Comments on: Tigers announce 2007 roster

By: Orlando Johnson

Orlando Johnson — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 02:06:27 +0000

I saw the chef hat with olde english D on EBAY today.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsa.....ooZ1QQrdZ0“

By: Kyle J

Kyle J — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 19:37:04 +0000

Still, if he could hit something like .280/.350/.475–right in line with his career #s to date–that’s likely to be an upgrade over Casey, particularly when you factor in defense.

By: Mike R

Mike R — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:28:31 +0000

I’m not saying Shelton will be a bum. But I think everyone’s expectations of his peak are a lot higher then what he’ll peak at. He’ll be a productive major leaguer, but I don’t think he’ll mash quite like everyone expects/wants him to.

By: Tim D

Tim D — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 04:05:39 +0000

Most similar players to Chris Shelton:

Adrian Gonzalez (979)
Troy Neel (979)
Prince Fielder (965)
Mark Quinn (949)
Brad Hawpe (944)
Chris Richard (943)
Pancho Herrera (943)
Mike Jacobs (942)
Jeff Francoeur (942)
Jonny Gomes (941)

A mixed bag. No stars except possibly Fielder, but I don’t really see the comp because Fielder is a lot younger. Adrian Gonzalez was very good last year. But then there’s Mark Quinn, too. But I think Shelton can play.

By: Angus

Angus — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 01:51:56 +0000

Maybe DD will get a round of Roshambo when he sees Neifi boot that first grounder and hit one short of the pitcher’s mound with a full swing. Go get em Shelton at Toledo. Show them what they are missing in April.

By: Tim D

Tim D — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 01:40:34 +0000

Shelton had a .812 OPS at Toledo last year. Not near his best but not terrible either. I still think we haven’t seen his best.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 23:28:14 +0000

Perhaps, just perhaps we can put a positive spin on the whole Neifi debacle. Maybe Shelton will put his anger to use and allow it to stoke his competitive fire and just pound the ball and play some great ball.

You can’t leave his bat in AAA if the black hole of suck that is Neifi is up to his usual game of swing-n-a-miss or tapper to any base and Shelton is playing like a man possessed.

Can you, Jim Leyland?

By: Ralph Temple

Ralph Temple — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 22:10:21 +0000

My prediction. Without Shelton the tigers will not win the American league championship. I have never been a fan of Perez or Casey. Now I see that I am not the only one who does not like Perez. Those two produced losing records for the Tigers when in the lineup last year. People do not realize it but of the regulars only Pudge had a higher batting average last year than than in 2005. They won last year on pitching. I don’t think their pitching will be quite as stellar this year so the hitting has to pick up. We can’t do it with Casey and Perez. I am still ticked about the raw deal that Shelton is getting.

By: Mike R

Mike R — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:02:19 +0000

Shelton only had 109 AB’s in Toledo at the end of last year. I wouldn’t put as much stock in that as I would the career .327 minor league average.

However, I’m still not as high on Shelton as anyone else here seems to be. Carlos Pena had .283/.393/.510/.903 avg/obp/slg/ops in the minors. So I’m not still not sold that Shelton’s not another AAAA hitter who’s not as good as Pena at 1st base (though still very solid defensively).

By: Dave T.

Dave T. — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:33:02 +0000

Is it just me, or is anyone else worried that Shelton will get into a funk in AAA. If I remember correctly he did not hit well in the minors last year when he was sent down. I hope he doesn’t sulk, and is ready when “the mayor” tweaks something.
Has anyone seen a Chef’s hat with the olde english D on it yet? I want to get on the Sheffield bandwagon early!

By: Mike R

Mike R — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:28:11 +0000

Dang. I had Neifi being the final cut. Probably more wishful thinking than anything. Like people have said, I’d much prefer the guy who’s a good fielding SS (and younger and cheaper) who can’t hit over the guy who’s older, injury liability, and costs about 100x more then he’s worth who can’t hit either anyday. I don’t want to wish someone losing their job on anyone, but I kind of hope that Neifi’s job is lost and that Santiago’s up by the end of April.

By: Tim D

Tim D — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 03:04:08 +0000

Todd Walker is a lot better fit for this roster than Neifi. He’s available; released by the Padres. Good hitter, LH, can spell Polanco or Inge.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:28:54 +0000

Can’t argue with Casey starting. He ’s a vetran lefty who is suited for Comericas outfield gaps. Last year his stint would have seemed better if a few more line shots would have fallen in,. He hit the ball hard just couldn’t catch a break. All in all it’s close here we go again!

By: Pete G

Pete G — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 23:57:14 +0000

Observations from todays game in Lakeland.

Worried about Mike Maroth, fastball in the low 80’s today, though he shut them out for four innings.

Marcus Thames cannot play first base, looks clumsy, doesn’t know where to play.

Magglio is swinging the bat better than I have ever seen him. Bat speed is awesome, just needs to get his eye. We will need him to be a force or Shef will not be pitched to.

Todd Jones is not confident, he is putting the ball on a tee again. Hopefully he’ll be ready when the bell rings.

Pudge is swinging well, he’s ready to go. Looks comfortable leading off. Great base runner.

Overall, despite a few negative points, they look good. They also look bored with spring training and are itching to get started. PLAY BALL!!

By: Steve "Just say no to Direct TV"

Steve "Just say no to Direct TV" — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 23:52:21 +0000

Well a couple of thoughts. It looks like MLB EI is a Direct TV only deal. The cable companys would not pay the bucks MLB wanted.

Second, I would like to either have dinner with Jim Leyland to explain his choice of the “Nef-inger”. Not questioning although I disaprove, I just want to see what made up his mind.

I want to see the picture that Nefi has of Jim doing something wrong. I really dont have anything against Nefi, its just for that spot, go for the glove, eat the contract and go on.

I am really bummed about not being able to get MLB EI but that what will be radio is for – ahhhh the old days.

Steve