Lynn Henning

Leyland's problem: Dividing 2 Tigers spots by 5

LAKELAND, Fla. -- It was mentioned Thursday to Tigers manager Jim Leyland that at least one analyst was having a tussle figuring out his roster.

Specifically, it was hard to gauge who might end up with a couple of those final position spots.

Jeff Larish, the left-handed slugger who smashed a couple of home runs in Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals, looks as if he will make it.

Ryan Raburn, who can play every position on the field but shortstop and who always seems to give his manager a good at-bat, would be difficult to jettison.

Brent Clevlen is out of options but remains a multitalented 25-year-old outfield prospect.

Clete Thomas, bigger and stronger and with a faster bat than he had in 2008, figures to be part of Leyland's deliberations as he completes his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

And then there is Marcus Thames, who Thursday displayed why he is entering his sixth season with the Tigers. His mammoth home run onto the concrete pavilion beyond Marchant Stadium's left-field fence traveled at least 425 feet and reminded everyone why Thames remains a regular bet to bust up a game with his Paul Bunyan-brand power.

The catch is that those five players are competing for probably two positions.

"We can't figure that out, either," Leyland said, acknowledging in his office before Thursday's game that he -- and his front-office bosses -- face serious conversations ahead of Opening Day. "You can make a (case) for every one of 'em.

"It will not be based on spring training alone, or on history. It'll be what's best for the 2009 Detroit Tigers."

What the Tigers no doubt hope is that various teams will soon begin burning up Dave Dombrowski's cell phone. The Tigers president and general manager never reveals anything, but it is safe to assume he has had his share of trade discussions about Thames and Raburn, who projects as an exceptional National League player because of his versatility and the double-switch options he can fill in a league with no designated hitter.

Larish has been on his share of Most Wanted lists across the majors and was nearly dealt in December when the Tigers thought they had landed closer J.J. Putz from Seattle.

Larish, though, is a left-handed hitter of immense potential who has shown he can play third base and the outfield, as well as first base. The Tigers likely won't be soon parting with Larish.

Thomas has minor league options remaining, while Clevlen, who has had problems with strikeouts, hasn't hit enough to have earned adequate interest in a second-round draft pick.

Class of his own

Thames is a different story altogether. His ratio of home runs per at-bats (13.52 since 2006) is the fourth-best among any American League player. He hit 25 homers in 316 at-bats in 2008 and 26 in 348 in 2006.

Commit to giving Thames 500 at-bats and you can speculate that he would hit 35 or more homers and drive in 120 runs.

There are a couple of reasons teams haven't been knocking down Dombrowski's door. It has been theorized by the Tigers, and obviously by other teams, that Thames wears down and loses his edge if used regularly. His batting numbers tend to tumble during the season's second half, which provides credence to that belief.

Thames also is considered, fairly in this view, a below-average defensive outfielder.

So why does that matter when a guy can break up a game as often and as quickly as Thames?

Good question. One we'll see answered in the next month.

You can reach Lynn Henning at (313) 222-2472 lynn.henning@ detnews.com.