Tiger Geist

I’ve never been a huge Marcus Thames fan. There isn’t much to dislike about the guy; he’s an average defender with amazing right-handed power. But nothing really stands out about him that made me feel that he makes a team better. Granted, I won’t rant on about Thames like i will that no talent ass clown who used to play third for us, but i’m not in love with the guy.

Today’s news about injury issues with the AARP outfield the Mets are trying to field, coupled with reports that Detroit and NYM discussed a Thames deal involving some relief arms, indicates that a trade might make a lot of sense to everyone involved. Any why not? Thames’ average died last year as the team made a playoff push, and some of the lineups and off-season moves indicate the team doesn’t think he is an every-day player.

Thames digs the long ball. However, his strikeout ratio (one every 3.78 AB) puts him in poor company… though Mr Inge bested him with one every 3.3 AB. The Tigers were 4th in the AL in strikeouts last year, with two full time players (Inge / Granderson) in the top 10. With their current roster full of high-average hitters, they have to clear out some of their strikeout kings. If you have a deal on the table, you HAVE to pull the trigger. Is anyone really excited about Jason Grilli? Zach Miner? Actually, yes… other teams love batting against Grilli.

Last thought: If Inge is such a super athlete, why don’t the Tigers trade him to the Lions for a 5th round draft pick? Sure, he might have to re-do his contract for salary cap reasons, but put him in at slot WR or some form of defensive back. Problem solved.

So far every heading has ended with a question mark…

What is the deal with Francisco Cruceta?  Rumors are he’s scheduled to get into the US this weekend.  I just flew in from Costa Rica last week… stood in line at Immigration… let me tell you we let everyone into the US.  How is it that this guy can’t find his way to Lakeland?

In the search for a backup catcher, as Vance Wilson doesn’t appear to be healthy, and Brandon Inge can’t seem to keep his mouth shut, there seems to be a great solution already sitting out there: Mike Piazza.

He’s available and (you’d hope) looking to win a ring. He’s not a great catcher anymore, and you could easily argue he never was (though he has caught two no-hitters). But for spot duty? Why not. Here’s the deal: Pudge isn’t much of a hitter anymore. He’s going to easily have his worse year batting… ever. Piazza should outhit him, giving you a better average and slugging percentage as a backup. Piazza can also DH as needed, proving last year with Oakland that he can do well in that role. Younger players often have a difficult time adjusting to the DH role; there is no telling if Miguel Cabrera will thrive on ‘off’ days at DH.

Another good thing? Apparently Piazza and Pudge are buddies. He also married a playmate; that alone has to increase clubhouse chemistry by 48%.

Tell me you wouldn’t like to attend the annual player / family softball game?

Would he come cheap? Probably not. But its obvious the Tigers are in ‘win now’ mode, so you make a move like this. And it doesn’t cost you anything — no one thinks Vance Wilson is a starting caliber catcher. And it protects your offense against an injury to a 36 year old who seems to be shriveling away before our eyes, one who swings at everything he sees and has limited power now. At 39, we’re probably not going to see 500 at-bats for Sheffield either. Why not load up while you can?