Detroit Tigers Links: An argument for and against Stephen Drew, Go-Go Cats & Moya sent down, but for how long?

Oct 30, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew (7) cannot get to the single by St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Matt Carpenter (13) during the third inning of game six of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers Would Be Wise to Pursue Stephen Drew – Brad Faber, Rant Sports

"Drew may not be Iglesias with the glove, but his defense is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Last season, while playing for the Boston Red Sox, Drew committed just eight errors in 124 games at shortstop and has a lifetime .979 fielding percentage at that position. Moreover, Drew would also give the Tigers a veteran left-handed bat who has the ability to hit .250-.270 with 12-15 home runs, which would certainly be an improvement over the offensive numbers that Iglesias was projected to give the Tigers in 2014."

Detroit Tigers: the Jose Iglesias fallout – Joe White, ISportsWeb

"Aside from the fact that the Tigers have already declared their team-record $160M Opening Day payroll ‘maxed out’, and how damaging signing Drew (projected 1-year deal between $9-12M) would be to that number, Drew is no star on the field.He’s a solid defender, but nowhere near the caliber of Iglesias. His defensive WAR in ’13 was 0.6. Believe it or not, Peralta’s was 0.7. So align your expectations accordingly if the Tigers go this route.He’s an ok hitter. He batted .253 with 13 homers for the BoSox last year, striking out 124 times in 442 at-bats. To his credit, he did draw 54 walks."

So we have a pro-Stephen Drew and an anti-Drew. Where do you stand? The Tigers didn’t want to have this problem (or the problem in left field), but here it is with just 14 days before Opening Day. I wouldn’t fault the Tigers one way or another if they stand pat or grab Drew, however I’m not sure anyone they throw out there–Eugenio Suarez (who has looked decent), Hernan Perez or Danny Worth would do a worse or better job than Drew and they wouldn’t cost a first round draft pick and likely $8 to $10 million. If I were the GM, I’d stand pat. Of course, I’m no Dave Dombrowski…

Detroit Tigers taking full advantage of ‘green light’ freedom, finding plenty of success on bases – James Schmehl

"Be aggressive on the basepaths, Ausmus has preached since Day 1. And so far, through 18 games this spring, the Tigers have listened to their first-year manager, having already swiped a major league-leading 22 bags this spring."

The Tigers stole five more bases in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Washington. I’m liking this new style, however it will be interesting to see if the high level of thefts continue in the regular season or if the Tigers are just seeing what they can do when the pressure is off and the results don’t count.

Detroit Tigers prospect Steven Moya sent to Double-A, but maybe not for long – Anthony Fenech

"Moya didn’t make the team. He was optioned to Double-A Erie on Friday. But if this spring’s performance is any indication, and if the Tigers’ praise for the youngster rings true, he’s going to make the team someday. And that day might be coming sooner rather than later.“You could make the argument that he was the MVP of the camp,” Ausmus said. “We certainly think the ceiling is high for him.”"

Moya was a story because of the long odds for a guy to make an Opening Day roster after only spending time in Single-A the year before. It probably was never going to happen, but his sharp rise is a story to watch this season. There is a very good shot Moya will be in Detroit this year, the one question is will it be before the September call-ups?