It’s still very early, but the way a few Tigers have been playing may warrant apologies from us fans. 

  This article is presented by Antonio’s Italian Cucina

As fans, we tend to overreact. We’re emotional and react as such. With that being said, most fans were at their wits end with both Javier Baez and Spencer Torkelson last season. Both guys were absolutely pivotal to the success of the team, and yet, they were both unplayable. The Tigers only started their magical run into the postseason after Tork was sent down to Toledo, and Javy was ruled out for the year with an injury. The pitchforks were absolutely out when it came to Spenny and El Mago. 

Hand up, I am absolutely in this camp. The amount of at-bats that I watched Spencer Torkelson not even look at an incoming pitch as it passed him by was sickening. I literally cannot count the amount of times the opposing catchers set up damn near in the on deck circle, away from the plate ready for a pitch that is going to be 5 feet outside, and Javy still swings. I think we were all warranted in our frustrations and anger. Hell, I bet Tork was just as mad at the lack of production as we were (I’m not sure about Javy, he strikes me as someone who never loses confidence no matter what). 

So, going into this season, fans were not only begging for AJ to move on from them, but expected. We were half right, in that Tork had to fight for his spot in the lineup, but Javy would not be cut, mostly based on his contract. Honestly, thanks to injuries, we’ve gotten a chance to see both guys this year, both fully healthy and having made some adjustments, and man, we may owe some apologies. 

In 45 at-bats this year, Spencer has an average of .288, has five home runs, has walked 8 times, and has an OPS of 1.007. That’s up across the board from last year’s .219, 10, 33 and .669. Not only is he putting together consistent at-bats, he’s doing them in clutch moments. Tork was drafted to be a middle of the order bat, used in high leverage situations. He had not performed until now. Just the other week, he had his second walk-off of his career to complete a Tigers comeback. Enough cannot be said about how happy I am for his turnaround. 

Javy, on the other hand, is batting .289, has an OPS of .710, and has a WAR of .4, which is a whole hell of a lot better than his -1.1 last season.

On top of his offensive improvements, Javy has been extremely flexible in the field. As a veteran, he has saved Detroit a ton of heartache by being willing to play wherever needed. Due to injuries, we’ve had the usual SS play both 3rd base and outfield. I know a lot of veterans who wouldn’t be so flexible *cough cough Gleyber Torres*. 

So my question is this. As dumbass sports fans who are usually wrong about everything, when do we issue a formal apology to each Tork and Javy? Do we need to see these numbers stay elevated for a few more weeks? I, for one, am ready to issue my apology now. Tork and Javy, I’m sorry for the criticism. Keep it up boys. (I reserve the right to get re-angry if they revert back to old, bad habits).