Down on the Farm Earning Stripes: Ryan Strieby

Ryan Strieby was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round of the 2006 draft. The 6′5" right-handed first baseman has been quietly moving through the Tiger farm system the last few years. His performance though has been anything but quiet.

Strieby has been destroying opposing pitching along the way. Not only did he excel offensively in Low A West Michigan, Strieby topped all first basemen with a .993 fielding percentage. He also was selected to the All-Star team that season.

Last season in Lakeland Strieby was perhaps the Flying Tigers biggest surprise. With much of the attention surrounding prospects Porcello, Iorg, and Sizemore he quietly led the team.

Strieby posted video game numbers of 13 home runs and 33 RBI in 29 games during July to earn Tigers Minor League Player of the Month. Strieby was again an All-Star in 2008. His 29 home runs led the Florida State League that season. Most impressively, Strieby hit a home run every 14.52 at-bats.

This season in AA Erie Strieby has posted a solid line of .310/17HR/53RBI. The fact that Strieby has hit 13 of his 17 home runs at Jerry Uht Park (also see Rangers Ballpark in Arlington) has raised a few eye brows. Many have used this split to question his power outside of the hitter friendly home confines.

His power numbers in Lakeland were solid though and Joker Marchant Stadium is almost identical to Comerica Park. One thing is certain Strieby continues to produce as he moves up in the Tigers farm system.

With Miguel Cabrera locked in at first base and prospect Jeff Larish next on the depth chart his future in Detroit is unclear though. It is almost certain that Strieby will become part of whatever trade we make this month, as his stock is at an all time high and we are deep at first base talent.

Either way, keep an eye on Ryan Strieby as he continues to earn his stripes down on the farm.