Coop Scoop

Season review – Clete Thomas

Here is a look back at the Mud Hens’ 2011 team, player by player, focusing on players who spent a majority of the season in Toledo. The “numbers” and “notes” are facts; the “analysis” and “crystal ball” are thoughts and feelings. So here we go …

BY THE NUMBERS: Thomas spent all of last season with the Mud Hens, hitting .251 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs. He scored 37 runs and finished with 20 stolen bases (and was caught stealing just three times). Thomas also drew 32 walks and struck out 130 times.

NOTES AND LEADERS: Thomas led the Mud Hens in stolen bases and was third in both home runs and RBIs. He also finished second on the team in strikeouts. Defensively, Thomas tied for fourth-best in the International League with 12 outfield assists.

ANALYSIS: Thomas had an up-and-down season at the plate, batting under .200 until a hot streak in mid-May, then hovering between .210-.230 until a late-season rush allowed him to finish above .250 for the year. Unfortunately, the strikeouts were consistent at roughly one per game all season long. Defensively Thomas remained a plus-fielder, especially in rightfield.

THE CRYSTAL BALL: Thomas turned 28 earlier this month, so the clock is ticking. He has the ability to play in the majors, which he has shown in stints with the Tigers in both 2008 and ’09. He remains on the 40-man roster, and if that continues he will be given a chance to make Detroit’s roster in the spring. Those making their plans for the Tigers’ roster in 2012 would be wise to not forget Thomas, since he gives Detroit a lot of things it would want in a back-up outfielder: He bats left-handed, has both speed and power, and is a solid defensive replacement for all three outfield positions.

Click here to read a report on all of the Mud Hens -- from Below to Worth -- from 2011, assessing the season each player had as well as their future.

Mud Hen Mindbender – Nov. 30

Back by popular demand ... In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I am producing a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Here we go ...

I am taking a player-by-player look at last year's Mud Hens as we begin the off-season, so I am asking a few questions about last season. Here is today's question: How many outfield assists did the Mud Hens have last season? I'd suggest posting a guess and then zeroing in on the total ... so good luck!

The answer to Monday's question? What players saw the most playing time at each of the eight positions on the field (excluding pitcher)? I'll give you an example to get you started ... Ryan Strieby played in 111 games at first base, far more than Scott Thorman (who had 33). So your first baseman is Ryan Strieby. The rest of the infield was Will Rhymes at second base (89 games), Cale Iorg at shortstop (82) and Danny Worth at third base (60). The outfield had Timo Perez in left (73), Jeff Salazar in center (64) and Ben Guez in right (59), and the catcher was Max St-Pierre (77). For those of you who were working on second-most, here you go ... Omir Santos at catcher (48), Thorman at first, Scott Sizemore at second (22), Argenis Diaz at shortstop (42) and third base (39), Guez in left (31) and Clete Thomas in both center (52) and right (51).

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Season review – Ryan Strieby

Here is a look back at the Mud Hens’ 2011 team, player by player, focusing on players who spent a majority of the season in Toledo. The “numbers” and “notes” are facts; the “analysis” and “crystal ball” are thoughts and feelings. So here we go …

BY THE NUMBERS: Last season Strieby hit .255 in 130 games with the Mud Hens, hammering 19 home runs and collecting 76 RBIs while scoring 66 times. Strieby also had 28 doubles among his 124 hits. He drew 60 walks and struck out 171 times.

NOTES AND LEADERS: On the good side, Strieby led the Mud Hens in home runs, RBIs and runs scored while finishing second in doubles. His doubles and homers helped him finish with a .429 slugging percentage. Strieby’s 60 walks also was a team high and helped him post a .341 on-base percentage. On the minus side, Strieby led the International League with his 171 strikeouts.

ANALYSIS: The Tigers had to be pleased that Strieby played in 130 games after struggling to stay healthy the previous two seasons. Also, Strieby was arguably the Mud Hens’ offensive MVP: when the team went 20-8 in July, he led the way with seven home runs, 20 runs scored and 27 RBIs in 27 games. Strieby’s power numbers dwindled in the final month of the season – he hit a homer on the final day of the year after not hitting any after Aug. 5.

THE CRYSTAL BALL: Strieby is in a difficult situation in that his path to the majors is blocked by Miguel Cabrera, one of the best hitters in baseball. Strieby is young (he turned 26 in August) but is hampered by his lack of defensive versatility (he can only play first base). He’ll have to cut down on the strikeouts while keeping the power numbers up to get a shot with the Tigers.

Click here to read a report on all of the Mud Hens -- from Below to Worth -- from 2011, assessing the season each player had as well as their future.

