Tiger Geist

As much as I’m against it, but does Ryan Raburn’s recent struggles at the plate, combined with Carlos Guillen’s struggles at third (two errors yesterday), with Gary Sheffield’s muscle strain / weak hitting require a move?  Could this be the time for Mike Hessman to get called up?

Hessman gives the team another third baseman, another first baseman, and a much-needed power bat.  It would allow Inge to resume his position as a backup outfielder and backup catcher, and give more options for the DH spot.  The other move to make would to designate Thames for assignment and keep Raburn on the team.  But Raburn isn’t hitting well and has minor league options left.

Detroit needs to make a move.. and something involving either Raburn or Thames would not drastically alter the team’s core, or cost significant money.  Raburn has more value to the team (in my opinion), but there is a question about the role Thames has on next year’s team.  With the summer months coming, Detroit has to at least pretend that it cares to keep the fans flocking to the ballpark.

I don’t know much about Jeff Larish, but, if possible, he’d be smart to learn how to play the outfield.  He seems like a long shot to play in Detroit… ever… but if they could sneak some first base and DH at -bats to him this year, it might help his trade value.