Detroit Tigers Spring Training Report
February 24, 2003
Overview
The big news so far is the new Manager Alan Trammell and his coaching staff.
They have got a goal of having the players physically and mentally ready to play, and are putting to rest last season nightmare. Some of the players were talked to in the offseason and effectively told that the petty stuff that went on last season would not be allowed. Also a number of the players were made to comform to a stern offseason workout program. Tiger will play much better this year looking to win 70-80 games and a lot of them one or two run games.
Fanasty Impact
Closer Matt Anderson and 3rd baseman Dean Plamer have healed from their injurys and are ready to go. Steve Sparks has regain movement and control of his kuckleball, it has been better so far this spring than it was all last season. Bobby Higginson and Dmitri Young are looking to rebound from last year and put up their normal numbers, Carlos Pena is looking to breakout this year and become a fanasty regular. Franklyn German is a sleeper to watch.
Tigers starting lineup i>
CF-Gene Kingsale or George Lombard
2B-Damon Easely
RF-Bobby Higginson
LF-Dmitri Young
3B-Dean Plamer
1B-Carlos Pena
DH-*Eric Munson or Craig Paquette
C-Brandon Inge
SS-**Ramon Santiago or Omar Ifante
Tigers Starting Rotation
Steve Sparks RHP
Mike Maroth LHP
Gary Knotts RHP
Andy Van Henkken LHP
Nate Cornejo RHP or Adam Bernero RHP
Steve Avery LHP***
Closer-Matt Anderson
Closer in training-Franklyn German
Bench
C-Bill Hasselman
3B-Travis Chapman
2B/SS-Shane Halter
3B/DH-Craig Paquette
OF-George Lombard
OF-Hiram Boccachica
Bullpen
Oscar Heriquez RH setup
Fernado Rodney RH setup
Eric Eckenstahler LH setup
Danny Patterson RH long relief
Julio Santana RH long relief
Jamie Walker LH long relief
Chris Mears RH spot starter/long relief
Wil Ledezma LH spot starter/long relief
*There is a small possiblity that the Tigers could outright release Eric Munson because he is out of minor league options.
**Whoever loses the Shortstop battle between Santiago and Ifante, will go to minors because of they are both young. The Tigers at this point feel that the players will benfit most by playing everyday.
***There is a outside chance that comeback story Steve Avery could make the club coming out of springtraining. If he does it would be as a starter. So far he's looking good, it's a question of how long it will take him to regain command of his fastball.
