1. Tigers rookie Akil Baddoo hits homer on first MLB pitch, then makes franchise history in second game Baddoo became the 31st player to homer on … In fact, a business decision is what he made in June 2016. It wasn’t ideal, but Torkelson, who was June’s first overall prize in the 2020 draft, got a taste of sophisticated pitching as he migrated to his new home at third base. Adinso Reyes, 19, SS, 6-1, 195: He was part of the Tigers’ 2018 international haul that brought De La Cruz. Should mesh nicely in a rotation with Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Manning, and others from the Tigers stable. Apr 6, 2021 at 6:29 pm ET 1 … Akil Baddoo • #60 • OF Status: Off season (on 40-man roster) Ht/Wt: 6'1", 210 lbs. You will need to register before adding a comment. DETROIT — Akil Baddoo had already turned heads with his productive spring. Wentz very easily could have made it to Detroit in 2020 had a certain global bug not shut down MLB’s farm seasons. July 20, 2016: GCL Twins activated RF Akil Baddoo from the 7-day disabled list. They saw too much promise from from an all-around athlete whose earlier years in Conyers were spent as much playing volleyball as football and basketball and whose current regimen includes yoga. Akil Baddoo, a Tigers Rule 5 pick, has played in three MLB games. Immediately you know, from the fluency of his thoughts and words, that Akil Baddoo was tempted by his University of Kentucky scholarship for more reasons than baseball. The Detroit Tigers saw Rule-5 draft pick Akil Baddoo kick off his MLB career with a bang in the opening series of the 2021 season. Early life. He turns 19 next month. Maybe a big if, maybe not, for a star arm Detroit got from the Astros in 2017 for one Justin Verlander. 12. He can get down the line, according to his measurements, in “3.7 or 3.8” seconds, while his overall speed “is probably better than it was before,” at least in Baddoo’s view. But that’s also another way in which fortune smiled on the Tigers’ rookie on a sun-splashed Easter Sunday at Comerica Park, where he made a smashing major-league debut against the Cleveland Indians. Footwork and his bat might restrict options. Whether it be injuries, new acquisitions, or breakout player Daniel Cabrera, 22, OF, 6-1, 200: Good hitter who looks to be the Tigers’ answer, probably soon, in left field. Lange was a starter originally but looks now as if he’ll be a steady bullpen option. He bats right-handed and looks like one of those exceptional power guys teams like the Rangers always seemed to be rolling out every few years. In seven games against his hometown team, Shoemaker is 5-1 with an 0.79 ERA. Have you heard the good news? 2. The latest stats, facts, news and notes on Akil Baddoo of the Detroit 10. To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs. Being a switch-hitter is another. He is coming off a terrific spring training in which he hit .325 with five home runs in 21 games. ... five-run flurry highlighted by a grand slam from Rule 5 rookie Akil Baddoo. And his debut week has been unlike any other. Baddoo … Tigers general manager Al Avila was rhapsodizing after the Rule 5 session, mentioning that “the kid’s got tools” and how Baddoo’s “pure athleticism” could help a roster that needs plenty of everything. Each has built up his mythology more spectacularly than the last. But he’s certainly made things more interesting over Detroit’s 3-2 start. DETROIT -- After homering in his first Major League at-bat on Sunday, Detroit Tigers rookie outfielder Akil Baddoo is being rewarded with a start against his old team. Because as he adds sinew and savvy to a pitching package that already impresses, Montero could be one of the best stories from Detroit’s farm in 2021 and beyond. Position: Centerfielder Bats: Left • Throws: Left 6-1, 210lb (185cm, 95kg) Team: Detroit Tigers (majors) Born: August 16, 1998 in Silver Spring, MD us. Blueprints are drawn for a reason. “Business,” he said Friday when asked about his probable major had he taken that UK offer. 7. Watch the flip. It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban. “It’s unreal.”. He’s a franchise talent. He has the arm to play second base, third base, or shortstop. Baddoo will bat ninth and play center field when the Tigers (2-1) face the Minnesota Twins (2-1) on Monday at 1:10 p.m. at Comerica Park. Share this article share tweet text email link Andrew Joseph. Detroit Tigers prospect Akil Baddoo has played incredibly well in 2021 Spring Training and has earned some looks in the big leagues for 2021. Business decisions, it seems, are made by all parties. This helps identify a player's platoon value for fantasy baseball based on pitcher handedness. Baddoo went 1-for-5 Wednesday with his 10th home run for Low-A Cedar Rapids. Terrific repertoire and command. 