Greetings all. This thread will give us an opportunity to review the Tigers lineup as we aee it before the world returns to us March 31. We now 9 positions are set(the lineup) and that Leyland wants to carry 10 pitchers. That leaves a 5 man bench: I've chosen Inge, Rayburn, Thames, Santiago and Perez, (if wilson isnt ready.)

The key to this season is twofold: Health and Inge. Personally, I believe we should trade him, so that shef will be distraction enough.

So, here we go. The 2008 Tigers Player profile...

TODAY: CF-CURTIS GRANDERSON
The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=434158)


AS HARD AS IT is to believe, Granderson is baseball's most exciting YET most underated player in baseball. He had a season last year that was only achieved by 4 players EVER! EVER! I said EVER!!!!! So there is no way he can duplicate that year. But i expect HIM to be consistent and clutch. He is the ultimate leadoff hitter and last year made the best paly a Tiger centerfielder has ever made (CLICK ON GRANDERSON PLAY OF 2007). If he hits .300 and cuts down his strikeouts to under 100, there is no way he wont be an MVP candidate again. There is no way, Sizemore is better than our guy.

Prediction: AVG: .309 HR: 25 RBI:69 2B: 44 3B: 15 SB: 33

It will be tough to keep Inge happy, but I hope they keep him. He could be a super reserve with his athleticism and versatility. And if I were Inge, I'd stay. Good chance to get a ring here.

TODAY: PLACIDO POLANCO

The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=135784)

LEMME tell yall about this guy. Here's my list of the greatest second basemen I have ever seen:

1. Joe Morgan
2. Ryne Sandberg
3. Lou Whitaker
4. Rod Carew
5. Placido Polanco

POLANCO MAY HAVE HAD THE GREATEST YEAR OF ANY 2ND BASEMAN IN THE LAST 34 YRS SINCE mORGAN'S BACK TO BACK mvp SEASONS. (Caps brainlock). The last AL MVP at 2nd base was Nellie Fox in 1959. Polanco had a season last year that was better at .341 avg/200 hits/and 0 lemme repeat ZERO ERRORS at 2nd BASE! Even if they DID count the 1 the scorers took away, that still makes only ONE! Unbelievable.

This year in Spring TNG, he's at a robust .500 avg. This is a man's man and this year he WILL get his due. A batting title and a top 3 MVP vote.


PREDICTION: AVG: .355 HR: 7 RBI: 70 2B: 45 3B: 5 ERRORS: 2

This is a man's man and this year he WILL get his due.
He also has really nice teeth and a fantastic smile.

He also has really nice teeth and a fantastic smile.
doesnt he, though??/....ahhhh!

Someone might come in here and say he doesn't have enough power.
Why only 67 RBI ? If you bat .305+ ?

But will Lou Whittaker ever make it to the HOF ??

But will Lou Whittaker ever make it to the HOF ??

Highly doubtful.

Someone might come in here and say he doesn't have enough power.
Why only 67 RBI ? If you bat .305+ ?
Because the bottom of the lineup wont be as productive....

But will Lou Whittaker ever make it to the HOF ??
I looked up all the 2nd baseman to play from 1970 til 2000 and no one had a doubleplay-combo in the same uniform streak as trammell/whitaker. if baseball is this 'pure' game it's selling itself to be , then the story of this great longetivity story should be told.

TODAY: GARY SHEFFIELD- DH

The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Stats: Individual Player Stats (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=det&playerID=122111)


Still one of th most dangerous hitters in the AL. A lightning quick bat with a keen eye, Gary is the Big Poppi of this lineup. His production is the key to strong starts neccesary by Ordonez and Cabrera. Although, age has creeped up on his little nagging injuries, Shef will be alright if he is limited to DH duties. People also seem to forget his intense leadership as he had 22 stolen bases, his highest since 1990 when he was with Milwaukee.

I could GO either way on what could be considered a good season for Sheff.
But the key stat to me will be OBP. The more he gets on base, the more AB's for O and Cabrera.

