Tigers have plenty of time to fill the DH seat, says Dombrowski – MLB News
While the Tigers’ caravan moves from Comerica Park, Brennan Boesch, Alex Avila and Vladimir won’t be a part of it as the owner and the management wait for the right deal. The Tigers believe they still have enough time to get someone as Martinez’s
replacement. In an interview with a leading sporting website, general manager, Dave Dombrowski said the Tigers still had plenty of time to deal with this challenging situation they are facing right now.
"Opening Day is not until April 5, so we've got plenty of time to deal with the situation," general manager Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday as he discussed the sudden news that Martinez is headed toward knee surgery that is expected to keep him out all season.
"We don't have to rush out there and make a move immediately. Sometimes you've got to digest things and take a look at all of your different alternatives."
With the opening day on 5th April, Dombrowski said the Tigers will take their time before signing on a new designated hitter. Martinez, who batted with authority and control last season, will be missing the entire 2012 season due to knee injury.
He is likely to go through a surgery during his offseason and he is expected not to return to Major League Baseball until 2013.
If the Tigers don’t find the replacement before the opening day, their first baseman, Miguel Cabrera could be asked to perform the designated hitter duties. Cabrera looked in prime form in 2011 as he had one of the best seasons of his career. Batting with
a superb .344 average with 30 home runs and 105 RBI’s, he helped the Tigers win the American League Central division title. For his consistent performances, he was also named as the winner of 2011 AL batting title.
Dombrowski further added that the Tigers were reviewing all the available options and they will make the best possible decision to overcome the nagging issue. However, having spent $104.5 million dollars on just 17 players, the Tigers will be looking to
go for a less expensive deal with one of their arbitration qualified players.
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