A Touch of Green

In taking in the recap of yesterday's Spring Training game in the Free Press, I read with wonder that Don Kelly was playing first base for the Tigers in the fifth inning, and made a diving stop to rob an Astros player of a hit.  I must admit that I was like um, Don Kelly was playing first base for the Tigers?  Who in Blarney's name is Don Kelly?  Is he playing for the Tigers today because it's St. Patrick's day?  (He may well not be Irish, I really don't know.)  I apologize for my ignorance of this bloke. 

Let's remedy that now.   Kelly was drafted by the Tigers in the 8th round of the 2001 draft (Baseball Reference).  He's only played a handful of games in the bigs, in 2007 with the Pirates.  He was signed as a free agent in 2008 by the Diamondbacks, but is now a non-roster invitee with the Tigers.

To says he's a light hitter might be a bit of an understatement.  He hit .148 with the Pirates in 2007 in 25 games and 27 ABs.  He did hit .275 in the Diamondbacks' minor league system last year over 436 ABs in 124 games.

He's got some speed, swiping 23 bases for Toledo and Erie in 2006, but only stole 2 bases last year.

Anyway, halloo Don Kelly, and may the luck '0 the Irish be with you.