Detroit Tigers Spring Update: Guillen Finds More Comfort at First Base

The Detroit Tigers lost to the Cincinnati Reds Monday. Johnny Cueto had a solid outing, overcoming a rough first inning with four solid ones to give the Reds a 5-3 victory in Sarasota, Fla.

Texas league singles by Placido Polanco and Edgar Renteria gave the Tigers an early 2-0 lead, but Cueto shut them down in the next three innings. Both Jim Leyland and Dusty Baker were impressed with the outing by the rookie Reds pitcher.

Crafty veteran Kenny Rogers went five innings for the Tigers, giving up two runs on six hits, striking out one. Denny Bautista continues to impact the bullpen with another scoreless appearance, giving him 10 and 1/3 shutout innings in seven outings this spring. We will definitely need his 95 plus fastball in the bullpen this year.

Starting first baseman Carlos Guillen seems to be getting more comfortable at his now everyday position. His bat hasn't been affected at all, as he busted out two hits, and his defense was superb, as he made some dazzling plays at on the right side of the infield. Guillen continues to be a great leader in the clubhouse—that's why we call him the Captain.

Should we be worried about Jeremy Bonderman? Right now no.

The Tiger hurler is still working on his mechanics and new pitches. Bonderman still has one of the best sliders in the game and is learning a changeup to improve his arsenal of pitches. After coming off the arm injury he has to learn his mechanics all over again, which is why coach Chuck Hernandez is working him so hard.

Spring Training is what it is: a place to look at new prospects while the everyday players stretch their legs and try new things to help their ball club be a contender. Don't put your Easter eggs in the Grapefruit League basket. Save the worrying for when it counts ...Opening Day.

Tiger manager Jim Leyland was thrilled with the perfomance of Bonderman's sinker, saying it was the best he has seen in a long time even though Bondo's overall performance was sub-stellar. He gave up two runs on five hits and three walks in four and 2/3 innings.

Leyland, however, was unhappy with lefty Tim Byrdak's outing. He gave up six runs, six hits, and one walk in the sixth inning of the 9-1 rout between the Washington Nationals and the Tigers on Tuesday. Byrdak seems to still be making rookie mistakes, leaving the ball up for hitters to blast out of the area code.

I say bring in someone to keep the ball down and in the park.

Marcus Thames will be platooned in left field, right field, and at first base to become one of the Tigers' utility men.

I am predicting Jaque Jones will become a powerful threat against right-handers, getting his home run stroke back from two years ago.

Fernando Rodney will officially start the 2008 on the DL.

Stay tuned for more updates as Spring Training continue. Go get 'em Tigers!