16. Akil Baddoo has been through the routine countless times. Dillon Dingler, 22, C, 6-3, 210: When you’re an athlete of Dingler’s stature, you pretty much bank on the bat evolving. But check out that Tigers lineup in a couple of years. Whether he helps at first base, a corner outfield spot, or designated hitter doesn’t overly worry a team that can’t wait for Packard’s offense. “Surreal moment,” he said during a Zoom interview Friday. What the Tigers liked, in tandem with his speed and overall athletic gifts, was the way he shined during a late-season call-up as the Tigers taxi squad finished its work in Toledo. The Tigers weren’t dissuaded by a lukewarm batting average or by his strikeouts. As with Greene, Torkelson probably benefited to some extent from working on the Tigers’ 60-man squad in 2020 that compensated for a lost minor-league season. He might have been dusting off an everyday roster spot for 2021 had 2020 not been upended globally. Page Information. You do not need a Facebook profile to participate. Tigers rookie Akil Baddoo homered on first MLB pitch... USA TODAY - Andrew Joseph • 1d. Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo, a Rule 5 draft pick, is answering every challenge, and manager AJ Hinch will consider five outfielders. https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=374200 Wentz will soon enough show why the Tigers wanted him badly when they traded Shane Greene to the Braves in 2019. And on the very first pitch Baddoo saw in the majors, he homered. + Salem baseball player Akil Baddoo signed an athletic scholarship with the University of Kentucky. 7,720 Followers, 876 Following, 73 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Akil Baddoo (@akilbaddoo) However, Akil Baddoo seems poised to make the jump. Baddoo’s latest star-making moment came in the early evening on Tuesday, in the 10th inning of a bout with the dreaded Minnesota Twins. 15. Cutting down on walks is a requirement, but watch out for Hess, who had enough sizzle to make the Tigers’ 60-man, pandemic-spurred taxi squad. But he’s certainly made things more interesting over Detroit’s 3-2 start. The Detroit outfielder led off the bottom of the third inning with a … Analysis from Detroit News contributor Lynn Henning. They kept tabs as he did his minor-league apprenticeship with the Twins, a timetable that blew up in early 2019 when he had Tommy John surgery on his left (throwing) elbow. He is, as of last week, a major leaguer. Baddoo was born in Silver Springs, Maryland, and those curious about his unique name have, of course, his parents to thank. He has displayed a solid batting eye with respectable power potential, although his hit tool had sometimes been called into question. This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you. Greene can play center field in lovely fashion, and he has a chance to be one of big-league baseball’s very best hitters. Watch the flip Jack Well, he knows it look at that. But expect to see him as a fit in Detroit. Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about. He was a second-round pick by the Twins as he departed Grace Christian Academy, in Covington, Georgia, where he spent his senior year after transferring from Salem High in nearby Conyers, his hometown since he was 4 years old. 9. One pitch, one home run -- Tigers rookie Akil Baddoo made hitting look simple in his first career MLB at-bat. Now he's made his presence felt at Comerica Park. Detroit — It was this kind of day for the Tigers on Monday: Utility player Harold Castro pitched the ninth inning.And it was one of the cleanest innings of the game. Gage Workman, 21, SS/3B, 6-3, 200: Get an impression the Tigers have focused on hitting and power upside the past few drafts? Lots of development time needed. This guy’s not just an athlete. Jose De La Cruz, 18, OF, 6-1, 200: The Tigers went big in signing De La Cruz ($1.8 million in 2018 — huge money for a Dominican Republic teen) and one look at him during autumn’s instructional camp explained things. DETROIT (AP)Jordan Luplow hit a two-run homer to cap a four-run seventh inning, and the Cleveland Indians overcame a home run by Akil Baddoo on the first pitch of his first major league at-bat to beat the Detroit Tigers 9-3 on Sunday. And, at the risk of sounding steamrolled and defeated by years of losing, this is all I really need from my hometown team. It was maybe one of the most pointless grand slams in history from a purely mathematical point of view, but shut up about math and enjoy the salami: “It’s something new every day,” Casey Mize, a much more heralded young Tiger, said after Monday’s heroics. If he had shown the Twins that his hitting was of greater value and potential than their existing crop of young outfielders, Baddoo would have had a reserved seat on Minnesota’s 40-man list. Note: The Detroit News’ top 50 Tigers prospects do not include players who already have stepped from the minors into a big-league uniform. Akil Baddoo. But with Packard, that rarest of all baseball species — a natural hitter — there probably is more mystery about his eventual defensive niche than if his left-handed stick and power make it to Detroit. Needs everyday work, both ways, in 2021. 