I wonder if Scherzer is seeing more $$$-signs, do to the Kershaw signing. Rumors about Nelson Cruz being the power bat thats missing from the Tigers lineup...he is available. The new look Tigers infield, defensively, could benefit Porcello...he's just got to get the ground balls.
Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson and starting pitcher Rick Porcello have each reportedly agreed to one-year deals with the Tigers, thus avoiding arbitration for 2014. Andy Dirks signed earlier today.
hes gonna be a very important to the teams success. Its imperative he stays healthy, I would think hes gonna be the one to replace Benoit. I really wish we couldve brought him back, he was great in the setup role. Him and Nathan on the back end wouldve been lights out
Yes, and I think your right. He must stay healthy. I kinda like what he can bring a little more than Benoit, al though when benoit was on his game he was pretty good. The long ball was his down fall, and they usually happened in some pretty critical situations.
The Tigers need to avoid rushing JV back too early. After reading this article, it seems likely that they won't.
Your right, they wont. Basically, they cant and from what im reading they wont have too. Personally, I think he will be ready. I read today that he is scheduled to throw for the first time since core surgery, this coming Monday. What ive read recently from DD, is that he would actually be more surprised if JV wasnt ready by the start of the season. I get the feeling personally, that as stringent as Verlander is, when it comes to working out and staying healthy, and all the good work ethics that he appears to have, he will be just fine. There is no need to rush thing, for sure...its a long season.
Last season Victor Martinez started out slow but came on as the season progressed. Now with Martinez entering the season being healthy, he should put up good numbers. Here's hoping that V-Mart goes out with a nice new ring on his finger.
Those are two good articles, mlmeng. They make great points, and Martinez and Smyly are definitely going to be key in the Tigers overall success. Martinez being healthy and staying that way is going to be the factor that will lead to decent run production for the Tigers. He's a pure hitter and one of the best 2 strike guys around. He knows how to make a pitcher work. Smyly, I have a feeling, is going to be just fine, and it sure will be nice to have a lefty going every 5th day. He's good and only getting better. I cant wait to get this thing started. Spring ball will be very interesting. Im curious how Jackson handles the bat. He reminds me of someone who just needs to relax...hope he figures things out.
That is one of the reasons why Doug Fister became expendable. Only one football game remaining...bring on Spring Ball.
The Tigers pitchers and catchers reported today...it wont be long now. I heard Victor Martinez showed up already to get an early start.
LAKELAND, Fla. -- If the Detroit Tigers really want Justin Verlander to throw 40 pitches during a bullpen session, they should tell him to stop at 39. Verlander threw his third bullpen session of the week Saturday morning as Tigers pitchers and catchers went through their second full day of workouts. He threw 41 pitches -- one more than he was scheduled to throw -- and said it went very well. "It felt good," Verlander said. "Really, it's kind of getting to the point where I don't even feel anything in my hips or my groin. Everything feels good. I'm starting to just completely forget about it and focusing on getting my arm ready."
LAKELAND, Fla. -- For the third consecutive year, former Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers has been invited to spring training as a special instructor for the Tigers. Rogers, who has attended camp the past two years as a guest of former Tigers manager Jim Leyland, was officially extended an invitation from Brad Ausmus last month. Rogers, 49, is expected to join the team next week and will work with pitchers on fielding, holding runners and pickoffs. He joins former Tiger legends Al Kaline and Willie Horton as the team's only special instructors on staff attending camp this year. Ausmus said he "toyed with the idea" of inviting several other people to camp as special instructors, but decided against it. "There were a couple names in my mind, but ultimately, I decided that with a new staff here, it's probably better to stick with that group for this year," Ausmus said. "You don't want too many cooks in the kitchen."
