Tigers option Quintin Berry to Triple-A Toledo

It was announced this morning, first by Brian Britten and then by every beat writer, that the Tigers have optioned OF Quintin Berry to Class Triple A-Toledo. This move leaves the Tigers with 28 players on their current roster, meaning they will have to trim 3 more players before heading north.

The move comes as a surprise to some, who believed that Berry's speed would allow him to make the team, especially after speedster Jeff Kobernus was returned to the Washington Nationals several days ago.

In my view, this was the correct move. Berry may have plus speed, but he offers little else. His speed allows his defense, which fundamentally is below-average, to play up to an average level, but I would argue Don Kelly is just as good, if not a half grade better defensively in the outfield. Despite not having Berry's speed, Kelly makes better reads off the bat, takes better routes to the ball, and not to mention has a much better arm. Also, of course, Kelly can play several (if not all) positions, making him more valuable to the team at this juncture than Berry.

With the news that the Tigers are shopping Ramon Santiago, this leaves the Tigers bench looking like backup catcher Brayan Pena (lock, barring injury), utility man/platoon left fielder Matt Tuiasosopo (lock, barring injury/outside acquisition), Don Kelly, and a backup middle infielder. Whether that is Santiago, who would presumably get the job if he's not traded, or Danny Worth, remains to be seen.