Detroit released Damion Easley two days prior to the start of the season, despite the fact his contract requires them to pay him $14.3M over the next two years. In some circumstances, the benefits of freeing a roster spot justify releasing a player, even one with a sizeable contract. However, the Tigers made a poor choice.

Easley's production dipped last season, but that decline can clearly be traced to his injury problems, which should not carry through to this year. The 33-year-old should rebound this year and likely would have been one of the more productive hitters on a team struggling for offense. However, Easley's replacement is unlikely to exceed even the numbers Easley put up when injured in 2002.

Given the Tigers aren't in a position to compete for the playoffs this year, I support their taking action to build for the future. I would not object strongly to losing Easley's production, if the move made sense in the larger scheme of things. Unfortunately, Omar Infante and Ramon Santiago don't even benefit from starting in the majors this year.

The Tigers quickly moved Infante through the lower levels of the system, so while he's spent a full season at AA and another at AAA, he still needs additional time in the minors. His performance at AAA last season clearly indicates he is not offensively ready for the majors. Meanwhile, Santiago also should return to the minors after skimming AA and AAA. Neither player is likely to benefit from attempting to develop their skills in the majors. Nevertheless, Detroit awarded them the starting second base and shortstop positions, which led to Easley's relegation to the bench. Manager Alan Trammell did not feel Easley fit on the bench, so he was released.