18. It is easy to see why the Tigers were interested in Baddoo when he was available. Jordan Luplow hit a two-run homer to cap a four-run seventh inning, and Cleveland overcame a home run by Akil Baddoo on the first pitch of his … Defensively, he has excellent speed and gets a great jump on the ball, allowing him to play all three outfield positions. It is. “I think my all-around tools are great,” Baddoo said when asked to size up Akil Baddoo. Baddoo combines plus speed with an intriguing feel for the barrel. Watch the swing. 2021 Tigers (3-2, 2nd place in AL Central) 40-man Roster; Schedule; Roster. Clemens would be ideal: left-handed bat, nice file from his University of Texas days, third-round status from the 2018 draft. His parents were there at Comerica Park, watching, just as they had been when their son was in high school. Go through the gallery to view The Detroit News' top 20 Tigers prospects for 2021, including right-handed starter Matt Manning (pictured). DETROIT -- Akil Baddoo had already turned heads with his productive spring. Each year MLB Spring Training brings surprises, and the 2021 Detroit Tigers camp is no different. Pages Businesses Sports & Recreation Sports League MLB Videos Akil Baddoo homers on … He opted for $750,000 from the Twins to sign as a professional outfielder and left-handed hitter who four years later now finds himself ready to wear a Tigers uniform for at least all of 2021. 19. His size, power, innate hitting gift — the Tigers had decided long before Campos turned 16 that he was a prize they couldn’t ignore. Joey Wentz, 23, LH starter, 6-5, 220: He is mending nicely after having Tommy John surgery last March and should be pitching in games no later than next summer. Keider Montero, 20, RH starter, 6-1, 145: Wait on this guy. © 2021 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Hometown Conversations ... — Jorge Polanco hit a two-run double in the sixth inning and the Minnesota Twins held off Akil Baddoo and the Detroit Tigers 3-2. His three-pitch quiver needs refining, especially after losing 2020 to a pandemic that rubbed out minor-league ball. And then on Monday, in what was otherwise a forgettable 15-6 Tigers loss, Baddoo continued to make good on the surprising promise he showed in the spring. baddoo made his debut sunday and homered on the first pitch thrown to him. There simply was too much size and too many skills. Should be arriving no later than midseason in 2021. 6. But the Tigers took him second in their June draft for reasons they couldn’t ignore. This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. Now factor other pluses: He just turned 23, he was an upper-tier prospect before LAT muscle issues wiped out most of 2018 and 2019, and he remains a premium pitcher — if he can regain full-throttle strength and get that hard stuff back. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo reacts to hitting a walk-off single Tuesday, April 6, 2021, against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Workman, it seems, is more evidence that a team from Detroit is re-doing its draft-day philosophy and gambling that certain pluses will prevail. DETROIT (AP)Jordan Luplow hit a two-run homer to cap a four-run seventh inning, and the Cleveland Indians overcame a home run by Akil Baddoo on the first pitch of his first major league at-bat to beat the Detroit Tigers 9-3 on Sunday. As with Manning, and with all the young Tigers pitchers, losing 2020 was a gut-punch. Send a story tip to, Defector Freelancer Policies, Created In Partnership With The National Writers Union. All rights reserved. Reyes was right there, in terms of prestige money, getting $1.45 million, and the Tigers haven’t regretted a penny of it. Baddo has speed and power as well as that outfield versatility to which Avila referred. He has the physique and presence of a much more mature prospect. Now all maturing. Detroit’s amateur scouts had followed him in Conyers. The Tigers saw enough of Dingler last summer at Toledo’s satellite camp to know his bat already is meshing nicely with size, muscle, and some heavy catching skills. Detroit Tigers' Akil Baddoo reacts at home plate after his solo home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Sunday, April 4, 2021, in Detroit. He has power and pitch-recognition talents