Comments on: Shelton up, Pena down

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

here goes nothin I guess. I’ll be the first to eat my words if Shelton doesn’t work out, but I think he’ll be ok (no worse than Pena anyways )

By: Jeff M

Jeff M — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

agreed. I wasn’t in any sort of hurry to see it happen (trusting DD/AT’s judgement), but I’m not the least bit worried.

By: Luke

Luke — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Looks like pudge might have a fracture in his hand now as well.

Is there any way shelton would get starts at catcher over wilson if he’s out for a spell?

By: Boston Fan in Michigan

Boston Fan in Michigan — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

//Is there any way shelton would get starts at catcher over wilson if he's out for a spell?//

Egads. The classic bat-versus-glove arguement. Wilson's a more than adequate backup catcher, I don't trust Shelton with any sort of glove. Shelton's got the better bat (allegedly), Wilson is a weak hitter.

WHY, PUDGE, WHY.

By: Jason R.

Jason R. — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

No way Shelton gets behind the dish – Inge would get back there before Shelton would.

I just dont understand why it has to be an either/or with Shelton and Pena. Why is Ramon Martinez necessary? Or rather, why are both Jason Smith and Ramon Martinez necessary? You dont need 4 middle infielders any more than you need 3 catchers or 12 pitchers. Your bench should be versatile but should also be able to hit when called upon, and I dont see how Martinez fits either description. He’s terrible with the glove and only a tad better than that at the plate.

I dont know that a demotion is the answer in Pena’s case. Anybody heard of a platoon?

By: Chris Y.

Chris Y. — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

You’re right on about the MIs. Ramon cost us runs in the NY series and doesn’t seem to be the defensive stopper he was billed as when we brought him in (I for one didn’t pay much attention to him before Detroit). Smith is by far the better fielder and with neither being stellar at the plate, I’d go with Smith and demote/waive Martinez and keep Pena. Use him as a late inning defensive replacement, let him work it out in the cages and random spot starts. Let him relax his head – the guy’s a basket case at the plate.

By: Eric M

Eric M — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Wondering at what specific time this transaction was posted with MLB? Anybody know where I could find that out?

By: Luke

Luke — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I don’t see inge getting behind the plate anytime soon, what with his whole, “i can’t play catcher and hit cause i think too much” thing. That leaves third base and short for jason smith and ramon martinez, DH for guillen if he’s still not feeling well (i’m a pessimist and i’m guessing it’ll be a few weeks til he can play shortstop again), vance wilson catching, and DY at first. That’s what i call a huge problem.

By: Jason R.

Jason R. — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I think Inge is enough of a team player that he would do whatever Tram asks of him, but you’re right, Luke – moving him behind the plate means someone would have to play third.

Hmmmh … Jack Hannahan anyone? He’s floating a 326/388/479 at Toledo …