Ever since the trade of Cameron Maybin in the offseason, fans have been wondering who will be patrolling center field for the Detroit Tigers in 2017. DSN contributor and editor Alex Muller did a run down of the options for Detroit in a recent article. In an interview on 97.1 The Ticket radio, Tigers General Manager Al Avila gave a less-than-ringing endorsement of the current center fielders for the Tigers.
Tigers GM Al Avila on @971theticketxyt: "There is no clear-cut answer right now for center field. I would say it's a work in progress."
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) January 12, 2017
Avila is referring to the current centerfielders on the Detroit roster which includes Anthony Gose, Tyler Collins, and JaCoby Jones. Of the three, only Gose has the natural ability for center field; however, it’s been well documented the rocky relationship he’s had with the Tigers organization as of late. Collins definitely has experience in the outfield, but, does he have the speed to cover the real estate in Comerica Park? Jones is a young, raw talent who may not be ready offensively to be a full-time player center.
Avila: "JaCoby Jones is going to be a really good defensive player. The question is: Will he hit enough [now] to keep his head above water?"
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) January 12, 2017
When asked about who might be acquired to continue this “work in progress” for Detroit, Avila again hedged his bets.
Avila said Tigers have a list of prospective CF free agents but "not ready to jump right in" and sign someone now.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) January 12, 2017
The best options on the market currently include Peter Bourjos, Desmond Jennings, and former Tiger Austin Jackson. Of those three, Jackson would have some fan appeal. Bourjos is a sleeper talent who would bring production (especially defensively) to Detroit if not name recognition. Michael Bourn, Coco Crisp, Drew Stubbs, and Will Venable are also options for the team.
Avila went as far as to say that any new player that may be acquired for center field will have to inject some better talent into the lineup.
“If you look at what you’re going to get in production, you have to evaluate that compared to what you already have in-house.”
One reason that Avila is not ready to get busy in free agency may have to do with some of the talent that has already been invited to Spring Training. Alex Presley was a noticeable topic during the press conference today. He is definitely on Avila’s mind as the team prepares to head to Lakeland for practice.
Tigers GM Al Avila on @971theticketxyt twice mentions non-roster invitee Alex Presley (unprompted) in discussion of CF battle in spring.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) January 12, 2017
Tell us what you think, Nation? Will the Tigers stick with a platoon in center for 2017 or will there be a free agent signing before the season begins?
