March 27 Odds and Ends:

Kelly Officially Makes the Squad:

     Barring any unforeseen changes, according to Jim Leyland, Don Kelly has made the team. (Beck Tweet). Quentin Berry was reportedly, “heartbroken” over the decision, but Leyland told him they anticipate him having a large role with the club this year. That likely means, he’s the next man up if an outfielder goes down, specifically Austin Jackson. There will come a time this year when the Tigers need his speed badly off the bench, so we can plan on seeing him in a Tigers uniform at some point this year.

Santiago Trade Rumors:

     That also means that as long as Ramon Santiago is with the squad when they move north, Danny Worth will be headed to Toldeo to start the season. The Tigers would love to move Santiago because they feel that Danny Worth is ready to fill Razor’s roll adequately, and he is making significantly less than the $2.1 million they owe Santiago for the 2013 season. Also, there are many teams looking for veteran infield help, and Santiago would fit that bill nicely. If the Tigers can get a mid –level prospect, preferably a Starting Pitcher type for Santiago, look for him to pack his bags and Danny Worth to get the call to take his place. 

     These are the two moves/roster news items today that the Tigers made that dramatically influenced what the opening day 25-man roster will look like. Their spring training roster is now down to 28 men, and three cuts are necessary in order to get there. Look for the 25-man roster to be finalized on Thursday or early Friday as the squad will board their flight to Minnesota this weekend to open 2013.