What's next?

[Trots]

Apparently, I missed it, but the Tigers cut SS Deivi Cruz to make a roster spot for Paquette. That leaves them with only one SS on the roster, Shane Halter. Halter has been rumored to be on the way to Colorado for the just-acquired Jose Paniagua.

If that move happens, the Tigers won't have anyone on the roster with MLB experience at short. While they intend to give the job to prospect Omar Infante, it seems they would like him to begin the year in Toledo. This would seem to force the Tigers into the free agent pool. Only Rey Sanchez appears available, as both Neifi Perez and Pokey Reese are probably going to be offered contracts.

I'm not sure if I am any more excited about an infield of Young, Easley, Sanchez and Paquette than I was Clark, Easley, Cruz and Halter? However, the team does deserve credit for unloading guys who just weren't getting the job done here. So far, the Tigers have gotten rid of starters at 1B (Clark), SS (Cruz), SS/3B (Halter), CF (Cedeno) and RF (Encarnacion).

I still haven't seen the logjam at C/1B/DH clear up, so some of these guys have to be leaving shortly, as well. Good luck, Mr. Dombrowski.

[pmeares17]

cruz seemed like an okay ss i guess they didnt need him though
?? i know a team that could use a ss desperately

[Trots]

Obviously, the Tigers are in no position to unload talent. However, the nucleus of this club had to change, the years of losing created a team-wide poor attitude, so Cruz and the others were sent packing. I'm still hoping for more changes.

Cruz, specifically, didn't endear himself to management here when he balked at a move to thirdbase. He didn't want to be labeled as a "utility player". Apparently, that is worse than being labeled "unemployed shortstop".

Cruz was a decent enough player defensively. He caught most things hit at him. However, his range is limited. (Thus, the offer to move to third.) Offensively, he had a nice season two years ago, he does have some pop in his bat (he hits a fair number of doubles), but really slipped this year. Even at his best, Cruz strikes out way too much and doesn't bunt well at all.

Cruz' inability to make consistent contact at the plate, combined with his inability/refusal to move runners along, might make him even less valuable in the NL.