5 Changes Detroit Tigers Fans Absolutely Love

If you're a Tigers fan, welcome back to baseball!

And if you're a Red Sox fan, sorry baseball is back.

After the three game sweep of Bobby Valentine's Boston Red Sox the Tigers are exceeding even the loftiest preseason expectations. The beauty of the series was that every game was won a different way: in a blowout, in a pitcher's duel, and in a shootout.

I'm sure the Boston pitching staff wished they still allowed beer in the clubhouse after this series.

Detroit fans have seen already changes in this edition of the club from last year's remarkable season. Of course, everyone can (and probably will) tell you that the monster off-season signings were huge, but here are five promising changes that Tiger faithful saw on opening weekend.

5. The Scoreboard That Could Light Up Detroit

You think your 50 inch high definition television is sweet? Well stroll on down to Comerica Park and check out the park's newest toy out in left field.

This 6,000 square foot video board is the fourth largest scoreboard in baseball and displays full color on one giant screen instead of the three smaller screens in place last year.

One perk: The Dunkin Donuts race is a lot more exciting on the new screen, but I think that's because a 50-foot cup of coffee really catches my eye.

The novelty of the board is eye catching. It's the biggest addition to the park since it opened in 2000, and in a year that will have more replays than ever this new video board is a great addition.

They just need to make sure Miguel Cabrera doesn't break it.

4. Cabrera Is Loving Life Right Now

When you played sports back in the day, your mom or dad probably told you to "have fun" as you went to take the field. It sounds corny, sure, but Miguel Cabrera is showing everyone that having fun can really improve your play.

Once Tiger's owner Mike Illitch shelled out the money to get the new Prince of Detroit, Miguel Cabrera practically wrote himself in as the third baseman immediately after the signing. He simply didn't care that first base wasn't his anymore, because an accomplished new partner in crime in Prince Fielder was coming to town.

Now that he has another teammate that can pulverize a ball you can just see how much more fun Cabrera is having on the diamond. Whether it's having a good friend in the clubhouse or being happy that he is on a World Series contender, he is having a blast out there.

The first time I saw Cabrera's new attitude is during opening day when he caught a foul ball in probably the least graceful way possibly. He overran it and fell on his behind but got up smiling because he knew how ridiculous he looked.

During the 10-0 beat down on Saturday Cabrera hit one of the 162 homers he is on pace for. It was initially called a double, so he waited patiently on second until the call was overturned before smiling to himself and trotting around the bases.

Last season Cabrera probably was enjoying himself, but this year he looks happier than a fat kid trapped in the Hersey's factory.

Who knows, maybe mom and dad were right. At least Miggy's start seems to suggest as much.

3. Duane Below Is on Pace for 108 Wins

Now will this happen? No, of course not, but the Tigers are happy to have a reliable long stint reliever/spot starter for the season.

Below came in and pitched 2 1/3 inning on Saturday, surrendering only one hit and recording two strikeouts.

Below, Andy Oliver, and Drew Smyly had battled for the fifth spot in the rotation, with Smyly coming out on top.

Now that Below is in the bullpen he can work to get back on top while logging more games than a starter would. Sure, he hasn't pitched three full innings yet, but he is still a promising arm that could come out of the bullpen and possibly take over for Doug Fister while he rests on the disabled list.

Seeing Below go out and win games, no matter how long he pitches, is a change that no one in the Motor City can possibly complain about.

2. Oh Yeah, Prince Is a Change Too

How can we forget the obvious here? Prince Fielder's swinging a bat is the worst thing to happen to baseball's since Bud Selig's signature made its way on every ball. His swing is so vicious it might as well be rated PG-13.

Once Victor Martinez went down with an ACL injury the Tigers went out and had themselves their biggest free agent signing since Ivan Rodriguez signed in 2004. After the ink dried on Fielder's contract the expectations were already in place, and so far he has done nothing but put a smile on Mike Illitch's face.

In three games he has hit two home runs and brought in three RBI, and even though the season is still young, it shows he will not have a slow start by any means. He still has a lot to do to live up to his $214 million contract, but he's definitely on the right path.

1. Austin Jackson's Swing Change Produces Tears of Joy

If I didn't know any better, I would think Austin Jackson is halfway to his hit total from last year.

Starting off the season with eight hits and three strikeouts in 14 at bats, it is clear that Jackson made a change for the better in the off season. Instead of that over-the-top leg kick to start his swing he adapted a short, smooth leg kick that makes his stroke more crisp and efficient.

Last year the Tiger's lacked a few luxuries, and a lead off hitter was definitely one of those missing pieces to the World Series puzzle. Jackson's strikeout average was nearly 60 points higher than his actual batting average, and any casual baseball fan knows that is inexcusable, especially for a lead off hitter. Now with a hot start, he has gives Detroit an optimistic look for the season.

Not to jump the gun, but his new swing combined with his stellar fielding could make him one of the best center fielders in the game. It will be interesting to see if Jackson can keep it up the rest of the season, but he appears to have a new attitude at the plate.