Sheff's legs tight
Gary Sheffield tried training in the north this offseason for the first time in his career, and he's probably not going to do it again. Given the weather, he didn't have a chance to work out as much as he normally would when he trains in Tampa, and he thinks that helped lead to the soreness in his legs. It's kind of like tight hamstrings, only he says it starts just above the back of the knees and goes up the legs. At this point, it's a day-to-day matter, but if it was a regular game, he'd be able to play.
On another injury note, it sounds like Wilkin Ramirez's injury is a lot less than was originally feared. He said this morning that the shoulder feels relatively ok, and that the worst of the injury was the muscles in his shoulder being stretched when it popped out and back in. He'll rest it for a few days and then start swinging working out again. It might just be a matter of days before he's ready again, though he'll probably be sent out soon anyway. In any case, he said he expects to be when the minor-league season opens.
Here's the Tigers lineup:
- Granderson, CF
- Polanco, 2B
- Jones, LF
- Cabrera, 3B
- Thames, RF
- Hessman, 1B
- Skelton, DH
- St. Pierre, C
- Santiago, SS
For the Blue Jays:
- David Eckstein, SS
- Alex Rios, RF
- Vernon Wells, CF
- Scott Rolen, 3B
- Matt Stairs, DH
- Lyle Overbay, 1B
- Shannon Stewart, LF
- Aaron Hill, 2B
- Sal Fasano, C
As a reminder, the game is on radio in Detroit, as are most weekend games this spring.
Interesting lineup today. Jl is wanting to get a look at the other backup catcher alternatives I guess.
Wonder if he throws Raburn in under fire at the end of the game?
I am starting to think that Sheff is damaged goods. I think we should thank our luck stars if we get a good year out of him. I also think it might be a very good idea not to play him defensively unless absolutely neccessary.
Don't know how many of you guys followed that link (to mlbtraderumors.com) about all the talk about Inge going on out there. Sounds like the consensus is that he has not handled the demotion gracefully. Interesting to note that he is still one of the most popular Tigers in Lakeland though.
I think it would be good to get that situation resolved but when all is considered--if he stays with the Tigers it makes us a better team. Unless, he becomes a distraction. He has always adjusted to a new role and I think, however disappointing to him, he will be able to adjust to being the utility guy here.
I see the dilemma for JL here too. He likes Brandon and genuinely wants to see him being a happy ballplayer, wherever that may lead him. JL also knows he can't have anything less than 100% team unity if a championship is to be pursued. I actually hope Brandon is traded for something of value to the Tigers but if he isn't and he is willing to accept his role--well like I say, we are a better team for it.
The other concern I have is the bullpen. I am glad to see that they are recognizing Aki Lopez' abilities. Cruceta seems improbable now, even given the fact he has no options left. That's too bad as I know they were really keen on him. Hopefully he gets his immigration stuff cleared up and he at least can get his act to Toledo.
Bautista and Bazardo look like good bets to make the club. I would not be surprised to see Miner go down again as he does have an option left.
I believe that situation remains as follows:
Players with options left:
Macay McBride, ZACH MINER, Armando Galarraga, Clay Rapada, Jordan Tata, Virgil Vasquez, Brent Clevlen and RYAN RABURN.
Players with NO options left:
Denny Bautista, Yorman Bazardo, Tim Byrdak, Francisco Cruceta, JASON GRILLI, Bobby Seay, MIKE HESSMAN, Ramon Santiago and Freddy Guzman.
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Raburn is not here today. He has the day off. Skelton's DHing was Leyland's way to get him a start. He's trying to get the minor-league guys a chance or two to play nine innings before they're sent down, but they have so many catchers that it's tough to do.
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