Tiger Geist

Two areas Detroit will have to figure out in the near future:  Starting rotation and the outfield.  No one expected either decision to drag on for this long, but injuries to Bonderman, Guillen, and Thames seemed to take longer then expected.

In terms of the outfield, I was of the opinion that Thames a goner.  Now I’m not so sure; the speedy and defensive outfielders (Anderson, Raburn, Thomas) won’t show a ton of power; its not their game.  Unless Magglio turns it on (he’s slowly raised his average to .280, but the power numbers haven’t returned), they need a power hitter.  Thames fills this role.  However, Thames has a small contract and is only signed through this season;  he’s the most expendable.

Guillen is another question mark.  His power numbers have been declining (as has his body)… he’s a questionable threat to hit 20 home runs again.  But he is owed a ton of money.

There is also the discussion of adding another bat;  Corey Hart (no not that corey hart) has been discussed.  He seems like a similar player to Thames, with better speed and (I’m guessing) better defensively.  Based on his numbers, he almost looks like… a right handed Matt Joyce.  But what would Detroit have to give up for Hart, probably as a rental player for 2009?  I’m also nervous about Hart having to switch leagues in the middle of the season.

So Thames gives the team the pop they lack, but not the defensive play they’ve leaned on all year.  Guillen is locked into a contract that likely won’t be eaten, though his return is in doubt (all star break?).  Detroit might make a move for another outfield bat, I get it.

So what do they do with the existing outfield?  Raburn is the odd man out;  he’ll be in AAA once Thames returns.  Josh Anderson and Clete Thomas have made their impression on this team and they aren’t going anywhere; neither is Magglio.  So who’s left?

I’m starting to think Carlos Guillen might be on his way back to backup at first and third; Jeff Larish might be the odd man out.  I imagine Detroit would rather shelve Guillen (give him spot starts and let him DH) and see what he can do when he’s healthy in 2010 then just eat his contract.  Jeff Larish has options available and could return to dominate AAA pitchers until they can makeover the roster next year; or he could be used as trade bait.  I don’t like it, but I can’t see how, assuming Guillen returns this year, Detroit can do anything else.