The Tigers have signed five players to minor-league deals, per a team announcement. Of the group, only left-hander Locke St. John has prior major league experience. St. John (28 later this month) began his pro career as a 32nd-round pick of the Detroit organization but didn’t make it to the majors as a Tiger.
Instead, St. John was selected by the Rangers in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft after the 2017 season. After a year and a half progressing through their minor-league system, St. John got to the big leagues with Texas in 2019. Across 6.2 MLB innings spanning seven relief appearances, he allowed four runs, struck out five and issued four walks. He was outrighted off the Rangers’ 40-man roster last winter.
St. John has struggled with walks in recent seasons but also posted fairly strong strikeout rates in his time in the high minors. He’ll add some depth to a Tiger organization that features Tyler Alexander, Daniel Norris and Gregory Soto as lefty bullpen pieces on the 40-man.
In addition to St. John, the Tigers announced deals with infielder Isrrael de la Cruz and right-handers A.J. Ladwig, Henry Martinez and Zac Shepherd.
Cool name
My favorite soap opera.
A-grade name, I’ll give him that.
Henry Martinez is a good get, who probably should have been kept by the Indians. He’s a right handed reliever who throws 95+. I had been convinced after some strong campaigns in 2017 and 2018 (3 levels A ball in 2017, A+, AA and AAA in 2018) that he would get taken in the Rule V draft. He had a rough 2019, and obviously 2020 never happened. But he’s got both the stuff and the track record of results that point to a legitimate MLB bullpen option. The Tigers have had some recent luck pulling such guys from the Indians org, notably Ronny Rodriguez.
I am sure there will be Tiger fans who will cry about these, wishing Avila would get busy and sign some real major leaguers. But these signings are just MiLB depth and nothing more, something every team does. They do not preclude the signing of any free agent.
This years free agent market was off like a herd of turtles and since proceeded at a snail’s pace.
I’m fine with MiLB depth.. but, when they don’t offer a player like David Dahl (corner OF is a significant need), I think it’s fair for fans to question the direction of the ball club. JMO.
I’m hoping for a Curt Casali catcher type, and Wainwright or Kluber. I would love to see a Schoop and Cron reunion too.
Maybe an extension for Boyd or Norris??
why would Waino go to Detroit at this point on his career, and what do any of those players offer Detroit long term?
I’m not saying sign them for 5 years DarkSide830.. This team needs an influential leader. You don’t think this young staff wouldn’t benefit from an experienced vet like Klube or Waino?
Why would he come to DET?? To make money and play baseball for a living.
Norris was solid in relief last year, he could yet prove useful.
Extend Boyd…your hand as you shake it & say “good luck in 2021”
I won’t cry but, I believe the MiLB shoule be striving to improve quality year by year. The only quality depth is AJ Ladwig. Issrael de la Cruz and Zac Shepherd never hit and both are worse than just awful fielders. Locke St.John and Henry Martinez are terrible pitchers even in MiLB. These four do not improve the Tiger system.
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Don’t tell me what I can’t do.
Oh snap, I hadn’t made the Lost connection! Good eye.
Nice work Roberty! Love it!
Linus St Ben and Shepard St Jack next!
5 k’s facing 33 batters. 15% K rate. Not good.
At AAA k%= 65/208= 31% This guy is the new closer BABY!!!!!
It’s not impossible, but it sounds like the walks are St. John’s wort.
Don’t lead with it.
Sounds like a james bond villian….
Avila needs an intervention to keep him from habitually going to the bargain bin for players.
Could Al be suffering from Achievemephobia….the fear of success.
Bargain bin, more like dumpster diving
These are the best signings in years for the Tigers. It will help them compete and compensate for injuries. Brillant!!!!.
…in Toledo!
This guy isn’t exactly a Locke to make the roster.
Sounds like British royalty
Better be Locke-d in during spring training so he can make the Opening Day roster
Thought someone had signed Jeff Locke for a moment.
His name is better than his numbers.
Tigers doing what a rebooting team does, … sign anybody and everybody. Can’t wait until competitive once again.