Tigers fall short in loss to Phillies

03/13/2006
Tigers at the plate: Alexis Gomez plated the first Tigers run with a two-out double in the fourth inning, and he then scored on a Josh Phelps single.
Phillies at the plate: Chris Roberson completed a Phillies' comeback with a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning. Shane Victorino singled with no outs and went to third on a Pat Burrell double, setting up Roberson's hit. Ryan Howard, still the team's hottest hitter, clubbed his Grapefruit League-leading seventh homer.
Tigers on the mound: Top prospect Justin Verlander made his third appearance of the spring, allowing just one run on one hit (Howard's homer). He walked four and struck out three. The right-hander was selected second overall in the June 2004 First-Year Player Draft. Bobby Seay couldn't maintain the lead in a rough eighth inning.
Phillies on the mound: Ricardo Rodriguez started in place of Jon Lieber (who started in a "B" game) and allowed two runs on five hits in four innings, while walking none and striking out one. Reliever Geoff Geary tossed a scoreless inning.
Grapefruit League records: Tigers 7-5; Phillies 8-4.
Up next: Brett Myers heads to Fort Myers to face the Twins on Tuesday at 1:05 p.m. ET, opposite Boof Bonser. Myers has a 12.00 ERA this spring.
Kenny Rogers and top prospect Joel Zumaya are scheduled to pitch for the Tigers on Tuesday against the Indians at 1:05 p.m.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Wind, Boone catch up to Zumaya

03/14/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- After watching a 14-10 game with nine home runs sailing into a strong breeze blowing out Tuesday, Tigers manager Jim Leyland said he wouldn't judge any pitcher alive on a day like this. Joel Zumaya wasn't so easy on himself.
The 21-year-old right-hander with the hard fastball wasn't beating himself up over his outing Tuesday, but he clearly had regret over one Major League lesson.
"A 3-0 fastball right over the plate," Zumaya said.
It was one of the few times Zumaya fell behind on a hitter, but it was the one mistake in his three innings of work with three runs allowed.
Having just struck out the red-hot Casey Blake for the second out of the seventh inning with the potential tying run on third base in a 10-9 game, Zumaya fell behind Aaron Boone and tried to get an easy strike. He challenged Boone with a fastball high and over the middle, and Boone belted it onto the left-field berm for a two-run homer.
"I know better than that, too," he said. "It's 3-0 and you know he's free-swinging. He's got the tying run on third base. He's going to free-swing. He's on fire right now."
It turned an otherwise solid pitching line into something more in line with the rest of the pitchers Tuesday, not that Leyland was judging. Zumaya gave up three hits with a walk and two strikeouts, but two home runs. The other one was Ryan Mulhern's second home run of the game. He took a 2-2 curveball out to left after Zumaya had put him in an 0-2 hole.
"There were a lot of home runs hit today," Zumaya said. "A lot of good pieces of hitting today, too. But you can't leave a ball 3-0 up in the zone like that. I don't care how old of a veteran you are or how young of a rookie you are, you're not going to miss a ball like that."
Zumaya was the last of the confirmed candidates for the fifth spot in Detroit's rotation to pitch this week. Justin Verlander allowed only a home run in three innings Monday against the Phillies despite four walks before Jason Grilli threw four scoreless innings, while Wilfredo Ledezma struggled at home versus a Pirates split squad. Roman Colon tossed three scoreless innings Sunday against the Blue Jays.
The results don't reflect the entire story of Zumaya's outing, which featured a lot of hitters in 0-2 holes. He spent his first nine pitches battling Jason Michaels before giving up a walk leading off the fifth inning. He retired the side in order from there, then put all four hitters he faced in the sixth inning into 0-2 counts. All of them worked the count back to 2-2 or 3-2, with Mulhern's homer the only hit.
Zumaya realized his potential miscues there, too.
"I got a little excited," he said. "It's me. I'm young. I like to throw the ball hard. That's something I need to work on. I don't need to throw the ball that hard when I have 0-2. I just need to spot up and hopefully let the ball do the work."
The aggressiveness is something Leyland could judge Tuesday, regardless of the hits into the wind.
"I thought he was fine," Leyland said. "He threw some good curves. The changeup was a little wobbly. But overall, I was pleased with him. I like the look in his eye. You can tell that he was mad at himself.
"But this is all a growing process. It's what happens sometimes. These kids don't understand, and I don't blame them, when I say I'm not judging on Spring Training. They're going out there, the poor devils, thinking, 'Hey, if I give up a couple runs, I'm going to lose out.' That has nothing to do with it. You try to convince them of that, but their competitive spirit, they worry about it. I feel sorry for them. It's a tough time for these guys. But it's part of the process."
Zumaya seems to understand the process well for his age. He didn't sound like someone who feared he was out of the running for a job.
On the contrary, he was looking forward to another matchup against the Indians, whom he's already faced twice. He hopes the third time is in the regular season.
"I'm going to continue wanting a shot at these guys," he said. "If I make the team, we're going to play them a lot, so it gives me a great opportunity to face these games. It just gives me a chance to know who's a good hitter and how to pitch these guys. It's a learning process for me."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Notes: Eyeing more productive at-bats

