Bless You Boys: for Detroit Tigers fans

Not two minutes into last week's episode of The Voice of the Turtle, Rob told our faithful listeners that the Detroit Tigers -- and other MLB teams, for that matter -- wouldn't be up to much over the Thanksgiving holiday. Like usual, both he and HookSlide were dead wrong.

Sure, things calmed down a bit after now-former Tigers catcher Alex Avila signed with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, but the weekend came to a loud and abrupt close when the Tigers inked Jordan Zimmermann to a five-year, $110 million contract. Not to be outdone, the Boston Red Sox signed David Price (another former Tiger!) to a seven-year, $217 million contract just hours before we recorded.

Oh, how good it is to be wrong.

There was plenty to talk about on this week's podcast, from the new contracts to how the Tigers are going to fill out their roster to the interesting comments owner Mike Ilitch made during Zimmermann's introductory press conference. We also take another round of listener questions, and even ponder what Thanksgiving was like this year in the Avila household.

Topics in this week's episode include:

Nope, nothing happened last week. Not at all.Dan Dickerson likes Jordan Zimmermann, and you should tooWhat do we make of the Tigers starting rotation?The Winter Meetings are coming! The Winter Meetings are coming!Does Al Alburquerque have a place in next year's bullpen?Alex Avila is now the enemyJohnny Cueto doesn't like the desertHow many 'n's are on this thing?Listener questions!Mike Ilitch says YOLO to the luxury taxWho is really at fault for the Tigers' problems?

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It's Thanksgiving week, but before you sit down to stuff your face, old Uncle Mort has a few burning questions. Namely, what are the Detroit Tigers doing? He also wants to know why Brad Ausmus is still around, but you haven't had enough gravy to answer that question yet.

On this week's podcast, Rob and HookSlide break down the trades that brought Francisco Rodriguez and Cameron Maybin to Detroit, try to decipher general manager Al Avila's master plan, and decipher what big data baseball moves are coming to the Tigers organization. Rob also reveals his strategy for answering Tigers-related questions at Thanksgiving, and HookSlide explains why a Doug Fister reunion is a good thing.

The overarching theme of the week, of course, is analytics. The Tigers are using them more and more, but Avila's jigsaw puzzle is far from finished. There are a few pieces still missing, and some over-sized pieces that tend to break easily. Still, there is a lot of time left in the offseason -- we're not even at the Winter Meetings yet! -- and a bit of cash to spare. Stay patient, Tigers fans.

Topics in this week's episode include:

K-Rod is not Joe NathanMontreal Robertson: baseball pitcher or TV detective?BLOCKBUSTER TRADES (involving Liam Hendriks)Marcell Ozuna may be on the moveIs this outfield finished?How to deal with old Uncle Mort at ThanksgivingWhere the Tigers fit in big data baseball

Contents

2:29 - Rounding the Bases: Al Avila is the anti-Dombrowski

32:31 - Warming in the Pen: the Marlins are a merry-go-round of madness

46:39 - High and Tight: the Tigers aren't done upgrading the outfield, right? RIGHT?!

1:03:59 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: 5 topics to go with Thanksgiving dinner

1:27:47 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: bringing big data to Detroit

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It wouldn't be the offseason without a big Dave Dombrowski move. Less than two weeks in, here we are. The Boston Red Sox traded a bevy of prospects for Closer of Worlds Craig Kimbrel, while the Detroit Tigers fanbase was left wondering where they now stand.

Rest easy, Tigers fans. It's still early. On this week's episode of The Voice of the Turtle, Rob and HookSlilde sift through the offseason rumors, and whether the Tigers are taking the right approach to a pivotal offseason. From Hisashi Iwakuma to Shawn Kelley, the Tigers are showing interest in just about everyone with a curveball. Oh, and some guy named Jose Fernandez may be on the trade block too.

In the final segment, we welcome in special guest Chris Lemieux, writer for Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Detroit Lions blog. Chris breaks down the Lions season so far, whether there is hope for the future, and the striking similarities between the Lions and Tigers.

Topics in this week's episode include:

Which pitchers the Tigers are not interested in (because they want just about everyone)

Bullpen Wars: Al Avila vs. Brad Ausmus

Dave Dombrowski finally gets his closer

Will the Tigers ever beat the Angels?

How many farm systems it would take to acquire Jose Fernandez

Takeout slides, replay, and what's good for the game

Lions, Tigers, and old, title-hungry owners (Oh my!)

If Matthew Stafford is the answer at quarterback for the Lions

Why football fans make bad baseball fans (and vice versa)

Contents:

2:31 - Rounding the Bases: the Tigers are all smoke, no fire

16:09 - Warming in the Pen: Damn you, Dombrowski

33:48 - High and Tight: what would you give up to get Jose Fernandez?

