Ring Around the Rosters

So last Friday night I took in the Rangers and Angels at Surprise Stadium — a record crowd, don’t you know — with my friend Dan. As we took our seats the P.A. announcer introduced former Tigers reliever Franklyn German. And let me tell you, the man was, as usual, throwing bullets. But this time he was throwing them over the plate.

It got me thinking about other former Tigers trying to latch on to another team (this was after I noticed that two former Tigers, Gary Pettis and Matt Walbeck, were coaching the bases for the Rangers).

I may be missing some names but here’s what I’ve uncovered:

• German, Rangers. Welcome aboard!
• Eric Munson, Brewers. Sent outright to Nashville of the Pacific Coast League (AAA). (I saw him play on Tuesday against the Dodgers; Mike Myers came in to face Munson in the bottom of the ninth and made him look silly.)
• Mike Rivera, Brewers. Welcome aboard!
• Gabe Kapler, Brewers. Likewise.
• Robert Fick, Padres. Released.
• Chris Shelton, Rangers. Sent to minor league camp.
• Jose Capellan, Giants. Claimed off waivers by the Reds.
• Eulogio De La Cruz, Marlins. Sent to Albuquerque of the PCL.
• Cameron Maybin, Marlins. Ditto.
• Dallas Trahern, Marlins. Assigned to minor-league camp.
• Jason Smith, Royals. Still hanging on. (He hit two HRs on Wednesday; one conventional, one inside-the-park job.)
• Mike Maroth, Royals. Still up for a bullpen slot. (In three spring training appearances, Maroth is 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA.)
• Roman Colon, Royals. Sent to Double-A Northwest Arkansas

Proving that there is justice in the world, as of this writing, Jeff Weaver is still looking for work.