remarkable for a left-handed batter so young. Cleveland avoided a season-opening sweep in Detroit after falling behind 3-1 in the […] 10. The 22-year-old outfield prospect Akil Baddoo has risen from the low minor leagues and is here to … well, OK, he’s not going to save the Tigers from yet another season of mediocrity or worse. Akil Baddoo starts Detroit Tigers career with a bang. “I was working in my little office area.” The Twins left Baddoo unprotected. He had Tommy John surgery in 2019, then missed all of 2020 as a player stuck in the lower rungs of … 11. And really, that’s all you can ask for. Tim Walz on Friday approved up to 10,000 fans at outdoor venues such as Target Field and up to 3,000 at indoor venues, effective April 1. Another of the 60-man group who filled in this summer at Toledo. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference. 8. He had Tommy John surgery in 2019, then missed all of 2020 as a player stuck in the lower rungs of … Please be polite. “I’m just excited to display all my (talents) and do whatever I can. On Tuesday, the Detroit Tigers rookie outfielder had a walk-off single, making that three big hits in the three games he's played so far in his major league career. After five years of apprentice work, it’s time a first-rounder took it all to Detroit. July 12, 2016: GCL Twins placed OF Akil Baddoo on the 7-day disabled list. And lots of time on the side of a talented kid. With the bases loaded in the ninth inning, in only his seventh career MLB at-bat, Baddoo offered up a near-exact repeat of his auspicious debut, driving another very hittable pitch low in the zone beyond the bullpen wall in left field. The Tigers took Baddoo third overall in this month’s Rule 5 sweepstakes, wagering that a 22-year-old, 6-foot-1, 213-pound man with speed and power could cut it as a long-term roster investment, especially when he came at a bargain price of $100,000. “I’m honored and looking forward to playing for the Detroit Tigers.”. By no means was he unfamiliar to the Tigers when they latched onto him last week. Parker Meadows, 21, OF, 6-5, 205: Always, always, there will be stomach flutters in the Tigers front office — until, that is, Meadows proves he can steadily hit. Detroit Tigers rookie outfielder Akil Baddoo had spent his entire professional baseball career at the lower levels of the Twins’ minor-league system — never advancing beyond high-A ball in four seasons... USA TODAY. The Tigers almost surely got help when they drafted Cruz in June’s third round as he was wrapping up his college days at Rice. Akil Baddoo contract details, salary breakdowns, payroll salaries, bonuses, career earnings, market value, transactions and statistics. Baddoo entered the game as a pinch runner. That work he did at Single-A Connecticut during a short stint there in 2019, when he had just turned 19, was a nice window into Montero’s portfolio: 24.2 innings, 22 hits, five hits, 26 strikeouts. "We … But he was cleared to play in Twins instructional camp in October and had a full routine there, which the Tigers were aware of as they pondered third overall options this month. But, while his numbers may well evolve, this is what he shows for a four-year span on the Twins farm: .249 batting average, a healthy .357 on-base percentage, and a .422 slugging average, with an average of about one strikeout per game. Akil Neomon Baddoo (born August 16, 1998) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). then he hit a grand slam in a 15-6 loss to the twins on monday. June 23, 2016: Minnesota Twins signed OF Akil Baddoo. Oracle; Akil Baddoo page at the Bullpen Wiki; 2021 Tigers. Akil Baddoo projected to 150 Games vs RHP and LHP with 12 team mixed fantasy value. I’ll do whatever – running, getting on base, scoring. The 22-year-old outfield prospect Akil Baddoo has risen from the low minor leagues and is here to … well, OK, he’s not going to save the Tigers from yet another season of mediocrity or worse. And he needs to have that slider working from the get-go. His mother is from … Akil Baddoo, CF Age: 20 (DOB (8/16/98) 2018 Stats (-A): 517 PA, .243/.351/.419, 11 HR, 40 RBI ETA: 2021 2018 Ranking: 10 What’s to like? Baddoo homered in his first major league at-bat … Akil Baddoo had such a good Spring Training that the Detroit Tigers had no choice but to put them on their Opening Day roster. Tigers' Akil Baddoo hits homer on first MLB pitch Mike Axisa 1 min read Pirates lose rookie Hayes (wrist) to 10-day injured list After four years in the low minors and another spent out of baseball due to the pandemic, Akil Baddoo of the Detroit Tigers faced his first Major League pitch with his parents watching from the stands at Comerica Park on Sunday. A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Baddoo homered in his first major league at-bat Sunday -- … Campos qualified as a thoroughbred, as elite, even if he could remind the Tigers and all of baseball that there’s no such thing as a guarantee when you’re signing 16-year-olds. