Rick Knapp, the Minnesota Twins Minor League pitching coordinator, was hired yesterday as the Detroit Tigers new pitching coach.
It’s hard to say how important a pitching coach is to a team. But I remember vividly the impact Roger Craig had on the young pitching staff of the 1984 Tigers. Craig was an integral part of the team’s success — and he was both instructive and motivational.
Knapp — and the Twins — have a reputation for producing strike-throwers. That is something the Tigers need desperately. This past season, the Tigers were the second worst team in the league when it comes to walks allowed; the Twins are consistently one of the best in this category.
A few turnarounds on the pitching staff — namely Justin Verlander and Dontrelle Willis — would instantly turn the Tigers into contenders. Now Dave Dombrowski needs to bolster the bullpen and possibly sign another starting pitcher to give Knapp something he can mold into a serious staff.
It’s good to see the Tigers moving so quickly and in the right direction.
TigersFaninDC
Thanks much for this blog and the updates.
I would really like to see this blog used more to discuss the products that DAC sells, information about manufactures, etc., the vintage designs and logos, etc. I really think this site has the BEST in Detroit sports merchandise. It is not the largest, but seems very well thought out. I’d love to see more about the company and its selection of products, etc. in addition to the great posts about great players, etc.
Steve
Thanks, Tiger Fan. I appreciate your feedback. Because of the inherent commercial nature of our web site, I have been hesitant to utilize the blog for the very purpose you suggest. However, I agree that there is probably room to squeeze a little product info into some of the entries. Thanks for taking the time to write. Steve Thomas, Owner
TigersFaninDC
Thanks, Steve. I just find the whole industry very interesting. For instance, I’d like to know why everything Mitchell and Ness sells is so pricey? Can’t be explained by their own costs. I’d love one of their jackets – I could probably replicate one for about $150 if I could find the right patches.