OT: Andrew Romine, Tigers' Unsung Hero

Submitted by Mr. Elbel on
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/08/03/andrew-romine-the-tigers-unheral… Great story from CBS Sports on Andrew Romine. Dude has been so helpful this year for Detroit. He's played all but two positions for the Tigers this year, and usually done so very well. He's outshined by our stars, but this article does a great job of focusing back on him for the work he's put in to be the most versatile player on the team. Every time he goes out, everyone is rooting for him to do well. Great read for Tigers fans.

jonock14

August 4th, 2016 at 12:53 PM ^

If he's actually used as a utility player, he can spell a bunch of different dudes, fill in most anywhere when there's an injury, lay down a bunt, and maybe steal a bag or two.  Need one of those guys on the team.

Where the hate comes from, and the same thing with old Don Kelly, is that the managers fall in love with these guys and play them more than what their role is.  They are utility guys because they're generally not great at any one position (jack of all trades).  They should not be used as defensive replacements!  Bringing in Romine to play 3rd every time the Tigers are leading is going to kill us in a big game one of these times.  He's not much better defensively than Nicky C (see last night), and if the score gets tied up, you've lost one of your best bats for crucial extra innings plate appearances.  Old Smoky Jim did this all the time with Don Kelly too, drove me nuts. 

jaspersail

August 4th, 2016 at 1:09 PM ^

Last night Romine came in the play third base as a defensive replacement.

First batter of the 9th inning hits a routine ground ball to Romine, who bobbles it briefly and then lobs a throw to first base. The runner beats it by a half step. If Romine throws it hard the runner is out, but he lolli-popped it casually to first.

They called it a hit but it should have been an error (because of the bobble). Castellanos makes that play 10 times out of 10. Play Castellanos not Romine!

ca_prophet

August 4th, 2016 at 3:09 PM ^

Depending on whether you value exceeding expectations or total production. Romine is a utility guy, and it's great that he can play everywhere, but he's not good enough to play everyday, and that means he just can't be that useful. The best versatile players are more in the mold of Tony Phillips, Ben Zobrist, or (maybe) Brock Holt - guys who are good enough to play everyday, good hitters, and good enough at a variety of positions to allow the manager lots of options.