Assisting Leyland with Personnel and Lineup Moves

A fellow BYB noted that if there is one Actor that could assist us in the Tiger Nation in best depicting Leyland that clearly it would Clint, and I could not agree more.  Therefore, when I saw this picture of him looking somewhat "managerial" I thought it might be fun on the off day to put together a satirical post for all of us fans who think we can clearly manage this team much better than Mr. Leyland and his years of professional experience.  So I just have one question for you, Do you feel lucky? Well do ya punk? 

So in the spirit of all of my fellow BYB posters, I will attempt to bring to the table a few key personnel moves and lineup moves that I believe might be beneficial to our team (yes, even in light of sweeping the 2nd worst team in the majors at home, I do believe that improvements can be made):

PERSONNEL:

1. Release Gerald Laird and Promote Jeff Kunkel from Toledo to back up Alex Avila at the Catcher position.

This move is mainly to give Avila a vote of confidence and get him the primary starts from here on in as the full time catcher.  This move also ensures that the Tigers do no even consider giving Laird any more money, ever!  Kunkel is batting a respectable .304 in 6 games for Toledo (.333 OBP, .348 SLG, and .681 OPS) after a lackluster performance at Erie and was tabbed as the best defensive catch in the Tigers organization by Baseball America.  He is a switch-hitter and can platoon against left-handers.  His walk to K ratio has been pretty good over his career.  I think Laird's numbers speak for themselves (.160 AVG, .243 OBP, .224 SLG).  Also, for those about to make an argument regarding his defense, Laird has allowed 23 of 35 runners to steal a base this year in 35 games (66%), as compared to Avila who has allowed only 13 of 21 runners to steal a base this year in 27 games (62%).  Clearly opposing teams know who to run on as well.

2. Release Ryan Raburn and Promote Ryan Strieby from Toledo.

I believe that I am not in the minority by coming to the realization that Raburn's time in Detroit is nearing an end.  He has a ton of potential, however I fully believe that for some reason he is not capable of taking the step up to the next level of consistent production that clearly Boesch was able to do.  Many would point to Strieby's numbers as being adequate at Toledo (.250 AVG, .316 OBP, .484 SLG, .800 OPS) on the season, however this is a guy who has posted some consistent solid power numbers the last few years, with the ability to get on base and is no stranger for all of us watching the minor leagues.  Strieby also finally appears to be healthy (wrist) while posting a solid last 10 games (.353 AVG, .450 OBP, .706 SLG, .1.156 OPS) -  and I for one would love to have another guy in the lineup that could put a charge into the baseball.  While his defense is not steller, we all cannot forget that Raburn is clearly not a defensive juggernaut.  His role would be the same as Raburn in primarily filling for the corner outfield positions.

3. Casper Wells (.325 AVG - 5 EXBH in last 10) and Jeff Frazier (.300 AVG - 5 EXBH in last 10) have really begun to swings hot bats lately with some good power at Toledo, and they could really be nice replacements for Don Kelly, as his primary position has been in the Outfield.  Casper appeared to be a pretty solid defensive player himself, and I just love that name (which of course is no reason to promote him).  Kelly also brings a left-handed bat which both Wells and Frazier lack, however if they continue to hit well with some good power (leading AAA team in HR), they belong in a lineup that needs an adreneline shot in the heart.

4. Finally, I would love to find a way to bring Scott Sizemore up in a couple of weeks if can continue to hit like he is, however right now there is just not a place for him at 2B, and his inability to play other positions (such as Kelly can) makes his path back to the Major Leagues a tough one, with the obvious need for Guillen in the lineup.  If I were him, I would do all he can to find a way to play 3B and put some heat on Inge. 

LINEUP:

1. J Damon (DH) - Hitting well, good speed, and we all know the recent struggles Jackson has had.

2. R Santiago (SS) - He is the quiet guy in the back of the room that just keeps on playing well with his head down.

3. M. Ordonez (RF) - Please come back soon, try stretching.

4. M Cabrera (1B) - You complete me...

5. B Boesch (LF) - Keep hitting like this and the ROY will not even be close.

6. C Guillen (2B) - Good to have you back and playing well, amigo.

7. A Jackson (CF) - Take some pressure off the guy and let him bring some life to the bottom of the order.

8. B Inge (3B) - You have started to hit better, but honestly this is where you belong.

9. Avila (C) - Step up and become a #1 - by the way, did you see all those college catchers we drafted.

**Injury replacement/Rest day guys - R Strieby in the OF / Worth on the IF.

I love what the future holds for this team, and I also believe that we have a legitimate shot at making a run at the Twins this year.  Here's to hoping we can go after the Division Crown like Jim attacks his Marlboros.