The Tiger Beat: The A’s settle in to their new home

Plus much more torpedo talk, and some shockingly bad baserunning from the Guardians.

The Athletics, who are presently just going by “Athletics” since they no longer have a home in Oakland, are only temporarily located in Sacramento, and have no permanent home in Las Vegas yet, had their home opener in Sacramento this week and while it went very badly for the team, the new digs seem to be getting some positive feedback . While many observe that Sutter Health park has a decidedly “minor league” vibe, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And while the home opener press conference was held in a space that resembled a shed, folks are being generally positive about the environment.

More on the A’s below, as well as some wild speculation about the Tigers, a big baserunning gaffe for the Guardians, and much more.

Detroit Tigers News:

• The Tigers have a strong pitching staff at the moment, but there’s no such thing as too much good pitching, as the Dodgers would tell you. Detroit have been mentioned as a potential candidate for Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcanatara in trade banter, which would certainly be interesting… Of course, it’s all just speculation and guesswork, but it’s often a fun thought exercise to see what might be.
• In another interesting bit of speculation, this post posits an option where Gleyber Torres could shift to third base, opening up an opportunity for the Tigers to keep Justyn-Henry Malloy up. (This obviously overlooks the need to send someone else down if both players stay up, but hey, we’re just making suggestions.)
• The Detroit Free Press had a chance to review Jackson Jobe’s first start, and saw much the same as we did: a lot of raw talent with the need to be honed .
• A fun factoid about Monday’s game:

• The Tigers ranking below the Twins in this list of World Series contenders is scandalous.

AL Central News:

• For a team no one had much faith in doing well, the White Sox sure did have a no-hitter going against the Twins in the first week of the year .
• Are the Minnesota Twins intentionally hiding negative comments on their social media?
• If you’re looking for a job the Cleveland Guardians are hiring.
• Guardians’ slugger Jose Ramirez was down, but not out, as he returned to play following his wrist injury .
• Speaking of Guardians’ injury news, it looks like Shane Bieber who had Tommy John surgery last year might be ready to start throwing live BP soon.

• While Jonathan India might not have specifically bad hard feelings about being hit in the head by a pitch, he also believes pitchers who throw high and inside should be reprimanded for it.
• Witness some of the worst baserunning ever seen performed by the Cleveland Guardians .

MLB News:

• Every time someone announces their retirement or becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame, I just feel older and older.

• Add Elly De La Cruz to the list of batters hitting it big with the new torpedo bat .
• What do MLB execs think about the new torpedo bats?
• The A’s new temporary home is getting a thumbs up, even if they had to hold their press junket in a shed. The team also managed to memorialize Rickey Henderson at their new home stadium .
• Drone interrupting your game? Just ask your bat boy for help.
• The Marlins might have actually helped the Mets get this home run…
• Silly injury season is starting early this year, as Freddie Freeman will miss play time due to a shower “mishap.” How dangerously are baseball players showering?
• In honor of April Fools’ Day yesterday, 10 all-time great baseball pranks.