Season review – Max St-Pierre

Here is a look back at the Mud Hens’ 2011 team, player by player, focusing on players who spent a majority of the season in Toledo. The “numbers” and “notes” are facts; the “analysis” and “crystal ball” are thoughts and feelings. So here we go …

BY THE NUMBERS: Last season St-Pierre spent the entire season with the Mud Hens, hitting .207 with four home runs, 25 RBIs and 17 runs scored in 77 games.

NOTES AND LEADERS: Defensively, St-Pierre ranked second among International League catchers by throwing out 39 percent of would-be base-stealers (23-of-59). To put that number in perspective, the best team in the IL at throwing out base-stealers (Buffalo) threw out 39.4 percent.

ANALYSIS: After hitting .300 with the Mud Hens in 2010, St-Pierre’s offensive statistics fell to more “typical” levels last season. He only drew 14 walks (which resulted in a .257 on-base percentage) and struck out 60 times in 232 at-bats. But his defensive work behind the plate continued to be top-notch.

THE CRYSTAL BALL: While St-Pierre has spent six different seasons in Toledo – and has played professionally since 1997 – he isn’t as old as you might think, as he will be just 31 years old when next season starts. International League teams could do worse than having St-Pierre as their back-up catcher. Currently a free agent, it wouldn’t surprise me if St-Pierre resigned with the Tigers.

Click here to read a report on all of the Mud Hens -- from Below to Worth -- from 2011, assessing the season each player had as well as their future.

Mud Hen Mindbender – Nov. 28

Back by popular demand ... In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I am producing a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Here we go ...

I am taking a player-by-player look at last year's Mud Hens as we begin the off-season, so I am asking a few questions about last season. Here is today's question, and I suggest that everyone work together to answer it: What players saw the most playing time at each of the eight positions on the field (excluding pitcher)? I'll give you an example to get you started ... Ryan Strieby played in 111 games at first base, far more than Scott Thorman (who had 33). So your first baseman is Ryan Strieby. Can you take it from there?

The answer to Thursday's question? Which Mud Hen hitter received the most intentional walks last season? The answer is Scott Thorman, who was intentionally walked three times. The other four intentional walks went to Timo Perez, Will Rhymes, Jeff Salazar and Ryan Strieby.

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Season review – Omir Santos

Here is a look back at the Mud Hens’ 2011 team, player by player, focusing on players who spent a majority of the season in Toledo. The “numbers” and “notes” are facts; the “analysis” and “crystal ball” are thoughts and feelings. So here we go …

BY THE NUMBERS: Santos played in just 49 games for the Mud Hens because of injuries and call-ups. He batted .245 with two home runs, 16 RBIs and 12 runs scored. Behind the plate, Santos threw out 20.4 percent of would-be basestealers (10-of-49) and had a .992 fielding percentage with four passed balls allowed. Santos played in 11 games with Detroit and had a .227 batting average with the Tigers.

NOTES AND LEADERS: It’s worth noting that, in 151 at-bats, Santos walked just three times while striking out 29 times. Santos did have some success hitting against left-handers, batting .286 (compared to .233 against right-handers).

ANALYSIS: Injuries have limited his playing time and marred the offensive numbers. Defense and pitch selection remain the calling cards for Santos, who caught the eye of the Tigers by having success behind the plate in several opportunities in Detroit.

THE CRYSTAL BALL: Santos will turn 31 at the end of April next year, and injuries cost him playing time for the second straight season. He already has resigned with Detroit, and will be an insurance policy should injuries strike the Tigers. Santos also may get a chance to make Detroit’s squad while in spring training, but the signing of Gerald Laird means injury may be his best avenue of return to Detroit. Look for Santos to get extensive action with Toledo, provided he can stay healthy.

Click here to read a report on all of the Mud Hens -- from Below to Worth -- from 2011, assessing the season each player had as well as their future.

Season review – Jeff Salazar

Here is a look back at the Mud Hens’ 2011 team, player by player, focusing on players who spent a majority of the season in Toledo. The “numbers” and “notes” are facts; the “analysis” and “crystal ball” are thoughts and feelings. So here we go …

BY THE NUMBERS: Salazar joined the Mud Hens on June 20 and played in 66 games with Toledo, nearly all of them as the Hens’ starting centerfielder. Salazar hit .226 with six home runs, 30 RBIs, and 39 runs scored along with 15 stolen bases.

NOTES AND LEADERS: Even though he played in just 66 games with Toledo – 10 Hens position players played in more – Salazar finished fourth on the team with 38 walks and was third in stolen bases with 15.

ANALYSIS: Salazar certainly filled a need in the outfield for the Hens, holding down centerfield as Toledo lost players to injury, call-ups and trades. He seemed to be a “clutch” hitter, providing the Hens with some unforgettable late-inning heroics. Salazar’s .226 batting average was offset by his .342 on-base percentage.

