Tiger Geist

Today’s Josh Anderson trade (and subsequent “he’ll be on the team” statement from the Tigers) brings up an important point:  Marcus Thames’ remaining stay with Detroit will be short.  Its been documented that his contract isn’t guaranteed, and he’s (probably) being actively shopped.  What I feel hurts Thames’ chances most may not be something he can control:  roster flexibility.

Here is the agreed starting lineup:  Laird, Cabrera, Polanco, Everett, Inge, Guillen, Granderson, Ordonez and Sheffield.  Your guaranteed backups:  Treanor, Santiago, and new Tiger Anderson.  Normal pitching staff of 12 leaves one spot remaining.  What do these position players lack?  Minor league options.  (Ok — fair point, i have no idea if Santiago has options, but they’re not moving the infield backup guy to Toledo).  This is the problem when you decide to trot out a full time DH for $14 million / year.  Here’s the deal:  I’ve seen Pedro Feliz behind the plate... guys get hurt.  If Laird takes a shot blocking home plate on a Saturday night game, and becomes day to day with a mild concussion… you need a backup catcher when the Sunday matinee roles around.  If Thames makes the team,  (in the above situation) your options are putting Laird on the 15 day DL and taking your chances with a career .200 hitter behind the plate, OR shorting yourself a pitcher for a few days (and sending a Bonine / Perry to Toledo briefly).  I don’t know if Raburn or Larish would be next in line if Thames doesn’t make the team (my money is on Larish), but they both have minor league options and could be sent down for a short time ‘in a pinch’.  This is the type of roster flexibility that teams need to be competitive.

As Jason Beck points out… if Thames can’t be traded and is given his walking papers.. is he really hurt?  He’ll catch on somewhere and probably hit 25 – 35 home runs in a full time role.  Couldn’t happen to a better guy;  win – win for both sides.  I’d love for him to DH for Detroit, but we have a team full of DH’s.  If winning is important for Detroit, Thames doesn’t make sense in 2009.  And truthfully, if playing full time is important to Thames, then Detroit doesn’t make sense for him.  Godspeed Marcus Thames.  Just sign with a team in the NL.