After the firing of pitching coach Rick Knapp the Tigers look to improve their pitching staff as they make a run at the division title.
It’s been rumored that pitching will take precedent over other positions come the trade deadline however is their best option for improvement already within the organization?
According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Tigers may consider calling up their #1 prospect in Jacob Turner to help improve this season’s pitching staff. Here is what Heyman has to say…
The Tigers may look at a starting pitcher and a hitter. One positive addition for them could be Carlos Guillen, who hasn’t played for Detroit all year after offseason knee surgery, might be back right after the All-Star break. The Tigers could also decide to call up top pitching prospect Jacob Turner, who’s more talented than anyone they’d find on the starting pitching market.
The Tigers have a history of bringing pitchers up early and in some cases too early.
Now we’ve seen this strategy flame out for them in the past. Tigers fans I’m sure remember Andrew Miller, who was a high draft pick that never panned out in the majors perhaps due to the somewhat fast track up through the minors. In more recent seasons you could also argue that Ryan Perry and Daniel Schlereth were called up way too early as well.
On the other side of things it’s also worked out for the Tigers as well. Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya were instrumental in the Tigers’ run back in 2006 when they were given the quick call up.
I’d also say the jury is still out on Rick Porcello.
Jacob Turner was drafted 9th overall in the 2009 MLB Draft. Turner signed a major league contract with the Tigers for a guaranteed $5.5MM, with the potential to reach $7MM.
Prior to the 2010 season, Turner was named the 26th best prospect in baseball according to Baseball America The same publication lists Turner as the #1 prospect in the Tigers system.
Source: SI.com, Baseball America
