We Have Spring It´s Time Tiger Baseball
Alan E. Moses
March 16, 2008
After years of drought those in Detroit are again hopeful as owner Mike Illitch plays his magic to build winners as he has done with Hockey´s Red Wings. He hires the best starting from the top in general manager Dave Dombrowski whose track record proves his credentials. Illitch understands that to make a winner you must spend money and he has. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez was the first to legitimize this long suffering franchise. Dombrowskis signed right fielder Magglio Ordonez when others thought he was washed up. The Santiago for Guillen trade was a coup as we now have both in place.
Soon followed Kenny Rogers and Palanco who have proven their worth as Kenny brought pride back to Detroit and Palanco is proving to be one of the best second baseman in baseball with the bat and glove. Then this last winter he brought in Jaque Jones who can hit for power and has an above average arm, Edgar Renteria who has a potent bat and is rated as above average at short. Then everyone was stunned as Dombrowski traded for 3RD baseman Miguel Cabrera and the D-Train Dontrel Willis. Bringing in more power to the offense and a pitcher whose future is expected to be bright.
The Tigers have the most potent offense in Baseball from top to bottom in the field and on the bench. The Starting pitchers are considered the best group of 5 with Justin Verlander leading the pack. The only weakness is the pen as injuries have taken their toll. Zumya and Rodney are both hurt and this leaves a void that newcomers Bautista and Crucetea may fill. Long relief is sold with Grilli and Miner as is left handed specialists Seay and Byrdak. With the Roller Coaster Todd Jones closing we do have questions. This is where the only weakness is. Innings 7, 8 and 9.
There is also the question of Brandon Inge who claims not to want to be a distraction yet is. He can play 3RD with the best of them and is adequate in Center and Left. He is also rated as a good catcher yet revolts when he is asked to play there. Marcus Thames has proven power and is a good outfielder and learning to play first. A question mark is if Vance Wilson can return to form to backup Pudge behind the plate. And with his availability in question Vance leaves a hole.
The one thing that Tiger fans who have suffered for many years can see is that since manager Jim Leyland showed up there is a drive for winning. He is not the "My Way or Highway" type as he allows the talent to grow naturally. He is the ultimate baseball psychologist as he blends the young talent such as Granderson with Sheffield, Verlander and Rogers. He has the ability to place the player into the position for the most success.
The team to beat for Detroit is Cleveland once accomplished the rest should be easy. Boston should dominate the East as The Angels and Mariners should battle it out in the West. The Tigers should be supreme despite the bullpen problems.
When you look at the Tigers offense on paper there is no match. This lineup is expected to create 1000 runs plus. An average of 6 to 7 runs a game is expected. The new Murders Row. To lead the majors in Doubles, Triples and Homeruns is not out of the question. Add in Leyland´s National League style of steals and hit and runs this should be an historic year. The only factor is to keep the offense in focus as Jim well knows. There is no want of being lazy. Move the runner and score the runner is priority one with each at bat.
The only question is the late inning bullpen as Zumya and Rodney will not provide the once dominate roll they once played. And we must ask if Todd Jones can save another 30 plus. Despite all of these negatives the fans of Tiger Baseball should witness another Illitch, Dombrowski and Leyland exciting year. We Tiger fans should be happy as again this triad will bring us another great summer of baseball.
Soon followed Kenny Rogers and Palanco who have proven their worth as Kenny brought pride back to Detroit and Palanco is proving to be one of the best second baseman in baseball with the bat and glove. Then this last winter he brought in Jaque Jones who can hit for power and has an above average arm, Edgar Renteria who has a potent bat and is rated as above average at short. Then everyone was stunned as Dombrowski traded for 3RD baseman Miguel Cabrera and the D-Train Dontrel Willis. Bringing in more power to the offense and a pitcher whose future is expected to be bright.
The Tigers have the most potent offense in Baseball from top to bottom in the field and on the bench. The Starting pitchers are considered the best group of 5 with Justin Verlander leading the pack. The only weakness is the pen as injuries have taken their toll. Zumya and Rodney are both hurt and this leaves a void that newcomers Bautista and Crucetea may fill. Long relief is sold with Grilli and Miner as is left handed specialists Seay and Byrdak. With the Roller Coaster Todd Jones closing we do have questions. This is where the only weakness is. Innings 7, 8 and 9.
There is also the question of Brandon Inge who claims not to want to be a distraction yet is. He can play 3RD with the best of them and is adequate in Center and Left. He is also rated as a good catcher yet revolts when he is asked to play there. Marcus Thames has proven power and is a good outfielder and learning to play first. A question mark is if Vance Wilson can return to form to backup Pudge behind the plate. And with his availability in question Vance leaves a hole.
The one thing that Tiger fans who have suffered for many years can see is that since manager Jim Leyland showed up there is a drive for winning. He is not the "My Way or Highway" type as he allows the talent to grow naturally. He is the ultimate baseball psychologist as he blends the young talent such as Granderson with Sheffield, Verlander and Rogers. He has the ability to place the player into the position for the most success.
The team to beat for Detroit is Cleveland once accomplished the rest should be easy. Boston should dominate the East as The Angels and Mariners should battle it out in the West. The Tigers should be supreme despite the bullpen problems.
When you look at the Tigers offense on paper there is no match. This lineup is expected to create 1000 runs plus. An average of 6 to 7 runs a game is expected. The new Murders Row. To lead the majors in Doubles, Triples and Homeruns is not out of the question. Add in Leyland´s National League style of steals and hit and runs this should be an historic year. The only factor is to keep the offense in focus as Jim well knows. There is no want of being lazy. Move the runner and score the runner is priority one with each at bat.
The only question is the late inning bullpen as Zumya and Rodney will not provide the once dominate roll they once played. And we must ask if Todd Jones can save another 30 plus. Despite all of these negatives the fans of Tiger Baseball should witness another Illitch, Dombrowski and Leyland exciting year. We Tiger fans should be happy as again this triad will bring us another great summer of baseball.
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