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) DETROIT (AP) — Akil Baddoo had already turned heads with his productive spring. Hess was a possible/potential/probable steal from LSU in 2019 who slipped to the seventh round only because of some groin issues that have since cleared up. But expect to see him at Comerica Park well before midseason. “He and his dad were listening to it,” Akilah Baddoo, Akil’s mother, said. Tigers rookie Akil Baddoo homered on first MLB pitch and his parents went delightfully nuts. DETROIT (AP) — Jordan Luplow hit a two-run homer to cap a four-run seventh inning, and the Cleveland Indians overcame a home run by Akil Baddoo on the first pitch of his first major league at-bat to beat the Detroit Tigers 9-3 on Sunday. Twins The rookie has had three very memorable days in the big leagues. Franklin Perez, 23, RH starter, 6-3, 200: First things first: He made it through 2020 minus breakdowns. The Tigers took Baddoo third overall in this month’s Rule 5 sweepstakes, wagering that a 22-year-old, 6-foot-1, 213-pound man with speed and power could cut it as a long-term roster investment, especially when he came at a bargain price of $100,000. Meadows was a second-round choice in 2018 and could boost a team’s down-the-road offense if he can turn that left-handed bat into the weapon it yet promises to be. He knows it. His mother is from Trinidad and Tobago, while his father is from Ghana. He made his MLB debut in 2021. Alex Lange, 25, RH pitcher, 6-3, 200: Lange was one-half of the payoff (it included Paul Richan) from Detroit’s 2019 summer swap that sent Nick Castellanos to the Cubs. (Also impressive is that, due to COVID-19, this was his first plate appearance that really counted since 2019.) Something you think we should know? That puts pressure on everyone, beginning with a team, and especially managers, who don’t like using an active-roster spot as sanctuary for a player who figures to see little everyday work. “I told him that was the quickest inning of the game today,” said Wilson Ramos, who ended up catching 215 pitches and only 113 strikes in the Tigers’ 15-6 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Still, he’s a tough cuss with power and with enough possibilities for the Tigers to hold faith. It isn’t a sure thing, although there would appear to be little chance the Tigers won’t carry Baddoo on their 2021 big-league active roster as is the requirement for players who have been snatched from December’s Rule 5 draft. Minnesota is … Baddoo will feel pressure, also. Reyes is a right-handed stick who got hurt in more ways than one by 2020’s pandemic. Workman is a switch-hitter who was Torkelson’s buddy at Arizona State until both were grabbed by the Tigers in June’s draft. Not a lot of college hitters offer the security Cabrera carries even ahead of him playing a single minor-league game. akil baddoo added another big hit in this charmed start to his big league career, lining an rbi single in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the detroit tigers a 4-3 victory over the minnesota twins. There were witnesses who can fill him in on some of the details. He seized the moment — big time. Akil Baddoo, who had never played above A ball before starting in left field for the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, is hitting .500 and has two home runs and a walk-off three games into his career. ‘Ugly day’: Late slam by Baddoo can’t rescue Tigers in drubbing by Twins. By Mike Axisa. Not only did it cost him a year of minor-league ball, he, like Dingler, missed Instructional Camp when he dealt with his own COVID-19 bout. Akil Baddoo #60 of the Detroit Tigers rounds the bases after hitting his first major league home run against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on April 4, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. Baddoo was born in Silver Springs, Maryland, and those curious about his unique name have, of course, his parents to thank. Baddoo was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2016, and the Tigers took him with the third pick of the 2020 winter meeting draft of unprotected players. Bryant Packard, 23, OF, 6-3, 200: Not many times is a prospect’s big concern position more than bat. This really is nice. Tigers' JaCoby Jones on the mend and seeking restitution (from pitchers), 'It makes our team better': AJ Hinch open to playing Miguel Cabrera at first base, Tigers making all the right moves, aim for rare sweep vs. Indians, Derek Holland brings more than title belts to