Coop Scoop

Reading room: Former Mud Hens in spring training

Here's a look at some of the spring training stories featuring players who may be Mud Hens this season ...

Jason Beck of MLB.com's Detroit Tigers web site wrote about Robbie Weinhardt and what he needs to do to make the Tigers' Opening Day roster. ... Beck also wrote about the possibility Daniel Schlereth is ready to claim a role in the Tigers' bullpen. ... Beck's notebook included Andy Oliver starting an exhibition game and how Luis Ortega has caught manager Jim Leyland's eye. ... Beck also wrote about Scott Sizemore working to get a second shot at the second base job.

John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press wrote about Andy Oliver and the work he's doing to become a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Tigers.

Tom Gage of the Detroit News wrote about Max St-Pierre and how he overcame alcoholism to get a shot in the big leagues last season. ... Gage also wrote about Australians Chris Oxspring and Brendan Wise joining Brad Thomas getting a chance to pitch for the Tigers.

Steve Kornacki of the Booth Newspapers also wrote about Luis Ortega and the impression he is making this spring. ... Kornacki also wrote that Charlie Furbush is among the candidates to fill the long reliever role in the bullpen.

Enjoy!

Mud Hen Mindbender – Feb. 22

In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I have started a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Let’s keep February moving with a series of “Who am I” questions ...

I was the first Mud Hen to hit three home runs in an International League game, turning that trick on July 1, 1967. I was an IL post-season All-Star that year, and I also played on the Tigers’ 1968 World Series winners. I later spent time in the big leagues with Boston, Kansas City, Milwaukee and Baltimore. Who am I?

The answer to Monday’s question? I was a member of the 1999 Mud Hens team that set the franchise record with 176 home runs, and I led that team with 31 home runs – which, by the way, is the third-best single-season total in modern franchise history. I may be better known for being the third overall pick in the 1991 draft – or for being part of a trade that involved Deion Sanders. Who am I? I am Dave McCarty.

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Where are they now? Chris Shelton

THE PRESENT: The Mets signed IF Chris Shelton to a minor-league contract.

THE PAST: A Rule 5 pick by the Tigers before the 2004 season, Shelton saw limited action with the Tigers and Mud Hens that season. In 2005 he began the year with the Hens and hit .331 with eight homers and 39 RBIs in just 48 games to earn a promotion to Detroit, where he batted .299 with 18 homers and 59 RBIs in 107 games with the Tigers. Shelton got off to a record-setting start in 2006, bashing nine home runs in his first 13 games, but he cooled off and eventually was sent down to Toledo for much of that season. In 2007 he spent the entire season with the Mud Hens and batted .269 with 14 homers and 65 RBIs in 139 games. Since that time he has bounced around, getting cups of coffee with Texas in 2008 and Seattle in 2009. Last year he was injured and played in just 82 games for Houston's Triple-A team in the Pacific Coast League, Round Rock. He hit .249 with the Express with 10 homers and 42 RBIs.

THE FUTURE: Shelton, who will turn 31 in late June, faces a tough road to the majors. Primarily a first baseman, his path to the majors is blocked at that position by highly regarded prospect Ike Davis. Shelton did play some third base in Tacoma, but made 18 errors in 83 games at the position. No matter, because David Wright blocks him at third. And the Mets already have a similar player in the organization in prospect Lucas Duda. If Shelton sticks with the Mets, chances are good we'll see him when Buffalo comes to town Aug. 24-27.

Mud Hen Mindbender – Feb. 21

In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I have started a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Let’s keep February moving with a series of “Who am I” questions ...

I was a member of the 1999 Mud Hens team that set the franchise record with 176 home runs, and I led that team with 31 home runs – which, by the way, is the third-best single-season total in modern franchise history. I may be better known for being the third overall pick in the 1991 draft – or for being part of a trade that involved Deion Sanders. Who am I?

The answer to Sunday’s question? Since 1977, only two International League players have hit four home runs in a game – and we are both Mud Hens. One of us turned the trick in 1997 at Skeldon Stadium, the other completed this feat in Columbus in 2006. We’re both outfielders, and we both spent time with the parent Tigers. Who are we? We are Bubba Trammell (Aug. 9, 1997 against Richmond at Skeldon) and Alexis Gomez (Aug. 7, 2006 at Columbus).

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Mud Hen Mindbender – Feb. 20

In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I have started a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Let’s keep February moving with a series of “Who am I” questions ...

