Player Breakdowns: Shortstop talking Baez, Sweeney, and McKinstry

[@strongholdcc1396]

Half expect Scott to launch into a meatloaf song there at the end: “I would do anything for the Tigers, but I won’t do that.” Referring to Javy being their everyday SS.

[@BrianFrick-p4o]

javy will bat 250 with 25 home runs in 2025 mark my words

[@paulwetter3262]

Make Sweeney compete with Baez at short during spring training, since the Tigers seem convinced a few more wrings will produce some juice (none left) from Baez. We're going to learn early on if Sweeney will improve his game defensively (he will) and lose the beer ball bat twirl. In the meantime, impress on McGonigle and other prospects that there is a path to the show at shortstop.

[@rogermacleod9361]

I love Sweeney for this reason: when he plays, Baez can't kill us.

[@Iansanity1995]

I don't believe anything can change with Javy. But imagine how funny it would be if it was true, and he's suddenly among the top shortstops in the league after the surgery. Baseball experts would probably break

[@charlesmuenger8737]

I'm convinced no MLB team has all 9 positions of above average hitters. So, if a player is MLB average hitting but solid/decent on defense than I think it is ok to have the #8 and #9 hitters fill that profile. Tigers 2025 -Jake Rogers/Dingler should bat #8 and Sweeney #9. The hope is Meadows, Greene, Carpenter, Keith, Perez, 3b (?), 1b (?) all are above average hitters in the lineup. Scott Harris gets to fill those two spots via trade and free agency.

[@Jimmycardcollector]

SS is a position that is screaming upgrade. None of these guys can hit a lick!

[@terrencecullipher]

I made this suggestion mid season and i want to revive it. Since the front office are unlikely to eat this contract and no one really wants to see him on the field, why not make him a special assistant? I firmly believe that his insight and knowledge of the game is strong.

[@m00nsterrulz]

I know nobody wants to hear it but i think Sweeney is the guy, atleast for 2025, unless he has a Javy ‘24 season and even then they’ll probably give him half the year to try and figure things out. In fact I’ve resigned myself to a platoon with Javy at this point. I think they could sign a veteran utility like McKinstry except a right handed version to platoon with Sweeney, but with Baez’ contract what are they gonna do just let him languish on the bench all year? No, I just don’t see them investing even more $ into the SS position this coming season unless Sweeney absolutely stinks it up on offense and defense. So think you’re right it’s gonna be the Sweeney/Baez show atleast until the trade deadline and then only if we are in contention will we possibly make a move at that point. Having said that, i like Sweeney. My only real issue with him is that he needs a platoon mate versus lefties. It was his rookie season after all and he did show some promise with his glove and at the plate. Small sample size so this is a huge off-season for him regardless. If he can find a way to hit lefties well enough to not require a platoon buddy I think he could be a 1 - 1.5 WAR guy by seasons end. Which we’ve shown this year that we can win with that the way the team is currently constructed. Thank you for info I’ve already spent way too much time mulling over shortstop and I feel like I’ve come full circle. Now I don’t feel so bad knowing you also aren’t sure what they will or should do going into ‘25. I keep heating Bichette’s name thrown around and I’d be all for that if it happens but the problem in my opinion is if he hits well to start the season the price will be way too high and if he struggles again do we want Baez 2.0 on the books too? I just dont see an easy solution but one thing that does give me hope is I now believe Scott is capable of figuring something out as before this year I had serious doubts. Thank you again and Go Tigers!

[@eddie-nk4jk]

Baez could be one of the best all around SS in Mlb if he made obvious changes to insane hitting mechanics where he twirls the bat over his head TWICE. Batspeed and reflexes reduce as people get older so now he has to commit early to swinging. Also to some extent his hitting struggles probably follow him to the field due to utter embarrassment. its possible he wants out of here for miami or something like that and wont change anything. ive heard hes a great guy but I want action not words. If he changes things after a release and buyout then hes a jerk. Hernandez on Dodgers removed his over the head bat twirl and has had a career resurgence that will net him millions when it looked like it was over. And Sweeney is Baez jr, I said that right away and the 091 playoff average is proving it- Sweeney was an auto-out versus good playoff pitching. Disagree with our beloved host who said other good players swing like Sweeney. Name one.

[@bralendennis]

We need a long term option at SS!!! Isnt Bo Bichette a FA??!! GO GET HIM because Sweeney.... AINT IT!!!

[@rogermacleod9361]

Sweeney can't hit like Bo, but is far better in the field. Sweeney might improve at the plate, Bo will never be a real SS. He stinks in the field.

[@anthonyranger7254]

Bo Bichette is not a free agent till after the 2025 season you would have to treat for a bo bichette it will cost the kings Ransom a lot to get him from Blue Jays

[@rogermacleod9361]

Bo wins the stone glove award annually. Brutal defensively.