in our wildest dreams, that’s not happening. So back to the drawing board the organization must go, pouring over the talent they have for the position, hoping and praying they find someone (anyone!) to run out there on opening day. Half of Spring Training is left, the time is running out. It’s time for someone to step up.
