It’s pretty clear that the Tigers don’t have big plans for newly acquired Billy Buckner.
Yesterday Dave Dombrowski described the right hander’s role in the organization thusly:
“He gives us depth at Toledo.”
Didn’t they say the same thing about poor Mike Hessman?
Given Buckner’s numbers — a 6.56 ERA for the Diamondbacks in 29 games (16 starts) in parts of three seasons — and a 0-3, 11.08 ERA record this season, you can’t argue with the Tigers doing nothing more than simply plugging a roster opening at Toledo with Buckner. And, because tonight’s starter, Armando Galarraga, appears set to stay in Detroit for a while the Mud Hens needed a body.
So, play along as we noodle the idea of Buckner arriving in Detroit some time this summer. Is he as bad as his stats would indicate?
dailyfungo.com 