Detroit Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter vs left-handed pitchers? Here’s the plan
February 16, 2025
Detroit Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter vs left-handed pitchers? Here’s the plan
6 comments
> The Detroit Tigers are open to expanding Carpenter’s role on offense, but won’t abandon their best strategy for scoring runs.
> “I think the goal is to put ourselves in the best position to score the most runs,” manager A.J. Hinch said Saturday morning, referencing left-handed hitters Carpenter, Colt Keith, Jace Jung and Parker Meadows, “and they’re going to get opportunities, and probably more opportunities moving forward, but more doesn’t mean every one. We have an open mind as to how to best use our roster, but I stand behind that my job is to use the roster the best way I can.”
> …
> Here’s the big news: Carpenter is going to ask Hinch to play him against every left-handed starter and reliever in spring training games, and when he’s not in games, he wants to be able to walk to the backfields to take swings against left-handers from his own team.
> “I believe that I can do it,” Carpenter said Saturday afternoon, “because I had a lot of success against lefties in the minor leagues. Certain guys are tough, but I know I can do it. It’s just getting the opportunity and taking advantage of it.”
> …
> “We know he’s a massive threat, whether he’s in the box or coming off the bench,” Hinch said. “When I make those moves, maybe I’ve done a poor job of trying to convince you guys it’s about the guy coming off the bench, and I think that is going to continue to be the case as we try to adapt to how teams are approaching us.”
> “Just because I pinch-hit for him doesn’t mean I don’t trust him,” Hinch said of Carpenter.
Just play the dude. He’s never going to get better hitting lefties in the bench. Hinch is a little too analytical and sometimes I’d like for him to stick to a regular lineup and let guys get comfortable at their positions. He tries to turn half the team into utility players.
That’s great, I’m rooting for him, but he hasn’t shown the ability to hit lefties consistently yet. AJ has earned my trust, so I will defer to him on this one.
I would think Kerry bats against lefties more often this year but come playoff push, or a high leverage at bat (7th or later, runner on, close game) he may get swapped out.
Hopefully Kerry can show in lower stress situations he can hit them and then can stay in
He’s one of our best hitters and a top 100 player in the league. That’s a guy you play everyday no matter what
Lol
“I’m not letting play in these situations, but it’s not because I don’t think he’ll play well in those cases.”
6 comments
> The Detroit Tigers are open to expanding Carpenter’s role on offense, but won’t abandon their best strategy for scoring runs.
> “I think the goal is to put ourselves in the best position to score the most runs,” manager A.J. Hinch said Saturday morning, referencing left-handed hitters Carpenter, Colt Keith, Jace Jung and Parker Meadows, “and they’re going to get opportunities, and probably more opportunities moving forward, but more doesn’t mean every one. We have an open mind as to how to best use our roster, but I stand behind that my job is to use the roster the best way I can.”
> …
> Here’s the big news: Carpenter is going to ask Hinch to play him against every left-handed starter and reliever in spring training games, and when he’s not in games, he wants to be able to walk to the backfields to take swings against left-handers from his own team.
> “I believe that I can do it,” Carpenter said Saturday afternoon, “because I had a lot of success against lefties in the minor leagues. Certain guys are tough, but I know I can do it. It’s just getting the opportunity and taking advantage of it.”
> …
> “We know he’s a massive threat, whether he’s in the box or coming off the bench,” Hinch said. “When I make those moves, maybe I’ve done a poor job of trying to convince you guys it’s about the guy coming off the bench, and I think that is going to continue to be the case as we try to adapt to how teams are approaching us.”
> “Just because I pinch-hit for him doesn’t mean I don’t trust him,” Hinch said of Carpenter.
Just play the dude. He’s never going to get better hitting lefties in the bench. Hinch is a little too analytical and sometimes I’d like for him to stick to a regular lineup and let guys get comfortable at their positions. He tries to turn half the team into utility players.
That’s great, I’m rooting for him, but he hasn’t shown the ability to hit lefties consistently yet. AJ has earned my trust, so I will defer to him on this one.
I would think Kerry bats against lefties more often this year but come playoff push, or a high leverage at bat (7th or later, runner on, close game) he may get swapped out.
Hopefully Kerry can show in lower stress situations he can hit them and then can stay in
He’s one of our best hitters and a top 100 player in the league. That’s a guy you play everyday no matter what
Lol
“I’m not letting play in these situations, but it’s not because I don’t think he’ll play well in those cases.”
So…why are you holding him out?