Help: What's your opinion of Ryan Raburn?

by notsellingjeans on Jul 30, 2008 9:47 AM EDT

Hi Tigers fans,

I'm visiting from AthleticsNation and have just found your great blog for the first time. We were having a conversation about outfielders and Ryan Raburn's name came up, and a few posters wished we had more information about him.

I think Raburn's minor league numbers look great, with no holes - good k to walk, has hit with power and average, and he's proved himself in AAA. I'm also aware of his positional flexibility.

As Tigers' fans, your opinions would mean a heck of a lot more than ours, though.

I have a few questions that I'd love your opinion on, even if you've only seen him a few times:

What's his best position defensively? Does he play a legit 2b,3b, and all three OF positions...or is he sort of "not very good, but not terrible" at all of them equally?

Do you think that he hasn't established a greater full-time role with more playing due to a.) the lack of openings on a veteran Tiger team, or b.) because Leyland and/or the front office don't believe he can succeed as a full time player?

Do YOU personally think that he could be a viable big-league starting second baseman, third baseman, or corner OF? Could he post, say, a .750 OPS doing that full-time if the Tigers gave him the opportunity?

Thanks for your help! I'd really appreciate any of your comments and insights.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bless You Boys writing staff.

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Raburn

I love the guy. He was terrific coming up from AAA, but he gets so little playing time, I think that’s what’s hurt him offensively. He’s made some terrific catches in the OF especially if they’d let him play for at least a few days in the same position. I’ve seen him play 3rd. He’s wiry, quick and think he would be quite adequate if allowed more playing time. Also, your answer as to why he doesn’t play more is B. because of Leyland.

by densogirl on Aug 1, 2008 11:22 PM EDT reply actions

Free Ryan Raburn!

I’d love to see Raburn get more playing time, but there’s just not a spot available for him now that Matt Joyce (and Clete Thomas, if/when he returns from Toledo) have shown they can play in the outfield. I would’ve preferred him to be the utility guy coming out of Spring Training, instead of Ramon Santiago, because of his versatility and bat. But Jim Leyland places such a premium on defense for his reserve infielders, and for whatever reason, he doesn’t think Raburn is that kind of player.

To me, left field is Raburn’s best position, but that’s largely because that’s where he’s played the most in Detroit. He doesn’t have the greatest range or arm, but makes plays on whatever is hit his way. And if he were to get the time at second base, I believe he could develop into a full-time player over there, providing the sort of production expected from that position.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Aug 4, 2008 7:16 AM EDT reply actions