Bless You Boys - Tigers have roster decisions to make in the off seasonA detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-04-07T10:31:02-04:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/47106332014-04-07T10:31:02-04:002014-04-07T10:31:02-04:00Updated Tigers' 40 man roster, options, minutiae
<figure>
<img alt="Mike Belfiore is the latest addition to the Tiger roster" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZFOcAMs4Ccx8Mwo2q3dElPUHFYU=/0x93:4000x2760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31138339/20130927_ajl_aa3_224.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Belfiore is the latest addition to the Tiger roster | Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After all the trades and roster cuts this spring, here is a complete list of the Tigers' 40 man roster, complete with options remaining, service time and contract status for each player. </p> <p align="center"> </p>
<p align="left">Since we last updated the player charts with the most recent information, the Tigers have made a few player acquisitions, some roster cuts, and pared the 40 man roster down to the 25 major league players, resulting in several more players being optioned to the minor leagues.</p>
<p align="left">Major league baseball teams do not provide information about how many options a player has remaining, but I've gone through the transaction records and tallied up the options here. Salary data is <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tEZvMIXrj8vgGMsajr8pR0g&output=html">provided by Cot's Contracts. </a></p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="left"><b>The changes:</b></p>
<p align="left">Andrew Romine, Alex Gonzalez, and Mike Belfiore have been acquired in trades.</p>
<p align="left">Steve Lombardozzi and Jose Alvarez have been traded away.</p>
<p align="left">Miguel Cabrera has been extended with a new megadeal.</p>
<p align="left">Danny Worth has cleared waivers and been outrighted to the minor leagues.</p>
<p align="left">Luis Marte has been released</p>
<p align="left">Tyler Collins has been called up and added to the roster</p>
<p align="left">Casey Crosby, Hernan Perez, Jose Ortega, and Francisco Martinez have used their last options, provided that they will be in the minor leagues for at least 20 days this season.</p>
<p align="left">Jose Iglesias and Bruce Rondon are on the 60 day disabled list, so they may be replaced on the 25 and 40 man rosters. Andy Dirks is on the 15 day disabled list (although he is expected to be out two months) and he can be replaced on the 25 man roster.</p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="center"><b>Players with five years' service time or out of options</b></p>
<table width="100" border="1" align="center" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="height: 1px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Service Time</b></td>
<td><b>2014 Salary</b></td>
<td><b>Free Agency</b></td>
<td><b>Remaining contract</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Miguel Cabrera</td>
<td>10.101</td>
<td>22 million</td>
<td>2024</td>
<td>10 yrs- $ 292 million plus 2 options</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Verlander</td>
<td>8.002</td>
<td>20 Million</td>
<td>2020</td>
<td>6 years plus option</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ian Kinsler</td>
<td>8.000</td>
<td>16 million</td>
<td>2018</td>
<td>4 yrs plus option</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Torii Hunter</td>
<td>14.132</td>
<td>13 million</td>
<td>2015</td>
<td>Free Agent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Victor Martinez</td>
<td>10.114</td>
<td>12 million</td>
<td>2015</td>
<td>Free Agent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Gonzalez</td>
<td>14.099</td>
<td>1.1 million</td>
<td>2015</td>
<td>Free Agent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anibal Sanchez</td>
<td>7.099</td>
<td>15.8 million</td>
<td>2018</td>
<td>4 yrs plus option</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rajai Davis</td>
<td>6.167</td>
<td>5 million</td>
<td>2016</td>
<td>2 year contract</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joba Chamberlain</td>
<td>6.055</td>
<td>2.5 million</td>
<td>2015</td>
<td>Free Agent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joe Nathan</td>
<td>12.120</td>
<td>9.0 million</td>
<td>2016</td>
<td>2 year contract</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Scherzer</td>
<td>5.079</td>
<td>15.25 million</td>
<td>2015</td>
<td>Free Agent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phil Coke</td>
<td>5.028</td>
<td>1.9 million</td>
<td>2015</td>
<td>Free Agent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Don Kelly</td>
<td>4.138</td>
<td>1 million</td>
<td>2016</td>
<td>Out of optionis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Romine</td>
<td>1.049</td>
<td>504 K</td>
<td>2019</td>
<td>Out of Options</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Evan Reed</td>
<td>0.82</td>
<td>503 K</td>
<td>2020</td>
<td>Out of Options</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jose Iglesias</td>
<td>1.036</td>
<td>1.65 million</td>
<td>2019</td>
<td>Out of Options</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><i>Note: Service time is read thus- 8.002 is eight years plus two days service time.</i></p>
<p align="center"><i>Service time listed as of opening day, 2014.</i></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><b>Players with Options Remaining starting the 2014 season<br></b></p>
<table width="100%" border="1" align="center" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="height: 1px; border-color: #000000; border-width: 1px; background-color: #3ebbc1;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Options Left</b></td>
<td><b>On 40 Man Roster</b></td>
<td><b>First Option</b></td>
<td><b>Second Option</b></td>
<td><b>Third Option</b></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Service</b><b>Time</b></p>
