Detroit Tigers Links: Don’t Need Stephen Drew, Experts Weigh in on Jose Iglesias’ Injury

Oct 15, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) prior to game three of the American League Championship Series baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Tigers Don’t Need Stephen Drew – Dave Cameron – FanGraphs

"For right now, the choice is what they should pay for a shortstop for the next few months of the season. Given their cushion in the division and the limited marginal difference between a few months of an average player and a replacement level player, they can afford to sit around and collect more information."

The idea here is that the Tigers probably have a several game cushion on the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals in the division so they shouldn’t rush out and do anything rash right now. They can afford to sit back for awhile and watch things unfold, waiting until mid-season if necessary.

Jose Iglesias’ shin problems date back years with Red Sox, but never to this extent – Tony Paul – Detroit News

"While the apparent extent of shortstop Jose Iglesias’ potentially season-ending injury has caught the Tigers off guard, they were aware that he’s dealt with shin issues “off and on over the years,” according to a Red Sox source with knowledge of the situation."

Hopefully finally knowing the source of the pain and proper rest and treatment will get it fixed for good so that Jose Iglesias is not dealing with this in the future as well.

Detroit Tigers inquire about Arizona D-backs infielder Chris Owings in wake of Jose Iglesias injury – James Schmehl – MLive

"According to FOX Sports’ Jon Paul Morosi, the Tigers recently inquired about D-backs infielder Chris Owings, who is reportedly the favorite to win Arizona’s starting shortstop job this spring."

I don’t understand all the talk surrounding youngsters like Chris Owings, Nick Franklin, and Didi Gregorious. I wouldn’t have thought the team would be looking for (or wanting to pay for) a long-term fix at shortstop.

UM expert weighs in on Iglesias’ injury – Dana Wakiji – Detroit Tigers

"“Everyone wants a definitive date of return,” Dr. Carpenter said. “It’s not one of those injuries you can say with a lot of confidence. There aren’t any hard and fast rules. You don’t need complete healing but you need more healing than damage.“The bone has to catch up and not keep getting reinjured.”"

Sounds like we’re not going to have a definitive idea of his recovery time for some time, if we ever do. That puts the team in a bind as well.