Detroit Tigers 2009 "Always a Tiger"
Alan E. Moses
May 31, 2009
We of the "Always a Tiger" fan base know in our hearts that the Tigers that we have loved for a lifetime will not let us down. A pitching staff that is number one in the American League. The most explosive hitting team in hiding this season has yet to yet to show its true colors. Thames and Guillen yet to contribute.
We must rely on Larish, Thomas and Anderson to pick up the slack. Now that Thames' rehab is almost complete we see Clete Thomas give that extra inch. He wants to stay as the extra outfielder. Once Guillen returns it will be up to Anderson and Thomas. Josh has the needed speed on the base paths the Tigers lack. Thomas is a 5 tool player who does everything well but none giving him the edge.
Dave Dombrowski has been known as a General Manager that seeks out pitching prospects. Just like 2006 he again has given the Tigers two arms that to this point have done well. Rick Porcella and Ryan Perry. both under 23 years of age and both able and willing to play at the Major League level.
With proven stars Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrea, Justin Verlander, Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco this Tiger team should return to the ALCS this season. The pitching staff is solid overall. And the addition of former Twins pitching Guru, Knapp has shown to be the right choice. Leading the American League the Tigers are again restoring the Roar to Motown. J. Verlander, E. Jackson, R. Porcella, Gallaraga and Willis all starters who are above the average have given the 2009 Tigers a chance to return to the ALCS in 09. If one of the starters should falter Jeremy Bonderman is seeking to return.
The Bullpen is one of the strongest as Zach Miner does long duty. Lefties Seay and Robertson provide the one or two innings needed and even one batter situational relief required from the left side. Rookie Ryan Perry, Veterans Lyon, Zumaya and Rodney complete the Bullpen.
Inge at 3rd, Evrerette and Santiago sharing the shortstop position, Palanco at 2nd and Cabrea at first gives the Tigers a quality infield that ranks at the top of Baseballs fielding averages. Gerald Laird settles in with Sardinia as a backup while the Tigers have two above average catchers. The outfield has Curtis Granderson holding fort in center while Thomas,Anderson,Ordonez, and Raburn, fill the voids as we await the return of Thames and Guillen who will give this years Tigers a much needed power punch.
If these Tigers don't make it into the 09 Playoffs look for Ordonez and Guillen to be moved. Its a business and so it goes.Bonderman or Willis will leave before the end of this season. As with the Redwings owner Mike Illitch wants and builds winners. He has not forgotten Tiger fans. He himself loves baseball more than all other sports. He played in the low minors this is his personal goal. He will give Detroit a winner in Baseball as he does in Hockey.
We must rely on Larish, Thomas and Anderson to pick up the slack. Now that Thames' rehab is almost complete we see Clete Thomas give that extra inch. He wants to stay as the extra outfielder. Once Guillen returns it will be up to Anderson and Thomas. Josh has the needed speed on the base paths the Tigers lack. Thomas is a 5 tool player who does everything well but none giving him the edge.
Dave Dombrowski has been known as a General Manager that seeks out pitching prospects. Just like 2006 he again has given the Tigers two arms that to this point have done well. Rick Porcella and Ryan Perry. both under 23 years of age and both able and willing to play at the Major League level.
With proven stars Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrea, Justin Verlander, Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco this Tiger team should return to the ALCS this season. The pitching staff is solid overall. And the addition of former Twins pitching Guru, Knapp has shown to be the right choice. Leading the American League the Tigers are again restoring the Roar to Motown. J. Verlander, E. Jackson, R. Porcella, Gallaraga and Willis all starters who are above the average have given the 2009 Tigers a chance to return to the ALCS in 09. If one of the starters should falter Jeremy Bonderman is seeking to return.
The Bullpen is one of the strongest as Zach Miner does long duty. Lefties Seay and Robertson provide the one or two innings needed and even one batter situational relief required from the left side. Rookie Ryan Perry, Veterans Lyon, Zumaya and Rodney complete the Bullpen.
Inge at 3rd, Evrerette and Santiago sharing the shortstop position, Palanco at 2nd and Cabrea at first gives the Tigers a quality infield that ranks at the top of Baseballs fielding averages. Gerald Laird settles in with Sardinia as a backup while the Tigers have two above average catchers. The outfield has Curtis Granderson holding fort in center while Thomas,Anderson,Ordonez, and Raburn, fill the voids as we await the return of Thames and Guillen who will give this years Tigers a much needed power punch.
If these Tigers don't make it into the 09 Playoffs look for Ordonez and Guillen to be moved. Its a business and so it goes.Bonderman or Willis will leave before the end of this season. As with the Redwings owner Mike Illitch wants and builds winners. He has not forgotten Tiger fans. He himself loves baseball more than all other sports. He played in the low minors this is his personal goal. He will give Detroit a winner in Baseball as he does in Hockey.