Odds and Sods

MLB named Carlos Pena and Dimitri Young as comeback players of the year for the AL and NL respectively. What do these two gentlemen have in common? They are both former Tiger first basemen.

Pena, though a promising prospect in the Minor Leagues, never panned out at the Major League level with the Tigers. He was released in Spring Training of 2006, after having an abysmal spring (hitting .160 with 1HR and 4RBI in 17 games). He signed a minor league contract with the Yankees and spent much of 2006 in Columbus, though he joined the Red Sox at the end of the 2006 season, playing 18 games.

Carlos signed another minor league contract with Tampa Bay, earning a major league roster spot due to a knee injury to Greg Norton. Given the opportunity, he made the most of it. He hit .282 with 46HR and 121RBI in what was by far his best Major League season, finally, at age 29, displaying the consistency to fulfill his ample promise. Were it not for Alex Rodriguez’ monster year, Pena would have been a legitimate MVP candidate.

Dimitri Young was also with the Tigers from 2002-2006. He was the face of the franchise during the dark years, his best coming in 2003 when he hit .297 with 29HR and 85RBIs.

His last year with the Tigers in 2006 was marred with off-the-field problems, including a battle with alcoholism which hindered him both physically and emotionally. He was granted an unconditional release on Sept. 6, 2006, with a month to go in the season.

Young earned the starting spot at 1st Base for the Nationals, after Nick Johnson broke his leg and never looked back. He hit a career high .320 with 13HR and 74RBI, and was elected to his second All-Star game.

Just for fun: 2007 OPS
Carlos Pena - 1.032

Dimitri Young - .869

Sean Casey - .746