03/14/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Last year, the Tigers had the fewest RBIs with runners in scoring position, the third-fewest RBIs in close and late situations, and the fewest walks in the American League in just about any situation.
After a couple weeks of Spring Training games, new manager Jim Leyland can see why.
"I can see why we failed in a lot of situations last year offensively," he said Tuesday morning. "It sticks out like a sore thumb."
Detroit batters hacked away with glee Tuesday afternoon while the wind blew out and pop flies became home runs. But that's not what Leyland's looking for when he judges his lineup.
He has emphasized situational hitting since position players reported last month and tried to make his hitters think about the situation they're in. He has reminded his hitters about the situation when they step out of the dugout or when they step to the plate.
After all that emphasis, he still sees a lot of room for improvement.
"I talked to them this morning about some things, and it's time to start applying them," he said. "We're basically good hitters. We should've scored eight, nine runs [Monday against the Phillies in Clearwater] and we scored two. We're getting in games where we're a couple runs down and we're [in a] 2-0 [count] and we're swinging at pitches that aren't good.
"When we need a guy to get on base, you've got to start thinking baseball. It's about time to do that. We're getting a couple weeks away. I've been turning them loose at 3-0 and everything else so far, but here shortly we start playing regular baseball games where we have to start getting with the program."
The program includes a lot of fundamental work in all areas of the offensive game. Leyland had his players running the bases Tuesday morning before batting practice, and he wants his hitters thinking more often about taking the extra base instead of settling for station-to-station baseball. He wants them to look at the outfield alignment, realize who the outfielders are and judge ahead of time whether there's an opportunity.
The problem is, he doesn't think this team has done that for a while.
"They haven't done it real good, to be honest with you," Leyland said. "They haven't done it real good for a few years, obviously. Those are the things we're pressing upon. It's one thing to listen. It's another thing to hear."
Those situations weren't easy to point out on a day when homers were aplenty, but some examples stood out. Nook Logan, who has struggled at the plate, tried to bunt on his own with Ramon Santiago on third base and one out. The bunt didn't work, but Leyland credited him for trying. An inning later, both Vance Wilson and Ramon Santiago kept running on Santiago's pop fly to shallow center that Jason Michaels nearly caught but saw roll out of his glove. Santiago ended up with an RBI double as Wilson scored from first base.
Those situations will become more clear when they encounter chilly nights in April with Johan Santana, C.C. Sabathia or just about any White Sox starter on the mound. When runs aren't going to be easy to convert, Leyland wants his players to think about what they're doing and battle for that run that might be the difference in a game. He has not seen enough of that yet.
"When you start facing good Major League pitchers, which is what we're going to do, you have to grind out every at-bat," he said. "What you try to do you try to boost your average against the mediocre stuff and you try to fight your [tail] off against the good stuff so you can get a hit. What happens is you have to hope that hit comes at the right time.
"If some guy's just nasty on a given day and he gets you out a couple times with nobody on, you have to battle harder when that guy's on. You can't give those at-bats away. I think we give too many at-bats away. I'm not going to get into that because it's Spring Training, but it sticks out."
Part of that involves thinking about the situation at hand. The other part, Leyland said, involves thinking positively in the face of a difficult matchup.
"I've always believed that psychologically, when the hitter gets in the box and the pitcher gets on the mound, one of them psychologically has given in a little bit. I don't know which one, but you can tell. ...
"That's one of my pet peeves. I know they're tough, but this is the big leagues. I can't ask the other manager not to pitch him."
Dmitri close to return: Dmitri Young took part in regular activities Tuesday and is poised to return to Spring Training action. He has missed about week and a half with a strained left quadriceps suffered March 4 against Italy.
Leyland said he wants to give Young "a couple more days" to ensure he's fully healed.
"He was all smiles when he came in," Leyland said of Young. "I learned a long time ago that when they say they're ready, to probably give them two more days and then do it. He's ready to go."
Shelton scratched: Chris Shelton was a late bump from Tuesday's starting lineup after complaining of light-headedness during batting practice in the morning. Shelton said afterward he could've played, but Leyland decided to hold him out as a precaution. Shelton felt fine after the game and isn't expected to miss any more time. He was already scheduled to miss Wednesday's trip to St. Petersburg.
Tip of the cap: With three World Baseball Classic gamees on television Monday night, Leyland was able to watch many of his regulars playing for their national teams. He saw Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez hitting for Venezuela, Ivan Rodriguez leading Puerto Rico and Fernando Rodney earn a wild save for the Dominican Republic against Cuba.
He also saw Rodney's cap lined up nearly sideways as he pitched. "I can promise you one thing," Leyland said. "He won't wear his hat like that for the Tigers. But I don't know, maybe there's something to it. If I'm a hitter and I look out and the guy's like that, it might mess me up."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Rogers hit hard, but Tigers win

03/14/2006
Indians at the plate: Ryan Mulhern hit two home runs, including a two-run homer off Tigers starter Kenny Rogers. Casey Blake, Aaron Boone and Ryan Garko also homered to lead the Indians' offensive effort. Blake complemented his two-run shot with an RBI ground-rule double to deep center and another run scored. Jose Flores added two hits.
Tigers at the plate: Omar Infante went 3-for-3 in his second game back from tendinitis in his right shoulder. His two-run homer in the third inning scored Ramon Santiago following Santiago's two-run triple. Santiago added an RBI double in the fourth inning as part of his 3-for-4, three-run, five-RBI performance. Kody Kirkland tripled leading off the bottom of the eighth and scored on Mike Hessman's sacrifice fly to break a 10-10 tie.
Tigers on the mound: With the wind blowing out, Rogers saw far more fly balls than usual in his third start of the spring. Five of the seven runs he allowed in four innings of work scored on three home runs. Joel Zumaya followed him with three runs in as many innings on two home runs. Humberto Sanchez (1-0) struck out the side in the eighth.
Indians on the mound: Jeremy Sowers didn't get out of the second inning of his third appearance of the spring. He gave up two runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings, putting five consecutive runners on base in the second after retiring the first two batters of the inning. Edward Mujica yielded a four-run third inning before Steve Karsay gave up four runs in two innings. Danny Graves finally settled down matters with two scoreless frames before Jeremy Guthrie (0-1) suffered the four-run ninth for the loss.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Leyland says Tigers just too nice

