Tigers Prepare for the 1916 Season (Leveling the Field Update)

Hendrix joins Detroit.

The Detroit Tigers were no match for the Philadelphia Athletics, as they lost the 1915 American League Championship Series, 4-1. The Athletics would eventually defeat the National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies, in a all-Philly fall classic (4-2).

The Tigers made a few changes in the off-season to follow, starting off by trading long-time Detroit reliever Hippo Vaughn. The Tigers' patience for him (to turn that corner by fulfilling his promise) had finally ran out, as they acquired reliever Harry Albies in return from the Cleveland Indians.

The Tigers traded starting pitcher Jack Quinn and relief prospect Stan Baumgartner to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for starter Claude Hendrix. The Tigers entertained the idea of drafting Hendrix back in 1910 with the 9th overall pick, but drafted Gus Williams instead; Hendrix was later drafted 15th overall (6 picks later) while Williams went on to win the 1911 A.L. Rookie-of-the-Year for the Tigers.

Quinn ranked among many all-time Detroit Tigers lists, including wins (3rd), ERA (4th), winning percentage (2nd) & strikeouts (5th).

Once a healthy Hugh Bedient joins the rotation, the Tigers will be sporting a 4-man rotation which everyone is at least a 3.5 stars pitcher. Walter Johnson is the unquestioned ace, with Bedient likely in the 2nd slot, while Hendrix will likely be in the 3rd slot, with Guy Morton taking on the back end of the rotation. Lee Meadows will likely pitch in long relief & will be used as an emergency starter.

The Detroit Tigers should be a championship contender as they try for their 2nd World Series title (their last was in 1912).