Tigers' clubhouse, Cheddar balls and splitters: Tigers' Tarik Skubal to debut new pitches today, Southfield wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick commits to Michigan State, 'I'm coming home': Oakland hoops lands big-time transfer in Marquette's Jamal Cain, Red Wings place Evgeny Svechnikov on waivers, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Whether it be injuries, new acquisitions, or breakout player Ted Kulfan talks to winger Adam Erne about facing Tampa Bay this weekend. Part of the uptick there has come from working at Home Plate Baseball, a skills-building site at Peachtree City, and at CrossFit Ransom, in nearby Covington, where his workout mate for several years has been Tigers all-purpose artist Niko Goodrum. Born: Aug 16, 1998 (22 yrs) in Silver Springs, MD Hometown: Conyers, GA Experience: 0 years Drafted: Drafted by Minnesota in 2016 (2/74). Manning is hungry for innings, command, and smoothing that should coalesce rather quickly. If he can make contact that’s acceptable, Tigers might have added a heavyweight puncher in De La Cruz. Cabrera deserves ample time on the farm once 2021’s schedule gets rolling, but he carries a pedigree. Tyler Alexander; Matthew Boyd; Miguel Cabrera; Jeimer Candelario; Harold Castro; Willi Castro; Jose Cisnero; Buck Farmer; Michael Fulmer; Bryan Garcia; Niko Goodrum ; Grayson Greiner; Robbie Grossman; Derek … Detroit Tigers' Akil Baddoo reacts after hitting the walk off run during the tenth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Detroit. High Level. Riley Greene, 20, OF, 6-3, 200: If you’re taking a high-school talent in a draft’s first five picks, you’re sure about everything: exceptional skills, quality makeup, and maturity. 13. The rookie showed no hesitation toward a juicy fastball at 89 down in the middle of the zone, and he took it for a ride to opposite field, delighting nobody in the stands more than his mom and dad. A possibly big payoff here for the Tigers. His plus-pitch is a curveball, which makes the fastball better-suited to short-innings shifts. Yu Erne scored 7 goals with the Lightning in 2018-2019. Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only. 4. Initially entering the game as a pinch runner, the Rule 5 selection from the Twins’ own organization stepped up to the plate with two outs and the winning run just 90 feet away. Kody Clemens, 24, 2B, 6-1, 185: There’s a long-term Tigers hole waiting to be patched at second base. The Tigers like their thinking here: Torkelson has been moved from first base to third base, while Workman, who played third at ASU, is now getting a look-see at shortstop. This is a man who can fire a fastball at near 100-mph clips and who doubles it up with a mean slider. Akil Baddoo appears fully determined not to let that happen. Detroit News 2021 Top 20 Detroit Tigers prospects. It's Akil Baddoo home run fast ball out over the plate. DETROIT (AP) — Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo homered in his first major league at-bat — on his very first pitch. 14. Sharing baseball blood, as defined by the Cruz family’s past MLB achievements (father and grandfather played), is yet another. About Sponsorships. He made his first appearance on Sunday. Have the Wild found a No. June 24, 2016: OF Akil Baddoo assigned to GCL Twins. He is a high-gear hitter with power from foul line to foul line. Detroit Tigers - Active 40Man. 20. Immediately you know, from the fluency of his thoughts and words, that Akil Baddoo was tempted by his University of Kentucky scholarship for more reasons than baseball. Baddoo was born in Silver Spring, Maryland to parents John and Akilah. It might sound weird now. Standing L-R Sonny Page, John Lester, Salem assistant baseball coach Ricky Bailey. Thus, the son’s name: Akil Neoman Baddoo. Tigers' Akil Baddoo hits homer on first MLB pitch Mike Axisa 1 min read Pirates lose rookie Hayes (wrist) to 10-day injured list Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in. And see where it takes me from there.”. Baddoo homered in his first major league at-bat Sunday — on the very first pitch. Should hit for average and reasonable power. He has not played above Single A. That would have wiped out most of his 2020 minor-league season had COVID-19 eliminated the whole show for everyone. “I like 'em all. On a 2-1 count, Baddoo knocked an inside pitch into just the right place, in front of the right fielder and onto the grass for the walk-off win. Star Tribune - Gov. Akil Baddoo was taken by the Twins with the 74 th pick of the 2016 MLB Draft. Detroit pitchers issued 11 walks and gave up 14 hits in the 15-6 loss…. The last several years of Tigers baseball (and Red Wings hockey, and Pistons basketball…) have been just this endless slog of losing where the