Tiger Geist

I started this post after I called for Don Kelly to replace Ryan Raburn on the 25 man roster.  The Aubrey Huff trade didn’t make much sense, and I waited for the corresponding move, which came in the form of Detroit going a man short in the bullpen.  So, let’s look at what Detroit might be looking for in September, keeping in mind Jim Leyland already stated he wasn’t going to make any unnecessary call-ups this year.  Generally speaking, I think the Tigers’ main team for 2009 is already on the field, and they’ll only be making subtle changes to shore up the lineup / flaws in the existing team.  That is, flaws that are fixable…

Let’s start with some basic info on who Leyland and Detroit has called up in the past few years.  Its not always as obvious due to late moves made in August based on injuries, but this should cover the basics:

2006:  Ramon Santiago (IF), Jordan Tata (P), Chris Shelton (IF), Brent Clevlen (OF).  Mid Month added Matt Stairs via waivers.

2007:  Mike Hessman (IF), Omar Infante (IF), Yorman Bazardo (P), Jose Capellan (P).  An odd years since some players were already on the DL, to be activated later in September (Kenny Rogers, Gary Sheffield).

2008:  Dontrelle Willis (P), Freddy Dolsi (P), Chris Lambert (P), Clay Rapada (P), Mike Hessman (IF), Dusty Ryan (C).  The year I’d love to forget.

From the looks of it, Detroit is most likely to recall at least one arm for the bullpen, a backup catcher, and an infielder. There’s also a 66% chance of seeing Mike Hessman return.

So who does this leave in 2009?  The catching situation probably lies in a defensive catcher, and that would be Dane Sardinha.  The third catcher won’t be auditioning for a role in 2010 like Ryan was in late 2008.  I see the third catcher as just that, not a potential at off the bench.  This has to be Sardinha, right?  Well, Sardinha is no longer on the 40 man roster.  While a spot could be opened up by removing Mike Hollimon (who doesn’t seem into any long term plans), that spot could go to Scott Sizemore or Brent Dlugach (more on this later).  If Sizemore is not called up, I imagine Leyland would rather have Sardinha as a third backup in September.  If Sizemore is called up, this slot would go to Dusty Ryan.

Another consistent September call-up listed above is infield help.  I’m of the opinion that Leyland is going to be happy with a middle infield of Polanco, Everett and Santiago.  While Brent Dlugach is swinging a hot bat with solid short stop play, I can’t see Leyland making any move to play a rookie in the heart of a pennant race.  Ditto with Scott Sizemore.  Not that either player won’t factor heavily into the 2010 Tiger plans, but something about Jim Leyland’s love for Neifi Perez makes me feel like Dlugach and Sizemore have no shot at playing in September.  Not calling up Sizemore or Dlugach would also give Detroit the option of moving Sardinha back onto the 40 man roster, even if its short lived.  Essentially, I don’t see Leyland using a rookie with zero major league experience in September.

Even with the addition of Aubrey Huff, I’m guessing Detroit isn’t excited about Huff playing in the field.  I’m 100% positive Don Kelly returns to Detroit at 12:01 AM September 1st.  Kelly gives a reliable backup at first, third, and all outfield positions.  Kelly would also improve team speed, and could easily be used as a pinch-runner in addition to a defensive replacement.  I’ll go one further and suggest that Kelly may very well replace one of the fringe players on a playoff roster.  You could see another Mike Hessman sighting (due to his defense between first and third), but I doubt it.  Inge and Cabrera will play nearly every day, and Kelly gives you a backup in multiple spots and speed on the basepaths (24 stolen bases for Toledo).

Pitchers are much harder to predict.  Jay wrote about this recently, suggesting it was time for Zach Simons to make his debut (maybe even before Sept 1).  Going back to my Neifi Perez evidence, I don’t see Leyland letting a rookie pitch, not that he doesn’t deserve it.  Eddie Bonine is probably a lock here (reliever with spot starter potential to pair with Zach Miner), with a possibility of Dolsi, Fien, and Rapada.  Alfredo Figaro would be a longshot, if healthy.  Nate Robertson or Jeremy Bonderman may be recalled based on their experience — whether they’re allowed to pitch would be based on health; i’m of the opinion both should be shut down for the year.  Not a fan of two veterans still searching for their velocity in a pennant race.  The number of pitchers called up is dependent on whether Detroit stays a man short in the bullpen for the rest of August; I’ll call it one pitcher to get back to 12 pitchers, plus two additional arms.

Last, a move I think they Detroit should make but I’m sure they won’t:  Brent Clevlen.  Clevlen is one more solid defensive outfielders on a team lacking them, and he can play center field against left-handed pitching.  It isn’t just that Granderson looks bad against left handers, its that they seem to send him into prolonged slumps.  Clevlen gives a right handed bat with above-average defensive play.  This is a bad thing?

Recap:  Detroit has historically brought up a few infielders, a few pitchers, and Mike Hessman in September.  Leyland already mentioned he would like to bring up a third catcher.

Most likely September callups, to shore up existing team flaws:  Don Kelly, Eddie Bonine, Casey Fien, Freddy Dolsi, Dane Sardina (with a corresponding move dropping Mike Hollimon from the 40 man roster)

Next most likely move:  Clay Rapada

Veterans:  Robertson and/or Bonderman may be recalled even if neither have a chance at pitching, due to their veteran status and possible side work with Rick Knapp.  If Detroit is confident about their health, strike least one other pitcher from the call-up.

Catcher if there is no room on the 40 man roster for Sardinha:  Obviously Dusty Ryan.

Personal opinion for a position of need:  Brent Clevlen

UPDATE:

Billfer posted a nice piece on playoff roster eligibility.  I’m not sure how this fits into the Tigers plans, but there is a chance that a more versatile player is moved onto the 25 man roster before Sept 1.  Or maybe they don’t need to. Interesting question as to whether Detroit will feel the need for an extra bullpen arm, as most teams go with a 4 man rotation in the playoffs.  Know what’s fun?  Speculating playoff rosters in August.  Its a nice contrast to 2008, isn’t it?