Farm System Rankings: #27 Detroit Tigers

From 2001 until 2011, the Detroit Tigers had 90 of the 172 players examined (52.33%) play at least one game at the Major League level. The Tigers saw 79 players (87.78%) play for them while the other 11 spent time with one of the other thirty MLB clubs. 

2001-2011 Tigers Farm System Rank

At The Helm

General Manager Dave Dombrowski

The Tigers had two General Managers (Randy Smith 2001-2002, Dave Dombrowski 2003-2011), six Farm Directors (Steve Lubratich 2001, Greg Smith 2002, Steve Boros 2003 Rick Bennett 2004, Don Lunetta 2005-2010, Mike Rojas 2011), and two Scouting Directors (Greg Smith 2001-2004, David Chadd 2005-2011) over the eleven year time period examined.

Five Hits

1.    Justin Verlander, RHP: The Tiger ace is a four-time All-Star and has to be considered the favorite to win the 2011 American League Cy Young Award.  During his seven year career he has compiled a record of 99-57 with a 3.58 ERA over 190 starts. By all indications Verlander is in the prime of his career and showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Drafted by the Tigers in the 1^st round (2^nd overall) of the 2004 amateur draft.    
2. Brandon Inge, 3B: The 34 year old made an All-Star appearance back in 2009 and he is currently playing in Triple-A Toledo (International). Although his best years are behind him Inge has played in 1367 games with the Tigers during his eleven year career. His career batting average sits at .234 with 137 HR and 581 RBI. Drafted by the Tigers in the 2^nd round of the 1998 amateur draft.
3. Rick Porcello, RHP: The 22 year old has already spent parts of three seasons in the majors, making 79 starts with the Tiger. He has compiled a record of 35-27 with a 4.44 ERA. As long as he remains healthy one can expect him to make a few all-star games and possible win a Cy Young award before it is all said and done. Drafted by the Tigers in the 1^st round (27^th overall) of the 2007 amateur draft.
4. Brennan Boesch, OF: The 26 year old outfielder has played in 239 games with the Tigers over his two seasons in the majors. His career average sits at .270 with 30 HR and 121 RBI. Drafted by the Tigers in the 3^rd round of the 2006 amateur draft. 
5.  Alex Avila, C: The 24 year old made his first All-Star appearance in 2011. He has played in 229 game with the Tigers, his career batting average sits at .260 with 25 HR and 98 RBI. The son of Assistant General Manager Al Avila has proven he is not there just because of his last name. Drafted by the Tigers in the 5^th round of the 2008 amateur draft.

Five Misses

1. Kyle Sleeth, RHP: The now 29 year old spent three seasons in the minors compiling a record of 12-21 with a 6.30 ERA. He was viewed as the top Tigers prospect entering the 2004 season. Had Tommy John surgery in 2005. Last pitched in 2007 with Double-A Erie (Eastern). Drafted by the Tigers in the 1^st round (3^rd overall) of the 2003 amateur draft.  
2. Matt Wheatland, RHP: The now 29 year old spent 4 seasons in the minor leagues compiling a record of 3-5 with a 4.06 ERA. Had shoulder problems that led to surgery after rotator cuff and labrum issues. Last pitched in independent ball with San Diego (Golden) in 2005. Drafted by the Tigers in 1^st round (8^th overall) of the 2000 amateur draft. 
3. Jeff Frazier, OF: The 29 year old played in 9 games with the Tigers in 2010. He hit .217 with 1 RBI in his only time in the majors to date. He is currently playing for Triple-A Syracuse (International) in the Nationals organization. Drafted by the Tigers in the 3^rd round of the 2004 amateur draft.
4. Humberto Sanchez, RHP: The 28 year old pitched in 2 games with the Yankees in 2008 posting a 4.50 ERA in 2.0 innings. Sanchez was considered the 6^th best Tigers prospect prior to the 2005 season. He was traded by the Tigers to the Yankees  in  November 2006 along with Anthony Claggett (RHP) and Kevin Whelan (RHP) in exchange for Gary Sheffield (DH/OF). Lasted pitched in the Triple-A Mexican League with Leones de Yucatan earlier in 2011. Drafted by the Tigers in the 31^st round of the 2001 amateur draft.  
5.  Kenny Baugh, RHP: The now 32 year old compiled a record of 55-47 with a 4.45 ERA in during his seven years in the minors. He was ranked as the Tigers 4^th best prospect entering the 2002 season. Last pitched in independent ball for Southern Maryland (Atlantic). Drafted by the Tigers in the 1^st round (11 overall) of the 2001 amateur draft.  

Five Current Major Leaguers on Other Teams

1. Cameron Maybin, OF, San Diego Padres: The 24 year old has played in 266 games in his major league career as a member of the Tigers, Marlins, and Padres. He has a career batting average of .260 with 19 HR and 73 RBI. Traded by the Tigers to the Marlins in December 2007 as part of the seven-player deal that brought Miguel Cabrera (1B) to the Tigers. Drafted by the Tigers in the 1^st round (10^th overall) of the 2005 amateur draft.
2. Jair Jurrjens, RHP, Atlanta Braves: The 25 year old native of Curacao has spent five seasons in the majors, compiling a record of 49-31 with a 3.34 ERA as a member if the Tigers and Braves. He made his first All-Star team in 2011. Traded by the Tigers along with Gorkys Hernandez (OF) to the Braves for Edgar Renteria (SS) in October 2007. Signed by the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 2003 out of Curacao.
3. Curtis Granderson, OF, New York Yankees: The two-time All-Star has spent eight seasons in the majors as a member of the Tigers and Yankees. To date his career batting average is .269 with 155 HR, 453 RBI, and 101 stolen bases. Traded by the Tigers to the Yankees as part of a three-team trade that landed the Tigers four players [most notable being Max Scherzer (RHP)]. Drafted by the Tigers in the 3^rd round of the 2002 amateur draft.  
4. Omar Infante, SS, Florida Marlins: The 29 year old has spent ten seasons in the majors as a member of the Tigers, Braves, and Marlins. He represented the National League in the 2010 All-Star game. His career batting average is .275 with 48 HR and 302 RBI. Traded by the Tigers to the Cubs in December 2007 in exchange for Jacque Jones (OF). Signed by the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 1999 out of Venezuela. 
5. Cody Ross, OF, San Francisco Giants: The 30 year old has spent eight seasons in the majors as a member of the Tigers, Dodgers, Reds, Marlins, and Giants. His career batting average is .263 with 94 HR and 354 RBI. Traded by the Tigers to the Dodgers in April 2004 in exchange for Steve Colyer (LHP). Drafted by the Tigers in the 4^th round of the 1999 amateur draft.

Fun Fact

General Manager Dave Dombrowski and Manager Jim Leyland lead the Florida Marlins to the 1997 World Series title when they held the role of General Manager and Manager with the fish.