PREDICTION; AVG: .281 HR: 31 RBI: 91 OBP: .375 2B: 36 SB: 15

I could GO either way on what could be considered a good season for Sheff.
But the key stat to me will be OBP. The more he gets on base, the more AB's for O and Cabrera.

PREDICTION; AVG: .281 HR: 31 RBI: 91 OBP: .375 2B: 36 SB: 15

Wow. If he has that good a season, Tigers fans will be very impressed. He's almost as big a question mark this season as the bullpen. I wonder if his shoulder will hold up. He's having leg cramps right now I think.

Hopefully we won't need to depend on him too much. Last year when he died the team died too. We killed teams for 3 mo last year.

Need pitchers to step up this year. Key member is Bonderman. He needs 17 wins to finally have that breakthrough year, and to play to his potential. Next most important pitcher is Zumaya. Gotta stay healthy, and near the strike zone.......Our hitters will be fine.

It was weird last year, we had the best offense [on paper] but after Sheff went down no one could get a clutch hit. And Bondo just went in the tank and fumed.

Wow. If he has that good a season, Tigers fans will be very impressed. He's almost as big a question mark this season as the bullpen. I wonder if his shoulder will hold up. He's having leg cramps right now I think.
Is it his time of the month???:MusicBigGrin:

Need pitchers to step up this year. Key member is Bonderman. He needs 17 wins to finally have that breakthrough year, and to play to his potential. Next most important pitcher is Zumaya. Gotta stay healthy, and near the strike zone.......Our hitters will be fine.
I aint got to the pitchers yet..."Stay in focus"...:MusicBigGrin:

RF- MAGGLIO ORDONEZ

The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=120044)

Let me just say right now...Maggs , i owe you a nice butt kiss. For two years, i did nothing but talk about how this was the worst clutch hitter in AL history. Then ,,..bottom of the 9th vs oakland A's in 2006 AlCS..3-3 tie..2 men on...POW!! .the 2nd most beautiful home run that I ever seen (Kirk vs Padres and Goose ind 84 is so Number 1 it aint funny)Ever since..he's won a batting title(.363) hit in the clutch(.429 with RISP) hit 54 doubles and was predicted by the sporting news to be 2008's MVP.

Maggs has gained the same charisma and city ownership that Chauncey recieved after his 2004 MVP finals. HE is now Mr tiger and I think he will have a better season in 2008 than last year eevn with lower numbers. also, as bad a outfielder as he was last year he did only make 1 error.


I luvs u maggs.

PREDICTION: AVG: . 339 HR: 33 RBI : 122 2B: 45 obp: .400

My mother outlaw Loves Maggs hair. This is her newest favorite Tiger. She's been following since long before Harwell. She'll be 89 this season.

ok...worked 3 days overtime this weekend . Time to catch up.....

TODAY: MIGUEL CABRERA, CARLOS GUILLEN , EDGAR RENTERIA


CABRERA: The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=408234)

The guy most responsible for me having a 'week' of great sex in December. This kid is one of the 5 'cant miss' hall of famers under 25 in baseball. And we have 2 of them now (with Verlander). He's about the size of Albert Belle for those of you who havent seen him close. If we keep him healthy (eating wise) he will be a MVP candidate the next two years. The great thing about him is that he has a great attitude and he does NOT have to be a key to this team. Defense will be shaky, but do you care about a guy with 20 errors if he hits 40 homers?
i don't....
PREDICTION: AVG: .331 HR: 40 RBI: 118( only because Shef and maggs will stEAl some of his thunder...lots of solo shots) 2B: 44 3B: 5


GUILLEN; The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=136722)

TO ME, this is the new Al Kaline of this team. He graciuosly moves over to the first base recognizing a need for stability and neccesity to better himself and his team. He has the smoothest swing in the AL since George Brett and is also primed for his best year ever just because pitchers will be worn out by the time you get to him. Baseball is a very mentally tough game and I cant see more than 6 pitchers in the AL 'tough' enough to deal with this lineup for 9 innings. I'm not sure about his D at 1st though. We'll see. But its like the Ol UNLV Rebels. Lets just get back to the plate.