</td>
<td><b>Arbitration 2014</b></td>
<td><b>2014 Salary</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Rick Porcello</span></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>8/15/2008</td>
<td>3/12/08</td>
<td>6/20/10</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>4.170</td>
<td>3rd of 4</td>
<td>8.5 M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Alex Avila</span></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>8/5/2009</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>4.061</td>
<td>2nd year</td>
<td>4.15 M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Austin Jackson</span></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>11/2009</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>4.000</td>
<td>2nd Year</td>
<td>6.0 M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alburquerque</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>11/20/09</td>
<td>3/16/2010</td>
<td>5/16/2013<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>2.147</td>
<td>Super 2</td>
<td>$ 837,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dirks</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>11/20/09</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>2.139</td>
<td>Super 2<br>
</td>
<td>1,625 M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Putkonen<span></span>
</td>
<td>1<br>
</td>
<td>4/26/12<br>
</td>
<td>5/25/12</td>
<td>3/26/13</td>
<td></td>
<td>1.018<br>
</td>
<td>Ineligible<br>
</td>
<td>$ 500 K<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Smyly</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4/13/12</td>
<td>7/29/12</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>1.154</td>
<td>2015<br>
</td>
<td>$ 500 K +</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Holaday</td>
<td>2 of 4<br>
</td>
<td>6/06/12</td>
<td>6/21/12</td>
<td>3/19/13</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0.107</td>
<td>Ineligible</td>
<td>$ 500 K +</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krol</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>6/4/13</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>0.118</td>
<td>poss 2015</td>
<td>$ 500 K +</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rondon</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>11/20/12<br>
</td>
<td>3/28/13</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>0.104</td>
<td>Ineligible</td>
<td>$ 500 K +</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collins<br>
</td>
<td>3<br>
</td>
<td>3/30/14<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>0.000</td>
<td>Ineligible</td>
<td>
<p>$ 500 K +</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Castellanos</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>9/ 2013</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>0.029</td>
<td>Ineligible</td>
<td>$ 500 K +</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Player<br></b></td>
<td><b>Options Left<br></b></td>
<td><b>On 40 man roster<br></b></td>
<td><b>First Option<br></b></td>
<td><b>Second Option<br></b></td>
<td><b>Third Option<br></b></td>
<td><b>Service Time<br></b></td>
<td><b>DOB/ Age<br></b></td>
<td>
<b>Pos/ Level</b><br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Crosby</td>
<td>0<br>
</td>
<td>11/18/11</td>
<td>3/15/12</td>
<td>3/15/13</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>0.015</td>
<td>9/17/88 25<br>
</td>
<td>
<p>LHRP/ AAA Toledo</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Perez</td>
<td>0<br>
</td>
<td>11/18/11</td>
<td>3/15/12</td>
<td>3/19/13</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>0.065</td>
<td>3/26/91 23<br>
</td>
<td>2B/ Toledo<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ortega</td>
<td>0 of 4<br>
</td>
<td>11/2010</td>
<td>3/15/11</td>
<td>3/19/12</td>
<td>
<p>3/19/13</p>
<p>3/23/14</p>
</td>
<td>0.049</td>
<td>10/12/88 25</td>
<td>RHRP/ Toledo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F Martinez<br>
</td>
<td>0<br>
</td>
<td>11/18/11<br>
</td>
<td>3/11/12<br>
</td>
<td>3/15/13<br>
</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>9/1/90 23<br>
</td>
<td>3B/ Toledo<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mercedes</td>
<td>1<br>
</td>
<td>11/2012</td>
<td>3/11/13</td>
<td>3/12/14<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11/2/90 23<br>
</td>
<td>RHRP/ Toledo<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>R Cabrera</td>
<td>1<br>
</td>
<td>11/2012</td>
<td>3/11/13</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11/5/89 24<br>
</td>
<td>C/ Erie<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Belfiore</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>11/2012</td>
<td>3/11/13</td>
<td>3/07/14</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0.012</td>
<td>10/3/88 25</td>
<td>LHRP/ Toledo<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
<td></td>
<td><br></td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Moya</td>
<td>2<br>
</td>
<td>11/2013</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>8/9/91 22<br>
</td>
<td>OF/ AA Erie<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lennerton</td>
<td>2<br>
</td>
<td>11/2013</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2/16/86 28<br>
</td>
<td>1B/ Toledo<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fields</td>
<td>2<br>
</td>
<td>11/20/13</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1/23/91 23<br>
</td>
<td>OF/Toledo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Valdez</td>
<td>2<br>
</td>
<td>11/2013</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>---</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3/1/90 24<br>
</td>
<td>RHRP/ Erie<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Miller<br>
</td>
<td>2<br>
</td>
<td>11/2013</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>6/13/87 26<br>
</td>
<td>RHRP/ Toledo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lobstein<br>
</td>
<td>2<br>
