Detroit Tigers: Who will be the Opening Day Second Baseman?

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 30: Alexi Amarista #2 of the Colorado Rockies takes a swing during game two of a doubleheader baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 30, 2017 in Washington, DC. The Nationals won 3-1. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

With the best of their infield prospects in the lower minor leagues, Detroit was looking for infield depth this offseason. To address that, they brought in a few players as non-roster invitees to spring camp.

Alexi Amarista has played more than 700 games in the majors, but is not much of a hitter (.231/.275/.323 career slash line). He also struggled mightily defensively as a utility guy with Colorado last year.

Pete Kozma played just 39 games last year with the Rangers and Yankees, going 5-for-45 at the plate.

Former second round pick Niko Goodrum hit 13 homers at Triple-A Rochester and was a September call-up for the Twins. Upon his arrival however, he went 1-for-17 and was let go by Minnesota in November.

Ronny Rodriguez may have the best offensive upside of this quartet. In seven seasons with Cleveland, Rodriguez launched double-digit homers five times and owned a .262 batting average. However, his walk rate was less then 5%, he struck out four and a half times for every walk, and has not yet cracked the majors.

None of these guys are likely to be in contention for anything other than a utility spot.

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