Thursday, July 26, 2012

It's simple what the Detroit Tigers should do when Andy Dirks returns from the DL

Don Kelly would be the odd man out and designated to the minor leagues for assignment. The idea of sending Quintin Berry to Triple-A because he has options remaining is absurd. Berry has earned his spot on the active roster, and to play his way out of the starting lineup. Kelly has some speed, but Berry is much faster and has exhibited a knack to steal bases. He is a better outfielder than Kelly. He'd be a better bench player. While Kelly can play third base, when is that going to be needed? Miguel Cabrera plays there every day. If something happens with Cabrera, the Tigers have several options at third base. Ryan Raburn is a right-handed hitter - a need - and as poorly as he has hit this season, there would be a team that would pick him up if he asked for his release (My best guess is Raburn would clear waivers). Raburn, with a change of scenery, could break loose. It's unlikely Kelly would be picked up by another organization and placed in the major leagues. His best choice would be to accept the assignment and wait to return to Detroit in September. You would have three left-handed hitting outfielders for the two corner spots - Dirks, Berry and Brennan Boesch. In an extended sample size, it's apparent Berry struggles to catch up to really good fastballs. He does, however, do well against right-handed pitchers who don't throw particularly hard. Dirks catches up with a good fastball a little better. Neither is a guaranteed long-term major league player. Boesch has a better shot at being a long-range regular and posted some huge numbers the last month. But he is the ultimate all or nothing hitter. He goes cold, it's feasible Dirks and Berry could be in the lineup at the same time. It would present the Tigers with their best defensive outfield. And there is no rule Delmon Young has to DH. against right-handed pitching. He's cooled off lately.

7 Comments:

Blogger Barry said...

Hey Pat, I would not be surprise if Kelly does get pick up by a NL team. If Kelly can hit 250 in the ML he will be a starter because of the D he brings. The exact opposite is true for players like Boesch and Young. These players have to hit 280 and 20 HRs to have value. This is 15 points above Boesch’s career average. Boesch have potential but I don't think he will reach it in Detroit. Boesch is easy to straighten out because for a power guy he doesn't strike out a ton. He does make contact and therefore he can be choosey at the plate. Especially on the first pitch, if the pitch is not in his wheel house let it go by. He hits way too many pitcher's pitches. Would I trade Boesch in a heartbeat? Yes, the Phillies asking for S Victorino is not too steep if rumours are true.

9:20 AM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Absolutely not gonna happen. Leyland will not tolerate no backup 3rd baseman. You can't have one utility player(Santiago) back up 3 positions. Leyland will not go for it. That's why the tigers are about to announce another trade. I predict Boesch plus prospects for a right handed hitting OF.

12:16 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

raburn stays but kelly goes?

kelly is the most versatile player on our team, outfield, 3rd base, catcher, you can put him anywhere.

raburn is the right handed bat the tigers need? oh really pat, a right handed bat that hits .176 and grounds into DP after DP and kills rallies everytime.

your ignorance about everything is truly astonishing, dumbest person on the radio, straight up.

1:36 PM 
Anonymous Michael C said...

At least until Berry or Dirks cool down I want to see Berry in left, Dirks in right, Boesch DHing, and Young sitting against righties.

Improves our offense and our defense.

6:07 PM 
Blogger Unknown said...

Caputo backed down from hating on Berry. now he's a fan LMAO.

12:46 AM 
Blogger Unknown said...

Ifante can play anywhere. Trade Boesch, Raburn and Kelly and get whatever .

12:47 AM 
Blogger Contrary Guy said...

I don't think there is ever a need for a right handed hitter hitting .161 or whatever it is in late July. I think Raburn hit a career wall in April and he was simply "done".

I also think Kelly would get picked up and would be a pretty valuable 25th man for a lot of teams.

8:51 PM 

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home