Don Kelly in good position to be Tigers' 25th man

Theoretically, anyone left in the Tigers' camp could make the 25-man roster. In reality, there's only about four positional players who are in the running for the 25th roster spot.

And before I delve too far into it, I'd like to point out we can debate about the 25th man until we're blue in the face, but in reality it's not all that important unless it's your career being discussed. None of these moves will make or break the season, and it's probable the opening day roster will be reshuffled by the end of April.

But hey, it's spring training and this is a blog, so this is what we do!

The central players in this debate: OF Clete Thomas, IF Don Kelly, IF Jeff Larish and IF Brent Dlugach. Not all infielders are created equal, of course, so a quick sketch of the players:

Kelly: Can play second base and third base capably. Also an outfielder.

Larish: Can play first and third base, but has less experience as a third baseman. Doesn't do it real great.

Dlugach: Can play both middle infield spots and third base.

Thomas: Can play all three outfield positions. Seems more comfortable in right field than left, though.

Ryan Raburn: He's on the team, but I just want to tell you, just because he has played second base years ago in the minor leagues does not make him a second baseman. He was not all that pretty as a third baseman either, but he can play there. He's really best as an outfielder.

Tigers and Mudhens positional players

The Tigers roster must equal 11, given there are two catchers. Toledo's isn't as important. And don't worry if you can't fill in every position for Toledo, there's always minor league players to fill in the holes.

Everyone listed with a team is a pretty safe bet to be with that team. Yes, I realize Adam Everett hasn't hit the ball this month. But the Tigers knew what they were doing in signing him for his glove. He's safe. Santiago, too, is safe.

Looking at the possible roster versions using both Detroit and Toledo, including looking at options remaining, helped give me an idea what would be ideal for creating roster flexibility and enough playing time for the bunch of prospects stacking up in Toledo.

The key problem in solving this: Toledo's outfield is a mess of too many names and too little playing time, with Ryan Strieby, Brennan Boesch and Casper Wells already in Toledo, probably joined by Wilkin Ramirez and possibly by Clete Thomas. Unless there's a trade, anyway, which is looking more and more likely to me. Admitting Strieby is a first baseman would be a good first step.

Past that, here is what I come up with for the contenders:

My best bet? I think it's likely Kelly who makes the roster. But if not, it's probably Dlugach for the infield insurance policy. I'd like to see the Tigers have better outfield defense with Thomas there, but it doesn't make sense until Inge and Sizemore are completely healthy and can handle the playing time.

I don't know what Detroit will do about Toledo's too many outfielders, but a trade could happen there. Or maybe a trade of Kelly is possible, too, though like I said I don't think there's great demand out there. Maybe in the NL. You never know.

I think it's too early to say with any confidence what the Tigers are going to do.