The Detroit Tigers will rap up thier Grapefruit League games this week in Florida as anxious fans await the arrival of thier improved baseball team to return to Comerica Park for the season opener.
On Easter Sunday the Tigers battled the Cleveland Indians to a 3-3 tie in ten innings as Tiger manager Jim Leyland sent out some new prospects and some on the bubble roster wanna-bes.
Yorman Bazardo showed a lot of poise on the mound as he continues to fight for a spot on the club. With a solid outing like he had on Sunday, I think the management needs to find a spot for him as he can help the already ailing bullpen and could also be used as a starter when the rotation needs an extra day of rest.
Bazardo retired all nine batters he faced in three innings of work against the strong lineup of the Indians. This spring he has a 3.75 E.R.A. in six games with the Tigers.
Bazardo is battling for the spot with teammate Aquilino Lopez. Lopez has a 1.64 E.R.A. in eleven innings of work giving him a strong chance to take the spot also.
Fausto Carmona gave up a two run homer to Gary Sheffield, then scattered six hits over six innings for his longest start this spring for the Cleveland Indians.
Detroit smacked nine hits in Sunday's match-up, with Magglio Ordonez and Placido Polanco leading the way with two hits apiece.
Curtis Granderson was placed on the 15 day DL, when he broke his finger on his right hand Saturday after being hit by a fastball thrown by Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher Travis Blackley.
Brandon Inge will be the starting centerfielder for the Tigers until Curtis Granderson can return.
Miguel Cabrera the star third -baseman for the Tigers was signed to a 152.3 million dollar contract over eight years ensuring the slugger will be in Detroit for the future.
Tiger designated hitter Gary Sheffield said "It's a testament to what this organization is trying to do." "It says we are trying to win right now,but in the future also." "He's a future- type player." "Anytime you can get a player for that amount of years on this team, you're looking at multiple championships."
LET"S MEET THE 2008 DETROIT TIGERS!
Thirdbaseman:Miguel Cabrera
He has been to the All Star game four times and he's not even 25 Years old. Look for this guy to have 200 hits , 36 homers and an average around .330. Even if Dontrelle Willis doesn't pan out , the trade was well worth it , as the Tigers can keep rebuilding around this slugger.
Firstbaseman: Carlos Guillen
The move from shortstop to third didn't hamper Carlos in the least as he will remain a positive force in the clubhouse this year.The two -time Allstar should see his average climb this year as pitchers will take him forgranted in this powerhouse line-up. Look for Guillen to hit around .320 with around 20 homers and over 100 RBI.
Secondbaseman:Placido Polanco
Placido can flat out hit. Coming off a career year at the plate and in the field, look for Placido to bat around .330, close in on 200 hits and around 80 to 90 RBI. Last year Placido Polanco became the first second baseman in history to play a full season without committing an error.He earned his first All Star selection in 2007.
Shortstop:Edgar Rentaria
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