03/15/2006
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A year after the "milk-and-cookies" Tigers were supposedly gone, now they apparently smell like Old Spice.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland hasn't had a bad word to say about his players. They've listened, they've been polite, they've acted like good teammates. Still, he sensed something was out of place.
Then Tuesday night, he figured it out. They're actually too nice.
"This team, it has no personality," Leyland said Wednesday afternoon. "It has no charisma. It has good players. It's got the nicest guys you'll ever meet. I wish I had a couple more [jerks]. I wish people would rant and rave a little bit more. I believe this in all my heart: This team needs to establish some identity. It has none from what I've seen so far."
But Leyland isn't talking about just any personality. He means a meaner one, a swagger. He appreciates the business-like attitude that was emphasized when the rebuilding process began three years ago, but this is a different kind of business.
"They're as nice a group of guys as I've ever been around," he said. "But they come in and it's like a guy who goes to work at his job at an office. He gets up. He gets his briefcase. He goes to his office. He sets it down. He gets a cup of coffee. He goes up. He does his thing. And at 5 o'clock, he picks up his briefcase, he gets in his car and he drives home.
"In between, I want to see a fight once in a while. I want to see somebody mad at me, or somebody throwing a stool. And I don't know that you can make guys do this."
It's an odd request unless you consider the source. Aside from winning, Leyland's reputation is built on getting the best out of veteran players who have been difficult for other managers. It's not that Leyland puts up with them. In some ways, Leyland welcomes them.
"I've never been around a nicer bunch of guys, and good players," Leyland said about the Tigers. "But you know what? Every good player I've ever been around has that little streak of electricity in him. Some people call it a [jerk]. Every good player I've ever met, and I'm not being disrespectful, has a little [jerk] in him. I don't mean a mean person outside or mean to other people, but mean when you go up there to play and you take the field. And this club has not shown any of that.
"It sounds terrible, but these guys were raised too good."
As he explained all this, Leyland time and again said he didn't mean this as a criticism. He called it an issue more than a problem. But it's a difference he sees that separates the good teams from the rest. Good teams have a presence when they're on the field.
He doesn't think it's a matter of the Tigers becoming used to losing, because he took over a Pirates ballclub that had some of the same problems in the mid-1980s. By the 1990s, they had a swagger with Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla and Andy Van Slyke. He suspects this team just has a different personality.
"When the good teams take the field, there's an aroma," he said. "There's an odor, there's a feeling. Well, we all smell like Old Spice. And I want some different stuff."
Ironically, Leyland's remarks came on the same day one of the most competitive Tigers went to work. With the wind blowing out at Al Lang Field, Jeremy Bonderman gave up five runs on seven hits in four innings, striking out four. A line like that in the regular season wouldn't leave Bonderman in a good mood. He can take it a little better in Spring Training.
The assertion from Leyland, though, caught Bonderman by surprise.
"I guess I can see that a little bit," said Bonderman, who as a rookie took a bat to the dugout hallway in Minnesota. "But I feel like when I take the mound, I take the mound with confidence. I'll throw it up and in on you. I don't care if you're [ticked] or not. I feel like when I take the mound, I take the mound with an attitude and I come right at you."
Keep in mind, too, that this is largely the same team that was supposed to have an attitude last year. After bowling over then-Yankees catcher John Flaherty last March 5, Dmitri Young took stitches on his bloody ear and declared, "The days of the nice Tigers are gone." He also said, "Milk-and-cookies teams finish last."
The niceness certainly waned last year, whether it was Pudge slamming his bat after popping up, Carlos Guillen charging the mound against Runelvys Hernandez or players ranting in September about what went wrong during the season. Any presence, though, was scattered at best, and it only seemed to show in games Bonderman pitched.
"When you watch good players take the field," Leyland said, "when they walk out of that batting cage, there's an air of confidence. There's a sense about those guys. The ultimate is Barry Bonds. He doesn't care about who's pitching, how they throw, where they came from. He knows he's going to whack 'em. And he believes it. And he does it. That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about."
Maybe it's because it's Spring Training, and Leyland is trying to test guys. But Leyland says he doesn't see it, and he doesn't know if he can teach it. This might be one way to bring it out.
"My concern is that a lot of times, you can't change people," he said. "It's not like I'm trying to change the people. I want to change the atmosphere. I want a swagger. I don't want us tiptoeing out there. I want a swagger. When we take the field, I want a [darn] swagger. That's what I want."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Notes: Phelps knows he can't give up

03/15/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Josh Phelps is making the best out of a worst-case scenario.
When he signed his Minor League contract during the Winter Meetings, the Tigers were supposedly still pushing to trade one of their three first basemen before the upcoming season. If that happened, Phelps would have a chance to compete for a spot. Once Dmitri Young became a potential utility option and the Tigers could keep all three on their roster, that spot became much less likely.
As long as Young, Chris Shelton and Carlos Pena are around, Phelps' road out of Toledo has a giant road block at the Michigan line. But Phelps is still swinging at it.
"It's just trying to make the most of an opportunity," Phelps said. "Every at-bat is a chance to show not only this organization, but any organization, what you're capable of doing. That's the approach I've taken."
So far, he's showing one of the best springs in the Grapefruit League. With his 3-for-5 performance Wednesday against the Devil Rays, Phelps raised his average to .571, third highest in the Majors. He's 9-for-12 over his last three games, including a streak of hits in six consecutive at-bats Sunday and Monday. Half of his 16 hits have gone for extra bases, including two doubles and a two-run homer Wednesday that broke a 10-10 tie in the ninth inning.
"He's had a [heckuva] spring," manager Jim Leyland said.
But even Leyland can't say what it means. Asked how Phelps could fit on this roster, Leyland said, "I have no idea."
Before brushing it off as a meaningless spring from a veteran Minor Leaguer, look at the player. Phelps is in his fourth organization in three seasons, but he's not the typical well-traveled journeyman. He was a Rookie of the Year candidate with the Blue Jays in 2002, then was Toronto's designated hitter for most of 2003. He batted .268 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs that season, but struck out 115 times in 396 at-bats.
He got off to a miserable start in 2004, but hit .318 in July before the Blue Jays tried to sneak him through waivers. The Indians claimed him and watched him hit .303 as a part-time player down the stretch before non-tendering him that winter.
The Devil Rays signed him two days after he hit the free agent market to be their regular DH, but his hitting fell after a solid start. He was designated for assignment in June with a .266 average, five homers and 26 RBIs in 47 games -- not horrible numbers, but as he admitted, not what he's capable of doing. He spent the rest of the year at Triple-A Durham.
"In a very short amount of time, I've changed jerseys a few times," he said. "Those things, you've just got to roll with it, and you've got to have the mindset that if you keep working hard, good things are going to happen."
That's what brought him here. Now 27, he joined the Tigers at year's end with only the guarantee of a regular job at first base in Toledo, but the hope that something bigger might open up. But whether that happens has a lot less to do with him and more to do with other players, most notably Pena.
If anything has gone his way, it's the number of at-bats. With many Tigers regulars at the World Baseball Classic and others injured, Phelps has had almost daily at-bats. He had started four straight days through Wednesday, and with the team having split-squad games Thursday, probably will see a fifth.
Those at-bats have shown more of what Phelps thinks he can do. Though he has the reputation as a home run slugger, he sees himself as more of a doubles hitter with some home run power, the kind of hitter that can use Comerica Park's gaps.
"My situation so far this year, it hasn't been 20 straight at-bats," he said. "You take your at-bats here and not play one day. You just try to keep them as consistent as possible. Fortunately so far, I've been able to keep going pretty well on a chopped-up basis. Those things are just confidence builders that you take on down the road."
Even if that road is blocked.
"I just have faith that if you work hard, good things are going to happen," he said. "That doesn't mean you're going to break camp with the team, or if somebody gets hurt, you're going to be the one who gets called up. It means you've got to make the most of the situation."
Bondo brushes off big flies: No matter where the Tigers play in Florida lately, the wind seems to be blowing out. It helped result in a rough pitching line for Wednesday starter Jeremy Bonderman, who gave up five runs in four innings. Three of them came on a Rocco Baldelli home run in the third inning off a hanging breaking ball, Bonderman's only real mistake pitch of the day.
"I thought I threw the ball well," Bonderman said. "It was a lot better than my last start. My command was there, so I'm not really worried about the five runs. I threw all my pitches for strikes, so I can't really complain."
Dmitri ready, Monroe advancing: Young had a good workout Wednesday back in Lakeland, Leyland said, and is ready to play for the first time since straining his left quad March 4. He isn't expected to play Thursday, but should play at least some time at DH on Friday against the Twins.
Craig Monroe, meanwhile, is improving as well, according to Leyland. No timetable is set for his return.
Guillen, Ordonez returning: Leyland also can look forward to the return of Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez, whose duty in the World Baseball Classic ended when the Dominican Republic eliminated Venezuela on Tuesday night. Depending on when they return, Leyland said, they could play Thursday against the Yankees at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Since the Dominicans advanced to the finals, second baseman Placido Polanco and reliever Fernando Rodney will be gone a bit longer.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Big home runs help lift Tigers