PREDICTION: AVG: .316 HR: 25 RBI: 97 2B: 36 3B:8

RENTERIA: The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=121074)

AND I WAS giddy when we got THIS guy B4 Cabrera/Willis got here. If anything it gave the pitching confidence knowing a goldglove winner would team would Polanco to form baseball's best DP combo sans Utley/Rollins in Philly. Edgar is another Leyland guy and will give us a solid 140 games and some break ins at DH, 3b and LF. If he and Polanco play 140 games together, Tigers will go 90-50 in those games EASY!

OH, BTW...last year, EdRen hit .3freekin32!!!



PREDICTION: AVG: .303 HR: 11 RBI: 75 2B:31 3B: 5 SB:9

The guy most responsible for me having a 'week' of great sex in December.
I'll never understand how you manage to fit this information into your posts.

And no, I don't want to know how it is relevant. :D

We've got kids on here...

His post for this team are so flowery and positive he's making me gay for this team.
And if either one of us are lyin' were dyin' !!!
How about some scheving poignant negativity for Max.

Here's some appetizers for you on our pre season so far.

Home run leaders (both AL and NL for all these stats)
#1- Pudge, 6
T2- Guillen, 5
#6- Granderson, 4
T14- Thames, 3

Holy cow. Maggs, Cabrera, and Sheff aren't even trying yet and we are still dominating the power list.

Total hits. #2- Polonco with 20 already, 1 off the lead.

Walks- #14- Brandon Inge. This was his weakness right? He went after bad pitches. Well, so far he's had the best eye on the team and his average is very high so far.

I'll never understand how you manage to fit this information into your posts.

And no, I don't want to know how it is relevant. :D

We've got kids on here...Basically, I just live vicariously through my own imagination......


...and to the kiddies: CRACK IS WACK!!!!!!:gun1:

Basically, I just live vicariously through my own imagination......
I do too, I just have less going on in the romantic department.... :P

CATCHER: IVAN RODRIGUEZ

The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=121358)

He's a hall of famer...nuff said. And on this team, he can be the LEADER that this team needs, because his offense will be secondary for the first time since he got here. All we need is his gold glove defense and ability to tame the pitching staff. He will bat 8th and against lefties , he will bat 1st. Count on it. The next two years will be Pudge's last ride as a starter and I believe he will go out with a bang.


PREDICTION: .281 AVG 16 HR 65 RBI




LEFT FIELD: JACQUE JONES
The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150218)

OF all the Tigers who will have good years, Jones' good year will be the most shocking. He will be most effective on defense, but very prodective on offense. Probably the best 9th place hitter ever. His left handed bat will be used in the 5 hole more than you think as well.

Very good pickup....very good


PREDICTION: AVG: .308 HR: 14 RBI: 55 2B: 33 3B: 7 SB:11

.308 for Jaques Jones? That's nutty.

I'm guessing he settles in at .260.

If you are right, then we are going to win 120 games.

.308 for Jaques Jones? That's nutty.

I'm guessing he settles in at .260.

If you are right, then we are going to win 120 games.

Did u look at JJ's career stats? Last year was his first injury season so he hit only 5 hr's. Before that in 7 yrs , he hit 160!! 160!!

Thats why I said he'll have the 'surprise' year. He wont HAVE to hit homers, so I think by cutting down his swing, I'll take the.300 over the 24 hr's.

Hey, I'm the baseball king, kiddo.:pound:

I attributed the drop off to the increased scrutiny of the performance enhancing drugs. It's a little strange that his average stayed exactly at .285, yet his HR's dropped from 27 to 5.

I guess I will concede that you are right and will hit over .300. Done deal.

http://www.snyderscandy.com/images/ty/sb_plankton.jpg (javascript:popupWindow('http://www.snyderscandy.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=350&zenid=b6c589f6ddaf5d1ca9d971bbbb57c41a')) YES! YES! WORSHIP MEEEEE!
(new avatar request bossman!)

