Detroit – Tigers rookie Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, made a good first impression Saturday on the second day of summer camp at Comerica Park.
Torkelson, wearing a No. 73 practice jersey, hit the field and after a few light stretches, he ducked into the batting cage for the first time at his future home. Torkelson signed his $ 8.4 million contract this week, which included a record signing bonus.
After Miguel Cabrera led a group in the cage, it was Torkelson’s turn.
In his first round, he broke loose, but in his fourth and fifth rounds in the cage, he was showing some of the power the Tigers have by imagining him as the power puncher of the future franchise.
The right-hander got a pair over the fence in left field, with general manager Al Avila looking directly behind the cage.
In his final round, Torkelson had only three shots, but threw one against the wall in center field and two more in the left field seats, approximately 10 or 15 rows above. Playing at Comerica Park will not be a great fit for Torkelson, who played at Arizona State.
The outfield dimensions at Phoenix Municipal Park, the Sun Devils’ playing field, are 345 feet in left and center field and 410 feet in direct center field. At Comerica Park, it is 345 feet to the left, 420 to center, and 330 to right field.
It was an encouraging display of power for the first pick, who was part of the Tigers’ 60-player pool, but not likely to make it to the final 30-man lead roster that’s slated to start the season July 23-24. . He is more likely to be in line to join the 30-man taxi squad, which will operate in Toledo.
After hitting the cage, Torkelson met manager Ron Gardenhire and faced third baseman, his projected position as a professional, and only had one shake.
“This kid is a really exciting baseball player,” Gardenhire said Saturday. “This organization had a great project and all these guys we chose seem like really good players and that’s where we want to continue.”
Twitter: @detnewsRodBeard
