Tiger Geist

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?