A couple of lineup changes

First of all Sheffield will play right field and Ordonez will DH.  I wonder if they switch batting orders.  Probably not, but it would be funny because I mentioned it only three hours ago.  Would love just to see Leyland try it for a week or so.  If neither of them hits after this, it could be next.

I have a feeling we might also see the Major League debut of Mike Rabelo tonight.  Pudge has now caught for eight consecutive games and the last one went twelve innings.  Only one of those games had a temperature of over 60 degrees and a couple were below freezing (as witnessed by me personally).  It wouldn't be so bad to sit him if either Sheffield of Ordonez started hitting.  Anyway, tonight might be the night to take that chance.

What's strange is that Chris Shelton could have broke with the team out of camp if he were still a catcher.  I would bet he would take that opportunity.  If Pudge were to go down for an extended period of time, who would the Tigers bring up?  Dane Sardinha?  The 28-year-old who hit .175 in AAA last year?  Andrew Graham, who has caught all of 62 games in professional baseball, never above AA?  Steve Torrealba, who played 17 games for the Braves over five years ago?  Joel Roa?  Who the heck is Joel Roa?

Anyway, Chris Shelton, and on a smaller level, Brandon Inge, better lace up the chest protectors and at least practice a bit behind the plate.  Hopefully, they don't have to catch even one pitch in a live game, but if Vance Wilson doesn't get back as soon as expected, and Pudge keeps fouling balls off his toes and breaks one and needs a month off, the Tigers do not have the luxury of reloading any more than a slingshot at catcher.  I'm not sure if any free agents are available that are anywhere near good,  but the pickens are likely slim at best.

So there it is.  I originally agreed with Chris Shelton being sent down.  Sean Casey is a more proven hitter that will hit .282 this season.  He will put the ball in gaps when he needs to, and he will single with runners on.  He doesn't strike out as much either, but the Tigers may have made a big mistake in not keeping Chris Shelton and at least getting him some Major League at bats.  If Neifi Perez can get two at bats, Shelton can get one.  Omar Infante is also yet to take the field this season.  He was kept for his versatility.  Perez was also kept for his versatility.  Thames, they're trying to make versatile.

Shelton can catch.  None of them can.  It wouldn't be great with him catching, but I bet he'd do it to take planes instead of busses and have is luggage carted for him...