LAKELAND, Fla. -- Tyler Collins says he's calmer, quieter now. He means that in reference to his plate approach, a project from hitting coaches Wally Joyner and David Newhan since late last season to remove unnecessary motion from his stance and let him focus on the ball.
"Smooth, controlled," Collins described it. "There's no more guessing or not seeing. Just see it, hit it. That's it."
That calmness could also describe his overall approach to the game. The hyperactive rookie, who cracked the Opening Day roster against all expectations two years ago, then ended last year as the regular left fielder once Yoenis Cespedes was traded to the Mets, now has a slightly more veteran aura as he closes in on a potential role as the Tigers' extra outfielder.