54:42 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: Jose Iglesias will NOT be traded (until he is)

1:15:15 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: the Lions and Tigers are same, but different

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After what might be the most painful week of the baseball offseason -- January is Netflix and chill month, if we're being honest -- Rob and HookSlide are back to discuss and debate all of the Hot Stove action that took place!

Unfortunately, there wasn't much.

There were a few rumors, though, including the potential return of 2015 Tigers closer Joakim Soria, and a longshot reunion with 2006 draft pick Andrew Miller. Will those moves happen? We don't know, but our fearless co-hosts did their best to predict the future with a free agent draft.

There was a bit of actual news to discuss as well. The Tigers hired new analytics expert Jay Sartori to bolster the front office, but lost reliever Guido Knudson and prospect JaCoby Jones to waivers and a suspension, respectively. Plus, Rob and HookSlide answer your listener questions, including the one must-have free agent on the market this offseason.

Topics in this week's episode include:

The worst parts of the baseball offseasonWhy in the world the Tigers are interested in Andrew MillerA showdown between Darren O'Day and Joakim SoriaAwful pirate jokes, and where Guido Knudson fits inWhether Jay Sartori was responsible for the iPhone 6sWhich free agents are not worth a draft pickThe Twins and Indians, and why anyone cares about themThe harsh reality of minor league suspensionsAl Avila's master planListener questions!Which bullpen pitchers are actually worth holding ontoThe free agent draft game!

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On this week's episode, Rob and Hookslide discuss the news of the first few days of the offseason, break down what the Tigers should (and should not) do over the course of the winter, and vent their frustrations over the loss of yet another awesome thing on the internet: Grantland.

Our hosts are also joined by special guest Meg Rowley, a very talented writer who can be found at Lookout Landing, Baseball Prospectus, and Just a Bit Outside. Meg offered up her unique opinion on being a female in a male-dominated sports industry, discussed the strides baseball is making to better integrate its game, and whether she would ever get to see a female player or coach in a Major League Baseball game in her lifetime.

Topics in this week's episode include:

The savior of the pitching staff is here!Daniel Norris is cancer-free!Shane Greene is throwing againThe offseason is here, and we need new playersWere the Kansas City Royals actually a great team?Grantland is no more, and it's all because the internet sucksWhich Tigers would be great Big Lebowski characters?The importance of ESPN's Jess MendozaThe importance of gender integration in baseball

Contents:

2:56 - Rounding the Bases: changes for the 2016 pitching staff

20:03 - Warming in the Pen: really, that guy might be back in 2016?

36:02 - High and Tight: the Kansas City royals are still a fluke, right?

56:42 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: the offseason – what’s the worst that could happen?

1:10:13 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: who doesn’t want women involved with sports?!

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How do you fix the Detroit Tigers? There are a lot of different solutions, and most of them involve a lot of money. Rob and HookSlide have other ideas, though, and they share them on this week's episode of The Voice of the Turtle. Rob delivers his offseason plan for the Tigers, including what it takes to "coordinate" the roster for maximum efficiency. Meanwhile, HookSlide avoids increasing his stress levels when discussing bullpen roles. After all, we need to be ready for next year's World Series, right?

In addition to Pinky and the Brain discussing what they're going to do this offseason, our fearless hosts break down the Tigers' search for a new pitching coach, the Tigers' trade options, and whether the Tigers would be better off with one of the other available managers on the open market this offseason. Plus, what's late October without a little Halloween fun? If you're interested in hearing about what Tigers players should dress up as, this podcast is for you.

Topics in this podcast include:

Who will be the Tigers' next pitching coach?Trade Anibal Sanchez! Trade Jose Iglesias! Burn everything down! Or notFix left field, or we're toastSTOP SPRAYING CHAMPAGNE IN THE STANDSWere the Tigers premature in retaining Brad Ausmus?Would we ever give up bacon?Rob's plan for offseason domination

Contents:

2:47 - Rounding the Bases: the Tigers have a big hurdle in 2016 that's completely out of their control

26:45 - Warming in the Pen: Do you want to finish in third place? Because this is how you finish in third place

43:52 - High and Tight: baseball is kind of a grumpy old curmudgeon

58:26 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: what does bacon have to do with baseball?

1:18:31 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: the key to success this offseason

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It's MLB playoffs time, and that means one thing! Well, unfortunately, this year it means no more Detroit Tigers baseball, and no more podcasts as your fearless hosts have been enjoying the postseason festivities.

While no baseball is being played, there has been plenty of note in Tigers land lately. Daniel Norris was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, while Jeff Jones announced his retirement from baseball, all within the span of a few hours on Monday afternoon. Rob and HookSlide also rehash some old news in discussing general manager Al Avila's plan for the offseason, take some listener questions, and finish off the show with a debate on takeout slides, one of the hotter topics of this year's postseason.

