Basis for DET Playing Sean Casey. Any Ideas?

[d18Mike]

This is not a rant -- I have no reason to do. Casey was, afterall , just named the "niceset guy in baseball." by his fellow players in an SI Poll. That's heartwarming -- like puppies and bunnies. But why is DET using this guy?

He plays 1B -- where there is a huge pool of talent -- he has zero (0!!!) home runs at a power position. His BA is just slightly above league average and his fielding is just passable.

Again this is not a rant -- but what am I missing here from a strategic or statistical standpoint?

[Dan Lambskin]

could be because he's a career .300 hitter, plays above average defense and they really had no one else in their system or on the FA market to replace him with

[dillpickle]

Also, in Casey's defense, he has only struck out 16 times this year. I wouldn’t discount the fact that he makes contact more then he doesn’t. This was a major, major issue with their offensive problems last year. They couldn’t move runners around, would bash a bunch of solo HR’s, struck out way too much, and had trouble bringing guys home from third with less then two out. A player like Casey does have a role in an offense that has a lot of players that strike out too much.

[savj14]

He's in a slump bottom line. Because he doesn't have a Home Run yet this season does not indicate he should be on the bench. He is a good defensive player, makes contact, and is a good player to have out there. On and off the field he is someone you want on your side.

They really don't have anyone to put at first regardless. Who are they going put there Sheff or Thames?? Not a good option.

I bet he heats up and will become a great second half producer.

[byfrcp]

They really should give Shelton another chance, but Casey provides a Veterens attitude on the field and something tells me that Sheff doesn't really do that. It's not like the Tigers need the extra production anyway.

[IllinoisBandit]

I don't know if I buy the whole makes contact arguement. His contact coupled with the fact that he is possibly the slowest man in professional sports makes him a lightning rod for double plays. He's really frustrating to watch if you're a fan of the team he's playing for.

If he continues to slump I'd expect them to make some sort of move. But it certainly is possible that he heats up and he is capable of hitting .330+ for long periods of time.

[BitterDodgerFan]

seriously shelton would be much more fantasy relevant than the mayor.

GIVE SHELTON ANOTHER CHANCE!!!!!!!!!

[CrashOverrid3]

Personally I think we should try and move (any combo of) Monroe, Casey, Thames, a pitcher Robertson, Maroth, Rogers, Miner or if we have to, throw in Shef for Carl Crawford. This could also give Shelton another shot at first base (he plays good D he just needs to see more Pro pitching), and if that does not work we could just target a 1b in the draft. Most of these guys have 1 year left on their contracts anyhow..

This not only gives us the hardcore speed we need, a left handed bat, and a young stud.

Man I would love to see this trade, but I doubt they will do it

[dillpickle]

What part of Shelton's 3 HR's (212 AB's) and .288 batting average for the Toledo Mud Hens really gets people excited for him to replace Casey? Sometimes I read this stuff and just shake my head and laugh.

[Sp_Da_Man]

It's too bad they can't get one of the OF's to play 1B (Monroe, Granderson, Thames) so they wouldn't have to shuffle all of them around.

Casey is one of the most overrated players out there.