Lakeland Report

Okay, so this maybe a little late, but at least I'm getting to it. Lakeland is the Tiger's other "A" affiliate. Lakeland is the stop often made between West Michigan and Erie. I'll start with the pitchers and work my way on through the position players.

Anthony Tomey (RP): Tomey appeared in 23 games for Lakeland in 2006. He allowed only 17 hits in 32.1 innings, a remarkable ratio. Batters hit only .155 against him and he averaged better than a strikeout per inning. Should pitch in Erie next year. The righty is 25 years old.

Jeffery Larish (1B): Larish bats from the left side and showed some pretty serious power for Lakeland last season. Despite hitting only .258 he did hit 18 HRs and drew 81 walks. The fact that he showed such plate discipline in the minors is telling. 24 years old.

Clete Thomas (OF): Thomas' main weapon is his speed, swiping 34 bases last year in Lakeland. He hit only .257 for Lakeland after hitting .284 for West Michigan in 2005. He strikes out far too often, hopefully he'll turn out better than Nook Logan and Milt Cuyler.

*Interesting note. When I was young I loved the fast players, Harold Reynolds, Rickey Henderson, etc. When Milt Cuyler made his debut with the Tiger's I was so excited that we may finally have a fast player. Cuyler stole 41 bases in 1991 good for fifth in the league behind Luis Polonia, and finished his career with only 77. Needless to say I was disappointed).

Okay, so that was brief, a lot of low batting averages down there in Lakeland. I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that if you succeed in West Michigan you jump right to Erie and skip the stop in Lakeland. Doesn't seem to be a whole lot of talent there. I'll get to Erie ASAP and then on to Toledo as I wrap up my look at the Tiger's minor league clubs.