With Carlos Guillen’s hamstring blowing up, he’ll be hitting the 15 day disabled list. This opens up a spot for Brennan Boesch who has been promoted from Toledo. Boesch will make his debut tonight in Arlington.
For those that read the Minor League Wraps Boesch’s name is very familiar. He’s been getting a daily mention due to his 379/455/621 line at Toledo. The left handed hitting outfielder just turned 25 earlier this month and was added to the 40 man roster during the offseason.
Boesch has huge power that finally materialized last year at Erie where he had 28 homers. Boesch has some holes in his offensive game in that he will strike out a lot (24% last year and 17 K’s already this year) and he doesn’t walk very much. But when he hits, he mashes. Don’t expect him to bunt or move runners over.
The loss of Guillen though is significant. While Jim Leyland has rotated numerous people in and out of the lineup this season, the Venezuelan heart of the order has remained intact. Presumably Ryan Raburn and Brandon Inge would move into the 5th spot which takes away the lefty bat behind Cabrera.
Fortunately if the Tigers have any position of depth in the minors it is with outfielders. With Clete Thomas on the disabled list with a hamstring problem of his own, Boesch makes the most sense. If he struggles and Guillen is delayed the team can always turn to Casper Wells or Wilkin Ramirez as a stop gap as well.
It will be interesting to see if Damon continues to get most of the reps in left field against right handed pitchers or slides into the DH role and Boesch assumes the spot in left. I believe Mr. Leyland would like to keep his bench options open with Raburn and Kelly filling in wherever they are needed most. Either way it will be nice to see Boesch get some exposure and experience at this level early in the season and the veterans such as Damon will help him immensely in his development.
Always exciting to see a young player get a shot. I look forward to the next 40 ABs determining if he is called the next Tiger great or another washed up prospect.
It’s nice to see Boesch get this chance. I like seeing prospects getting called up when they are swinging a hot bat. All prospects should be rewarded like this. That’s how Matt Joyce got his opportunity a few years ago if I remember correctly. I still think the Yankees were dumb not to call-up Austin Jackson last season when he was ON FIRE.
I’d like to see Strieby get called up for a cup of coffee when he gets it going also. He’s been playing LF regularly for Toledo. Some fans like Casper Wells too, but I doubt he’ll ever hit MLB pitching. There isn’t room for another .220 hitter, like him, on the roster.
I like Boesch. He could be the surprise power hitter the Tigers need. Looking forward to see it play out — hopefully they plug him into the lineup right away.
Texas just gave a seminar in scoring with men on base. I would love to see the Tigers taking notes.