* Who Makes The Tigers Playoff Roster?

Which players do the Tigers need on the Active Roster for the playoffs? Who deserves to be representing Detroit's bid to win the American League Pennant? Beginning with the current 25 man active roster, lets pencil-in the no-brainers:

C = Ivan Rodriguez, Vance Wilson
1B = Sean Casey, Dmitri Young
2B = Omar Infante
3B = Brandon Inge
SS = Carlos Guillen
LF = Craig Monroe, Marcus Thames
CF = Curtis Granderson
RF = Magglio Ordonez
SP = Jeremy Bonderman, Kenny Rogers, Justin Verlander, Nate Robertson
LR = Jason Grilli, Wilfredo Ledezma
MR = Fernando Rodney, Jamie Walker, Joel Zumaya
CL = Todd Jones

That covers 21 of the 25 spots, with one of them likely reserved for another pitcher, which would probably be either Mike Maroth, if healthy, or Zach Miner. Andrew Miller may have an outside chance, but he'd have to be so dominate down the stretch, or an injury occur to one of the other arms. A healthy Mike Maroth would be the best scenario for the 11th pitcher, while unfortunately leaving Zach Miner out of post season play. The Tigers pitching is too good to have a need for a 12th pitcher in October, and what they'll really need most is extra hitter.

More important than the availibility of Mike Maroth is going to that of Placido Polanco, a trusted hitter, and their best defender at 2B. His status will determine the fate of a few other players who have contributed to making the season a successful one for Detroit, but may be left off the active roster, to have adequate back-up in the infield, such as Chris Shelton. With Polanco out for the post-season, Neifi Perez will be on the roster for sure; with Polanco ready to go, Perez likely gets waived, inspite of his $2.5M contract for 2007, paving the way for Shelton, who is a fan favorite, can provide some needed power, which the Tigers have been very light on lately. They will need an extra bat capable of providing some instant offense to win a game, and to date, Perez hasn't shown that he can provide that, while Shelton has. If Shelton returns in September swinging the hot bat like he can, Perez is expendable; again, with a healthy Polanco. A sacrifice would have to be made. This wouldn't be a good time for a fan revolt, and there would be, if Perez is still batting anemically and kept on the roster, with Polanco back, and another player more deserving being left off. This isn't an opportunity to waste, and the best hitting bench must be assembled, while giving adequate coverage on defense. It doesn't appear that Dmitri Young is going to be wearing a first-baseman's glove again, so Shelton fills a need defensively as well, fielding as good as Sean Casey, and moving Pudge or Carlos Guillen to 1B only weakens the Tiger defense at their regular positions. Omar Infante makes more errors at SS than any other position he fills, and Ramon Santiago doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of making the active roster, and likely has seen his last days as a Detroit Tiger.

Chris Shelton is finding his stroke in Toledo, hitting for average, with good SLG & OBA. Can he be productive again in a Tiger uniform, and earn a spot for the post-season in September, while the Tigers are trying to win the Central? It's all in Shelton's hands, along with Perez' stint in Detroit, if Polanco can suit up in October. You have to pencil in Neifi Perez at this point (unless Polanco returns) and Chris Shelton to leave one roster spot now available. There has been much silence about the status of Placido Polanco's recovery from his seperated shoulder. It's a scary thought to consider; being without their best hitter with runners in scoring position, and we can only hope he makes it back. If he does, Omar Infante and Chris Shelton are more valuable to success in the playoffs, and Neifi Perez doesn't fill the Tigers last need; a hitter who fares well against lefthanders.

This last spot will likely go to the outfielder who proves to be the most versatile during September. Brent Clevlen, Alexi Gomez, Nook Logan, are currently on the 40 man roster, with possibly Ryan Raburn, David Espinosa or Ryan Ludwick, all right-hand hitters, being added before August 31st. Raburn has been playing some outfield lately, in addition to 2B, and it would be genius to bring him up before the deadline; he's been ripping the cover off the ball. Clevlen, who was just optioned back to AA Erie to finish their season, has proven to be the best power and defense combination in his surprise tour with the Tigers; he will be recalled when the rosters expand. Alexi Gomez, has been recalled for another look from Toledo to take Clevlen's place, and is a needed left hand stick. Former Tiger Nook Logan brings speed and some good defense, but hasn't hit a lick this year. While Gomez brings his swing from the left side, Clevlen actually has hit right-handers better, along with left-handers as well. Gomez has a hard time hitting his weigh against lefties, and didn't come anywhere near the SLG% or OBA that Clevlen put up with his time in Detroit. I think the last roster spot is Brent Clevlen's to lose; possibly to Neifi Perez. (which I'd rather be kicked in the nads twice, than see that happening) Brent definately has played a role in the magic this season, both offensively and defensively, in his limited time, and he has had success against left-handers and right-handers alike.

September is going to be an exciting month for Tiger fans, with the competition heavy for the active roster. It should contribute to more "W"s and perhaps hold onto the best record, to give Detroit home field advantage in the playoffs. Magglio can be rested, in order to heal some nagging injuries, and Granderson can be giving a day off once a week, to see who will rise to the surface, and grab that last roster spot. I'm confident that the organization will make the right decisions to secure the Central Division title, and gear themselves with the best roster to give the Tigers their best chance to go to the World Series. It's been a long time, Mr. Iilitch; let's celebrate the end of this magical season all the way!

garold