Detroit Tigers: 3 surprise cuts, 2 surprise additions to the Opening Day roster

OF Akil Baddoo

Baddoo getting sent to Triple-A wasn't necessarily surprising to me personally, as I had him just missing out in my final roster projection, but to some Tigers fans it could be a bit of a shock. Kerry Carpenter just beat him out in the end.

Baddoo ended up with three home runs and an .800 OPS in 48 at-bats this spring, while Carpenter had the same amount of homers with a .940 OPS in 51 at-bats this spring. The Tigers seemed to like Carpenter's power potential more than Baddoo's ability to create chaos at the moment.

This in no way means the end of Akil Baddoo as a Tiger. It would be very surprising if he doesn't get any at-bats in Detroit this year. In fact, he may get the call-up quickly in the event of an injury or if Carpenter struggles.

One thing that definitely looked improved for Baddoo this spring was his defense. He took much better routes and looked more comfortable out there. I can't say the same for Carpenter, which is why I was so hesitant on giving him the spot over Baddoo.

I could easily see Baddoo crushing it in Toledo before getting the call. Don't give up hope on him just yet.