With a couple days til opening day I guess it is time to make futile predictions of how the Tigers will do. My guess is 63 wins. I used a complex formula to arrive at this. Basically, my inputs were the overall lack of proven talent on the roster, and the fact my heart wouldn’t let me predict a 100 loss season. I think Minnesota will run away with the division and they could push 100 wins. I just don’t think the White Sox will be that good, and Cleveland is still a year or two away. I’m also picking the Twins to win the AL and then lose to Houston in the World Series.

Given that the looking at the Tigers prospects of winning is depressing, here are some of the things that I would like to see to consider this a “successful” season:
-Dean Palmer is healthy enough to play 130 games
-Bonderman finishes with an ERA around 4.50 or less, and his pitch counts are tightly monitored
-Matt Anderson makes the most of his few save opportunities, and becomes a valuable enough commodity to garner 2 good prospects (and German shows enough that Anderson becomes expendable)
-The corner infielders (Munson and Pena) each chip in 25+ homers
-Brandon Inge becomes a .250 hitter

Tom Verducci predicts Eric Munson will be AL Breakout Player

Tigers announce starting rotation Nate Cornejo and Gary Knotts join Maroth, Bonderman and Bernero. Also, Mat Wallbeck won the back-up catcher position over Bill Haselman

Baseball America on Chris Spurling

Van Hekken to Triple A and Avery to Minor League camp Also, the Tigers acquired another rule 5 pitcher-Chris Spurling- from Atlanta for minor leaguer Matt Coenen. Spurling will pitch long relief.

Trammell has decided to go with a 12 man pitching staff, and he has set the rotation which will be announced later today.

Rob Neyer: Tigers better be careful with Bonderman

Bonderman tops Gammons’ list of hot rookies

Easley benched, requests trade

Bonderman made the team, Easley lost his job
The rotation is is 3/5ths set: Maroth, Bonderman, and Bernero will be the top 3 in the order and Cornejo has the inside track on the 4th spot. Also, Ramon Santiago will replace Damion Easley at second.

Taking the Tram

Who is going to make this team? Just taking a quick stab, I came away with this:
Locks:
-Carlos Pena
-Damion Easley
-Craig Paquette
-Dean Palmer
-Dmitri Young
-Brandon Inge
-Bobby Higginson
-Mike Maroth
-Steve Sparks
-Matt Anderson
-Franklyn German
-Julio Santana
-Jamie Walker
That’s 13 so there are still 12 to go. Either Omar Infante or Ramon Santiago will be playing short (I’m guessing Infante). Also, Eric Munson is a near lock due to the fact he is out of options, and will definitely not clear waivers. Plus, his play at third has improved and does anybody really expect Palmer to play a whole season (in the field, or just period)? Then we need a centerfielder. Andres Torres has played too well not to make the team. He’s hitting .400+, and while only one of his hits has been for extra bases, his approach has become that of a leadoff hitter and he’s just trying to put the ball in play. It also appears that Gene Kingsale will make the team. Throw in a back up catcher (Walbeck or Hasselman) and the roster is up to 18. Seven slots to go, and we only have 6 pitchers. I believe Nate Cornejo, Jeremy Bonderman, and Adam Bernero will join Maroth and Sparks to fill the rotation. Wilson Ledezema and Matt Roney are Rule 5 pick-ups that will probably fill out the middle of the bullpen. There are two spots left, and Hiram Bocachica and George Lombard are still unaccounted for. Due to Bocachia’s ability to play middle infield as well as outfield, he is probably secure. Then it will come down to Travis Chapman or George Lombard. Considering Palmer, Munson, Young and Paquette are available to play 3rd, Travis Chapman will probably be left out.

So that’s my guess at what the opening day roster will look like. This could easily change if the Tigers trade for, or pick up another starter. It won’t surprise me to see the Tigers use at least 45 players again this season (not counting Sept 1 call-ups). Andy Van Hekken and Gary Knotts will definitely get starts this year, and Shane Loux will probably also spend time with the team. Ernie Young and Cody Ross will probably get some time in the outfield, and whoever loses the shortstop battle initially will still get significant playing time this year.

The search for starting pitchers