Topics in this week's episode include:

The worst Saturday ever (for Rob, at least)Playoffs! They're fun! And not stressful!The best bat flips ever, and whether they're actually bat flipsTigers postseason awards, including an unlikely Cy Young candidateDaniel Norris is diagnosed with thyroid cancerThe Tigers need a new pitching coachAl Avila: the man with the planWho should the Tigers not sign?Listener questions!The future of Miguel Cabrera's hairTakeout slides, and when enough is enough

Contents:

4:20 - Rounding the Bases: really good postseason, or best postseason ever?

29:57 - Warming in the Pen: Daniel Norris was diagnosed with what?

48:48 - High and Tight: Al Avila's got a plan!

1:08:09 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: insane sports radio callers

1:33:15 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: play the game hard, just not that hard

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In this week's episode, Rob and HookSlide talk about the biggest news in Tigers-dom: Tom Gorzelanny's new arm angle and whether Neftali Feliz should be tendered a contract. Oh, and that whole thing about Ausmus returning next year, too. They also look east to discuss the feud that went down in our nation's capital between Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper, and point out the key differences between the still employed Brad Ausmus and newly-fired Matt Williams.

Topics in this week's episode include:

Pick protected!Why the No. 9 overall draft pick is a good thingJ.D. Martinez didn't hit 40 homers, but that's OKDaniel Norris threw 54 pitches in an inning and everyone hated itTom Gorzelanny, Neftali Feliz, and other players we don't want to see in 2016Guess who's back? Back again. Ausmus is back. Tell a friend...Does Al Avila need to Ausmus-proof the roster?Which teams will (not) win the World SeriesJonathan Papelbon and workplace etiquetteListener questions!Rest in peace, Buck FarmerThe Tigers' new direction

Contents

2:29 - Rounding the Bases: what was the best and worst part of the 2015 season?

21:49 - Warming in the Pen: why to avoid watching Tigers baseball in 2016

44:11 - High and Tight: when did baseball players become above the law?

59:32 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: the guy the Tigers need in 2016

1:15:49 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: why the Tigers are already behind the 8-ball in 2016

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In this week's episode Rob and HookSlide discuss the week that was in Detroit Tigers baseball... all four games of it. Luckily, they were some eventful games, including a Maddux, near-no-hitter, and more #MustSeeJV. Mixed in with all the on-field madness was an off-field fiasco, the dismissal of reliever Bruce Rondon. The Tigers haven't said much, but fans have been able to read between the lines to get an idea of what exactly infuriated the team so much.

Then, to properly celebrate the only team in the organization with playoff success, we invited Whitecaps play-by-play announcer Dan Hasty into the virtual studio to break down their improbable run to the Midwest League Championship.

Topics in this week's episode include:

An eventful series against the Chicago White SoxJeff Samardzija's free agent market, and how to actually spell his nameThe Whitecaps!The Tigers' farm system, and whether all these prospect gurus are wrongThe AL Central in 2016 and beyond, including the terrifying Minnesota Twins (yes, really)Whether this is the most pivotal Tigers offseason in recent memoryBruce Rondon's early winter vacationThe future of baseball and medicineListener questions!What in the world happened to Kurt MenschingA conversation with Whitecaps play-by-play announcer Dan Hasty

Contents

2:10 - Rounding the Bases: at least the Tigers are winning championships somewhere!28:09 - Warming in the Pen: sizing up the AL Central44:46 - High and Tight: how to get extra vacation time using this one weird trick!1:07:34 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: maybe we should send this player home early, too1:30:41 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: talking with Whitecaps PBP announcer Dan Hasty about how you get this lucky

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This week, Rob and HookSlide discuss tanking, Draft Kings fever, and whether or not fans should boo their team.

The Detroit Tigers have been solid lately, winning three of the past four series they have played, including a recent series victory over the Kansas City Royals. Baseball is getting more watchable in Detroit, and Tigers fans just aren't sure how to handle it.

Amid their restlessness, Rob and HookSlide discuss the recent boo birds that have come to nest at Comerica Park, and the pros and cons of daily fantasy sports. Their commercials -- and auto-playing video web ads -- might be the devil, but the product is, dare we say, kind of fun? Also, what should you be watching for as the Tigers play out the last two weeks of the season, and is it worth it to spoil the Minnesota Twins' playoff hopes?

Topics in this week's episode include:

The Tigers are good again! Sort of.What's up with Miguel Cabrera?What the Tigers should expect out of Anibal Sanchez in 2016The trials and tribulations of third base coach Dave ClarkTanking the Right WayTMAre Tigers fans booing too much?That time that Brad Ausmus was rightListener questions! Including whether your favorite Tiger is a sandwichDaily fantasy sports, and whether they will make you richInternet advertising, and how it won't make anyone rich

Contents

2:49 - Rounding the Bases: are you ok, Miggy?

27:07 - Warming in the Pen: you need to stop waving this guy around third

41:48 - High and Tight: the art of booing

1:03:34 - Into the Mob Scene at Home: this is the one guy we’re excited to see leave in 2016

1:21:51 - The 7th Inning Kvetch: get rich quick, so you can start paying for content

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