Nebraksa knows turned me onto this article at DetNews dot come by Kurt Mensching, Tigers have the left fielders they need, if they’re used correctly.
For the first few paragraphs, I was agreeing with what Mensching had to say. I don’t think Nick Castellanos is the answer to the vacancy in left field. He’s not pounding AAA pitching, he’s only batting .278. I think that at this point, the best the Tigers can do is platoon and hope Dirks’ bat perks up. If it doesn’t, try Don Kelly. If that doesn’t work, hoping and praying won’t hurt.
The second half of the article, Don’t Forget About Defense, is where I lost any interest in the story.
What should keep Dirks in the lineup is his glove. That’s a far cry from what we’ve come to expect of past Tigers left fielders.
The advanced metrics have painted a nice picture of his game. Those stats take into consideration a number of factors, such as where and how hard a ball is hit as well as the unique configuration of each stadium. Baseball Information Solutions has people watch and “score” every defensive play, then formulas are applied to the results to compare players.
This season, Dirks has been worth eight runs more than an average left fielder according to the Defensive Runs Saved stat. For his career, he has been worth 18 runs.
Using Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games, Dirks again shines. He has been about 17 runs better than an average left fielder this year per that stat. For his career, he has been worth about five runs per 150 games by UZR.
Dirks, at best has been an abomination in left field. I’m thankful when he makes the routine play. Anything more than routine, he won’t come close to. I remind readers again of his embarrassing performance on the last trip to Chicago.
Flashin' Leather 
Chris, I totally agree… Dirks has limited range and below-average throwing arm. He is a great fourth or fifth outfielder, but not a starter or platoon guy.
No answer in the minors, especially Nick C. If I’ve learned one thing about this organization over the past ten years, they are very good at selling the crap they have in the minors. And they somehow get the sports writers to trump up the prospects even more. Seems to work because they keep finding a sucker to take everyone of them. Take Avi Garcia. If he doesn’t learn to lay off the fastball running in on his hands he will have a brief career. Last night he got sawed off every time up.
I say trade Nick C (as a 3B) for a front line second baseman or left fielder. The other ‘stud’ prospect we seem to have is the catcher McCann. We may need him depending on Avila’s situation (both injury and ability). With Nick C, there isn’t anything to see here, otherwise wouldn’t we already be seeing it?
From here on out it should be DK in left, because he will provide the edge in the playoffs. You can sub late in the game if necessary to move DK to another position. Dirks is a sub, just like Tui, and just like Ramon. Subs shouldn’t be getting so much playing time, unless injuries force the issue.
Sark, you can imagine my horrification when that idiot wrote to keep Dirks for his glove. I was thinking, what universe has this guy been in. Dirks for his glove is like keeping Wockenfuss for his speed. That guy must be high!!!
The answer to left field is they don’t have an answer and your analysis above is the best they can hope for.
Keep Dirks for his glove. you might has well throw my fat ass in there for the glove.