The Tigers today signed some bench depth in Ramon Martinez. Martinez agreed to a one year deal worth $1.025 million. Jason Beck quoted Dave Dombrowski as saying:

This is a solid signing from a utility/platoon standpoint as Dombrowski mentioned. Martinez is an average fielder at second base, a below average fielder at third, and he’s above average at shortstop according to Baseball Prospectus Fielding Runs. He’ll be 32 next season and his career offensive numbers are a respectable 268/330/387.

In 2005 the Tigers won’t have a Rule 5 pick occupying a roster spot, so they can afford to carry an extra utility infielder. Also, Jason Beck reports today that Fernando Vina won’t be ready for spring training. It sounds like if Vina is still a member of the team, he’ll more than likely be on the 60 day DL which means he won’t be counted against the 40 man roster.

The Fame Game
Congratulations go out to Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg on their Hall of Fame induction. Meanwhile, Jack Morris and Alan Trammell received little support. Trammell appeared on 13% of the ballots which doesn’t bode well for his future chances. He needs some success managing the Tigers to draw attention to his exceptional career.

At least Trammell is still on the ballot. Whitaker was eliminated his first year on the ballot despite having comparable numbers to Ryne Sandberg.

Finally there is Jack Morris, who also has a solid case. I don’t think it’s as clear cut as Trammell’s, yet Morris was on 33% of the ballots. Unlike Trammell, who is the most deserving eligible shortstop not in the Hall, Morris isn’t the best eligible starter waiting in the wings. That would have to be Bert Blyleven. Until Blyleven gets in (if he gets in) I’ll have a hard time arguing vehemently for Morris.