On Thames’ injury
posted in 2007 season, injuries |Marcus Thames left the game after his catch, obviously in pain and clutching his leg. While the leg was massaged and stretched by the trainer, Rod Allen wondered if it was a cramp. Postgame, Jim Leyland said Thames was “not good” and second-guessed his decision to play him in left. (How could he know there was a chance Thames would run like the wind, catch the ball and hurt himself? Was there a pre injury?)
“Not good. I’m really not sure I hadn’t screwed that [move] up, to be honest with you. I could’ve left Raburn in the game and put Grandy in center field in Marcus’ spot, but I kept thinking about Marcus’ long ball. If they tied it up or something, Marcus would’ve been coming up. But who knows, Raburn might not have caught it. But the catch might be a little expensive, because he’s not good.” (Beck’s blog)
That shuffle would have worked fine, I’m sure, but at the time I didn’t see any reason for it and I don’t really see it now. Thames’ power stroke is exactly the reason to keep him, though Raburn played well.
Like Bilfer thought, if the Tigers send Thames to the disabled list, they’ll need a backup first baseman. And that could be our lil buddy, Chris Shelton.
Sphere It
Update from a computer too horrible to actually get into my blog: Thames to the DL per radio; Timo Perez to the Tigers per Mudhens site. (see Motown Sports)
What a shame, Thames was finally getting some much deserved pt and playing very well. You have to feel very bad for him. Hopefully he will be able to get back to the lineup soon.
I hope he comes back soon.
As for a backup 1B; I doubt they would bring up Shelton to ride the bench as opposed to get regular AB’s in Toledo. As with last year, I expect Carlos Guillen to be backup 1B with Omar Infante filling in at short.