Tiger Geist

Yes, this is what happens when you take a long lunch — Tigers recall Wilkin Ramirez, demote Casey Fien, no real explanation given.  Kudos to Ian, Billfer, and Kurt to write all of this up already, as i’m way late to the game here, but here are some thoughts)

So what do we know from this?  Or at least, what can we speculate?

• Well, looks like Brian Matusz is left handed;  Detroit obviously feels that Granderson is struggling against left handers (which he definitely is) and they had to make a move to address it (Ramirez is leading off tonight)
• Another roster move is probably coming.  I don’t know if Detroit has the balls to cut Ordonez right now or not; my gut says something related to Marcus Thames or Ryan Raburn
• I think this pretty much answers Detroit’s thought process on acquiring another bat:  if they do, it probably won’t be a corner outfielder.
• On that front, Rich Aurilia is basically available and could backup first and third.  Raburn would be a fit in SF, and Thames probably would too — SF is hurting for outfielders right now, though Thames’ defense would be rough in AT&T park.  I have little faith that Aurilia would come to the AL and hit .300, but Detroit has no real backup first baseman, and i doubt they’re excited about Raburn playing third extensively in case of an injury to Inge.  Aurilia also has playoff experience (2002 World Series), and Leyland seems to like aging veterans whether or not they can hit.
• I imagine that Casey Fien still fits in Detroit’s long term plans;  when there are so many games together and the bullpen was so strung out, its probably hard for the pitching coach / bullpen coach to get a lot of side work in for a reliever that was so effective in Toledo.  If game circumstances were different, Fien probably would have gotten some side sessions going.
• Random thought:  Lynn Henning talks about players who might see time in September.  Its probably quite premature, but I wonder if Detroit is looking at playoff rosters as well; I imagine Ramirez would fit the bill, possibly even bumping Magglio off the playoff roster.  You have to imagine Magglio’s playing time will dwindle to nothing once his option officially won’t vest.
• More random:  Interesting if Detroit includes Raburn or Thames in the right field platoon, further banishing Magglio to the bench.  Magglio’s magic number?  12.  He needs to play in 47 of the remaining 58 games to trigger his 2010 contract.  Twelve games missed and he’s a free agent this winter.