Vannzee

The Marlins have "asked a lot" about Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks but there doesn't seem to be a trade fit. Miami is one of several teams who have asked Boston about Middlebrooks' availability, but the Sox don't want to give up on Middlebrooks' power potential. Even if the Red Sox re-signed Stephen Drew to play shortstop and Xander Bogaerts took over at third, Middlebrooks would still receive playing time alternating between third and first base. Per mlbtraderumors

15 off the 40 man are protected, let me fix that.

One of the things that has always interested me is sports expansion. I thought that this may be a fun game to play. Say that the MLB was to expand for the first time since 1990’s with a team in Portland or somewhere. What players would be available in the expansion draft? If there was an expansion draft each team could protect 15 players from their season ending 40 man rosters and disabled lists. (Keep in mind that this would include prospects who have not yet appeared in the majors, there is no games played limit). Pending free agents are not eligible for projection, but arbitration eligible players are. So what are the 15 players the Marlins would protect and who would be available for the expansion team to select. (Note- It was hard to find the official rules so these are as close to what I could find reported from past expansions.)

I was just wondering what you guys were envisioning from him this year as far as a role? With the Proctor signing how many are on the 40 man as well?

I like Clevlen alot but are starting outfield is set with Magglio/Granderson and Guillen, Thames and Raburn are the likley back ups so Joyce may be back down in AAA. Clevlen is just too low on the depth chart and would have to clear waivers. He is a excellent defender and a fine AAA hitter, but he hasnt hit much when up yet. Having a need at catcher, trading a out of options player for a potential hole filler is a do-able deal. Or maybe Clevlen and RP Freddy Dolsi for Amezega, thats about all the Tigers would likley give for him.

Theres alot of rumors out there over the Tigers next shortstop. The problem is that Cale Iorg is the man Dave Dombrowski wants in there for 2010. The other names being thrown around are, via trade- Lugo (for Willis, Salary dump), Khalil Greene, and Jack Wilson. The Tigers are low on cash so Furcal wont work but Alex Cora will come cheaper and could share with Santiago. He wouldnt cost any players coming back. The Tigers already also have prospect Danny Worth near ready and they may just go with him for a year, I also doubt if Amezaga's friendship would play a role in a trade. It seems as if Amezaga carrys value as a utillity player and would likley cost more then we'd want to pony up. Treanor for Clevlen works, as Brent is out of options.

:lol Hes going to get arbitration from the Yanks so he will cost picks, but Abreu's defense is not as horrible as expected. He was a former Gold Glover with Philly.

Tiger fan here...longtime viewer, first time poster. I dont see how Amezaga helps us out beyond what Ramon Santiago does, and Ramon doesnt cost as much as Amezaga will post arbitration. Treanor, I personally dont want him but if he can help Ryan settle in then sure. If the cost is Clevlen go for it. Also, Carlos Guillen is going to left because he keeps getting hurt at short, played first like a little leaguer, and struggles at third. They are trying to hide him and keep him healthy. I myself prefer that they try to dangle him and fill their needs or put him back at short with Joyce/Thames in left. Inge has already been moved back to third. He may not hit well but he is a gold glove caliber third baseman. Dusty Ryan right now is the catcher but its expected they will add some one to start over him or share with him.