Since 1977, only two International League players have hit four home runs in a game – and we are both Mud Hens. One of us turned the trick in 1997 at Skeldon Stadium, the other completed this feat in Columbus in 2006. We’re both outfielders, and we both spent time with the parent Tigers. Who are we?

The answer to Saturday’s question? Only one pitcher in Toledo’s professional baseball history has thrown a (nine inning) perfect game, and I’m that pitcher. I turned the trick on June 27, 1950 and pitched the Toledo Sox to a 1-0 win over Indianapolis. I pitched in the major leagues for Detroit, the St. Louis Browns, Baltimore and the New York Yankees. Who am I? I am Marlin Stuart.

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Mud Hen Mindbender – Feb. 19

In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I have started a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Let’s keep February moving with a series of “Who am I” questions ...

Only one pitcher in Toledo’s professional baseball history has thrown a perfect game, and I’m that pitcher. I turned the trick on June 27, 1950 and pitched the Toledo Sox to a 1-0 win over Indianapolis. I pitched in the major leagues for Detroit, the St. Louis Browns, Baltimore and the New York Yankees. Who am I?

The answer to Friday’s question? If you remember Thursday’s question, you already know that three Mud Hens have been chosen to play in the mid-season All-Star Game twice, and I am one of them. I was the first, actually, getting the nod in both 1976 and ’77. I had a seven-game cup of coffee with the Indians in 1977, then later was traded to Montreal for Ross Grimsley. Who am I? I am Dave Oliver.

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Spring training preview – Part 5

As the Tigers prepare for the 2011 season, there are five main position battles Mud Hen fans should watch during spring training. As pitchers and catchers report this week, and with the position players trickling in as well, we’ll look at five roster position battles. We'll sort out the contestants and predict what might happen for the Tigers AND the Mud Hens.

THE POSITION: The final outfield spots.

THE CONTESTANTS: Let’s set the parameters: first, I’m going with the assumption that there are no injuries that keep Magglio Ordonez from playing right field and Austin Jackson from center. Second, let’s go with the assumption that Ryan Raburn begins the season as the starter in left. Third, I’m going to operate under the assumption that two infield back-ups make the roster, leaving only one outfield extra. Why? I expect do-everything back-up Don Kelly to make the roster, giving the Tigers another option in the outfield. … One player to watch in the outfield battle is Brennan Boesch following his Jekyll-and-Hyde season at the plate for Detroit last year. Before the All-Star Break, Boesch hit .342 with 12 homers and 49 RBIs in 243 at-bats; after the break he batted just .163 with two homers and 18 RBIs in 221 at-bats. Which guy will he be this spring? … Casper Wells will get a “puncher’s chance” at the job after splitting time between Toledo and Detroit last season. Wells hit .233 with 21 homers and 46 RBIs in 103 games with the Hens but was on fire with the Tigers, batting .323 with four homers and 17 RBI in just 36 games with Detroit.

THE WILD CARD: Clete Thomas played in just 21 games for the Mud Hens last season, hitting just .183 before his season was derailed by knee problems. Thomas was a surprise addition to the Tigers’ roster in 2008 and hit .284 in the big leagues; in 2009 he batted just .240 but did have seven home runs. Of the available options, he’s also probably the best defensive outfielder.

THE PROBABLE OUTCOME FOR DETROIT: My guess is that the Tigers will give the everyday job in left to Raburn and not platoon. ... The fact that Boesch hits left-handed is a plus; the fact that he turns 25 in April and has just 15 games of Triple-A experience leads me to believe he’ll be in Toledo to start the season. … The fact that Wells can play all three outfield positions is a plus, as was his fine performance at season’s end; but he also is young (26 years old), and he still has things to learn at the Triple-A level, which leads me to believe he also will return to the Mud Hens. … Thomas is only 27, bats left-handed, can play all three outfield positions and has more major-league experience than Boesch and Wells combined. Unless he proves he isn’t healthy, or struggles at the plate, I expect him to earn the fourth outfield spot.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE MUD HENS: If you’re a Mud Hens fan, you have to love the potential of an outfield that includes Boesch, Wells and Andy Dirks. All three can hit, hit with power, and are at least solid defensively. My guess is that Toledo manager Phil Nevin would salivate at the chance to write those three names on his lineup card Opening Day.

FOR MORE: Click on this link to read Part 1: Second base, which was published on Monday; Click on this link to read Part 2: left field, which was published on Tuesday; Click on this link to read Part 3: the bullpen, which was published on Wednesday. Click on this link to read Part 4: the final infield spot, which was published on Thursday.

Mud Hen Mindbender – Feb. 18

In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I have started a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Let’s keep February moving with a series of “Who am I” questions ...

