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In the later part of Spring Training, there were rumors that the Detroit Tigers had an interest in trading for the Seattle Mariners‘ Casper Wells, but the Tigers liked what they saw from outfielder Matt Tuiasosopo, so the they so no real need to pull the trigger on a trade.
Tuiasosopo won the job of backup outfielder and was added to the Tigers’ roster, but the Mariners have now designated Wells for assignment in a move to make room for Jason Bay. This could spur the Tigers’ interest in Wells once again, since he’ll come with a much lesser price now.
The Tigers have Don Kelly to do a similar job as Tuiasosopo, both of whom have the ability to play the corner infield positions as well as second base. Wells would be a slight step up from Tuiasosopo in the outfield due to his ability to hit left-handed pitching. This would seem to put Tuiasosopo on shaky ground if the Tigers can put a likeable deal together with the Mariners. The possibility also exists that Tuiasosopo could be included in a deal with Seattle.
Wells began his career with Detroit in 2010, putting together a .286 batting average, with eight home runs and 29 RBI in two seasons. While with the Mariners, his home run and RBI numbers increased drastically (17/51) but his batting average dipped down to .225 with only a .406 slugging percentage.
If they are indeed interested in Wells, watch for the Tigers to reach out to Seattle quickly, before Wells hits the waiver wire, where the Tigers sit behind every team in their division as well as the Boston Red Sox for waiver claims.
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Michael Collins is a Rant Sports Senior Writer, and Atlanta sports columnist. Follow him @GaSportsCraze on Twitter and here on Facebook
