A Look At The Detroit Tigers’ Immediate Minor League Depth

Mar 7, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Eugenio Suarez (77) against the Atlanta Braves during a spring training game at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstop

Depth Level: Poor

40-man option: Eugenio Suarez (AA-A+)

The Tigers will start the year without a real secondary shortstop option on their big league roster – utility man Steve Lombardozzi could play there on occasion, but you wouldn’t want him to be a regular – and the only other somewhat legitimate major league option (Worth) was just booted from the 40-man roster when Joba Chamberlain came aboard.

Dixon Machado was added to the 40-man last offseason, but he’s had to deal with some injury problems and, although he might have the glove to handle the position defensively, his bat isn’t anywhere near ready to even step into a big league batter’s box. He was DFA’d off the 40-man roster this offseason to make room for Joe Nathan.

Eugenio Suarez is the only 40-man guy who’s been playing shortstop, but he’s been inconsistent in the field (he committed 36 errors last season) and some think he’s eventually destined for second base. He wouldn’t be an ideal option, especially early in the season, but I could see him getting a shot eventually if he can show some improvement with his already above average AA bat.