I never got a chance to put together my thoughts about what the Tigers should do with Ugueth Urbina and the apparent glut of arms in the bullpen. Jeff at Tigerblog had asked the question. And yesterday he was dealt with infielder Ramon Martinez to Philadelphia for infielder Placido Polanco, who will take over second base.

There is much that can be said. Urbina did a great job (converted all eight save chances) in the asbsence of Troy Percival, who has to stay healthy now. Perhaps that increased his trade value.

However, if he wanted to be a closer, this deal doesn’t make sense. He’ll be setting up for Billy Wagner. He’s still stuck in the 8th inning.

And Polanco is a much more established offensive player than Omar Infante, but he’s not a prospect, which is what many (like Tigerblog) figured the Tigers would want. Perhaps its filling a bit of the void left by the injuries to Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen.

Oh, and the Philly Inquirer’s headline on the trade story: Phils finally deal Polanco. Perhaps this deal is more about getting out of this situation you’re in, rather than getting into the one you want.

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