One of the reasons the Detroit Tigers were so weak at catcher last season is that Mike Rabelo, who proved himself a dependable, though low-hitting (.256/.300/.357 in 2007), back-up to Pudge Rodriguez, was among the six players that went to the Florida Marlins in the Miguel Cabrera-Dontrelle Willis trade.

But Rabelo could be available to return to the Tigers, now that the Marlins have placed him on outright waivers.  If he isn't claimed within 72 hours - which seems rather likely, given that he'd have to be added to the 40-man roster - Rabelo can either report to Florida's Triple-A team in New Orleans or refuse the assignment and become a free agent. 

This past season with the Marlins, Rabelo hit .202/.256/.304 in just 34 games (122 plate appearances).  Defensively, he threw out 23.8% of opposing basestealers, but wasn't very good with blocking pitches.

However, Rabelo fought injuries all year after a collision with Washington's Austin Kearns in Spring Training that banged up his left knee and hip.  By June, he was sent down to Triple-A.  Rabelo only played nine games, however (along with another eight in Single-A), before sitting down with an injury to his right wrist that eventually put him on the 60-day DL. 

So could the switch-hitting Rabelo (.230/.273/.322 against righties in his career) form a platoon with Dusty Ryan?  Or should the Tigers keep looking at more proven veterans capable of being the starter?

You can get the Marlins' side of things from our SB Nation broham, FishStripes.