Now, its well known throughout the world, that Stephen Ostrowski and I don't agree on much. He made points in his Tigers Blog, good ones like the catching situation, and the dependability of our starting pitchers.
Starting with catcher. Gerald Lair is a good defensive catcher, he'll get the job done. Signing him opens up 3rd base for Brandon Inge, who came close to a Gold Glove 2 years ago. He might not put up monster offensive numbers, but Pudge wasn't exactly hitting the ball well to say the least.
Pitching--
Our rotation consists off--Bonderman, Verlander, Galaraga, Jackson, and either Nate Robertson, or Dontrelle Willis. I like the sounds of that. Bonderman was hurt last year yes, but all signs point to him being completely healthy. Verlander didn't do as bad as his number point to. He often lacked run support, and bullpen support. Galaraga was the most consistent last year, and Edwin Jackson helped lead the Ray's to the World Series last year. It is still to be seen if Nate or Dontrelle can return to form from a few years ago.
The bullpen is stronger than last year, and the offense is still stacked.
This team has poise, experience, youth and most of all, hunger.
So to my good friend Stephen, I'll see you at Comerica...in October.
The Lions were terrible last season, terrible is being nice. I don't even know where to begin with how to fix this team, but I feel like their on the right road. Jim Schwartz brings a new swagger of professionalism to the head coaching position, and with him he bring experienced coordinators. But the next step is players. The draft is in a couple months, but free agency is first. Build the trenches is what I say. Titans DL Albert Haynesworth is a free agent. Get him! He has ties with the head coach, and who better than the Lions to become a star and lead the team. The Lions can afford him, and I would hope, they would at least consider the move. And if not, make a splash some where else. The draft is a toss up, but free agency has proven players. Make it happen.
UPDATE 2/27/09
Albert Haynesworth Signs 7Yr/100Mil Deal with Redskins
Ladies and gentleman, baseball season is around the corner. And yet again, I find myself with high expectations for the Tigers. I'm a life long Tigers fan. I've been through the tough times, (at times, very tough times) and I've been through the great time, like winning the pennant a few years back.
So here's my Tigers season preview.
We added very little to the offense this year, but really, the offense wasn't the problem. It was pitching. We added a closer, to replace Todd Jones. Joel Zumaya is back, and healthy. Fernando Rodney has had the whole off season to think about how to pitch again, and we added a new starter to the rotation from the Marlins, Jackson. Bondo is back, Galaraga and Verlander are still young, and their are many more young pitchers in the farm system to look forward to (Porcello, Perry...)
The fact is, I think Dave Dombrowski did a good job, not spending all the money on big names, and just filling in the holes. Adam Everett is a good SS, and Carlos Guillen will do fine in LF. Sheff will play DH, which should benefit him.
Overall, I see a good season, contrary to Fox Sports, who ranks the Tigers 25th.
According to Nate Robertson, whom I spoke to at BD's Mongolian BBQ, The Tigers should have a good season.
Tigers will win the Wild Card.
If not..their could be big changes.