Roster almost set ....

>DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has optioned left-handed pitcher Eric Eckenstahler to Triple-A Toledo
>and reassigned infielder Jason Smith and outfielder Andres Torres to minor league camp. Following today's roster reduction,
>the Tigers now have 31 players remaining in major league camp."

Guess they didn't like Smith ... maybe bad hands? Inge wins the
backup CF/C/3B gig ....

>WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Nate Robertson knows he's going to be a Tiger to start the season. Whether that's as a starter or reliever is a bonus.
>That news, given to him by manager Alan Trammell on Thursday morning, was part of what propelled him through his final Spring Training start
> against Cleveland. Despite a five-error game from the Tigers and a few other shaky miscues, Robertson endured for six innings with a lone
> earned run allowed. "I'm at peace with whatever happens," Robertson said. The rest of the 11-man pitching staff is also set following
> a flurry of moves Thursday. Steve Colyer went from the outside looking in on the Dodgers staff to the Tigers' second left-hander in the bullpen
> after Detroit traded outfielder Cody Ross for him. Then Thursday afternoon, Esteban Yan accepted a contract offer from the Tigers to join the
> bullpen. In between, trade talks with Colorado broke down, and the Tigers sent Rule 5 pick Mike Bumatay back to the Rockies.

>That leaves Danny Patterson as the temporary closer atop a bullpen that includes Colyer, Yan, Al Levine, Jamie Walker and the loser
> of the fifth starter battle between Robertson and Gary Knotts. The only roster decisions left for Friday morning pit Omar Infante against
> Danny Klassen for the utility infield role and Mike DiFelice against Chris Shelton for the final spot on the team.

No surprises. The trade for Colyer was needed after the poor
performances of the lefties in camp. Dingman did well but isn't
considered much of a prospect I guess ....

So the bench definitely will have Inge, Norton, and Monroe. Wonder if
the Tigs still want to trade for a backup INF, like Chone Figgins from
the Angels for instance ?? They need to home DiFelice a home so they
can keep Shelton ...


Andy.