Detroit Tigers could sign Alex Avila as a replacement for Victor Martinez – MLB News
With Victor Martinez out for the entire next season, Detroit Tigers could sign Alex Avila as a designated hitter. Martinez, who was absolutely brilliant for the Tigers last season, is out of the team due to a serious knee injury. According to a leading sporting website, the left handed striker will have to go through a surgery before he return to Major League Baseball.
The Tigers, on the other hand, will be certainly feeling the pressure after losing their key player. Martinez made useful contributions last season to let the Tigers win the American League Central title.
His absence from the batting line-up means that Jim Leyland will have to get a replacement to fill in that slot. The Tigers are considering quite a few options. However, having spent more than $100 million on their payroll already, they will be looking to go for less expensive deals.
Price Fiedler, who is struggling to get a long term deal, made himself available for the DH position but the Tigers turned him down due to lack of funds. Dave Dombrowski is likely to sign a deal with one of their arbitration eligible players.
"Hitting behind Miguel is definitely an important job because of how dangerous a hitter he is," Avila said. "I think as a competitor and as a baseball player, you welcome any challenge. I think that would be fun if Skip put me back there. I'm sure he's already been playing around with lineups and stuff like that, whether it's any one of us he's going to put there or thinking if they're going to sign somebody to bring in. If he puts me back there, I would definitely welcome it and try and do the best I could."
Avila produced decent performances in 2011 season. Batting with .295 average with 19 home-runs and 82 RBI’s, he looked in supreme form during the regular season.
However, he was unable to participate in the playoffs after he experienced tendinitis in both of his knees. He will be looking to stay healthy and fit for the entire season to change the course of his career.
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