More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

Less than two years after he began playing catcher, Alex Avila is behind the plate in the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers.

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The latest edition of the Baseball Prospectus Radio podcast has a distinct Detroit Tigers flavor to it, as David Laurila interviews rookies Alex Avila and Ryan Perry when the team visited Boston this week.  

First up is Avila, who describes the transition in making the transition from third base to catcher in college, the difficulties he experienced in moving behind the plate, and his strengths and weaknesses at the position.  Avila also talks about playing for former Tiger Tom Brookens in Double-A Erie, his first impressions of Jim Leyland, and which pitchers currently in Erie are worth keeping an eye on. 

Next, Perry talks about making the team out of Spring Training, but then getting demoted to the minors when he was having trouble throwing strikes, and what he worked on while in Toledo.  Laurila also asked him if he prefers traditional short relief outings or might enjoy a new sort of set-up role that might require two or three innings.  Finally, Perry shares a bit of what goes on in the bullpen during games. 

We haven't heard a whole lot from Avila and Perry through the media, so it was nice to have a chance to learn something about them.  And not just from a baseball standpoint, but some of their off-the-field interests, as well.  Laurila asked some questions that the normal media throng that covers the Tigers might not have an opportunity to get to while they're in the day-to-day grind of the season. 

You can download a MP3 of the podcast here or get the show on iTunes.