On paper, especially when they reported to spring training, the Tigers looked solid.
They figured to have better offense, defense and pitching, and they were about to add two of baseball's most-prized rookies, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson.
Once on the field, though, the Tigers have been a not-so-funny slapstick comedy skit.
They inexcusably gave away games to the Yankees and Twins when they botched a routine pop-up and a simple rundown. If their outfield were a band, they'd be named The Three Statues with a hit single titled, "Oops, My Bad."
Akil Baddoo, Jeimer Candelario and Jonathan Schoop not only aren't hitting their weight, but Jose Altuve's, either.
Casey Mize (elbow) and Matt Manning (shoulder) are on the injured list.
Tucker Barnhart was acquired to provide Gold Glove-level catching. Instead, it's been as if he is actually using it.
The botched pop-up was stunning given Barnhart's reputation. So is his pitch framing. It is second worst in MLB, according to Baseball Savant, after he was sixth last year. Barnhart has thrown out just two of 13 base stealers.
Robbie Grossman was a plus defender in right field in 2021, but the opposite so far in '22.
Sure, not having Greene is a blow for the Tigers. He's a plus defender in center field and more MLB-ready as a hitter than Spencer Torkelson, who has struggled. There are legitimate reasons the Tigers have labored, but it's inexcusable to this degree.
They are fortunate they aren't in a strong division, and that an extra wild card team has been added.
The Tigers better tighten up the fundamentals or this much-anticipated season will be over before it gets started.
