Tigers make moves for Maybin promotion
posted in 2007 season, roster moves |Danny Knobler is all over this story of Cameron Maybin’s promotion and the moves required to make it happen.
Up
- Maybin
- Ramon Santiago
Designated for assignment
- Craig Monroe
Sent to Triple-A Toledo
- Omar Infante
My thoughts:
Here’s what just happened: Detroit got better. Defensively, for sure. Offensively, maybe.
Ramon Santiago is a solid defensive player, if unremarkable batter. Omar Infante is kind of his opposite: a decent bat — though not great — and not such a good shortstop. As Ryan Raburn is a backup second baseman now, Santiago was called up to be the backup shortstop. Makes sense. Carlos Guillen stumbles at the position too often and has sore knees.
Craig Monroe, who I always like, is probably done as a Tiger. Detroit can trade or release him or he can be claimed on waivers. I believe he has the option of accepting a minor league demotion as well if he clears waivers. Ironic that Monroe’s Tigers career likely came to an end at the very site his career peaked — Yankee Stadium last year with a huge home run. Cameron Maybin has a better glove and arm, undoubtedly. He has more speed. It remains to be seen if the young prospect has a better bat at this time. But Monroe didn’t exactly do much this year, so it’s not that hard a challenge.
If Marcus Thames’ hamstring is still sore, and it probably is, Maybin probably starts in left field tonight.
Update: Knobler thinks Maybin starts anyway.
Update 2: Freep reports Monroe has already cleared waivers. Kind of wondered about that because teams like to put most guys on waivers to hide trades. Infante has cleared waivers, too. So that’s not an issue. Monroe may help decide his future with the organization, or the Tigers can trade him. And the Freep still speculates about trading (possibly both guys) to Pittsburgh for Jack Wilson. (note to Tigers: Uhm, no. And if it involves Jair Jurrjens or any minor league pitchers, REALLY NO. Please, really, no.)