THE CRYSTAL BALL: The biggest number Salazar has working against him is 31 – his age now that he has celebrated his birthday on Thanksgiving Day. Salazar was a solid pro, so he’s likely to get another opportunity with some organization next spring. But given Detroit’s glut of outfielders, it doesn’t look as if that organization will be the Tigers.

Click here to read a report on all of the Mud Hens -- from Below to Worth -- from 2011, assessing the season each player had as well as their future.

Season review – Will Rhymes

Here is a look back at the Mud Hens’ 2011 team, player by player, focusing on players who spent a majority of the season in Toledo. The “numbers” and “notes” are facts; the “analysis” and “crystal ball” are thoughts and feelings. So here we go …

BY THE NUMBERS: Rhymes began the season in Detroit but hit just .221 with two RBIs and six runs scored in 18 games, prompting a demotion to Toledo in early May. In 104 games with the Mud Hens, Rhymes batted .306 with three homers, 24 RBIs and 57 runs scored along with 13 stolen bases. Rhymes played the majority of his games in Toledo at second base but did see some action in the outfield (eight games).

NOTES AND LEADERS: Rhymes finished eighth in the International League in batting average, leading the Mud Hens in that category. He ranked second on the team in runs scored and was tied for fourth in stolen bases.

ANALYSIS: While Rhymes finished the season with a .235 batting average in 29 games with Detroit (thanks to some good September numbers), he clearly proved he can be a top-of-the-lineup catalyst at the Triple-A level. He is steady at second base, making just three errors in 89 games while turning 66 double plays.

THE CRYSTAL BALL: With all the talk about the Tigers having to obtain a second baseman by trade or free agency, it doesn’t look as if Rhymes is going to get a second chance with the Tigers. He will turn 29 on April Fool’s Day next year, which means he’ll be looking for an opportunity to return to the majors. He remains on the Tigers’ 40-man roster at this point; if for some reason Detroit takes him off the roster, I look for him to become a free agent and sign elsewhere. If he remains on the 40-man and doesn’t make the Tigers’ roster in spring training, he’ll be a welcome addition to next year’s team.

Click here to read a report on all of the Mud Hens -- from Below to Worth -- from 2011, assessing the season each player had as well as their future.

Season review – Timo Perez

Here is a look back at the Mud Hens’ 2011 team, player by player, focusing on players who spent a majority of the season in Toledo. The “numbers” and “notes” are facts; the “analysis” and “crystal ball” are thoughts and feelings. So here we go …

BY THE NUMBERS: Last season Perez hit .304 in 122 games for the Hens, finishing with six home runs and 50 RBIs. Perez also had 43 runs scored and stole 16 bases while getting caught only twice. Perez had 32 doubles and struck out only 41 times.

NOTES AND LEADERS: Perez ranked second on the team and ninth in the International League with his .304 batting mark. He placed fifth in the IL in hits (144). Perez also was the second-toughest batting to strike out in the league, fanning just once in every 12.61 at-bats. On the Hens, Perez led the squad in hits (144) and doubles (32), was second in stolen bases and finished fourth in RBIs and fifth in runs scored.

ANALYSIS: Perez was one of the steadiest, most consistent bats on the team. He was tough to strike out and contributed in a lot of different areas – the stolen-base total was the most striking example of this. I was surprised, though, that Perez didn’t rank higher on the team in the “production” categories, most notably RBIs and runs scored.

THE CRYSTAL BALL: Perez can still hit, although he isn’t the batter he was during his previous go-round with the Mud Hens. His defense is below-average in left, and he will turn 37 next April. But the biggest albatross around his neck is the fact that, should he sign with a professional team in 2012, he will be suspended for 50 games for a violation of minor-league baseball’s drug code. I would be surprised if Perez returns to organized baseball in the U.S. next season.

Click here to read a report on all of the Mud Hens -- from Below to Worth -- from 2011, assessing the season each player had as well as their future.

Mud Hen Mindbender – Nov. 24

Back by popular demand ... In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I am producing a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Here we go ...

I am taking a player-by-player look at last year's Mud Hens as we begin the off-season, so I am asking a few questions about last season. Here is today's question, and it's an obscure one: Which Mud Hen hitter received the most intentional walks last season?

The answer to Wednesday's question? Last year Timo Perez finished with 144 hits, which was the fifth-best total in the International League. Who holds the record for the most hits for a Mud Hen since the team moved to Fifth Third Field in 2002? The answer, of course, is Perez, who had 151 hits in 2007 to tie for sixth-best on the team's all-time list.

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!