Timo Time (!) is Still Ticking

After the Detroit Tigers traded for outfielder Jacque Jones, it seemed safe to assume that Timo Perez wasn't going to have a place on next year's team.  Not only would all three starting outfield spots be spoken for with Jones, Curtis Granderson, and Magglio Ordonez, but Marcus Thames and Ryan Raburn would also likely be on the roster as reserves.  Where would the Tigers find time for Timo Time?

Apparently, both sides are willing to figure that out next season, as Perez re-signed with the Tigers for a one-year deal that could pay him as much as $525,000.  

The 32-year-old Perez had been designated for assignment at the end of November so Kenny Rogers and Francisco Cruceta could be added to the 40-man roster, and it looked like that could be the end of his Tigers career.  But considering how well Perez played in the season's final month, maybe this decision makes a lot of sense for everyone involved.  He was absolutely the surprise of September, providing the offense a near-inexplicable boost that was especially needed once Gary Sheffield's shoulder hindered his ability to hit and Cameron Maybin turned out to be not quite ready for prime time.  

Perez was unimpressive during a three-game call-up in mid-July, but upon coming back in September, he was seemingly reborn, hitting .414/.438/.543 with 11 RBI and 39 total bases. Overall, he finished the season with a .389/.427/.533 average.