I do too, I just have less going on in the romantic department.... :P


Scoe.......with all the time in front of the computer, do you even have time for a sandwich?:)

PITCHERS: STARTERS


JEREMY BONDERMAN The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Stats: Individual Player Stats (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=det&playerID=425827)

tHE INIGMA WITHIN THE INIGMA. i WISH I COULD SHOW BEFORE ALL HIS S TARTS AND KICK HIM IN THE PANTS. HE'S GOT TO GET ALL first inning wows out of his system. He needs to grow a beard or long hair or something that makes him a stronger pitcher. he has tremondous stuff, but this is his last chance in Detroit. Less than 17 wins is not acceptable. I think he'll pull it off.


PREDICTION: W-L: 19-12 ERA: 3.45 IP: 255 K'S : 215

19 and 12, I hope is arm don't fall off. I'll go 17 and 9, 3.99 ERA

19 and 12, I hope is arm don't fall off. I'll go 17 and 9, 3.99 ERA
This offense will totally relax the pitching staff.


TODAY: JUSTIN VERLANDER The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Stats: Individual Player Stats (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=det&playerID=434378)

I truly believe there is nowhere else for him to go. He is 35-15 the last two years which is Maddox territory. He hit 19 batters last year which means is picking the ferocity of a Pedro martinez. I want to say he will win the CyYoung this year, but every Hall of famer is do One down year. Maybe this offense will relax him TOO much.
oR....this guy has been here two years and we were no lower than the 5th best team in baseball each year. All he knows is WINNING. Let the fun begin.

PREDICTION: W-L: 22-8 ERA: 3.11 IP:220 K'S: 200

Adjustment: Bondo ....15 and 10 .420 ERA
...JustVer....20 and 6 3.25 ERA

Here's some appetizers for you on our pre season so far.

Home run leaders (both AL and NL for all these stats)
#1- Pudge, 6
T2- Guillen, 5
#6- Granderson, 4
T14- Thames, 3

Holy cow. Maggs, Cabrera, and Sheff aren't even trying yet and we are still dominating the power list.

Total hits. #2- Polonco with 20 already, 1 off the lead.

Walks- #14- Brandon Inge. This was his weakness right? He went after bad pitches. Well, so far he's had the best eye on the team and his average is very high so far.


Brandon is my favorite Tiger. Must be my luck that all my favorite players have to leave town. Heard today that B Inge is trying his hand at the shortstop position in place of an aching Renteria.

When we got Cabrera; moving Brandon to the left was my first inclination. I was abruptly reminded by the forum that we had acquired Edgar. I will be very interested to see how B Inge plays short. With his athleticism and rifle; it should be fun.

On another note. Watched the telecast on FSN yesterday. I can't help but shake my head when I see plays not made at the hot corner that were almost routine last year. Seemed like Brandon was able to knock down anything hit in that direction last year. Maybe just seems that way because of my bias. Going to be an interesting season and I can't wait for it to get started.

We my have taken his defense for granted. I'm surprized B.I. is still on the team.
He must have a small contract.

THE OLD, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

Tigers Starters - the Lefties

KENNY ROGERS The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=121386)
DONTRELLE WILLIShttp://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425883
NATE ROBERTSONhttp://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425146


KENNY ROGERS- Honestly, what can you really expect from a guy who's just a year younger than me? He is still a great fielding pitcher and solid in the clubhouse. He would be my number 5 in the rotation which would allow him more rest. We need a minimum of 25 starts fron Rogers this year, because at least 20 would be quality starts.

PREDICTION: W-L 11-6 ERA: 4.14

DONTRELLE WILLIS- Probably the most electric acquisition to the Tigers since Pudge. he brings a surge of energy and a joy of the game that will overcome anything sans a 5.00ERA. I look forward to all the clubhouse incentives and city plusses he will bring to Detroit.

PREDICTION: W-L 14-9 ERA: 4.25

NATE ROBERTSON- tHIS WILL BE THE SLEEPER. He's like THEMOLE or some kinda of inside man. Nate will be the bulldog of old and will be the number 4 starter by all star break and number 2 by playoffs. He will give us 6 innings every night and will be that guy who gets the most run support because we'll be facing the 4th or 5th best pitcher on the opposition.

PREDICTION: W-L 16-8, 3.83

You have the starters W/L record at a combined 81-43. This could and should happen, based on potential. However it won't because we're just not that lucky. Good job with the info and I've enjoyed your projections.
I'm hopeful for Bonderman.....

