Detroit Tigers Players Who Are Turning Heads at Spring Training

The Detroit Tigers’ spring training campaign got underway on March 3. Through a week’s play, their record stands at a respectable 5-3.

But of course, results matter little at this juncture of the year.

The onus at this stage is on players getting in plenty of reps and reaching optimal fitness in preparation for a long season. In saying that, a big spring can be a harbinger for a blockbuster regular season. Players off to hot starts like Anthony Gose, Ian Kinsler, J.D. Martinez and Alfredo Simon will be hoping to carry the momentum into April and beyond.

For others, impressing now may bag them a spot on Detroit’s 25-man roster and launch their big league careers. Players on the fringe of the majors such as Daniel Fields, Jordan Lennerton and Angel Nesbitt could get that call if they maintain their fine play.

Granted, most (if not all) of Detroit’s starting position players and rotation are already set in stone. However, there are still some spots up for grabs, including those for reserve infielder, reserve outfielder and left-handed relief pitching.

Detroit also faces the prospect of being without sluggers Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez during the early stages of the regular season. Both appear to be well on the recovery trail, but there is no guarantee that they will be ready for Opening Day.

Even though sample sizes are small, it is worth checking out just who is turning heads in the early going.

Honourable Mentions

USA TODAY Sports

Mar 5, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) waves to fans before the start of the spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Kinsler

5-12, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB

Kinsler got out of the gate quickly in his first season with the Tigers and is showing signs that he may do the same in 2015.

J.D. Martinez

6-14, 1 HR, 3 RBI

Some, including Statliners' JJ Keller, view Martinez as a strong candidate to regress this year. But Martinez’s early efforts show that he’s picking where he left off in 2014.

Jordan Lennerton

5-12, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB

Lennerton may be leading the race to win the first baseman’s job if Cabrera starts the season on the disabled list.

Anthony Gose

USA TODAY Sports

Mar 6, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose (12) attempts to steal second base against the New York Mets during a spring training baseball game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit knew they found speedy wheels and an excellent glove when they acquired Gose from Toronto this offseason. Now he’s showing that he can wield the stick pretty well, too.

Gose has gotten off to a blistering start at the plate, hitting safely in eight of his first 14 at-bats (.571). Additionally, he has drawn two free passes and swiped three bases.

This is exactly what Detroit needs from the 24-year-old over the long term: someone who can get reach base and cause a few headaches when he’s on.

Gose still has to show plenty more to prove that he is the heir apparent to Austin Jackson in center field. Nevertheless, he couldn’t have made a better start.

Daniel Fields

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press/Associated Press

Fields has launched two bombs already this spring

Detroit native Fields is another outfielder flashing some lumber in the early going. In seven games, the left-hander has hit .533 (8-15), 2 HR, 3 2B, 4 RBI.

Fields was not considered to be in the running for a roster spot heading into the spring after struggling last year at Triple-A Toledo (hitting .219 in 79 games). However, Detroit remains short on lefty bats and needs someone to fill bench duties.

Tyler Collins—who is off to a good start at the plate himself (3-10, 2 2B)—is probably the front-runner to grab the last outfielder spot, but Fields is starting to make people take notice, including Detroit manager Brad Ausmus.

After the 24-year-old slugged a homer against Atlanta, Ausmus told reporters, “I'll be honest with you: I didn't know Daniel Fields had that much power.”

Fields is also renowned for his outstanding glove. If his hitting continues on an upward trajectory, he has a good chance of finding his way to the Motor City in 2015.

Alfredo Simon

Kathy Willens/Associated Press/Associated Press

Simon seems to enjoy slipping under the radar

It was a Jekyll-and-Hyde campaign for Simon in 2014. A big first half (12-3, 2.70 ERA) earned the Dominican right-hander his first All-Star Game selection. The second half was not nearly as pretty (3-7, 4.52 ERA).

Detroit hopes his earlier form will return this season, which certainly looks to be the case so far. Simon’s numbers look great after two outings (5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 1 BB).

He has also been grabbing attention for his unique “slow split” delivery. He began incorporating this pitch into his ample pitching arsenal last year. Hitting the speed gun as low as 50 mph, the former Reds pitcher sees it as a good complement to his high-velocity stuff.

"I just want the hitter, the eyes, to see a slow pitch, and then when I come with a hard two-seamer, it's going to be hard for them to hit the ball," he said per Anthony Fenech of USA Today.

This delivery will remind many Tigers fans of Anibal Sanchez’s “butterfly” pitch that he’s floated up to the plate in recent years.

With seemingly low expectations as Detroit’s fifth starter, Simon may end up surprising a few folks this year. Twelve months ago he was in a similar boat with Cincinnati, which also worked out pretty well for him.

All stats in this article are courtesy of MLB.com.

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