Catching situation

[Trots]

It appears likely that the Tigers will open the season with rookie Mike Rivera behind the plate. Mitch Meluskey will also come north, but will be limited to catching only about twice a week. The rest of the time, Meluskey will see time at DH. Rivera has hit pretty well in ST and has been better defensively than some thought. He is also coming off a terrific season at AA.

This means that Brandon Inge and Javier Cardona will compete for at bats in Toledo. Inge, clearly the best defense catcher of the group, probably just has to learn to hit .250 to stay in the Bigs. Unfortunately, he hasn't shown the ability to do that yet.

[Baseball Guru]

Why so little time for Melusky?? Is he still somewhat injured???
Man this guy showed so much promise in Houston before he got injured.....
Too bad they can't get Fick to be the DH as he sticks at pretty much any position they put him at....Guess they are praying that he doesnt kill them in RF but I saw on 2 occasions this spring where he dropped 2 routine fly balls...Seems to lose his concentration easliy....

[Trots]

James, Meluskey isn't physically ready to catch more than once a week at this point. He's not exactly a defensive specialist even when healthy. His bat is what keeps him in The Show.

Fick is going to be an adventure, especially in RF. The current thinking around here is that if he really stinks the place up, Young will move to right and Fick will assume firstbase.