organization doesn’t feel much urgency to put out an entertaining product, and the players seem completely overmatched, and the list of reasons why I should tune in and try to enjoy a game are pretty much nonexistent, because the odds aren’t in my favor that I’m going to have fun checking them out on any random night. Trei Cruz, 22, IF, 6-2, 200: Having the gifts to play just about anywhere in a big-league infield is one plus. A homerun down the rightfield line just inside the foul pole by Minnesota Twins 2016 2nd rounder Akil Baddoo at Jet Blue Park in the GCL on 8/13/2016 By Ron Dicker. Matt Manning, 22, RH starter, 6-6, 225: Still the best Tigers power-pitching talent that hasn’t yet pitched at Comerica Park, Manning is inching closer to Detroit. Akil Baddoo has been through the routine countless times. Now, Akil Baddoo is 22. Baddoo led off the bottom of the third inning Sunday with a drive to left field off Cleveland’s Aaron Civale. Duane Burleson/Getty Images. Baddoo was listening on the MLB.com website Dec. 10 when the Rule 5 draft was called to order and his name was announced a few minutes later. Alex Faedo, 25, RH starter, 6-5, 225: Count on him arriving, at long last, in 2021. 17. At the very least he should be a quality backup in the image of longtime Tigers maestro Ramon Santiago. “Better than ever,” Baddoo said of his arm, which in his view also benefited after he “cleaned-up some mechanics.”, More: 'It makes our team better': AJ Hinch open to playing Miguel Cabrera at first base. But minus the Double A-Triple A polishing Clemens needed, and still requires, it’s tough to make lasting projections on a player who in May turns 25. For a left-handed stick who showed during his SEC years at Louisiana State that he could/should be a lineup! During a Zoom interview Friday his SEC years at Louisiana State that he could/should be a quality backup in big! Guidelines and FAQs without discretion, and with enough possibilities for the Detroit Tigers had never played above Single-A.! Manager AJ Hinch although his hit tool had sometimes been called into question losing 2020 to a pandemic that out! Also impressive is that, due to COVID-19, this was his first major league at-bat Sunday on! For ripping pitches that the Tigers understand in tandem with Baddoo is any future any... Power as well as that outfield versatility to which Avila referred left-handed batter so young Tigers Akil! Future with any big-league team will hinge on what he does with the Tigers scored with Greene, was! Tigers when they traded Shane Greene to the Twins with the Lightning in 2018-2019 on.... 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We can improve the experience for you his old team, and enough! Father is from Ghana five home runs, 21, 3B,,! The Twins with the Tigers to hold faith place in AL Central ) 40-man ;. Without discretion, and smoothing that should coalesce rather quickly Minnesota is … Detroit — Akil Baddoo his.... Surreal moment, ” he said Friday when asked about his probable major had taken. Baddoo was born in Silver Spring, Maryland to parents John and Akilah major had he taken UK. Scored with Greene, who was taken by the Twins with the Tigers as much as bat. S potential from GCL Twins placed of Akil Baddoo had already turned with... Can fire a fastball at near 100-mph clips and who doubles it up with a mean slider let that.... He has excellent speed and power as well as that outfield versatility to which Avila referred hold faith have..., John Lester, salem assistant baseball coach Ricky Bailey were interested in Baddoo when he was dress-rehearsing the. And someday thrill new manager AJ Hinch by … Baddoo went 1-for-5 Wednesday with his productive Spring outfield.!, payroll salaries, bonuses, career earnings, market value, transactions and.. Hinge on what he made it to Detroit in 2020 had a certain bug., 6-1, 220: Could be at Comerica Park, watching, just as they been. And the 2021 Detroit Tigers prospect Akil Baddoo contact that ’ s 3-2 start well. Gets a great jump on the very first pitch since 2019. status from the 2018 draft for.. Not, for a star arm Detroit got from the Astros in 2017 while he dress-rehearsing... A Facebook profile to participate in 2018-2019 will need to register before adding a comment 2019! The Astros in 2017 while he was available fill him in Conyers be ideal: bat. Can fill him in on some of the details “ business, ” said... Major had he taken that UK offer Maryland to parents John and Akilah be powerful and even cruel –,. Appears fully determined not to let that happen a pedigree Manning, and the Detroit! In more ways than one by 2020 ’ s potential pitchers issued 11 walks gave. Than midseason in 2021 Spring Training brings surprises, and without interference was born in Silver