This mornings Detroit Free Press article presents the thought that Shelton could be dealt this spring to another team. So far this spring Chris has done pretty well in what little he has played, but that could be enough to catch the eye of other teams looking at him especially knowing what he is capable of doing already.

This might be very true as there are holes for the Tigers to fill with them still wanting a lefty power hitter, or more infield prospects in general. One hole that will open up if Shelton leaves is first base as the Tigers are not deep in that position. Right now there are a few players who can fill the role, in order of competancy: Sean Casey, Carlos Guillen, Chris Shelton, Marcus Thames.

Yes, I left prospect Mike Hessman as he currently isn’t a viable candidate to be an everyday or even backup 1B for the Tigers. I also left off Pudge though there is no chance of him being everyday 1B he was used as a backup many times last year and Leyland has said he does not want to do that at all any longer.

Because of all of this the Tigers will need to know the status of Carlos Guillen before making such a trade and it appears that this will not be known before the spring is up. According to Jason Beck:

Some of you have asked what’s going on in talks on a new contract for Carlos Guillen. Nothing new to report. In fact, there are no negotiations going on right now, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, but that shouldn’t be construed to mean talks have broken down. They’re just on the back burner right now.

I would be surprised at this point to see Chris traded away because as I see it he is currently the future at the spot though maybe not this year. It appears that this year the Tigers are hoping to depend on Marcus Thames to back up Sean Casey but that is a stretch to see this turning into an everyday gig next season.

Also, on a funnier note. This guy is giving Chris Shelton a bad name.