</td>
<td>11/2013</td>
<td>3/23/14</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>8/12/89 24<br>
</td>
<td>LHP/ Toledo<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Suarez<br>
</td>
<td>2<br>
</td>
<td>11/2013</td>
<td>3/12/14</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>---<br>
</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7/18/91 22<br>
</td>
<td>SS/ Erie<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><b>General Rules</b></p>
<p><b>Options</b>: Once a player is placed on the team's 40 man roster, he may be sent on optional assignment (optioned) to the minor leagues in three separate seasons. That includes being optioned before the start of the season. A player who has less than five years experience as a pro, excluding short season leagues, but has been optioned three times, has a fourth option. This applies to <span>Bryan Holaday</span> and <span>Jose Ortega</span>.</p>
<p>A player may be optioned multiple times in one season, and only one option per season is used. A player who is optioned can not be recalled for at least ten days, unless another player is placed on the disabled list. A player who is optioned for a total of less than 20 days in a season is not charged with an option (and he receives major league pay for that period). Players on the major league disabled list also accrue major league service time.</p>
<p>Once a player has used up his options, he can not be sent to the minor leagues without first clearing waivers. If he clears waivers, he may then be taken off the 40 man roster and sent outright to the minors. A player may only be outrighted once in their career without their consent. A player who is outrighted more than once may declare free agency immediately or at the end of the season.</p>
<p>A player may not be optioned without his consent after he has accrued five years' service time in the major leagues. For example, Phil Coke now has more than five years' service time, so he can not be optioned without his consent. Rick Porcello, Alex Avila, and Austin Jackson will reach five years this season.</p>
<p><b>Arbitration eligibility</b>: For purposes of free agency and arbitration, 172 days on the major league roster counts as one season. To be eligible for super two arbitration status, a player needs about two years and 121 days service time. (Read 2.121). <span>Andy Dirks</span> and <span>Al Alburquerque</span> were super two arbitration players this winter. They will have four years of arbitration eligibility before free agency.</p>
<div><br></div>
<p>These charts are updated periodically. You may want to bookmark this article for reference purposes. For a complete list of every player in the Tiger organization and where they are assigned, Eddie Bajek has <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoSOMyrC9cB7dDBQMFI1M0k5QTQ3T3pYeXlBeVZRU1E#gid=23">keeps a complete database</a> with this and lots of other valuable information.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/4/7/5581680/updated-40-man-roster-options-service-time-contract-statusPatrick OKennedy2014-03-27T12:10:02-04:002014-03-27T12:10:02-04:00Abreu released by Phillies, could fit Tigers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aOU-yxP2bGhAFFSk7AUNWgsn2_0=/0x1:4000x2668/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30754377/20130108_mjr_su5_293.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Phillies have released 40 year old former All Star Bobby Abreu. Might he be a fit for the Tigers? </p> <p><span>Bobby Abreu</span> is a 40 year old veteran of 17 seasons with a track record of getting on base at an amazing rate. He holds a career slash line of .292 .396 .477 .873. Today, he was released by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a> and informed that they were going with their youth movement instead. Nine of his seasons were spent with the Phillies.</p>
<p>Abreu, a native of Venezuela, is a left handed hitting outfielder who might be plugged into the Tiger lineup, if they were so inclined, against right handed pitchers, should <span>Tyler Collins</span> prove to be not quite ready for showtime. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> appear to be set to go with Collins, barring a trade, as he was the only left handed bat- or any bat in spring training who might be able to generate even a modest amount of offense against right handed pitchers. Abreu has an even more impressive line of .300 .409 .511 .920 against right handers.</p>
<p>Abreu last played in the majors with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> in 2012 where he hit .246 .361 .344 .704 in 230 plate appearances. He began that season with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a>. This spring, he hit 244 .404 .366 .770 in 52 plate appearances. That on base percentage still jumps out at you, but it wasn't enough to convince the Phillies to go with the veteran.</p>
<p>Abreu's peak came during one amazing seven year stretch from 1999 through 2005 when he hit 20 home runs, stole at least 20 bases, drew at least 100 walks, and scored at least 99 runs each season. He had an on base percentage over .400 six of those years, and .398 in the year he fell just short. He drove in 100 runs five of the seven years. But that was then. Defensively, Abreu is not what he used to be, but he's not terrible either.</p>
<p>At this point, Abreu may be willing to take a minor league deal with an opt out clause around May 1 if not added to the major league roster. The alternative is probably retirement, since he's not likely to land a major league job at this point. For the Tigers, he would be insurance for Collins, and a left handed pinch hitter or platoon outfielder once <span>Andy Dirks</span> returns from the disabled list. Left field is a position where teams need to get some offense, and the Tigers are very thin.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/27/5553620/bobby-abreu-released-could-tigers-be-interestedPatrick OKennedy2014-03-24T08:00:19-04:002014-03-24T08:00:19-04:00Tigers have three roster decisions remaining
