Comments on Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers reported for spring training today.

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sam444
I agree wholeheartedly that the Tigers appear to have a power-packed lineup that can also hit for average.  I'll be very disappointed if they don't lead the Majors in hitting this year.  But I think 120 wins is beyond their reach with all the questions surrounding the pitching.  Pitching is what let the Tigers down last season.  I'll gladly settle for around 100 wins and a trip to the playoffs with a shot at the World Series.  I'll also be sad if Inge becomes one of the departed.  He may never become a high average hitter, but he does hit with some power and he's an excellent baserunner.  It's also hard to belittle the value of a guy who would have been the starting catcher if Pudge had not come along.  He's developed into one of the better third-sackers in the league and proved he can play all three outfield positions as well.  That kind of versatility always pays when the inevitable injuries and slumps come along for the starters.

posted by notapoet on February 22, 2008 at 1:24 AM | link to this | reply

I agree, BC-A
Rather than dwelling on past indiscretions, baseball and Congress should just accept the fact that what's done is done, lay down realistic penalties and testing procedures to inhibit future cheating, and get on with life rather than spending valuable time and money dragging us all through the mud again and again.  Forgive and move on so that we can get back to the fun that baseball should be.

posted by notapoet on February 22, 2008 at 1:14 AM | link to this | reply

This team is so loaded with talent that Caberra may be hitting 7th and he had a .332 average last year. I hear Inge wants to be traded so he can play everyday. He needs a higher batting average. Floating around .245 for most of the year means he can be counted on less than once for every four plate appearances. I think this team can win 120 games this year.  sam

posted by sam444 on February 16, 2008 at 6:18 AM | link to this | reply

 Baseball was the All-American sport. Let's get back to basic fun. The players play good enough without hormones.

posted by BC-A on February 16, 2008 at 4:14 AM | link to this | reply

Thanks, growler
I don't keep up as well these days either.  It was easier when I had a gig as a sports columnist with the freedom to write about anything I wished as long as it had something to do with a sport in season.  Naturally I called the column "In Season" and had a ball writing it.  Then the powers that be said they only had space for local events except for golf and NASCAR.  Since I had no great love for either that was the end of that job.  There was only so much I could say about local high school sports without going batty over the repetition.  I wish the Nats luck.  I think it's great to have a team back in D.C.  Though I'm a lifelong Tigers fan I used to keep up with the old original Washington Senators.  Hated it when they left.  Here's hoping the Nats are still alive and kicking when the next century rolls around.  And a little side wish of my own for more day games, too.  I blame all the night games, weekday and weekend, on TV.

posted by notapoet on February 15, 2008 at 9:56 PM | link to this | reply

I don't follow the game like I used to, but I wish the Tigers luck.  I like the way that they built their team.  It is the model Baltimore should have used when they built Camden Yards.  My Nats have a new stadium.  Can't wait to go there, though I wish they had more than two weekday day games.

posted by growler on February 15, 2008 at 9:31 PM | link to this | reply