If you remember yesterday’s question, you already know that three Mud Hens have been chosen to play in the mid-season All-Star Game twice, and I am one of them. I was the first, actually, getting the nod in both 1976 and ’77. I had a seven-game cup of coffee with the Indians in 1977, then later was traded to Montreal for Ross Grimsley. Who am I?

The answer to Thursday’s question? Only three Mud Hens have been selected to play in more than one mid-season All-Star Game, and I am one of them. I turned the trick recently, but here’s a hint: I didn’t play one of the times I was selected because I was called up to Detroit before the All-Star Game was played. Who am I? I am Ryan Raburn.

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Spring training preview – Part 4

As the Tigers prepare for the 2011 season, there are five main position battles Mud Hen fans should watch during spring training. As pitchers and catchers report this week, and with the position players trickling in as well, we’ll look at five roster position battles. We'll sort out the contestants and predict what might happen for the Tigers AND the Mud Hens.

THE POSITION: The final infield spot.

THE CONTESTANTS: Let’s set the parameters: first, I'm going with the assumption that there are no injuries that keep Brandon Inge from playing third, Jhonny Peralta from shortstop and Miguel Cabrera from first base (UPDATE: I also assume that Cabrera's new legal trouble won't keep him from playing). Second, let’s go with the assumption that Carlos Guillen is not healthy and begins the season on the disabled list. No facts support this thought; just a hunch. Plus, in the interest of full disclosure, it makes this analysis more interesting. Third, I’m going to operate under the assumption that two infield back-ups make the roster. Why? Detroit manager Jim Leyland has said he’ll only carry two catchers. With that all said … Ramon Santiago isn’t a lock, but he’s a heavy favorite. He hit .263 last season and .267 the year before, more than acceptable when you consider his defense. … Don Kelly is also a leading front-runner for a roster spot. The key for Kelly is versatility, as he can play every position in the infield and outfield and will learn to be an emergency catcher this spring. … If Guillen is out, my gut feeling is that Scott Sizemore will get that job. That would leave Will Rhymes as a candidate to fill the back-up role as well.

THE WILD CARD: Just as he had an outside shot to claim the second base job, Danny Worth has a chance to fill this role as well. But I like his chances to fill this role better than I do his chances to win the second base job. Worth is versatile, having played second, short and third last season. If he hits as he did last season (.255 with two homers and eight RBIs in 39 games), he’s a perfectly acceptable stop-gap.

THE PROBABLE OUTCOME FOR DETROIT: In short, I think both Santiago and Kelly are going to have to struggle to not get the job. But watch for Worth: if he hits again this spring, I predict he’ll give Santiago and/or Kelly a challenge. If it’s even, Santiago and Kelly get the jobs. Why? Because Worth only hits right-handed (Santiago switches and Kelly hits lefty); with the preponderance of right-handed hitters in the Tigers’ lineup, both give Leyland a chance to balance the lineup, particularly against tough right-handed pitchers.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE MUD HENS: If Rhymes comes to Toledo, he plays second most days to stay sharp in case Sizemore struggles. If Worth comes to Toledo, he is added to a glut of shortstops here that could include Argenis Diaz and Cale Iorg. Worth also could see time at third base to stay sharp there. The good news for Toledo is that Rhymes and Worth are very good Triple-A players, based on their performances last season.

FOR MORE: Click on this link to read Part 1: Second base, which was published on Monday; Click on this link to read Part 2: left field, which was published on Tuesday; Click on this link to read Part 3: the bullpen, which was published on Wednesday.

Mud Hen Mindbender – Feb. 17

In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I have started a (mostly) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your morning moving. Ready? Let’s keep February moving with a series of “Who am I” questions ...

Only three Mud Hens have been selected to play in more than one mid-season All-Star Game, and I am one of them. I turned the trick recently, but here’s a hint: I didn’t play one of the times I was selected because I was called up to Detroit before the All-Star Game was played. Who am I?

The answer to Wednesday’s question? There were two of us yesterday … both members of the 1976 Baseball Hall of Fame class with Toledo ties. One of us played for the Mud Hens in 1922 as a 16-year-old, hitting .272 before becoming the youngest player in World Series history (just 18) and hitting .300 or better seven times. The other one of us managed and played for the Toledo Crawfords of the Negro League in 1939, near the end of a Hall of Fame career that included a .348 career batting average. Who are we? We are Freddie Lindstrom (the former Mud Hen) and Oscar Charleston (the former Crawford).

Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and let's find out! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!