<figure>
<img alt="Lefty reliever Blaine Hardy is still in major league camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OSZNu9lj6R_rI4gOolzeuAH1yE8=/0x379:3423x2661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30565187/20140310_jla_sr6_200.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Lefty reliever Blaine Hardy is still in major league camp</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers have final roster decisions to make at shortstop, left field, and the bullpen with just a week to go before Opening Day.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a> now have 29 healthy players in camp competing for 25 major league jobs, including four non-roster invitees trying to forge their way onto the roster by Opening Day.</p>
<p>There are actually 32 players left in major league camp in Lakeland, but three of those -- <span>Andy Dirks</span>, <span>Bruce Rondon</span>, and <span>Jose Iglesias</span> -- will soon be on the disabled list. Another four non-roster invitees -- infielder <span>Danny Worth</span>, outfielder <span>Tyler Collins</span>, and relief pitchers <span>Blaine Hardy</span>, and <span>Jhan Marinez</span> -- are still hopeful.</p>
<p>The roster decisions appear to be coming down to three matchups. In left field, <span>Rajai Davis</span>, who has been battling an injury and is expected back Monday, should get the start against left handed pitchers, but that's just about 30% of the time. The other 70% is up for grabs, with Davis, <span>Don Kelly</span>, and Steve Lombardozzi on the roster vying for playing time, and Collins still in the mix.</p>
<p>Davis has been hot this spring, but has a very poor track record against right-handed pitching. Neither Kelly nor Lombardozzi are legitimate major league starters, and certainly don't have the kind of offensive pop that teams need in a left fielder. Collins has hit very well, giving the club apparently it's only possibility of even decent offensive output from the position. The club announced that former <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indians</a> <span>Trevor Crowe</span> and <span>Ezequiel Carrera</span> have been reassigned to minor league camp.</p>
<p>Just to add a twist to the saga, Don Kelly came up lame with an apparent hamstring injury on Sunday. If it's a serious injury, that could force a decision to put him on the disabled list and keep both Collins and Lombardozzi on the roster. Prior to the injury, Kelly seemed on the verge of keeping a roster spot once again, hitting over .300.</p>
<p><span>Andrew Romine</span> will be the starting shortstop most games, at least against right-handed pitchers, while there is an opening for a right-handed bat to take some of the time. Although Romine is a switch hitter, he is not much offensively from either side of the plate. Worth and <span>Hernan Perez</span> are vying for one roster spot, with the winner likely to start against left-handers. Worth has easily had the better spring of the two, and helped his cause with a three run homer on Sunday.</p>
<p><span>Steve Lombardozzi's</span> role in the infield is becoming a mystery. Comments from the Tigers have indicated that they think he can play shortstop, but that was when Jose Iglesias was expected to start almost every game. It doesn't look like the club is willing to entrust every third or fourth start to Lombardozzi, who has just two games at shortstop in his major league career, and didn't play much there in the minors, either. As a switch hitter, Lombardozzi could be in the mix to start against left handers at shortstop, but against right handers in left field.</p>
<p>Kelly and Romine can not be optioned to the minors without clearing waivers. Lombardozzi and Perez have options remaining, while Collins and Worth are not on the roster, so they would not need to clear waivers. The bet here is that Worth will get the job as the club wants Perez to play every day.</p>
<p>In the bullpen, Jeff Jones did a live interview for the Fox Sports Detroit broadcast during Sunday's game, and he was asked about how the club would replace Bruce Rondon, who is out for Tommy John surgery. Jones said that Rondon was set to be in a setup role, and he mentioned <span>Al Alburquerque</span>, <span>Joba Chamberlain</span>, <span>Evan Reed</span>, <span>Luke Putkonen</span>, and <span>Ian Krol</span> specifically, saying that he felt they could fill the roles internally. He did not mention <span>Phil Coke</span>.</p>
<p>This brings us to the last roster decision. Left-hander Blaine Hardy has gotten some attention this spring, but has not been lights out, giving up eight runs, three earned, in 10 innings of work entering Sunday's action. His presence is an indication that Coke, who has pitched poorly most of the spring, does not have a bullpen job secured. Coke would have to be waived before being sent to the minors, but the club would most likely release him if he doesn't make the team. He was scheduled to pitch Sunday, but was "under the weather" according to the Fox report.</p>
<p>Of course, the Tigers could still make a trade, or a signing before Opening Day. In that department, <span>Jose Mijares</span> has opted out of his contract with the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a> and is a free agent. Mijares had a rough year in 2013 with the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a>, but he also had an astronomical .410 average on balls in play. That's the highest in the majors. Since he has no history of a high BABIP, there has to be a huge amount of bad luck in his numbers. Just sayin'...</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/24/5540436/three-roster-decisions-remain-after-latest-injuries-and-cutsPatrick OKennedy2014-03-23T07:00:03-04:002014-03-23T07:00:03-04:00Fan Poll: What is Tigers' biggest need?
