Detroit Tigers Spring Update and Analysis for 2008

Looks like Pudge has his swing back as he continues to clout homers in spring training leading the Grapefruit League with 8 this year. Look for this Hall of Fame catcher to hit around .280 with 30 or more homers and over 100 RBI as he looks as strong as ever for the 2008 season. Batting eighth in the line-up should give him a lot more run production as the bases should be full of Tigers this year .

Pitchers:

RHP:Justin Verlander

The ace of the Tigers' pitching staff, Justin Verlander will have another stellar season for Detroit. Justin pitched his first career no-hitter on June 12 of last year. Look for Justin to have another great season, winning 18 to 20 games for the Tigers and keeping his ERA under 3.00. Can you say Cy Young?

LHP:Kenny Rogers

We will need Kenny to bounce back from injuries this year if the Tigers are to make a run for the pennant in the AL Central. This crafty veteran showed good form throughout spring training this year. At 44 years old I really do not know what to expect from Kenny in 2008. As long as he stays healthy we can hope he has flashes of the brilliance he had in 2006. Look to have him scratch out at least 10 wins this year, if not  the Tigers championship season could be  in jeopardy.

LHP:Nate Robertson

I can really see Nate winning 15 to 17 games for the Detroit Tigers this year, mainly because whenever he pitched , the run production was down and he would lose games 2 -1 or 3-2 having pitched great games. His ERA should remain under 4.00 as the powerhouse line-up should produce enough runs for him to win. This workhorse is a tough competitor and this year will prove to be one of his finest seasons in his career.

RHP:Jeremy Bonderman

Bondo is one pitcher I can't wait to see pitch this year. We all hope for a nice comeback for Jeremy this year. Although struggling through spring , Jeremy with the help of pitching coach Chuck Hernandez,  have been working on new pitches and mechanics, developing a nasty sinker ball to compliment an already wicked slider as well as a change-up. Thats a lot for a young 23 year old to sponge in. If Jeremy continues to harness these new pitches you will see a 20 game winner in no time. I expect Bondo to have 12 -15 wins this year as long as the control is there. We know the run support will be there. Lotsa luck Bondo.

LHP:Dontrelle Willis

Dontrelle Willis is another pitcher who struggled through spring, getting shelled in almost every outing this year. His problem? CONTROL! This guy has a fantastic movement on his fastball, but he is throwing it so it breaks right over the heart of the plate. I hope Coach Hernandez can get this guy straightened out for this season or it could spell doom for Detroit. Okay,calm down and take your blood pressure meds. Look for Dontrelle to get much of his old form back with 8-10 wins for 2008. But not really the quality starter the Tigers were looking for.

RHP:Yorman Bazardo

A nice surprise for the Tigers in 2007 having an ERA of 2.28 in 11 games. He will have a spot in the bullpen to start the season , but I expect Tiger Manager Jim Leyland to put him in the starting rotation as soon as one of the questionables falls flat. At 22 years old this kid can throw with the best of them. Keep your eye on this kid in 2008.

RHP:Denny Bautista

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