The Tigers have called up Tony Giarratano from AA Erie. Tony G turned heads during spring training by going 14 for 42 in 19 games. He got an extended look due to Carlos Guillen’s light spring work schedule. Giarratano hasn’t really been lighting up the Eastern League hitting 253/330/388 with 9 errors. He has walked 21 times, but also struck out 43 times in 170 at-bats.

John Sickels has Giarratano rated as the 3rd best prospect in the Tigers system and gave him a “B” grade. He also had this to say a couple weeks ago:

Giarratano is a decent prospect who doesn’t appear to be ready. I can’t imagine the Tigers calling him up to be a back-up. First, at this stage in his development he needs regualr at-bats. Second, they are starting his service clock which means he’ll be reaching arbitration eligibility that much sooner. If he’s not going to be a back-up, that means they expect Guillen to not be playing shortstop much in the near term.

Jason Smith will be designated for assignment to make room for Giarratano.

As you’ve probably heard by now, Ivan Rodriguez fractured his hand on a foul tip last night. Last night’s diagnosis probably came from the team internist, and Rodriguez will be following up with an orthopod today. The amount of time he’ll miss, if any remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Tigers offense can’t afford to lose any more bats. With Carlos Guillen’s knee holding him out, and Rondell White still suffering from the ill-effects of his shoulder being introduced to the Camden Yard fence, the Tigers could have a lot of holes in their lineup.

When Magglio Ordonez went down, the Tigers were able to survive it because of depth at the corners, and the solid play of Nook Logan. When Troy Percival went to the disabled list, the Tigers had Ugueth Urbina, newly acquired Kyle Farnsworth, and an emergine Franklyn German to fill the void in the late innings. However the backup options at shortstop, catcher, and to a lesser extent left field aren’t as promising.

If Carlos Guillen is going to miss extended time, the duo of Jason Smith and Ramon Martinez will get his at-bats. So far this season Tiger shortstops not named Carlos are hitting a combined 172/188/219. Jason Smith has struck out 11 times in 48 plate appearances this year. Defensively Smith has been solid, but Martinez has had a number of lapses in concentration leading to 4 errors in limited playing time.

Next there is the catcher position. Vance Wilson is a solid back-up catcher. He is most effectively used as a back-up catcher. If pressed into everyday duty, his offensive numbers would probably pick-up from the 121/237/121 he is currently posting. But it does become another spot in the lineup that isn’t exactly dangerous.

The other concern is Rondell White. While the dropoff in production from White to Thames is probably less than the other positions, it handcuffs some of Trammell’s pinch hitting options as they move into interleague play next week.

The Tigers may be facing a stretch where a third of their offense is out. While the Tigers should gain some production at first base with Chris Shelton over the slumping Carlos Pena, that isn’t enough to offset the bats of Guillen, Pudge, and White. Other ways to help lessen the blow would be if Omar Infante can approach his midseason form of last year, and Craig Monroe can build on what he did in Baltimore.

Other Stuff

• Shelton was solid in his debut last night. He put together three very good at-bats that included a double and a line shot at Kenny Rogers. He looked very comfortable even with two-strikes.
• Brandon Inge continues to drive the ball to right field. His single off the scoreboard in Baltimore would have been a home run in Comerica, and he did the exact same thing last night to start off the game.
• Jeremy Bonderman is pitching tonight and I’ll be in attendance. I’ll be wearing a ringer T with the old “Tiger in the circle” logo. It was a gift from a reader in Chicago and is very cool. I’m not sure where I’ll be sitting (will call tickets) but stop me if you see me.