DETROIT -- Offensively, Mike Aviles has not been a black hole for the Detroit Tigers. His defense is another story, but as a bench player, he has given the team what they've needed. He is not a power hitter and don't expect him to be a Gold Glover in the outfield, but his offensive contributions have not been as futile as previously thought.
For the first two months of the year, Aviles was of little help, offensively or otherwise. He had just six hits, one RBI, and two walks. He struck out 13 times in 19 games, 10 being starts.