As you know, Don Kelly's versatility helped him hold off a push from Clete Thomas for the final spot on the Tigers' 25-man active roster.
But in discussing Thomas, manager Jim Leyland had nothing but positives to say about the outfielder. He told the media (as quoted by MLB.com's Jason Beck):
"I think Clete Thomas is one of the best prospects we've got. I think he should be an everyday Major League player. I'll tell you the one thing I told him: I think the one thing he's got to learn to do is get regimented, where every day's the same -- get into a routine, a concentration routine every single day -- and I think he'll be an everyday Major League player for a long time."
By the way, the MRI Thomas had showed no real damage to the shoulder. He should be ready to start the season in Triple-A Toledo, Beck reported.
It will be real interesting to see how that outfield and playing time work out.
In other news:
- Carlos Guillen left the game with a hamstring injury and was said to be day-to-day. I can't find any updates on him tonight so I assume it still stands like that.
- Nick Underhill will be moving his coverage of the Erie SeaWolves from TigsTown to the Sea Wolves' website this season. Good luck at the new endeavor to him.
- From Tom Gage's blog: "4. Handwritten sign on Wednesday morning at Nate Robertson's empty locker: 'Thank you everybody for being good teammates.' 5. He meant it, too. I've never seen a Tiger sadder to leave."
- SI.com's experts are pretty sure the Twins are going to win the division. Or the White Sox. Not one went out on a limb with the Tigers.
Finally, just another thanks to all the readers who make Bless You Boys so great with their participation. You guys did a great job with all the trade discussion and kept it pretty civil despite some vehement disagreements. As I write this the March numbers stand at 143,000+ visits and 284,000+ pageviews, both by far the best month in the site's history. Congrats to all!
Now let's beat those numbers in April!