Kevin

Hooper

It’s that time of year. After taking over on the mound, Hooper, who spent some time in July with the Tigers, retired Bobby Hill on a grounder to first, struck out Jorge Velandia swinging and got Paul Chiaffredo to ground to third for his first save.

Hooper, who played in six games for the Tigers in July, hit .240/.291/.304 in 313 AB for Toledo this season. He turns 29 in December, so he’s a poor bet to have a career as a utilityman.

Hooper, 28, hit .240/.291/.304 in 313 AB for Triple-A Toledo last season. He’ll likely play for the same club in 2006.

Not that it really matters, but Gookie Dawkins would have been a better choice. Hooper, who was hitting .246/.313/.283 in 187 AB for Toledo, may only stick around until Jason Smith clears waivers and is eligible to rejoin the Tigers.

Hooper went 1-for-5 in six games for the Tigers.

Hooper, once a decent prospect for Florida, spent time with three Triple-A clubs last season, ending the season as a member of the Royals’ organization. The 28-year-old won’t be a candidate to make the Tigers.

The Tigers wanted another reserve onfielder with Carlos Guillen hurting. Hooper, who saw some action with the Tigers in 2005, hit .276/.309/.327 in 504 at-bats with Toledo this year.

The Yankees claimed Hooper off waivers from the Marlins on May 26. After batting just .189 in 74 AB for Triple-A Columbus, the 27-year-old will clear waivers this time.

Hooper used to be a pretty good infield prospect, but he was a disappointment last year and he was hitting just .277/.335/.323 in Triple-A this season. He should clear waivers.