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.

The Detroit Tigers aren't quite in a position to be selling off any players right now, let alone a catcher.  But if they do decide to shed some of the older, higher-priced talent from their roster, the Florida Marlins are interested in Pudge Rodriguez. 

The Marlins are in need of a catcher after Matt Treanor went on the disabled list last week with a strained hip.  According to the Miami Herald, they're apparently not too enamored with available catchers, such as Paul Lo Duca and Yorvit Torrealba, and decided to shoot higher.  The Tigers said, however, that Pudge wasn't available.

Hey, wait a minute - doesn't Florida already have one of Detroit's former catchers?  Yes, Mike Rabelo was part of The Trade back in December, but he was sent down to Triple-A Albuquerque in late June, after batting .202/.256/.294 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 122 plate appearances. 

Of course, the Tigers' stance on trading Pudge could presumably change if they fall out of the AL Central race over the next few weeks.  They could use the rest of the season to get a head start on Brandon Inge being the starting catcher next season.  But if Pudge stays with the Tigers through this season - and it's very likely he will - at least he knows one team that might be interested in his free agent services during the winter.

(via MLB Trade Rumors)