Your Newest Detroit Tiger

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 23, 2007 4:43 PM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

No, there hasn't been a trade. I apologize if the headline misled you. But it's truthful. There has been a new addition to the big league club. Third baseman Mike Hessman - who's been having an outstanding season at Triple-A Toledo - was called up by the Tigers today, while Timo Perez finished his cup of coffee and will rejoin the Mud Hens. (via Jason Beck)

We know that Jim Leyland likes to put call-ups right into the starting lineup, so I wonder if Hessman will play at first base tonight with the left-handed Mark Buerhle pitching for the White Sox? (Beck says he'll be the back-up to Sean Casey. Somewhere in Toledo, Chris Shelton is frowning.)

With the Mud Hens this season, Hessman has been hitting .256/.352/.551 with 27 home runs and 86 RBIs in 97 games.

EDIT: Danny Knobler confirms that Hessman will indeed be in the starting lineup tonight at first base. He also mentions that Hessman had 69 at-bats with the Atlanta Braves in 2004, batting .130/.155/.261.

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Hessman?

Chris Shelton may be realizing that he isn't "The future Tigers 1st baseman" after all. Hessman does give the Tigers a little more flexibility, as he plays more than just 1st base. Considering the injury issues, that ability may be playing into the call up.

http://thewaynefontesexperience.blogspot.com/

by Big Al on Jul 23, 2007 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

Sending a message?

It DOES seem like the Tigers are kind of sending a message to Shelton: "You're not playing well enough to be called up."

Of course, I'm sure they'd say that it's more important for Shelton to get regular at-bats, rather than just play against lefties until Marcus Thames returns from the disabled list. Can't argue much with that.

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 23, 2007 6:39 PM EDT reply actions

thanks for the info

always weird to hit refresh on the update and see a guy that you've never heard of getting an RBI for your team....that reminds me, why the heck am I 'watching' it on espn, they're playing the white sox and I'm in range of their flagship....dagnabit...

by ahtrap on Jul 23, 2007 10:48 PM EDT reply actions