03/15/2006
Tigers at the plate: Non-roster invitee Alexis Gomez hit a grand slam in the fourth inning off Rays reliever Chad Orvella. Gomez brought a .357 average into Wednesday's game; his home run was his first of the spring. Former Rays first baseman/DH Josh Phelps -- also a non-roster invitee --bit his former teammates with two doubles and a game-winning two-run homer in the ninth inning.
Rays at the plate: Rocco Baldelli hit a three-run homer off Tigers starter Jeremy Bonderman in the third inning. The home run was Baldelli's first of the spring. Jonny Gomes had a double and scored a run. Wes Bankston hit his first home run of the spring, also off Bonderman, and Carl Crawford added his first off Tigers reliever Franklyn German. Non-roster invitee Greg Norton hit a three-run home run.
Tigers on the mound: Bonderman pitched four innings allowing five earned runs on seven hits and two home runs while striking out four; he has allowed eight earned runs in 8 1/3 innings pitched this spring. German allowed two earned runs on four hits; he allowed a home run, struck out one and threw two wild pitches.
Rays on the mound: Edwin Jackson made his third start of the spring and got roughed up a bit. After Jackson pitched two scoreless innings, the Tigers got a run in the third. Jackson allowed one run in the fourth before loading the bases and walking in another score. Orvella entered with the bases loaded and gave up the grand slam to Gomez, which made Jackson's final line 3 1/3 innings pitched, five hits, six earned runs, three walks and two strikeouts. Orvella also struggled, pitching 1 2/3 innings and allowing three earned runs on three hits. Orvella had allowed just four base runners and no runs in his previous four outings.
Grapefruit League records: Tigers 9-6; Rays 7-7.
Up next: The Rays host the Red Sox on Thursday in a 1:05 p.m. ET game at Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field. Left-hander Mark Hendrickson will make his first start of the spring and will be followed by right-handers Doug Waechter and Shawn Camp. Left-hander Jon Lester will start for the Red Sox.
The Tigers will play split-squad games against the Yankees and Nationals in 1:05 p.m. contests Thursday. They will start left-hander Nate Robertson as they host the Yankees in Lakeland. He will be followed by right-handers Mark Woodyard, and Eulogio De La Cruz and left-handers Bobby Seay and Hector Mercado. The Yankees will start right-hander Aaron Small and plan to use left-hander Mike Myers.
The Tigers will also visit the Nationals at Viera. Right-hander Jordan Tata will start for the Tigers and will be followed by right-handers Preston Larrison, Kevin Hodge and Lee Gardner; right-hander John Paterson will start for the Nationals.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Notes: Leyland defends Yankees

03/16/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- A lot of baseball fans bemoan the Yankees for what's wrong with the sport. Tigers manager Jim Leyland is not one of those people.
Leyland, for years the poster manager for the small-market club, is actually close friends with Yankees skipper Joe Torre, one of the faces of baseball's richest franchise. Leyland has considered Torre a friend ever since he managed against him when Torre was in St. Louis, and that didn't change when he went to New York. On the contrary, Leyland has plenty of respect for the job Torre does.
"Joe Torre's maybe got the best job in the world," Leyland said, "in the sense that they've got great players. But he also may have the toughest job in the world, because it's not easy to manage all those great players."
Yet in the case of Pittsburgh fans, and many in Detroit as well, it's not easy watching all those players sign with the Yankees.
"I think a lot of people probably hate the Yankees," Leyland said. "I'm one that has a great deal of respect for the Yankees. People talk about the payroll and the money they spend, but they have won four World Series [since 1996]. It's not like they didn't do anything with their money. Other people spend money and it really hasn't worked out for them. But when the Yankees spend it, they seem to spend it very wisely."
In an odd way, Leyland knows how it feels to be labeled as a free-spending team. He heard it while the Marlins were on their way to the 1997 World Series, a label that seemed to stick more after the roster was dismantled that winter. He'll fire back that Florida had the third-highest payroll in the National League that year and the seventh-highest in the Major Leagues.
"This has always hit a sore spot with me," Leyland said. "A lot of times in '97, they dropped the point that [Marlins owner Wayne] Huizenga bought the World Series, and that was the farthest thing from the truth. What upset me is that after the fact, they said we bought the World Series. But I checked, and not one of those experts that were saying that picked us [to win]. So they must've thought I was a lousy manager."
While Leyland was at it, he took a shot at the parity of the National Football League compared to Major League Baseball. While the NFL's Patriots built a dynasty, he pointed out, the National League hasn't had a repeat champion since the Braves in 1995 and '96.
Dmitri defends Pokey: Dmitri Young considers Pokey Reese, a former teammate with the Reds, one of his close friends, and he credits Reese with helping make him a good hitter. That's why Young had a hard time listening to Reese take criticism for leaving Marlins camp unannounced.
So far, Reese hasn't answered back. So Young decided to do it for him.
"The reason Pokey got out of the game, it was quite noble," Young said. "But because it wasn't put out there, he's made to look like he just turned his back on the game, which definitely wasn't the case."
Reese left Marlins camp in the beginning of March without contacting the club. Florida released him on March 5, and the team still hasn't heard from Reese or heard his reasons for leaving.
Young said Reese's departure came down to two reasons. Reese, he said, felt like he needed to spend more time with his kids, two of whom lost their mothers at a young age according to past reports. Then, Young said, Reese felt his shoulder pop on a throw during camp, the same shoulder that required two surgeries and forced him out for all of last season.
Once he felt his shoulder pop, Young said, Reese decided it wasn't worth it.
"He lost the passion for the game," Young said. "You can't really fault a guy for that, because that happens. And he was smart enough to say the money didn't matter to him. It was his own personal happiness."
In Reese's case, Young said, happiness involved being around his children more often. Young said Reese is working with his brother on their Charlotte-based business venture.
Why Reese didn't tell anyone he was leaving was another matter, whether it was a miscommunication or another reason. Whatever happened, Young supports his former teammate.
"Some people might think this or that," Young said. "I'm his friend. I'm going to support whatever he does. I want him to be happy, if that means not coming out [to play]. If he lost his passion for the game, he's not going to hold somebody else up."
Injury updates: Young was listed as available off the bench on the lineup sheet for Thursday's game against the Yankees. He had a strong session of batting practice before the game and took ground balls at third base. Leyland said Young should be able to be the starting designated hitter on Friday against the Twins, which would be his first action since straining his left quadriceps on March 4 against Team Italy.
Craig Monroe, meanwhile, also had an encouraging day, though it's not certain when he'll be available.
Cuts coming: Look for a round of cuts to come Friday or Saturday. Leyland and president/general manager Dave Dombrowski have an early Friday morning meeting scheduled, during which they're supposed to discuss trimming the roster. None of the cuts, Leyland said, will likely be a surprise.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Logan's single difference in victory

03/16/2006
Tigers at the plate: Three solo homers powered Detroit's offense -- Omar Infante in the third inning, Vance Wilson in the fourth and Marcus Thames leading off the bottom of the seventh. Nook Logan walked twice and also had a stolen base and the game-winning hit, a single in the bottom of the ninth, driving in Brandon Inge.
Yankees at the plate: Damian Rolls put New York on the scoreboard with an RBI fielder's choice in the fourth before Felix Escalona hit a hard line drive that hit off shortstop Don Kelly's glove for an RBI single. Marcos Vechionacci briefly put the Yankees ahead in the seventh when he singled, stole second base and came around to score on two errors.
Tigers on the mound: Starter Nate Robertson put ground balls to work in his fourth outing of the spring, inducing double plays to end each of his first four innings. Back-to-back walks loaded the bases with no outs in what ended up being a two-run fourth. Eulogio De La Cruz earned the win with two scoreless innings.
Yankees on the mound: Starter Matt DeSalvo held the Tigers scoreless until Infante's home run. He gave up three hits in as many innings, scattering three walks and striking out three. Sean Henn took the loss in his second inning of work.
Grapefruit League records: Tigers 10-6-1; Yankees 7-9.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tata struggles with control in defeat

03/16/2006
Tigers at the plate: Reggie Taylor drove in a run with a double to right-center field off left-hander Valerio De Los Santos in the bottom of the eighth to cut the Nationals' lead to 3-1.
Nationals at the plate: Wiki Gonzalez drove in the first run in the bottom of the second inning with a sacrifice fly to score Ryan Church. Damian Jackson knocked in the second run in the fourth inning with a single to left. Marlon Byrd, who leads the Nationals with nine RBIs, drove in Wiki Gonzalez with a double that gave the Nats a 3-0 lead. Nick Johnson and Ryan Zimmerman hit back to-back home runs off Kevin Hodge in the bottom of the eighth inning, when Hodge gave up five runs.
Tigers on the mound: Starter Jordan Tata gave up a run in two innings, but the run was not earned. Tata walked four batters and struck out one. Preston Larrison and Lee Gardner gave up one run apiece.
Nationals on the mound: Right-hander John Patterson pitched five shutout innings, striking out six batters and walking two. Both Mike Stanton and Felix Rodriguez pitched an inning without allowing a run.
Grapefruit League records: Tigers 9-7; Nationals 4-13-1.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers to sharpen focus on fielding

03/16/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Pardon Jim Leyland if he wasn't in a celebrating mood Thursday.
The Tigers beat a Yankees split-squad in the bottom of the ninth inning in a game televised in Detroit, but they made four errors doing it. Meanwhile, Detroit's split-squad made three errors in a loss to the Nationals in Viera, Fla.
That's seven errors over 17 innings in the field. Leyland said when Spring Training opened that he didn't want his players afraid to make errors, but this was too much.
"Forget the score," Leyland said. "This was a good day for us because we learned some lessons. We gave up too many outs defensively, and that's what I've been talking about. We had four errors, and no tough errors. Those are plays that we've got to make. That's not putting pressure on anybody; that's just a fact. I'm talking about plays that need to be made, routine plays."
Against the Yankees, the Tigers "errored" for the cycle -- a bobbled bouncer by third baseman Brandon Inge, a wayward throw by second baseman Omar Infante that erased a potential double play, a ground ball that got past first baseman Carlos Pena and a throw into center field by catcher Vance Wilson. That sloppiness seemed to overshadow double plays that ended each of the first four innings.
Leyland doesn't want to pick on any individuals, but he emphasized that team defense must improve. The stats show it's been that way for a while.
When former manager Alan Trammell took over the Tigers, he made defense a point of emphasis, and it was a source of frustration. After three consecutive years of placing last in the American League in errors and fielding percentage, Detroit placed third-to-last in 2005.
Leyland wants better fielding than that. When he has his full squad back in camp once the World Baseball Classic ends, he plans to make a point of it in a meeting with his players.
"I don't want to make it sound like we won the game and this guy's ranting and raving," he said, "but I'm going to mention to them that this just won't work. Nice going, we won, but those are routine plays. They've got to be outs, plain and simple. This is the big leagues. If guys can't handle that, then shame on them."
The point already is getting across. Inge cautioned that it's still Spring Training. Sun-drenched days in Florida can make it hard to read a hopper, many players use the time to break in new gloves and the starting middle infield isn't even here. But he sees the message: If a sloppy Spring Training carries over once the team heads north, it'll give opponents too many extra outs, creating a debilitating effect on a pitching staff geared to pitch for ground ball outs.
"I hate errors more than anything in the entire game," Inge said. "I hate them when I make them. I hate them when other players make them, and I hope they feel the same way. Defense wins ballgames."
Of course, Inge had plenty of errors of his own last year. In his first full season at third base, Inge led American League third basemen with 23 errors. In his defense, he also led the Major Leagues in total chances and range factor, but he admittedly has to improve to play the hot corner full-time.
Enter new infield coach Rafael Belliard, one of the better fielding shortstops in the National League during his playing days in Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Belliard has had enough work around the squad, but he's paid particular attention with Inge and fine-tuning his game. They've talked about reading a grounder before it's on him, getting Inge in front of the ball when possible and charging hoppers rather than waiting on them.
They've also addressed the mental aspect of being selectively aggressive. Inge still wants to go all out, but wants to use it to his advantage.
"Sometimes bunts I know are base hits, I'll still take a charge on," Inge said, "And I end up making a bad throw, which gets him on second. I need to realize when to hold it."
On Tuesday, he even received a piece of advice from the opponent. After Inge mishandled the in-between hopper, new Yankees third base coach Larry Bowa -- a solid infielder when he played -- told him to trust his instincts. Inge's first instinct was to charge, but he stopped.
He stills wants to be aggressive, and he still anticipates making mistakes on balls others wouldn't reach. But if he can cut down on what he calls the "stupid errors," he thinks that'll make a difference.
"I feel like I'm a good infielder," Inge said. "I feel like I still have a lot of things to learn. I don't feel like a catcher going to third base anymore; I feel like I'm an infielder."
It would also help keep Leyland more content.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Maroth, Gomez lead Tigers to win

03/17/2006
Twins at the plate: Glenn Williams doubled off right-hander Roman Colon in the fifth to tie the score, 1-1. Andres Torres' groundout the same inning gave Minnesota the lead. The Twins finished with just three hits.
Tigers at the plate: Center fielder Curtis Granderson led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo homer. Catcher Vince Wilson opened the bottom of the fifth with a solo homer, which tied the score, 2-2. Alexis Gomez's solo homer in the seventh gave the Tigers the lead.
Twins on the mound: Scott Baker gave up one run on five hits in his four innings of work against the Tigers. Right-hander Jay Rainville gave up the go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh on a solo homer.
Tigers on the mound: Left-hander Mike Maroth worked four innings, gave up one hit and no runs.
Grapefruit League records: Twins 10-8; Tigers 11-7.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Notes: Mantei among Tigers' first moves

03/17/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Manager Jim Leyland admitted Friday he wasn't in the best of moods, but the reason for his, well ... somewhat short replies had more to do with what was on Leyland's mind than with the questions thrown his way.
He had wrestled last night with roster decisions he had to make, and for him, cutting a player isn't the most pleasant job of managing a Major League team. In a way, he was like putting some man's dream on hold -- or killing it altogether.
"It's always a bad day for a manager," he said. "I haven't done this in a while."
What Leyland did, like it or not, was trim the Tigers roster at Spring Training to 45 players. Detroit optioned right-handers Eulogio De La Cruz, Preston Larrison, Humberto Sanchez and Jordan Tata, infielders Tony Giarratano and Kody Kirkland and outfielder Brent Clevlen to Double-A Erie.
The Tigers also assigned right-handers Tim Crabtree and Colby Lewis, catchers Mike Rabelo and Danilo Sanchez and infielder Kevin Hooper to Minor League camp.
"We sent down six or seven -- I don't know what the number -- legitimate prospects," Leyland said.
In a way, he saw that as good news, because it spoke to the quality of talent the Tigers have in their farm system. But it wasn't fun, which is why he twisted and turned Thursday night over making the cuts.
In addition to prospects, the Tigers released right-hander Matt Mantei from his Triple-A Toledo contract. Leyland said Mantei wasn't ready to compete for a job. Mantei told Leyland that he'd take some time to weigh his future.
"I wouldn't speculate what might happen," Leyland said.
He did speculate on what might be next in Tigers camp. With 20 players too many for his Opening Day roster, Leyland has more decisions to make. Leyland expects more cuts next Thursday, an off-day for the Tigers.
Un-Classic ending: Think Leyland was surprised that the U.S. team got bounced from the World Baseball Classic? Well, think again.
Not that he expected that to happen, but the fact it did wasn't a shock to him. Leyland didn't think the U.S. team went into the ballgame as prepared as it should have been.
"I don't really put a lot of stock in the outcome right now," he said. "But at the same time, you wanna credit the teams that are moving on."
Leyland said the rules might have altered the outcome, though he pointed out that everybody played under the same rules.
"[The U.S. team] got beat," he said. "But to be honest with you right now, that's the farthest thing from my mind -- the fact that we got beat. I'm worried about getting the Detroit Tigers ready for 2006."
Classic words: Reliever Todd Jones returned Friday after spending the past couple of weeks with Team USA. During his time in the Classic, Jones did an Internet journal for The Detroit Free Press.
Jones wrote this about the U.S. team: "The U.S. lineup is full of middle-of-the-order hitters. So when we've had guys on base and needed someone to shoot the ball through the hole, that's not something any of these guys are usually asked to do."
Eyes on Tigers: Deric McKamey, a baseball analyst for a number of publications, rated two Tigers prospects among his top 100 in baseball. In his book Minor League Baseball Analyst, he listed pitcher Justin Verlander and outfielder Cameron Maybin as players to watch in the Tigers organization.
The question is: The Tigers have had just one player win the Triple Crown. Who was that player?
Waiting for Rodriguez: Leyland said he's not expecting Pudge Rodriguez back from the World Baseball Classic until Sunday, which Leyland doesn't see as a problem.
Leyland said he'll need to get Rodriguez and others who played in the Classic more at-bats, and to help with that, has set up a camp game for Sunday morning. Look for Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Perez to get a healthy share of at-bats there.
Quote 'em: "I understand people who boo us. It's like going to a Broadway show, you pay for your tickets and expect to be entertained. When you're not, you have a right to complain." -- Former Tigers manager Sparky Anderson
Did you know: Dale Alexander is one of just 17 players to have 200 or more hits in their rookie seasons in the bigs. In 1929, Alexander banged out 215 hits, but he wasn't the only Tigers rookie to reach 200 hits that season. Roy Johnson had 201 hits to join Alexander in that elite club.
And the answer: Not known as a home-run hitter or power hitter, Hall of Fame outfielder Ty Cobb, 22 at the time, showed both those talents and a keen batting eye in leading the American League in home runs (9), RBIs (107) and batting average (.377) in 1909.
Odds and ends: Carlos Guillen left Friday's game in the top of the fourth inning with stiffness in his lower back. "I didn't wanna take any chances," Leyland said. "I don't think it's anything at all. ... But I'm not gonna take any chances." ... The Tigers wore green baseball caps in honor of St. Patrick's Day. ... Before the game, the Tigers honored Triple-A Toledo for winning the International League championship in 2005. ... The Tigers went into their game Friday against the Twins leading the American League in hits (193) and homers (33). ... Outfielder Craig Monroe is making progress in his rehab from a shoulder injury. "He's doing good," Leyland said. "He wanted to throw from the outfield today, but I wouldn't let him." Leyland said he's anxious to see what Monroe can do. ... Jones picked up his first save of the Grapefruit League season with a scoreless ninth.
What about Woodyard? Leyland had good things to say about right-hander Mark Woodyard, somewhat of a long shot to make the Opening Day roster.
His work in Spring Training got good reviews from Leyland, though he didn't anoint Woodyard with a roster spot.
"I'll put it to you plain and simple," Leyland said. "If he can manage the strike zone, he can be a helluva pitcher."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Two runs off Ledezma doom Tigers

