Call-ups part I
I’ve had a rough weekend. Its been a tough year thinking about (and sometimes defending) the “blogger vs main stream media” argument. Its national beat up blogger day when a blogger writes something that doesn’t seem to be very well referenced or thought out. For some reason the opposite doesn’t always hold true. Anyway, i’m not amused and its been difficult to think about detroit sports in general.
But the Tigers made some callups for tomorrow, and I figured I should recap what they did vs what they’ve done and what I thought they’d do. I’ll call it “part I” since there might be another move when Toledo’s season is over.
Detroit calls up Jeremy Bonderman, Wilkin Ramirez, Brent Dlugach, Casey Fien, Dusty Ryan. Armando Galarraga will be ‘called up’ Saturday (which was really a shorter DL stint). Galarraga is really Nate Robertson’s call-up spot.
So Detroit has its backup catcher — Ryan was already on the 40 man roster, making the decision easy. Mike Hollimon goes to the 60 day DL, freeing up the 40 man roster spot for Dlugach. Fien and Bonderman are bullpen help; it will be interesting what happens between Galarraga and Robertson (though Washburn isn’t exactly lighting the league on fire right now). Detroit will have some starting pitching options, though it appears Bonderman is ‘pen bound for the rest of the year.
Surprise #1: Ramirez. I don’t see how he fits into the plans, unless Detroit wants him to pinch run or suddenly decided to shut Magglio down (not likely). Seems like an odd time to move away from a defensive mentality.
Surprise #2: No backup third baseman. I imagine Don Kelly still gets a call (Jeff Larish to the 60 man DL??). Detroit still hasn’t addressed its issue in outfield defense, unless Detroit just doesn’t feel it has a need to address it. If Inge’s knee is still bothering him, they’ll have to have a plan B. Dlugach has played two games at third this year. I’m still skittish about playing Huff in the field.
Question #1: Why was Brent Dlugach called up, for his glove or his bat? I don’t question the call, just wondering what the plans are. Leyland wants to give meaningful defensive innings to a rookie with no major league innings under his belt? Doesn’t sound like Leyland. But I can see why Detroit would want to spell Everett / Santiago / Polanco before the playoffs.