So Long, Clete
By Blake VandeBunte • Jun 11th, 2009 • Category: 2009 Season, Clete Thomas, Don KellyThe Tigers are sending Clete Thomas back to the minors and are promoting Don Kelly. This move makes sense as Thomas is really struggling at the plate and Kelly is amazingly hot.
Thomas is aware of his current struggles and vows to work on his game in Toledo and find his groove. I’m sure he will. Clete is a decent player and we haven’t seen the last of him in Detroit.
This move was forced upon the Tigers because Kelly has been raking down at Toledo for the past month or so. He’s back in the Tigers organization after spending last year with the Diamondbacks AAA team. Kelly spent the years 2001-2006 in the Tigers minor league system. He had brief stint in the majors with the Pirates back in 2007.
Kelly is currently hitting .341 in Toledo with 3 HR and 14 steals. He hits from the left side and is 29 years old.
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Don Kelly?
Really? Another shortstop? Don’t get me wrong it was perhaps time for Clete Thomas to get sent down but not for a third outfielder. Adam Everette and Ramon Santiago are combining to be well above what we anticipated offensively. They are also a contributing factor to our improved defense. I have seen Don Kelly play A ball here in Lakeland and I have seen his impresive stats in Toledo. However, his .148AVG with Pittsburgh through 25 games in 2007 add to my uncertantity. Perhaps Wilken Ramirez would have been the better move. Seriously, while they are at it, Dusty Ryan although not a favorite of mine is a BIG improvement over Sardinha. Offense (or lack there of) is obviously finally a concern with them so why not cut Not So Great Dane and his below .100AVG. I mean really, below .100? Dusty Ryan would at least hit in the low to mid .200s with some decent power. He has matured a bit and would have feasted on Pirate pitching. I just believe it’s time to give Dusty a try rather than giving the oposing team 3-4 free outs a game.
What are your thoughts?