Free Press sports writer Carlos Monarrez answers three questions about the Detroit Tigers’ season-ending news conference at Comerica Park, featuring general manager Al Avila and manager AJ Hinch, on Tuesday .
Will Christopher Ilitch spend big in free agency?
Is the team owner ready to crack open his checkbook, like his father did over so many offseasons, and sign a check for a big-time free agent? That’s hard to say, but I wouldn’t rule it out.
Avila did his best to dance around the notion that he might feel pressure from Ilitch to make a splash signing, saying he wasn’t going to spend money in free agency “like a drunken sailor.” Here was the meat of his answer: “There’s no fear factor in signing a big contract. But at the same time, we’re not looking at it as, ‘Oh, we have to make a big splash.’ It’s about making the right decisions that make this team a winning team.”
That could mean anything. But the Tigers are at the point of this rebuild that signing a foundational young star at a position of great need — perhaps like shortstop Carlos Correa — makes sense.
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Will Greene and Torkelson make the Opening Day roster?
Everyone wants to know what it will take for outfielder Riley Greene and infielder Spencer Torkelson — the Tigers’ top two prospects — to make the club out of spring training. Hinch provided an answer I loved. He didn’t make a prediction or promise about their promotions. But he said he wants to see the process play out in its entirety. “I’m kind of curious next February when we get to camp,” Hinch said, “and now all eyes are on them and whether that’s going to be big drama and you guys are going to ask a lot. And I love that. I love the pressure on these guys, and then we’ll see where it takes us.”
Hinch said everything will be taken into consideration when it comes to promoting Greene and Torkelson, but the underlying key will be to put the best team on the field. Everyone wants to see exciting prospects in Detroit, but it’s more important for the Tigers not to rush either player unless they truly are the best options for the Opening Day roster.
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How was the mood in the room?
It wasn’t a huge gathering. Maybe a little more than a dozen reporters. As sports news conferences go, it was an intimate setting, which lends itself to a more relaxed environment. But it was clear Avila and Hinch were comfortable and confident with the results they produced this season, as they exceeded most people’s expectations in Hinch’s first year. You could see their confidence growing throughout the season and there was something that could almost be described as low-key swagger.
In 45 minutes, I don’t remember one question asked about specific failures or missteps. I think Avila and Hinch know they’re on the right track. Let’s face it: Why wouldn’t they feel good when the questions are about promotions of budding stars, spending big in free agency and chasing a playoff spot next season?
Give Avila and Hinch credit. They earned their moment on Tuesday.
Contact Carlos Monarrez at cmonarrez@freepress.com and follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.