The Detroit Tigers recently made sweeping changes to their front office and coaching staff under manager AJ Hinch, and they don’t feel cosmetic; they suggest a deliberately different strategic posture.
By bringing in Cody Asche (assistant hitting coach) and Anthony Sanders (first base coach with base running/outfield/steal backgrounds) the Tigers appear to be investing in a refined offensive profile – one that places an emphasis on process (preparation, approach, base running and first-base/steal awareness) over power.
Asche’s experience in strategy roles means he’s likely going to bring more advanced analytics and hitter-process thinking into the Major League hitting staff.