Skoo, I was looking at Rogers #s,-* night and day in diff. situations 1.50 era day and 3.34 at night. He's hell agianst leftys and weak against rightys. We pay him ~$10M per so we need better #s from him. If his shoulder is repaired 18 and 6 is not unexpected from him. [Our lineup !!!]

THE BENCH AND THE BULLPEN-

THE BENCH- Not as needed as most teams and not as bas as others. The Tigers have 3 of the most versatile players in the AL in Marcus Thames The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=407801), Ryan Rayburn The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=430605) and the lovable Brandon Inge The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: Team: Player Information (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=276346).

Thames is as strong as they come and will benefit from the strong bats ahead of him. His defense wasnt bad at first last year, but he has to hit more than 18 homers to be considered effective.

PREDICTION: AVG: .266 HR: 22 RBI: 55

RAyburn is a typical-Mickey Stanley type player. Likable and unassuming, but tough as nails. He has good speed and a solid bat.

PREDICTION: AVG: .303 HR: 6 RBI: 33


Inge may be the most enigmatic presence in baseball this year. He can go down in history as one of the most versatile players of all time or be a jerk and become a so-so 3rd baseman. He may have made great plays but was still just average on D and terrible in pressure at-bat situations.
A trade is neccesary.

PREDICTION: .257 HR: 15 RBI: 55

The bullpen is falling apart day-by-day. Without Zumaya and Rodney, its less than average. Jones is done. The only hope is to get 7 good innings from our starters until the backend pitchers are ready.

PREDICTION: INCOMPLETE

SEASON PREDICTIONS-

AL EAST.......................AL CENTRAL....................AL WEST
1. NEW YORK 92-70 1. DETROIT 96-66 1. LA ANGELS 91-71
2. BOSTON 90-72 2. CLEVELAND 91-71 2. SEATTLE 86-76
3. TORONTO 81-81 3. CHICAGO 88-74 3. TEXAS 81-81
4. TAMPA BAY 72-90 4. MINNESOTA 81-81 4. OAKLAND 71-91
5. BALTIMORE 66-96 5. KANSAS CY 64-98

ALCS TEAMS- DETROIT VS LA ANGELS....CLEVELAND VS NEW YORK
AL PENNANT- DETROIT VS CLEVELAND
AL CHAMP- DETROIT

NL EAST...........................NL CENTRAL.................NL WEST
1. PHILLY 92-70 1. CHICAGO 91-71 1. LA DODGERS 91-71
2. ATLANTA 90-72 2. HOUSTON 87-75 2. SAN DIEGO 90-72
3. NY METS 89-73 3. MILWAUKEE 83-79 3. ARIZONA 90-72
4. WASH 71-91 4. ST LOUIS 82-80 4. COLORADO 85-77
5. CINCY 73-89 5. SAN FRAN 70-92
6. PITTSBURGH 66-96
NLCS TEAMS- LA DODGERS VS CHICAGO....PHILLY VS ATLANTA
NL PENNANT - LA DODGERS VS PHILLY
NL CHAMP= LA DODGERS


WORLD SERIES= DETROIT OVER LA DODGERS

I think the Vegas O/U is 92 wins same as BoSox.
Who else is in the bully?
Rodney's not bad.

I think the Vegas O/U is 92 wins same as BoSox.
Who else is in the bully?
Rodney's not bad.

Rodney is hurt and the rest of the bully is average at best.

there goes the perfect season

there goes the perfect season

The game was lost in the early innings when they stranded 8 runners after four and only produced 2 runs...plus Leyland used all oif his relievers in 2 innings and was stuck with that last guy to #$^%$@ up, i mean cleanup...... Now they can go 161 and 1:nerd2:

Where is this promised new and improved crushing offense?
Isn't good pitching always going to shut down good offense?

Now they can go 161 and 1:nerd2:

I'm thinking more like 90-72. They don't have the arms right now.

Get Tomko.

We were going against their ace. Tomorrow will be like batting practice.

What a throw from B. Inge from centerfield yesterday. That was a laser beam!!!!

:gun1: