Tiger Notes

So if Detroit does sign Johnny Damon, many speculate this will take away a lot of playing time for Carlos Guillen.

And I hate to be critical of any one wearing the Tiger uniform … but if that’s the case … good.

His defense has been a liability for far too long. So much so that Manager Jim Leyland – who is a HUGE Carlos Guillen fan – would bench him in late innings for defensive purposes.

My breaking point with Guillen was after the one-game playoff with the Twins. Guillen was pulled for defensive purposes. Not happy about this, and siting that you don’t treat a former all-star like this, he publicly criticized Leyland.

Strike three Pudg…er, Guillen.

Is he capable of being a decent DH? Maybe, if he can stay healthy, which isn’t a given. In the six years he’s played in Detroit, Guillen has missed significant time on the DL four of those years. At 34-years old, I don’t see that trend coming to an end anytime soon.

So, if it means Guillen playing less – or even being traded – I’m all for the signing of Johnny Damon.

Old friends reunited in the Big Apple. Marcus Thames signed a non roster invite with the Yankees this afternoon. Thames started his career with NY in 2002.

I won’t say I was a huge Thames supporter. He was a one dimensional player – but often times wasn’t given a chance to get into a rhythm.  He avereged 20 home runs over the last four seasons. He seemed to all but disappear in the second half of the 09 season.

I hope he catches on with the Yankees. He seems like a good guy.

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The Tigers released their TV schedule this morning. 156 games are on the docket.  I updated the season schedule here. Email me if you see any mistakes.

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It was announced that the Royals have named Zack Grienke their opening day pitcher. So it should be Grienke vs. Justin Verlander to open the season. Let’s hope Grienke has some early season rust to contend with.

Over at Motown Sports, they are predicting what the Detroit Tigers are going to do this season. Great idea!  As you can see, I’m projecting/predicting Verlander to pick up right where he left off last year, while Rick Porcello stay right about where he was last year. Max Scherzer is going to be great at times, but will struggle by a lack of Tiger offense from time to time.

Jeremy Bonderman and Phil Coke are the wild cards in this scenario. We really don’t know what we are going to get this season with Bonderman, and we really don’t know if Coke will even make the rotation.  But, this is what I think will happen.

What say you, Tiger fans?

Some big game being played today. Did you know? People are running around crazy here, getting food items ready, I’m in the eye of a hurricane. Wait, knowing who’s playing today makes that joke a bit …

Anyways.

Lee Panas looks at what Johnny Damon would bring to the table, if the Tigers were to sign him. If your a numbers guy, then this column is for you. Lee dissects the weakness of the Tigers lineup. I still don’t think Damon will end up here, but the more I think of the alternatives – I’m becoming more interested in seeing him in the Old English D.

The Bleacher Report posted their idea of what the 2010 Detroit Tigers lineup will look like … interesting timing, you copy cats! Just kidding. Theirs not much in the way of news to report, and throwing out lineup ideas is always there on the table for anyone to play with.

In other news, Project Prospect released it’s Top 50 prospect list for the season. Just one Tiger (Alex Avila) made the list. Avila came in at #34.

Former Tiger outfielder Kirk Gibson (now bench coach with Arizona) had an autograph signing in Grand Rapids on Saturday. One Thousand fans showed up to see Gibby. Do the Pistons have that many show up for a game? I kid, I kid.

News came through the wire, blogs, txt messages and courier birds that the Detroit Tigers have offered Andres Galarraga the role of “mentor” to superstar first baseman Miguel Cabrera. His duties would consist of “Being with Miguel during spring training”.

I’m going to decipher that for you all.

They don’t want Miguel visiting the pubs, drinking, and bringing his “Click-Clack” with him to the lovely state of Florida. Does anyone find this a bit rediculous? This is like hiring that nanny from ABC’s “SuperNanny”.

I understand that Miguel dropped the ball – big time. And at the WORST possible time to drop said ball. He’s said that he’s gotten help – that he’s taken the steps to make sure this won’t be a problem again.

So why the babysitter? I don’t see this as anything more than an eventual distraction. I’m not trying to be uncaring. Please don’t take that from this. If Miguel truly has a problem – like former first baseman Dmitri Young had – then he shouldn’t even be on the ball field.

Young lost his job with us under similar circumstances. He wasn’t really given a “second” chance per se. Once he dropped the ball, Jim Leyland lost confidence in him. They cut Young at a time when he was one of the better hitters on the team. I understand that he had the issues with diabetes.

He was still shown the door.

Now, i’m not proposing that the Tigers do the same to Cabrera. Opposite, really. If they feel he TRULY has a problem … then they need to address it without a babysitter. Without a nanny.

And if the problem isn’t really a problem at all? Put it in the past, and move on.