Trots
03-23-2002, 08:57 PM
The Tigers shipped catcher Javier Cardona and a minor league outfielder I don't know to San Diego for infielder Damian Jackson and catcher Matt Walbeck.
This is an interesting little deal. Jackson, if I remember correctly, is primarily a shortstop, a position Shane Halter has been playing rather well this spring. I think it may be a signal that Dean Palmer isn't ready for third and Halter may be moved over. Craig Paquette has been tolerable this ST, but I think the Tigers like Halter's bat more. In addition, Halter's range at short is in question.
Walbeck's arrival is also puzzling. I'm guessing Mitch Meluskey simply isn't ready to catch, yet. Mike Rivera appears to be headed north due to his strong ST performance. The Tigers need his potential bat in the lineup, too. Brandon Inge (last year's starter) could take the role of back-up, but he needs to work too much on his hitting to see action only twice a week. He seems destined for Toledo's new stadium. Walbeck's second tour of duty in Detroit all but assures that.
My guess as to the Tigers' Opening Day lineup (remember I am wrong often):
CF Macias
SS Jackson
LF Higginson
1B Young
RF Fick
DH Meluskey (who can still hit)/Palmer-depending on the pitcher
3B Halter
C Rivera
2B Easley
This is an interesting little deal. Jackson, if I remember correctly, is primarily a shortstop, a position Shane Halter has been playing rather well this spring. I think it may be a signal that Dean Palmer isn't ready for third and Halter may be moved over. Craig Paquette has been tolerable this ST, but I think the Tigers like Halter's bat more. In addition, Halter's range at short is in question.
Walbeck's arrival is also puzzling. I'm guessing Mitch Meluskey simply isn't ready to catch, yet. Mike Rivera appears to be headed north due to his strong ST performance. The Tigers need his potential bat in the lineup, too. Brandon Inge (last year's starter) could take the role of back-up, but he needs to work too much on his hitting to see action only twice a week. He seems destined for Toledo's new stadium. Walbeck's second tour of duty in Detroit all but assures that.
My guess as to the Tigers' Opening Day lineup (remember I am wrong often):
CF Macias
SS Jackson
LF Higginson
1B Young
RF Fick
DH Meluskey (who can still hit)/Palmer-depending on the pitcher
3B Halter
C Rivera
2B Easley