Many Connecticut Tiger fans will remember 2012 Tiger second baseman Devon Travis' dramatic 18th inning game winning HR vs. Vermont last season. The former Florida State product was very impressive with the 2012 CT Tigers (before injuries cut his season short.) Travis was promoted to the Low Class A West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League in 2013 and he is having his way with MWL pitching. Through 50 games in 2013, Travis is hitting .344 with 5 HR and 29 RBI's, with 10 doubles, 1 triple and 18 walks and an OBP of .404. Good luck Devon as you move up the Tiger ladder!
Eugenio Suarez (2011-SS) (.257-3-9) AA Erie
Tyler Collins (2011 OF) (.226-9-33) AA Erie
Matt Crouse (2011 P) (4-3, 4.63) AA Erie
Pat Cooper (2011 P) (2-5, 4.74) AA Erie
Dean Green (2011 DH) (.333-1-6) High A Lakeland
Aaron Westlake (2011 1B) (.269-3-31) High A Lakeland
Tyler Hanover (2012 3B) (.280-0-10) High A Lakeland
Wilsen Palacios (2011 P) (2-4, 2.82) High A Lakeland
Will Clinard (2012 P) (1-2, 1.65, 2 saves) High A Lakeland
Melvin Mercedes (2011 P) (2-0, 0.42, 6 saves) High A Lakeland
Devon Travis (2012 2B) (.344-5-29) Low A West Michigan
Jeff Holm (2011 OF) (.314-5-32) Low A West Michigan
Danry Vasquez (2012 LF) (.280-2-20) Low A West Michigan
Montreal Robertson (2011-2012 P) (2-3, 4.81) Low A West Michigan
Brennan Smith (2010-2011 P) (2-1, 1.23) Low A West Michigan
Joshua Turley (2012 NY-Penn All Star) (5-2, 2.16) Low A West Michigan
Edgar De La Rosa (2012 P) (3-0, 4.54) Low A West Michigan
For the first time since the Detroit Tigers moved their NY-Penn League franchise from Oneonta, New York to Norwich, Connecticut the team will have a first round selection in the annual MLB amateur player draft. From 2010-2012 the Tigers had to forfeit their first round pick due to Type A free agent signings at the MLB lavel (Jose Valverde-2010, Victor Martinez-2011, Prince Fielder-2012.)
The Tigers will pick 20th in the first round on day 1 of the MLB draft which will be televised on the MLB Network. It has been suggested that the Tigers may be interested in University Of Florida right-handed pitcher Jonathan Crawford (who is a power righty with a 96 MPH fastball.) The Tigers could also be interested in Texas high school outfielder Billy McKinney.
The Tigers will also have a pick at #39 in the new Competitive Balance Round which replaces the old Sandwich round. The Tigers will also have picks #58 (second round), #94 (third round.) Connecticut Tigers' fans should pay attention as some of these players should be Connecticut Tigers in 2013.
Former CT Tiger outfielder Tyler Collins is finally heating up after a slow start at AA Erie. Through 36 games with the AA Eastern League Erie Sea Wolves is hitting .264 with 9 HR, 28 RBI's, 10 doubles and has drawn 18 walks. Collins had a red hot spring in Detroit Tigers camp and is now back on course and should have a great season at Erie and will likely be promoted to AAA Toledo before long.
Former 2011 CT Tigers SS Eugenio Suarez has been promoted to Class AA Erie of the Eastern League. In 5 games with Erie, Suarez is hitting .190 with 1 HR and 4 RBI's
