Written by Josh Worn | 03 January 2011

Reports from Jon Morosi of Fox Sports suggest that the Tigers could be looking at adding former Blue Jay and Giant outfielder Fred Lewis. According to Morosi’s twitter account the Tigers have had some talks about signing Lewis this offseason and with the Reds apparently close to a deal with Jeremy Hermida, they would no longer be interested in Lewis, and the Tigers could become his next potential suitor.

My initial thoughts on this included a slight roll of the eyes. If the Tigers need to sign anyone else it would be a starting pitcher, and if they really wanted to “sign someone”, a look at second base, or even a backup catcher would make more sense than another rubber bat.

With Austin Jackson and Magglio Ordonez patrolling center and right, left field is the only position without a true starter, and that will be decided between the tantalizing trio of Ryan Raburn, Brennan Boesch, and Casper Wells.

With that in mind you would have to conclude that Lewis would not be considered a starter at all, but a valuable bench option: a player with speed, some pop in his bat, and a flashy glove who can relieve those in need (left field I’m looking at you) in the late innings.

In the end, think about it this way, the Giants won the World Series last year and had about 7 outfielders signed in September. At the right price (cheap) Lewis would be worth it. He would add depth and insurance. How bad would it be if Ordonez gets injured again? What would happen to Miguel Cabrera?

Unfortunately for Clete Thomas and Danny Worth, Fred Lewis would be a much better option off the bench, and for that, he would be worth adding to the club.

we'll leave you with Lewis's career stats: