Comments on: Winter League Success Doesn’t Translate for Infante

By: Eric Jackson

Eric Jackson — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 03:09:31 +0000

Rob, I think you are correct that he will still improve but the Tigers aren’t going to give that playing time.

If Guillen gets signed long-term, Omar’s playing time won’t go up any time in the next few years. That is unless the Tigers plan on Guillen moving over to first at some point. Though there are three folks vying for that spot (outside of Casey): Thames, Shelton & Guillen..

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 19:38:52 +0000

Honestly, Infante just turned 25 the day after Christmas and should still be improving every year. Only one of the last 3 years has he been horrible at the plate (2005). In both 2004 and 2006, he was decent for a backup. His OPS last year was nearly 50 points higher than Polanco.

If Omar could get some regular PT, he might develop into a decent starting middle infielder.

By: The Detroit Tiger Weblog » Blog Archive » Quick Links

The Detroit Tiger Weblog » Blog Archive » Quick Links — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 03:13:36 +0000

[...] Marc Jimenez takes a look at how Tigers playing in Winter Leagues are doing. I’m encouraged by Infante’s performance, by Eric astutely notes this isn’t the first time we’ve heard these reports. [...]

By: Eric Jackson

Eric Jackson — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 22:09:52 +0000

Thanks Gary. I think you raise some great points. For backup I would, as you, rather see Infante out there than either Santiago or Perez. I’d rather see Perez on another team, actually. However my viewpoint comes from how I see this playing out with Leyland next season.

When Guillen went to first Leyland had Santiago replace him. This was during the playoffs mind you, so I don’t have reason to believe he’d act different during the season.

If Casey were to go down in ‘07, hopefully Shelton would be an option as well. This will be dependent on how Chris is doing at the time though. But I see Shelton as a more reasonable option.

The biggest issue I see is with Guillen’s price tag. They have him for this year though. They don’t have anyone in waiting that is in line to be a starter at SS so if Guillen were to leave they would have to pick up another Free Agent or Trade.

Depending on the trade, I think there are teams out there who would make better use of Infante. Tigers could get the young catcher they are looking at or some more bullpen prospects or, and I think they need this the most, some real infielders in their farm system.

This might be a better move to do after the ‘07 season if they aren’t going to get someone who will pay dividends immediately, and I doubt they could with Infante. I think the same on Thames though.

By: Gary

Gary — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:28:32 +0000

Great article, especially for a tiger fan starved for news in the offseason.

Couple of questions though. You suggest trading Infante, what kind of value can they get back for him? Is it worth trading our best backup infielder? (I rate him ahead of santiago and perez) That question is even more important when you consider the fact that he is really the backup for 1st,(Guillen moves over if casey goes down) 2nd Polanco is getting older and has had some injuries, SS where Guillen has some injury concerns, and CF where he can platoon vs. lefties when Granderson is slumping.

And finally he’s the insurance in case Guillen’s price tag is too high. No way you move Infante before an extention is reached.

The only way I see him moved is if the Tigers can fill all those holes first.

By: Eric Jackson

Eric Jackson — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 22:40:10 +0000

You are very correct, looks like I’m not used to the new year yet :) Thanks, I’ve edited the article.

By: Steve Fought

Steve Fought — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:40:12 +0000

The “resigning of Santiago” took place in January 2006, not January 2007, right?