Jose, Please Say it Isn’t So

Things are not starting out well for Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias.

The infielder is suffering from not shin splints but stress fractures in both of his legs. Iglesias is considered a top upcoming player in all of Major League Baseball. The Tigers obtained Iglesias last year from Boston in a three-team trade.

The Tigers have a new look, with a new manager and staff, a few new solid players and now no electrifying shortstop. That's what Jose Iglesias is--an outstanding fielder with cat-like quickness. He can go left or right as well as anyone in the entire world. But for now he is on the shelf with these injured legs. He will have them reexamined this week, but at best he will be back at the latter part of the season.

Detroit Tigers general manager David Dombrowski said Iglesias will begin the season on the disabled list. This leaves a big void and problem with the Tigers. Do they go out and sign Stephen Drew for $14 million for a year and lose a number one draft pick or maybe trade for Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins, or go with three guys that they already have on the team?

Anyway you slice it, the Tigers have to do something to replace slick-fielding Jose Igesias.