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2007 There`s a working theory that Shelton`s hot start--he hit .326/.404/.783 with 10 home runs in April--was the worst thing that could have happened to him. Shelton struck out in 26 percent of his plate appearances from May 1 onward, swinging at any breaking ball in the 313 area code. Although he`ll be 27 next year, the organization regards him more as a prospect than a short-term fix, which means he might stay in the minors rather than sit on the bench as Sean Casey`s platoon partner. The Tigers haven`t given up on him, rather they want him to use the whole field and become a well-rounded hitter. It`s worth remembering that Shelton`s career minor league batting average is .327. 2006 The Rule 5 layoff is supposed to be a big drag on a player`s development, but Shelton didn`t get the memo. Scouts run him down for not being athletic, but there`s a certain level of hitting ability where that stops making a difference and Shelton is way over that line. He`s not a great defensive first baseman, but doesn`t show up as being bad. Comerica Park`s roomy dimensions also didn`t phase him; he batted .316/.367/.541 in Detroit, .279/.351/.475 on the road. Shelton`s future is bright enough for shades. 2005 Rule 5 picks have awfully high injury rates, and Shelton missed about five weeks with plantar fascitis, first on the Disabled List and then on a rehab stint with Toledo, and was used sparingly in Detroit when he was around. The Tigers dispatched him to the AFL to make up for the lost playing time, and he responded by hitting a monster .404/.470/.667. The organization doesn't seem serious about using him as a backup catcher—most of his appearances in the AFL were at DH—and there's less need for an emergency backstop with Brandon Inge also on the roster, but Shelton looks like a legitimate major leaguer based on his potent bat alone.
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