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Detroit Tigers top pick Casey Mize invited to Spring Training

By Trevor Hooth

TAMPA, FL - JUL 31: 2018 1st overall pick in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, Casey Mize of the Flying Tigers delivers a pitch to the plate during the Florida State League game between the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Dunedin Blue Jays on July 31, 2018, at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JUL 31: 2018 1st overall pick in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, Casey Mize of the Flying Tigers delivers a pitch to the plate during the Florida State League game between the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Dunedin Blue Jays on July 31, 2018, at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Detroit Tigers number one overall selection, Casey Mize, has been invited to Spring Training the season after he was drafted.

This move does not come as a surprise. The Detroit Tigers pulled this same move with 2017 first round selection, Alex Faedo. As an immediate disclaimer, this is not to give Casey Mize a shot at the rotation for the upcoming season. No matter how bad the team looks heading into the year.

As with Faedo, the Tigers want their top prospect arm to experience life at big league camp. There is a lot to be learned, and as the number one overall pick, Detroit wants to do all it can to ensure Mize will not turn into a bust.

The invitation works both ways. Yes, Mize will get his first taste of anything big leagues, but also the club gets to get a solid look at their prized possession. Sure, he threw last year in their system, but 13 innings after a full college season is not ideal for evaluation.

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Even after a taxing college season at Auburn, Mize was able to rack up a 14:3 K:BB ratio. His college numbers are downright unreal, but that his how he became the clear cut number one overall pick.

The Detroit Tigers do like this move and it is a pretty smart one if you ask me. Faedo threw one inning in one game last year at Spring Training. He struck a batter out, and gave up one hit. The hit happened to be a homerun, so shows an ERA of nine.

Being invited does not mean that Mize is on the fast track to the Tigers, just like Faedo isn’t. Detroit has made it clear that they are going to take their time with Mize. The team is in a rebuilding state, so it does them no good to force any of their prospects before they are truly ready to go.

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No matter what, it is a nice honor to be invited to Spring Training. It is one that Mize earned by being so effective before his professional career began. This is likely the first of many Spring Trainings, and will just make the MLB dream even greater for Casey Mize.

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