03/18/2006
Dodgers at the plate: The Dodgers sprinkled 10 hits across Joker Marchant Stadium. Russell Martin's single to center off Wilfredo Ledezma with two outs in the ninth inning scored two runs to give the Dodgers the lead and the victory.
Tigers at the plate: In his first at-bat of Grapefruit League season, Craig Monroe led off the bottom of the third inning with a solo homer.
Dodgers on the mound: In his second start, right-hander Chad Billingsley worked three innings and gave up one run on two hits. Right-hander Lance Carter replaced Billingsley and worked a scoreless inning. Yhency Brazoban followed, and his wild pitch allowed the Tigers to take a 2-0 lead. Right-hander Franquelis Osoria pitched the ninth for the save.
Tigers on the mound: Right-hander Jason Grilli started and pitched four innings. Grilli, who pitched for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, gave up four hits and no runs. Ledezma gave up the decisive runs in the ninth for the blown save and the loss.
Grapefruit League records: Dodgers 9-5-3; Tigers 11-8-1.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Rodriguez thankful to play in Classic

03/18/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Manager Jim Leyland had said early Friday he didn't have an exact date or time for when Pudge Rodriguez would return to the Tigers.
Rodriguez offered him some clarity there later in the day.
"He called me," Leyland said Saturday. "It was a heck of a call. He said, 'I wanna thank you for letting me go.'"
Leyland reminded his All-Star catcher that the decision to play in the World Baseball Classic didn't need his approval.
"I said, 'I had nothing to do with it,' " Leyland said.
Appreciative nonetheless, Rodriguez told Leyland that he was driving to Lakeland and would be here in time for drills Saturday.
"I was very impressed by that, and I appreciated it," Leyland said. "It showed me something."
What it showed Leyland was how much the 34-year-old Rodriguez, who was indeed in uniform Saturday, thinks about the season ahead of him. He can see a remade Tigers ballclub that has a lot more going for it than a year ago.
"It's nice to be back," Rodriguez said. "I'm ready to spend two weeks with the team and get ready for the season."
Yes, the 2006 season is what matters now. Still, Rodriguez couldn't shake questions about the tournament that he'd just left. He played for his native country Puerto Rico, which got bounced from the Classic after a 2-1 loss to Cuba.
"I was very honored to represent my country," he said. "We were close to making the finals. That didn't happen. It's over, and now I'm back here.
"I'm ready to be with my teammates and start the season."
No doubt that he is. Yet the Classic itself remains a topic for discussion, particularly for one of the top players in the tournament.
What was it like?
"I think for me, to be honest with you, I think we feel, in those games, like we play in the World Series," said Rodriguez, a player with potential Hall of Fame credentials. "That's what I feel."
He labeled the tournament a success.
"Everybody see it?" he said. "Did you watch it? Everybody watched it, right? Everybody watched those games on TV."
For Rodriguez, that TV interest in the games mirrored the reception the games got in stadiums in his homeland and elsewhere.
"I think it was a good success," he said. "In Puerto Rico, it was packed -- all the time. For our games and the games earlier, they were all packed. It was great attendance, and the fans were very good."
He thought the first World Baseball Classic went so well that Major League Baseball has no reason not to repeat it.
If it does, can Puerto Rico count on Rodriguez to play for it?
"Absolutely," he said, smiling. "If I'm here."
Asked if that was a hint he might be retiring, Rodriguez answered quickly.
"No," he said. "I got a lot of baseball in me."
Baseball that Leyland can't wait to see.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Mailbag: What will happen to Percival?

03/20/2006
I know that Percival has left camp and is probably going to retire. Doesn't he still occupy space on the Tigers roster? As Spring Training begins to wind down and 25- and 40- man rosters are set, do you have any idea what is going to happen or when? -- Al S., Bolivar, Mo.
Most likely, the Tigers will put Percival on the 60-day disabled list sometime before the end of Spring Training. He'll probably remain there for the season.
Isn't Marcus Thames getting the same treatment Pittsburgh gave Chris Shelton? The guy can flat-out hit. It's just questions of position. If they get rid of Pena, couldn't Thames be a utility outfielder/first baseman? -- Dave Jones, Windsor
Sorry, but I don't see the Thames and Shelton situations as all that similar. The Pirates made their decision not to protect Shelton after a few years of Minor League ball, none of it above Double-A. Thames has had a few stints in the Majors, including a pretty lengthy one two years ago. As for your question, having Pena gone would probably help Thames' chances a little bit, as would a Nook Logan trade. The problem is that without Pena, the Tigers would be down a left-handed bat, something they were seeking in the offseason.
It would seem to me that catchers would have an advantage over other position players when it comes to hitting. They spend all that time catching pitches and they should be able to identify the pitch sooner then other players when hitting. I know it doesn't translate into better hitting but why not? -- David C., Perry, Mich.
To an extent, you have a point, since they do see so many pitches. But they also spend a lot of time concentrating on matters other than hitting, especially calling a game. Between the in-game concentration and pregame meetings, that takes up a lot more time that other players can spend working on their swing. Plus it's less physical stress. One of the biggest differences Brandon Inge cited in his move from catcher to third base was feeling like a weight was off his shoulders.
Since Joel Zumaya's chances as a starter in the near future in Detroit are slim, shouldn't they develop him as a closer in Triple-A this year and put him as reliever on the Tigers? This way when Jones' contract runs out in two years we will have a prepared closer. -- Sotirios K., Shelby Twp.
That seems to be the direction they're leaning, though I don't think he'll be closing at Triple-A. While closing in the Minor Leagues has helped some relievers, usually more closers emerge after setting up at the Major League level.
What do you think will happen with Franklyn German? We've held onto that guy for long enough, and he's out of options. However, I think he's good enough that we ought to be able to trade him for something of value. Any thoughts? -- Peter N., Detroit
German will have to pitch his way onto the team. His splitter and his fastball are good enough to do that, but his control so far hasn't been as strong. Talent-wise, yes, he'll be wanted by another team, but since he's out of options, his trade value won't come anywhere close to that. Usually when a guy in that situation is traded at the end of camp, it's for another guy who's out of options.
A few years back Detroit had a pitcher playing for the Whitecaps (I think his name was Connolly) who won 20-some games. Whatever happened to him? -- Steve L., Winter Park
Jon Connolly went to the Cubs a couple years ago along with Eric Eckenstahler in exchange for Felix Sanchez. Connolly went 3-2 with a 4.44 ERA in nine outings, four of them starts, for Double-A West Tenn. He's still in the Cubs system, though he's not really considered a prospect.
Since that Spring Training game against the Twins when Rondell White hit two home runs, do you think the Tigers regret getting rid of him? -- Justin B., Battle Creek, Mich.
I think that's more likely to happen if/when he beats them in the regular season. But seriously, bringing back White would've been easier said than done. Even if he could've played the outfield, the Tigers outfield is pretty full as it is. As a DH, he would've actually worsened the logjam. They would've had to do something with Pena to open up a spot, and they weren't willing to do it.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Ordonez, Tigers rout Yankees

