Tigers acquire backup catcher, Mahorn joins Shock coaching staff
Here’s a couple of breaking news updates from the Associated Press.
Tigers acquire C Vance Wilson from Mets
The New York Mets traded catcher Vance Wilson to the Detroit Tigers on Thursday for minor league infielder Anderson Hernandez.
Wilson will back up Ivan Rodriguez in Detroit. In 67 games for the Mets last season, he hit .274 with four homers and 21 RBIs, and threw out 11 of 32 (34 percent) runners who tried to steal.
“I’m thrilled to now be a part of the Detroit organization,” Wilson said in an e-mail interview. “To get the opportunity to play with a team and for a staff that has the same hard-nosed attitude that I play with is exciting. I’m looking forward to the change and helping the Tigers win the division.”
In 267 games in the majors, the 31-year-old Wilson hit .254 with 17 home runs and 92 RBIs.
“Vance Wilson is a professional backup catcher,” Tigers president Dave Dombrowski said. “He is one of the best in the business at his role in addition to being a quality individual in the clubhouse.”
The Tigers also announced pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in Lakeland, Fla., on Feb. 17, and their first workout will follow the next day. The rest of the team reports on Feb. 21, with the first full-squad workout following the next day.
Mahorn joins fellow Bad Boy Laimbeer on Shock coaching staff
Rick Mahorn will join the staff of Detroit Shock coach and fellow former Pistons “Bad Boy” Bill Laimbeer.
The Shock announced Thursday that Mahorn will serve as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.
When the Pistons won their first NBA championship in 1989, Mahorn and Laimbeer were notorious for their rough-and-tumble style on the court.
My view: Good move by the Shock. Mahorn has alot of experience and knows how to play the game. Also a good move by the Tigers. This frees up Inge to play center or third full-time and not have to worry about catching.
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