Playoff roster thoughts
posted in roster moves |Jim Leyland announced a few of his playoff roster decisions, per Danny Knobler.
Not on due to Arizona Fall League: Brent Clevlen, Jordan Tata.
Not on, not traveling, due to ineligibily, no real connection to 2006 Tigers, etc: Matt Stairs, Mike Rabelo, Chad Durbin, Kevin Hooper.
Also not on but traveling with the team: Mike Maroth.
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new: Jon Paul Morosi wrote a good story at the Freep.
“I’m sure I broke a heart,” Leyland said. “Truthfully, I feel terrible about it. He’s been here. He’s a big part of what we’ve done. Had he not had the injury, we would not be having this discussion. But that’s not my fault, either. That’s just the way it is.”
Maroth looked sad when they showed him during the game. It’s really too bad he wasn’t able to come back from the injury. The story doesn’t always end happy, unfortunately. I’m glad he’s with the team. It’s just too bad he couldn’t contribute on the field.
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Likely on, per beat writers: Chris Shelton.
Jim Leyland is taking 11 pitchers and 14 position players. A recap
Starters (4): Jeremy Bonderman, Justin Verlander, Nate Robertson, Kenny Rogers
Middle/late relief (4): Joel Zumaya, Fernando Rodney, Todd Jones, Jamie Walker
Other (choose 3 of 4): Andrew Miller, Zach Miner, Jason Grilli, Wil Ledezma
So you can pretty much guess Andrew Miller won’t make it.
Position players, sure things (10): Craig Monroe, Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Magglio Ordonez, Brandon Inge, Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco, Sean Casey, Pudge Rodriguez, Vance Wilson.
Position players, likely backups (4): Chris Shelton, Neifi Perez, Omar Infante, Alexis Gomez
Some people might want Ramon Santiago over Neifi Perez as a late-inning replacement. Not me. Clevlen might have been nice in the outfield rather than carrying three infielders, or even Gomez, but apparently the organization would rather he develop. That’s fine. He’s young, he needs the opportunity to play, although I sure do like his defense.
This roster can change after each round, if required.
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