<figure>
<img alt="What happened to the Lombardozzi at shortstop plan?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LaZBRy6Ns091y2wb6YeEBa26wfA=/0x397:3067x2442/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30506515/479391831.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>What happened to the Lombardozzi at shortstop plan?</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Multiple injuries have left holes in the Tiger lineup, and in any plans for a championship season. A look at which needs are most pressing. </p> <p>Injuries to Andy Dirks, Jose Iglesias, and Bruce Rondon have left holes in the Tiger lineup and in the bullpen, and they are all issues that need to be addressed. How serious are these issues, and which are the most pressing needs?</p>
<p>I would rank the issues in the following order:</p>
<p>1. Left Field</p>
<p>2. Bullpen</p>
<p>3. Backup Catcher</p>
<p>4. Shortstop</p>
<p>Let's take the needs in reverse order:</p>
<p>The Tigers have essentially replaced Iglesias with Andrew Romine. From what I've seen watching Romine with the Angels, he is a very, very solid defensive shortstop. Iglesias is more flashy and spectacular, but he isn't any more efficient. He will hit for a middling .250 average with a .300 OBP, and almost no power. Any extra base hits will come on flares down the line. The Tigers made the decision last year to go with a defense first player at shortstop and look for offense elsewhere in the lineup. I'm still looking elsewhere and I don't see it, but shortstop will be fine until Iglesias returns, and they will have a legitimate utility man on the roster when he does.</p>
<p>Behind the plate, the Tigers have Bryan Holaday. He won't hit even .250, and also doesn't have much power. He will be, quite possibly, the weakest hitter on the team- with the possible exception of Justin Verlander. The Tigers should be looking to get 50 starts or so from their backup catcher. Holaday is a defense only catcher, and that is his ceiling. It shouldn't cost much to find a better backup. James McCann is coming soon, but he needs to play every day.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/22/5534586/tigers-cant-solve-bullpen-problems-internally">I wrote about the bullpen here</a> on Saturday. Basically, just give me three solid relievers for the late innings, and we're good. No, a team should not have to start the season with a Phil Coke on it's roster, but the Tigers have had below average relievers every year since 2006. It's at the back end of the bullpen that games are won and lost. Right now, they have Nathan and a prayer book.</p>
<p>Their best hope is that Nathan stays healthy, Alburquerque can keep the ball in the park to minimize damage caused by his league leading BB/9 rate, and Luke Putkonen looks like the most likely to be able to give some consistent performance from the rest. They'll run their course with Joba Chamberlain, just because he is a veteran with tenure and a bigger contract. The sooner they get through that phase, the better. I could be wrong, but I don't see this going well for them. There are always relief pitchers available and it's always a roll of the dice whether they'll perform well.</p>
<p>The most pressing need, in my view, is in left field, where Andy Dirks was supposed to fill the bigger part of a platoon with Rajai Davis. This is the greatest need because of the players who will be stepping in for Dirks. If you expected not much from Dirks anyway, then there was a problem here already. Left field is a power position on most teams. Not on the Tigers. If you expected more from Dirks, as the Tigers clearly did, then there's a big void to fill. Left field is now the biggest hole in the lineup.</p>
<p>Davis doesn't hit right handed pitching. Don Kelly doesn't hit anyone other than ground ball pitchers. Steve Lombardozzi was supposed to be a utility guy (what happened to that plan, anyway?) but might now be the best of a bad lot to platoon with Davis in left.</p>
<p>So, let's look at this situation for a moment. If the biggest need is in left field, and they'll have Dirks coming back in two months or so, and they have Davis for about 30% of the time when they're facing left handers at that position, how bad are things, really?</p>
<p>I don't think this is a cause to panic, but I believe that there are serious issues that need to be addressed. Some of these issues were there before any injuries. The Tigers simply should not even start the season with so many holes in the lineup. Having a defense only shortstop, or catcher is understandable. Having no offense out of two or three spots in the every day lineup, much less the bench, is not the lineup that contenders are made of.</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/23/5536802/what-are-the-tigers-greatest-needs-entering-the-2014-seasonPatrick OKennedy2014-03-22T07:00:03-04:002014-03-22T07:00:03-04:00Tigers won't solve bullpen problems internally
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fXIFGtkqcgF_cn1vQ4gwNHxwI94=/0x49:596x446/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30469445/117381465.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The loss of Bruce Rondon blows a large hole in the Tiger bullpen. One that can't be filled internally. </p> <p>No sooner had the bad news been announced, that <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a>' designated set up man <span>Bruce Rondon</span> would be lost for the season to Tommy John surgery, than Dave Dombrowski had issued the most unreassuring words, "solved internally". Fact of the matter is that the Tiger bullpen was on thin ice before losing Rondon, and now they are in desperate need of help. Outside help.</p>
<p>Sure, they can move <span>Al Alburquerque</span> into an eighth inning role, and maybe <span>Joba Chamberlain</span> can slot into the seventh inning. That would be the two pitchers who had <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=rel&lg=al&qual=40&type=8&season=2013&month=0&season1=2013&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=10,d">higher walk rates than any other relievers in the league last year</a> (Min 40 innings). Chamberlain gave out 5.57 free passes per nine innings, while Alburquerque walked a whopping 6.24 per nine. Not only that, but the two combined for a negative WAR of - 0.3 with lofty ERA's. Generally unreliable for late inning duty.</p>
<p>One could see Alburquerque getting by with the inevitable walks if he can keep the ball in the park. He does also have one of the highest K/9 ratios in the game. But Chamberlain has done nothing this spring to lead anyone to believe that he can be the pitcher that dominated in a seventh inning role for the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> a few years ago.</p>
<p>The Tigers do have some good live arms in the organization. Cory Knebel, the supplemental first round pick out of the University of Texas, drafted last June, is moving rapidly though the organization, but he finishes last year at low-A West Michigan. <span>Melvin Mercedes</span> could be ready by mid season at the earliest. Even in the best case scenario, the Tigers simply don't have anyone that can be relied upon to pitch the eighth inning, or the seventh inning for that matter, in the major leagues this season.</p>
<p>Rondon's injury makes it two seasons in a row that Dave Dombrowski has rolled the dice, counting on the young flame thrower for a major role in the bullpen, and he has twice crapped out. Such is life when you're putting together a bullpen. There is nothing so certain as uncertainty when it comes to relief pitching. Rondon was no guarantee, but he did show promise in the second half last season. Dombrowski did go out and get the most reliable relief pitcher on the free agent market, at a cost of $ 10 million per year, in <span>Joe Nathan</span>. After that, the bullpen was a crap shoot anyway.</p>
<p>With the loss of Rondon, the Tigers are now without their four most productive relievers from 2013, according to WAR, or FIP, or WHIP. Next in line are Alburquerque and <span>Luke Putkonen</span>, with <span>Phil Coke</span> and <span>Evan Reed</span> on deck. Slot Ian Krol in there somewhere, but not in the seventh or eighth innings.</p>
<p>The Tiger bullpen in recent seasons has typically been below league average overall, but fairly steady in the late innings. 2013 was no exception. In fact, 2006 was the last season when the Tiger bullpen posted an ERA that was better than the league average. The problem now is that the holes are in the late innings, where weakness can cause the greatest damage.</p>
<p>There is nothing more frustrating to a manager, or baseball fan, or a team in general, than letting a lead slip away in the late innings. It's always possible that Alburquerque could step up his game, and maybe Putkonen will surprise everyone. But that's not probable. What is reassuring as a Tiger fan is that Dombrowski usually gets the team what it needs, eventually. Talking about "internal options" is not reassuring.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/22/5534586/tigers-cant-solve-bullpen-problems-internallyPatrick OKennedy2014-03-15T07:00:03-04:002014-03-15T07:00:03-04:00Injuries expose Tigers' depth issues
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CfCzAr4RPZSPD9iKu01mEXpTIOs=/12x0:987x650/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30050001/124137585.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Greg Fiume</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Recent injuries to Andy Dirks and Jose Iglesias reveal a glaring issue as the lack of depth is exposed. </p> <p>On paper, the Tiger lineup looked to be all set entering the 2014 season. There may have been a question of whether manager <span>Brad Ausmus</span> would fill the final roster spot with an outfielder such as <span>Don Kelly</span>, or another infielder such as <span>Hernan Perez</span>, but the 25 man roster was as set entering Spring Training as it has ever been.</p>
<p>Then, the injury bug bit, and it bit them hard. <span>Andy Dirks</span> was penciled in to take about 70% of the at bats in left field, and now he is scheduled for back surgery that will sideline him for two months. <span>Jose Iglesias</span> was supposed to show his defensive wizardry at shortstop in place of All-Star Jhonny Peralta, but he is out indefinitely with shin splints.</p>
<p>Replacements for the two injured <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a> have yet to be determined, but unless a move is made to acquire another player or two, all of the internal options project only to provide replacement level production, at best. Whether the Tigers start <span>Rajai Davis</span> full time in left field, or whether they give Dirks' playing time to Don Kelly, or one of the two former <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Indians</a> -- <span>Trevor Crowe</span> or <span>Ezequiel Carrera</span> -- earns a roster spot, the Tigers are looking at a couple of holes in the lineup every time that they face a right-handed pitcher.</p>
<p>At shortstop, <span>Steve Lombardozzi</span>, who was acquired in the <span>Doug Fister</span> trade with Washington, would be the odds-on favorite to fill in for Iglesias, even though he has a grand total of two games at shortstop in the major leagues under his belt. His stat line of .264/.297/.342/.639 makes him the best option, at least offensively, at both positions of need, but that's not saying very much. That on-base percentage is a result of having the lowest walk rate in the National League in 2013, among hitters with at least 300 plate appearances.</p>
<p>The Tigers have not invested a lot in their bench, nor do they have to. Not many teams have starting caliber players riding the bench. But the reality is that the players that they have to fill in when one of their starters goes down are just not very good with the bat. That applies to the catcher position as well. <span>Bryan Holaday</span> may be adequate, but he won't hit like Bryan Pena did last year, nor like <span>Gerald Laird</span> did in seasons past. A backup catcher normally gets about 50 starts over the course of a season.</p>
<p>Everywhere you look on the Tiger depth chart -- in the infield, the outfield, the rotation, the bullpen, or the catcher -- there are questions. Don Kelly has provided below replacement level performance over the past three seasons, with a WAR of -0.5. making him a non tender candidate in December. Rajai Davis has a wRAA of -33.2 against right handers over the past two seasons, and Lombardozzi -11.7. Pick your stats, and pick your poison. There are no attractive options in house.</p>
<p>They say that a baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes more than just nine players on the diamond, or five on the mound, to get through a 162 game season. Every team has to have it's Johnny Grubb, or Dave Bergman, or Rusty Kuntz to fill in when the going gets tough. Does this team have them? Maybe.</p>
<p>There is no need to panic... yet. It's not like <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> is injured, we're talking about Dirks and Iglesias. There will be teams who have a surplus of outfielders, or infielders who will be willing to deal before the season starts. I wouldn't worry about selling the farm, because there's really no farm to sell. If an opportunity presents itself to swap a minor leaguer or two for a legitimate starting player, taking on some salary in the deal, the Tigers should jump at the chance.</p>
<p>That being said, the Tigers have pared the roster down by ten players, including Dirks, but not counting the non roster invitees this spring. There will need to make five more cuts to get down to 25. If they stuck to just players on the 40 man roster, there is just one position player to spare, and four extra pitchers.</p>
<p>Here is a look at where things stand in major league camp after the latest round of roster cuts.</p>
<h5>Lineup</h5>
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Avila</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Cabrera</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Kinsler</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Iglesias (injured)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Castellanos</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LF</td>
<td>Davis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CF</td>
<td>Jackson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RF</td>
<td>Hunter</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Martinez</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL</td>
<td>Dirks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BENCH</td>
<td>Lombardozzi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BENCH</td>
<td>Kelly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BENCH</td>
<td>Holaday</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BENCH</td>
<td>Perez</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BENCH</td>
<td>Suarez</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NRI</td>
<td>Worth</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NRI</td>
<td>Carrera</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NRI</td>
<td>Crowe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NRI</td>
<td>Collins</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><i>*<span>Francisco Martinez</span>, <span>Steven Moya</span>, <span>Jordan Lennerton</span>, <span>Daniel Fields</span>, and <span>Ramon Cabrera</span> are players on the 40 man roster that have been optioned. Devon Travis and <span>James McCann</span> are non-roster invitees that have been sent to the minors.</i></p>
<h5>Rotation</h5>
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Verlander</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Sanchez</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Scherzer</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Porcello</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Smyly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CL</td>
<td>Nathan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Rondon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Chamberlain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Krol</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Alburquerque</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Coke</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Putkonen</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Reed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P</td>
<td>Ortega</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P</td>
<td>Lobstein</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P</td>
<td>Alvarez</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NRI</td>
<td>Hardy</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><i><span>Casey Crosby</span>, Justin Miller, Jose Valdez, and <span>Melvin Mercedes</span> are pitchers on the 40-man roster that have been optioned. Jhan Martinez, <span>Drew VerHagen</span>, <span>Robbie Ray</span>, and <span>Duane Below</span> are non-roster invitees that have been sent to the minors <span>Luis Marte</span> was released.</i></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/15/5508460/tiger-roster-taking-shape-as-lack-of-depth-is-exposedPatrick OKennedy2014-03-14T08:00:44-04:002014-03-14T08:00:44-04:00Who should be the second lefty in Tigers' bullpen?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XwZN8i94JvRPmClUYtvoAiAlCZo=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29959043/20130731_jla_aa1_171.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers should seriously consider keeping Luke Putkonen as their second lefty specialist, even though he throws right handed. </p> <p>One of the few open spots on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a>' 25 man roster is the one that Manager <span>Brad Ausmus</span> would like to fill with a second left handed reliever. The first lefty reliever is newly acquired <span>Ian Krol</span>, who came to Detroit in the <span>Doug Fister</span> trade with Washington.</p>
<p>Ausmus has said that he would like to have a second left handed reliever in the bullpen, and the job is there for <span>Phil Coke</span>, if he can step up and claim it. So far this spring, Coke has done nothing to indicate that he should have the job, with a 7.20 ERA, giving up ten hits in seven innings of work in the grapefruit league. So if not Coke, then who should be the second lefty in the Tiger bullpen?</p>
<p>The Tigers may prefer to have a left hander for their long relief role, since they have four right handers in the starting rotation, and opposing managers are likely to have lineups with plenty of left handed hitters.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, the Tigers announced that they were sending <span>Casey Crosby</span>, the only other left handed relief pitcher currently on the 40 man roster, to Toledo. They still have <span>Kyle Lobstein</span> and <span>Jose Alvarez</span> with the major league squad. Both of them figure to start the season starting at Triple- A, and one of them is likely the sixth man in line for a spot in the Tigers' five man rotation. That job would generally be more important than being the "long man" in Detroit.</p>
<p>Neither Coke nor Alvarez gave the team a reason to believe that they were suitable for major league duty in their performances last year. Coke was 0- 5 with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.67 while allowing opponents to hit .291. Between starting and relief, Alvarez was 1- 5 with a 5.82 ERA and a WHIP of 1.50 allowing an average of .281. You just don't want a pitcher with those kind of numbers within the manager's beckon.</p>
<p>Lobstein has a 7.20 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP so far this spring, and has yet to make his major league debut, but had a solid year last season in Toledo, working a solid 167.2 innings with an ERA of 3.27 and WHIP of 1.29. More importantly, the job that the Tigers have in mind for the last man to make the team in the bullpen is that of a long reliever, who will work the lowest leverage situations- earlier in the game when the starter has been removed and the chances of victory are the smallest. The sixth starter is likely to play a more important role over the course of the season, even if most of that time is spent in the minor leagues.</p>
