Position Battles Narrowing
Early yesterday, the Tigers optioned relievers Jose Ortega and Matt Hoffman to Triple A Toledo. It appears the competition is down to Branyan Villarreal and Luis Marte for the final roster spot in the pen. But don’t be surprised if a trade is completed towards the end of Spring with a club with an extra arm that is out of minor league options. This was the case in 2011, when the Tigers swapped Scott Sizemore for A’s reliever David Purcey (Not Pauley but Purcey, not that it matters as both pitchers couldn’t throw strikes). If Clete Thomas doesn’t make the team, he could be used in a similar deal as he is out of options. Also, do not rule out Duane Below making it as a reliever although it appears Colin Balester will be the Tigers long reliever.
With Jacob Turner’s recent injury and the optioning of Casey Crosby to minor league camp, It appears this competition is down to three pitchers; Duane Below, Andy Oliver and Drew Smyly. I still give the edge to Oliver as he has yet to give up a run in 9 innings of spring work. Smyly is still a strong candidate and could make it if Oliver shows signs of the control problems which have plagued him so far in his major league career. Below’s ERA has ballooned to a very Grili(Jason) or Thomas(Brad) like 5.87 through 4 appearances.
Rayburn is still smashing the ball leading the team with 5 HR and 16 RBI and probably has cemented a place in the lineup for opening day. Inge is batting .207 through 29 AB’s and headed towards a reserve role with the team. Santiago has been steady as always. I still favor Santiago starting on opening day with Rayburn in LF and Delmon Young DH’ing. Eric Patterson and Danny Worth both still could make the team in the event Inge is cut but I do not see this happening as the Tigers will want insurance at 3B, especially with Cabby taking a ball to the face during yesterday’s game.
The battle has been intense with Gerald Laird and nobody. I favor nobody as Laird has already used up 36% (8) of his regular season hits from last year (22) so far this spring
