Marcus Thames will continue to wear the Olde English D

Another signing was announced by the Tigers late this afternoon. Marcus Thames, he of the Ruthian power stroke and a knack for (I'm going to say it, though the sabers disagree such a thing exists) clutch home runs, agreed to a 1 year, $1.275 million contract with the Tigers.

The winter of Jon Paul Morosi continues, as he has the contract details at the Freep...

The Tigers agreed to a one-year, $1.275-million contract with outfielder/first baseman Marcus Thames on Thursday, leaving them with only two unsettled arbitration cases before Friday’s deadline to exchange figures.

The deal also includes a $25,000 performance bonus if Thames makes 500 plate appearances.

Thames, 30, has become a valuable part-time player for Detroit, with 44 home runs over the past two seasons. His penchant for clutch hits has made him popular among fans, as evidenced by the loud ovations he received during the Tigers’ winter caravan earlier this week.

I'm thrilled to hear that the Tigers still have Thames in their 2008 plans, as it was thought he may be trade bait. I've always said, and will continue to say, that if a team gave Thames 600 AB's, may only hit .250, but he'll hit 40+ bombs. That's born out by his 44 home runs in 597 AB's over 2006-07.

Thames will continue to terrorize Central Division
middle infielders as a Tiger

It's obvious that Jacques Jones will get the majority of time in left field, as the Tigers have a paucity of left hand bats in their lineup. But the idea of a Jones/Thames platoon has a great deal of merit, and I'd love to see Jim Leyland do so in left field.

I'd expect the Tigers to continue using Thames as they has the past 2 seasons, splitting time at LF and 1B, and occasionally spelling Gary Sheffield as DH. He'll get his 300+ AB's, slug .500 and hit 25 or so home runs. Not bad production from your 4th outfielder. Not a bad signing by Dave Dombrowski, either...