Baltimore — Niko Goodrum has had a solid month to reflect on all the things that haven’t gone his way this season.
His run as the Tigers’ every day shortstop lasted about 30 games last season, even though he ended up being a Gold Glove finalist. The Tigers needed to see if Willi Castro could handle the position so Goodrum was back in a utility role.
He wasn’t given much of a chance to win the shortstop position back this year, even when Castro faltered and was moved to second base, because the new coaching regime puts a premium on versatility and versatility is Goodrum’s biggest asset.