Eeyen
TeamMoose
Posts : 14180
Join date : 2013-07-19
Age : 31
 |  Subject: Jose Iglesias done until "at least the All Star Break" Sun Mar 16, 2014 10:48 am | |
| - ESPN wrote:
- Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias has significant injuries to both shins that are expected to keep him out at least until the All-Star break and could force him to miss most or all of the 2014 season, a baseball source confirmed to ESPN.com on Saturday.
The news is a major blow to the Tigers, who are overwhelming favorites to win a fourth straight AL Central title this season.
When asked about Iglesias' health status Saturday, Detroit general manager David Dombrowski told ESPN.com's Jim Bowden, "I am not in a position to discuss his situation.''
On Sunday, manager Brad Ausmus declined comment on Iglesias' injuries.
"We should have more in a couple of days," he said.
Iglesias, acquired by Detroit from the Boston Red Sox in a three-team trade in July, is regarded as one of baseball's top defensive shortstops and was expected to help stabilize the team's infield this season. The Tigers have a rookie at third base in Nick Castellanos and are breaking in a new second baseman, Ian Kinsler, who came over from Texas in a trade for Prince Fielder during the offseason.
The Tigers have no clear replacement for Iglesias on their current roster. Utilitymen Steve Lombardozzi and Danny Worth and minor leaguers Hernan Perez and Eugenio Suarez have been playing shortstop in the Grapefruit League while Iglesias has been out of the lineup.
If the Tigers decide to look outside the organization for a replacement, one possibility is free agent Stephen Drew, who hit .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs in 124 games with Boston last season. Drew remains unsigned four months after declining a $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox.
Drew and Iglesias both played for the Red Sox last season before the latter was dealt to the Tigers just before the trade deadline.
If the Tigers decide to explore the trade market for a cheaper alternative to Drew, Seattle's Nick Franklin is another possibility. He was displaced as Seattle's second baseman when the Mariners signed Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million contract over the winter. Franklin arrived in spring training as a candidate to play shortstop in Seattle, but Brad Miller, his competition at the position, has a 1.373 OPS in 10 Cactus League games.
The Mets and Rays are among several other clubs that have been mentioned in speculation as potential suitors for Franklin. There is speculation that the Tigers are having internal discussions about Stephen Drew, who is open to a one year deal, but turned down a one year deal from Boston to pursue a long-term contract. No market for Drew long term came about. |
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