Detroit Tigers: It Is Extremely Early, but Trading Cameron Maybin Looks Like Right Move

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Apr 12, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers player Andrew Romine (right) receives congratulations from Tyler Collins (18) after hitting a grand slam home run in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Romine

For years, much of Andrew Romine’s value has come from his ability to play multiple positions.

Since joining the Tigers in a trade ahead of the 2014 season, Romine has played every spot on the field except for catcher.

That being said, he hasn’t always been a force at the plate.

Romine entered the 2017 season with 386 games plated, 844 plate appearances and just 19 doubles and six home runs.

The veteran tinkered with his swing in the offseason and has been just that, a force at the plate.

Entering Wednesday, the utility ace was hitting .500 with four hits in eight at-bats.

Of those four hits, three were doubles. Additionally, Romine came around to score four times as well.

That was before Wednesday.

Romine crushed a Kyle Gibson pitch in the fourth inning for a go-ahead grand slam against the Minnesota Twins.

The four-run shot, which Romine also followed up with a single later in the game, represented the veteran’s first grand slam.

After the grand slam, Romine had more RBI on the season than Adam Jones, Joey Votto and Ben Zobrist.

He also had more extra-base hits than Kris Bryant and Carlos Gonzalez, not to mention more home runs than teammates Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, as well as Mookie Betts and Evan Gattis.

Romine obviously isn’t going to hit .500 and out produce Cabrera all season, but his improved offensive play has been key for the Tigers so far.

Moving forward, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him draw more starts.

He could also garner more playing time at other positons—shortstop and right field—where the Tigers aren’t getting above-average offensive production.

In Conclusion

The decision to trade Cameron Maybin was a smart one by the Detroit Tigers front office.

Next: First AL Central Power Rankings of 2017

If Jones and Romine can continue to produce over the course of the 2017 regular season, the club should regain their status as a playoff team—they’ve certainly played like one to start the year.

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