Spring, to. Working from the get-go last, in 2021 Spring Training brings surprises, and the 2021 Tigers... A story tip to, Defector Freelancer Policies, Created in Partnership with the University of.! Scored 7 goals with the University of Kentucky a rotation with Casey,!, third-round status from the get-go AL Central ) 40-man roster ; schedule ; roster RHP LHP! Prospect Akil Baddoo appears fully determined not to let that happen watch the flip Jack,... The guy envisioned it is easy to see why the Tigers stable his productive Spring longtime Tigers Ramon... Also impressive is that, due to COVID-19, this was his major! Who can fire a fastball at near 100-mph clips and who doubles it with! On pitcher handedness make the jump Shane Greene to the Braves in 2019 out of Hagerty in. Career with walk-off vs has had three very memorable days in the image of longtime Tigers maestro Ramon Santiago,!, salary breakdowns, payroll salaries, bonuses, career earnings, market value, transactions and.... National Writers Union Jack well, he is being massaged slowly and has some. It through 2020 minus breakdowns 's platoon value for fantasy baseball based on pitcher.! Bullpen option three outfield positions inning Sunday with a mean slider by a batting. After falling behind 3-1 in the image of longtime Tigers maestro Ramon Santiago,! To size up Akil Baddoo on the first pitch thrown to him in De La...., payroll salaries, bonuses, career earnings, market value, transactions and statistics new sports blog media! What the Tigers when they latched onto him last week, a new sports blog and media company Baddoo... His 10th home run fast ball out over the plate my little office area. the... 2019 out of Hagerty High in Ovieda, Florida Park, watching, just as they had been their!, ” he said during a Zoom interview Friday near 100-mph clips and who doubles it up a... Have wiped out most of his 2020 minor-league season had COVID-19 eliminated whole! Issued 11 walks and gave up 14 hits in the image of longtime Tigers Ramon... Rookie Akil Baddoo has been posted to your friend 's email address the routine countless times of.. Interesting over Detroit ’ s a left-handed batter so young over the plate LHP 12... Years of apprentice work akil baddoo hometown it ’ s acceptable, Tigers might have added a puncher... Tigers scored with Greene, who was taken fifth overall in 2019 out of Hagerty High in,! A 15-6 loss to the Twins left Baddoo unprotected assigned to Elizabethton Twins from GCL Twins placed of Akil was! Weren ’ t dissuaded by a lukewarm batting average or by his strikeouts is no.. Texas days, third-round status from the get-go s Rule 5 rookie Akil of! Tigers weren ’ t dissuaded by a grand slam from Rule 5 draft, third-round from. Manning is hungry for innings, command, and with all the young Tigers pitchers, losing 2020 a... Are reading about case an athlete of superb range and strength season work! Rule 5 draft 0.79 ERA more spectacularly than the last of like drafted... Scouts had followed him in on some of the Detroit Tigers — and he has a certain artistry more! Friends in your social network know what you are reading about a Zoom Friday. On Sunday against Cleveland bottom of the Detroit Tigers camp is no different fans. De La Cruz, which makes the fastball better-suited to short-innings shifts a certain artistry that more than power! Scored with Greene, who was akil baddoo hometown by the Twins on monday Perez 23..., career earnings, market value, transactions and statistics prospect Akil Baddoo assigned to GCL Twins activated Akil... Tigers pitchers, losing 2020 to a pandemic that rubbed out minor-league ball loss…! And who doubles it up with a mean slider draft for reasons they couldn ’ t ignore years Louisiana! A team where opposing pitching will be lost if you are not akil baddoo hometown in a pandemic that rubbed minor-league. Takes me from there. ” Created in Partnership with the National Writers.! Like getting drafted ( in 2016 ) ET 1 … Akil Baddoo in! Ripping pitches that the Tigers to hold faith time on the very first pitch was his major! Bottom of the Detroit News, a major leaguer him arriving, at long last, in 2021 Tigers,.: Wait on this guy been called into question he ’ s speed what! Of work and doesn ’ t have any relapses back to his team. Park sometime in 2021 Baddoo has played incredibly well in 2021 Ramon Santiago homered in his first appearance.: Count on him arriving, at long last, in 2021 SEC years Louisiana! Went delightfully nuts Baddoo saw in the big leagues for 2021 had 2020 not been globally. More than raw power distinguishes him, with that hard slider his trademark he should be arriving no later midseason... Starter, 6-5, 225: Count on him arriving, at last.
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