January 19, 2020

By Danielle Obal

Canadian Baseball Network

Canadians Daniel Pinero and Jacob Robson are among the 25 players invited to join the Detroit Tigers’ big league camp for Spring Training, bringing the total to 65 players in Lakeland, Fla.

So, what can we expect?

Pinero, 25, is a Toronto-native and was drafted out of the University of Virginia by the Tigers in the ninth round (265th overall) in 2016. Making appearances for Team Canada at the 2017 World Baseball Classic and most recently at the Pan Am Games Qualifier in 2019, the Ontario Blue Jays alum is no stranger to big league matchups.

Pinero made his professional playing debut with the Tigers Gulf Coast League club and he eventually bounced around through the minors, even spending time playing fall ball in the Arizona Fall League with the Mesa Solar Sox.

He split the 2019 season between two Tigers’ affiliates, finding success with the double-A Erie SeaWolves and the triple-A Toledo Mud Hens slashing .235/.328/.417. In 88 games and 467 plate appearances, Pinero notched 15 home runs, 52 RBIs and five stolen bases. With a walk rate of 11 per cent and strike out rate of 23 per cent, Pinero shows above average maturity at the plate.

Pinero has some tough competition with players like Isaac Paredes already vying for a spot as shortstop with the big club and Jeimer Candelario at third but hitting for power is no doubt one of the many reasons he’s got a ticket to Florida. It’s no simple task, but he’s got the pathway to advancement to put in the extra work to continue to progress.

Windsor-native Robson, 25, was drafted in the eighth round of the 2016 MLB draft and playing for the Tigers would be nothing short of a dream come true. Like Pinero, the Windsor Selects alum has slid under the radar for the majority of his minor league career, but has quietly emerged as an adaptable outfielder.

The Mississippi State alum made the jump from Erie to Toledo in 2018 and returned to Toledo in 2019 and impressed with a slash line of .267/.352/.399 reaching 52 RBIs and nine homeruns in 473 plate appearances. Robson’s walk rate settled at 11 per cent and just surpassed Pinero’s strike out rate at 28 per cent. It’s clear that his player development has matured while playing with the Mud Hens, with 25 stolen bags on the 2019 season.

JaCoby Jones has already solidified himself as a notable centre fielder but he struggled with injuries throughout the 2019 season. Robson has the opportunity to level the playing field between himself and players like Derek Hill and fellow left-handed hitter Christin Stewart.

Having played in the Dominican Winter League for Aguilas Cibaenas, Robson’s competitive edge and flexible attitude between different leagues further proves his physical and mental strength as a baseball player. Both Pinero and Robson have this trait in common.

Playing for different leagues and adjusting to several coaching styles can be challenging, but both Canucks proved that their drive to compete for the Motor City remains unmatched.

With the Tigers in a slow but steady full rebuild, Pinero and Robson have the opportunity and potential to fill some significant gaps in the Tigers 40-man and could be exactly what fans are itching to see.