Thames on Board
January 18th, 2008 Posted in Marcus ThamesThe Tigers signed LF Marcus Thames to a one year deal yesterday. The deal is worth $1.275 million which is probably a decent deal for a guy with Thames’ power. Thames will probably spend 2008 in left field and first base.
Thames has been a team player since day one in Detroit. Thames spent the better parts of 2004 and 2005 tearing up AAA pitching in Toledo. Thames has been asked to platoon in left and do some pinch-hitting. When his bat put the Tigers in position where they needed to keep him, they tried to find another spot for him. Last spring they worked with him and taught him the intricacies of playing first base. While Thames will never be confused with a Gold Glove caliber fielder at any position he is good enough to keep the Tigers in some games.
Thames is one of the last arbitration eligible Tigers to agree. As of today, Bobby Seay and Miguel Cabrera are the only two players who need to agree to deals for 2008. While I’m guessing Seay is looking for a pricey one year deal, Cabrera is looking for the big money. If Cabrera doesn’t get what he’s looking for he’ll sign a one year deal and wait for the big score next season.
