Heading into Saturday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox, the Detroit Tigers were 51-46, 6 GB the Cleveland Indians for first place in the American League Central. Despite their struggles this season, general manager Al Avila still believes the Tigers are a capable of being a very good team. In fact, he believes that when healthy, the Tigers are a championship-caliber club.
Asked if he thought the Tigers, at full health, are a championship-caliber team, Avila said, "I do."
— Anthony Fenech (@anthonyfenech) July 23, 2016
Currently, outfielder J.D. Martinez, along with pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Daniel Norris are all on the disabled list for the Tigers. Prior to the start of the 2016 season, each of those players were considered important pieces for a team that was hoping to make a run at an American League Central crown and beyond. Now, the Tigers (and their fans) are eagerly awaiting the moment for when the team is fully healthy and ready to make a run.
Avila said they're counting on returns of Zimmermann, Norris, J.D. Martinez to bolster club. "This is a team that can compete," he said.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 23, 2016
With the trade deadline approaching, talk has heated up about whether the Tigers would be buyers or sellers, including a report that they are in the mix for San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner, but Avila seems content with sticking with the roster he has.
Tigers GM Al Avila says he does not anticipate doing anything big either way at trade deadline. "It's not going to be real sexy," he said.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 23, 2016
With Zimmermann, Martinez, and Norris all close to returning, Avila could very well be correct that the Tigers will indeed make a run at the A.L. Central, but only time will tell.