<p><span>Blaine Hardy</span> is a non roster invitee in spring training this year who has not allowed an earned run in 6.2 innings, while holding opponents to a .191 average. Hardy pitched in both the rotation and the bullpen in Toledo last year. If Ausmus insists on carrying two left handed relievers, Hardy might just be a favorite to make the team. If he does, he can take Coke's spot on the roster, because Coke surely won't be there.</p>
<p>The other decision that the Tigers face in putting together the bullpen for opening day is that they probably just have one spot open for a right handed pitcher, with jobs all but locked up for <span>Joe Nathan</span>, <span>Bruce Rondon</span>, <span>Al Alburquerque</span>, <span>Joba Chamberlain</span>, and Ian Krol.</p>
<p>Among the right handers,<span> Evan Reed</span> is having a decent spring campaign. Reed has allowed two runs on three hits, with 11 strikeouts in 8 innings of work. He has a 2.25 ERA and allowed a batting average of just .111. In 2013, Reed had a 4.24 ERA, and an FIP of 3.86. He features a fastball in the upper 90's that the Tigers love. The catch here is that Reed is out of options, so he can not be sent to the minors without clearing waivers, and the Tigers risk losing him for basically nothing if he doesn't make the opening day roster.</p>
<p><span>Luke Putkonen</span> is also having a fine spring- throwing five scoreless innings thus far, and did a pretty decent job for them last year as well. In 29.2 major league innings in 2013, he had a 3.03 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.31. Of importance is that Putkonen has been effective against left handed batters, allowing a wOBA of just .257.</p>
<p><span>Jose Ortega</span> and Justin Miller are two right handers who remain in major league camp, but both have struggled this spring and have options remaining, so they can be sent to the minors without clearing waivers.</p>
<p>As I explained in this article, the data shows that very few left handed relievers actually face more left handed hitters than right handers. The vast majority, even if they have the reputation of being a lefty specialist, face a majority of right handed hitters over the course of a season, even though the manager is looking for the ideal match ups for them.</p>
<p>Of course, these are small samples and I don't want to put a lot of stock in spring training statistics, but these are all the numbers that we, and Brad Ausmus, have to go on. Ausmus will make his decision based on what he sees on the field, rather than just what shows up in the stat charts, but all signs here point to the idea that both Reed and Putkonen should be in the major league bullpen ahead of any left handed pitcher that the Tigers have currently on the roster in Lakeland.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/14/5503234/tigers-could-keep-both-reed-and-putkonen-on-the-rosterPatrick OKennedy2014-03-06T08:00:45-05:002014-03-06T08:00:45-05:00Roster cuts are imminent in Lakeland
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/22g_iBEFzMDoaAMN9Hyz0JR8m_c=/0x280:2667x2058/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29582171/20140223_mta_sv7_295.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers will be making their first roster cuts of the spring within the next few days as the team approaches the 2014 season. </p> <p>Within the next few days, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> will be making their initial roster moves, optioning a number of players to the minor leagues in preparation for the 2014 season. Opening day is March 31, and the team must cut the list of players down from 40, plus the 16 non roster invitees (NRI) down to the 25 man major league roster.</p>
<p>In 2013, the Tigers made their first roster cuts on March 11, when they optioned <span>Ramon Cabrera</span> and <span>Dixon Machado</span> to double A Erie, and <span>Melvin Mercedes</span> to High A Lakeland. The club then optioned <span>Casey Crosby</span> to Toledo on March 15, and four more players were optioned on March 19.</p>
<p>By opening day, 15 players will have to be optioned or released from the 40 man roster, or placed on the disabled list. The final cuts are generally made just a couple of days prior to opening day, when the team breaks camp.</p>
<p>New manager <span>Brad Ausmus</span> may have about the same timetable as Jim Leyland, or he may work a bit differently, but if the calendar is in sync, the first cuts would be made on or about Monday, March 10, with more cuts to come within a week or so after that.</p>
<p>Among those expected to be optioned sooner, rather than later, are new roster members <span>Steven Moya</span>, <span>Eugenio Suarez</span>, <span>Jordan Lennerton</span>, and pitchers Jose Valdez and Melvin Mercedes. As the number of pitchers is reduced, so too will the number of catchers. Ramon Cabrera is likely to be sent down in the first round of cuts.</p>
<p>NRI's are in Lakeland with a shot to make the team, but decisions on those players also tend to come fairly quickly. As the projected starters and those likely to be on the 25 man roster get themselves into game shape, they use more and more of the plate appearances.</p>
<p>The team is not restricted from calling some of the players back, even after they've been optioned. So, we could see them again in a game before the Grapefruit league season is over. Players who wind up at triple A Toledo are usually among the last to be optioned.</p>
<p>There are potentially a few roster spots that could open up as roster moves are made. For example, <span>Evan Reed</span> is out of options, so if he doesn't make the team out of spring training, the club would have to either trade him, or designate him for assignment and putting him through waivers before releasing him or outrighting his contract to the minors. Chances of Reed clearing waivers would not be very high, but you never know.</p>
<p>March 15, or 16 days prior to opening day, is the date by which the club must release a player with a non guaranteed contract and pay him one sixth of his salary. Such a player can be let go prior to opening day for one quarter of his salary. Phil Coke would seem to be the only player in this situation.</p>
<p><span>Andy Dirks</span> will be headed to the disabled list, so they can replace him on the 25 man major league roster with another player. If they want to add a player to the 40 man roster in his place, however, he would have to be placed on the 60 day DL. In that case, he would not be eligible to rejoin the team for 60 days. He is expected to miss twelve weeks.</p>
<p>The 25 man roster appeared to be all but set prior to Dirks being shut down for back surgery. But now, there is not only an open spot on the roster, but an opening in the starting lineup.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/3/6/5476624/roster-cuts-are-imminent-in-lakelandPatrick OKennedy