ESPN.com’sPower Rankings have the Tigers starting the season at 25 and predict a 72 win season.
Barring a stiff summer-long breeze to left field, the Tigers won’t have a 40-homer slugger at Comerica Park, though a 100 RBI man would be welcome. Instead of star power, Detroit’s strength comes in numbers from a lineup stacked with hitters who can drive the ball into the gaps and punish pitchers in clutch situations.
Well, lets hope they can.
as far as calling a game, he does a good job, and he always comes up to you after innings and makes sure we’re on the same wavelength.
If Weaver is getting along with Rivera, this can only be a good sign. Also, a catcher who can call a good game will be a huge asset this year. Last year we kept hearing from Warthen and Garner about poor pitch selection, yet they always let Inge/Fick/Cardona call most of the pitches.
Associated Press Tiger Preview
There’s definitely a new-and-improved atmosphere around the Tigers, but even so, some of them wonder whether that will last if this turns out to be a ninth straight losing season.
SportingNews.com: Elements of Hardball: Intensity
Weaver throws a lot of smack for a pitcher with a career record of 33-43 and a 4.57 ERA. But his combination of sinker, fastball and overhand curve are good enough that he could develop into a legit ace.
Tigers still content with Macias at center (last paragraph)
Palmer’s arm still isn’t right. Plus, Randy Smith and Phil Garner have a difference of opinion about Matt Miller. Miller gave up 5 rus against the Yankees the other night.
Garner said it was unfair to judge the outing because Miller was pitching out of his role. He’s a situational lefty who will be required to face mostly left-handed hitters.
“It’s not his job description to face right-handers,” Garner said.
But it is his job to get hitters out, which is the point Smith made Thursday.
“I know his role is to face left-handed hitters,” Smith said. “But I haven’t seen him get people out yet.”
“It’s not his job description to face right-handers,” Garner said.
But it is his job to get hitters out, which is the point Smith made Thursday.
“I know his role is to face left-handed hitters,” Smith said. “But I haven’t seen him get people out yet.”
CBS SportsLine picks the Tigers last in the AL Central – worse even than the Royals!
We will drive our cars within radio distance of a Detroit Tigers broadcast, tune the dial to Ernie Harwell and treat ourselves a final time to a three-hour poetry class. After more than half a century at the microphone, this is Harwell’s final summer. Losing his voice will be like losing the crack of the bat or the pop of a fastball in the catcher’s glove.
While this isn’t directly related to the Tigers, it will help get us in the mood for the new season.