Craig Monroe - Professional Career

Professional Career

Monroe joined the Detroit Tigers organization on February 1, 2002, when he was selected off waivers from the Texas Rangers. He played his first full season in 2003, hitting 23 home runs.

On July 19, 2006, Monroe hit a grand slam home run off Javier Vázquez of the Chicago White Sox that was decisive in the Tigers' 5–2 win. At the time, both teams were locked in a tense struggle for the lead of the American League Central division. Monroe called it "by far the biggest home run I've ever hit."

On August 17, 2007, the Tigers designated Monroe for assignment. On August 23, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later. Monroe played with the Cubs for the remainder of the 2007 season. The Tigers received Clay Rapada to complete the trade. On November 13, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named later. On August 1, 2008, Monroe was designated for assignment by the Twins and released on August 8.

Monroe signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on January 13, 2009. Monroe was added to the major league roster at the end of spring training. Monroe was designated for assignment on June 20 to make room on the roster for Steve Pearce. Monroe was released on July 1.

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