03/20/2006
Tigers at the plate: Magglio Ordonez led the Tigers onslaught with three runs scored in his first three times at bat, capped by a two-run home run on a line over the left-field fence in the fourth inning. Dmitri Young had a two-run homer in the third inning along with back-to-back solo shots from Brandon Inge and Alexis Gomez. Ivan Rodriguez opened the scoring with a two-run double in the first. Craig Monroe went 3-for-4 with a two-run single in the fifth.
Yankees at the plate: Miguel Cairo put the Yankees on the scoreboard with a solo home run in the fourth inning and scored on a Derek Jeter single in the seventh. Jeter, Johnny Damon and Andy Phillips had two hits apiece.
Tigers on the mound: Jeremy Bonderman scattered two hits over four scoreless innings before giving up Cairo's homer in a three-hit fifth. He walked two and struck out three. Mark Woodyard walked three in two innings.
Yankees on the mound: Starter Mike Mussina gave up double digits in four long innings of work. Six of the 10 runs he allowed came on four home runs, comprising one-third of the 12 hits he allowed. Dusty Bergman gave up three runs in one-third of an inning.
Grapefruit League records: Tigers 13-8-1; Yankees 9-12.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Notes: Granderson ailing, but ahead

03/20/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Tigers manager Jim Leyland hoped to start Curtis Granderson on Monday, but wanted to play it cautiously with his leg cramps. The way it looks, Leyland needs to have Granderson ready in two weeks.
"If the season opened tomorrow," he said, "Curtis Granderson would be my center fielder. But a lot of things can happen in the next 12 days."
What's happened over the last 32 days has determined a lot over where Leyland stands now and left such a choice as no surprise. Granderson has hit .371 this spring with four home runs, six RBIs and five stolen bases in as many attempts. He also has taken well to instruction during camp while showing an increasing adeptness to take walks and cut down on strikeouts.
Nook Logan has recovered his batting average somewhat over the last week, yet he stands at a .200 spring average with no extra-base hits. He, too, has been perfect in steals, going 6-for-6. Alexis Gomez bumped his average up to .314 with his 3-for-5 performance Monday, including a double and a solo homer.
Had Monday been the opener, Leyland said, Granderson would've been able able to play. As it is, Leyland wants to give him some extra time to ensure the cramps, which Leyland said the outfielder felt retreating on a ball, won't become a recurring problem.
Verlander, Grilli both to start: If it's late in Spring Training, it's probably time for Major League pitchers to start in Minor League games while others competing for spots take up innings facing big-league competition.
Leyland reworked his rotation for the week to get a look at both Justin Verlander and Jason Grilli in starting roles. Verlander will start Thursday at home against the Phillies in what would've otherwise been Mike Maroth's spot. On Friday, the Tigers will take Grilli with them to Kissimmee to take on the Astros and likely leave Kenny Rogers behind to start in a Minor League game.
Combined with Roman Colon's start Tuesday night against Houston at Joker Marchant Stadium, the moves will give Leyland a look at three candidates for the lone opening in the Tigers rotation.
As for Joel Zumaya, who pitched two innings in relief Sunday, the Tigers haven't yet made plans on when he'll pitch next. If he works on his regular turn, it would come Friday. If he works on shorter rest as a relief test, he'd be pitching sooner.
Polanco, Rodney return: The full Tigers squad is now back in camp after second baseman Placido Polanco and reliever Fernando Rodney walked into the clubhouse Monday afternoon. Both members of the Dominican Republic team that reached the World Baseball Classic semifinals before falling to Cuba quietly walked into the Tigers clubhouse while Detroit's game against the Yankees was ongoing.
Polanco summed up his mood in one word: "Tired."
He had a lot of hitting to wear him out. Though Polanco played in just four games, he went 9-for-18 at the plate with a walk and four runs scored. Despite a lineup that featured Albert Pujols, Miguel Tejada, David Ortiz, Alfonso Soriano and Adrian Beltre, Polanco led the team in hits.
"We were working," Polanco said. "The guys who didn't play much, we were really training."
Besides that, they were also traveling. By qualifying for the semifinals, the Dominicans faced a seven-hour flight to San Diego, then Polanco had to take nearly as long a flight back once his team was eliminated.
His calf, which required some attention after he stepped awkwardly on the bag after one of the second-round games, is fine now. Despite the injury risk, he said the tournament was worth it, not only for the atmosphere but for the preparation it gives him for his Major League season.
"It's like a different mentality," Polanco said. "These [Spring Training] games count, but those [tournament] games count more, like it's for something. Here sometimes, you only play five innings here, and they only want to get their players ready for the season. There, you really wanted to win. Here, you might make an out but you're working on something. There, you don't care. You just want to get on base, do whatever it takes."
Rodney had a similar experience, helped by his 4 2/3 scoreless innings with a save, three walks and seven strikeouts in four appearances.
"I've never been in games like that before," Rodney said. "A lot of flags."
His appearance was almost as surprising as his performance. Leyland noted last week how he wore his hat sideways in games and said he wouldn't do that for the Tigers. Rodney said that was a different situation.
"That's for my Dominican [games]," Rodney said. "I do that all the time in the Dominican."
Leyland had written Polanco into his lineup Monday morning, but eventually scratched it once it became clear Polanco wouldn't arrive in time. Leyland wasn't bothered by it.
"He's the least of my worries," Leyland said. "That guy's the salt of the earth. I'm not worried about him. He'll be ready to play."
Prime time matchup: Beyond being the Tigers' only evening game this spring, Tuesday night's game against the Astros will have added weight for Leyland with team owner Mike Ilitch paying a visit.
For that reason, Leyland wanted to play as many regulars as he could in that game. He won't quite fill out his lineup card with his everyday batting order. Beyond Granderson's injury, which could keep him out, catcher Ivan Rodriguez will play in the afternoon game at Clearwater instead so that he can return home to Miami for Wednesday's off day.
"Before I knew Mr. Ilitch was coming, I kind of told a couple guys they could have the day game so they could get home," Leyland said. "I gave some of the guys the choice. Then I found out Mr. Ilitch was coming and I was sweating. ... I don't know him well enough yet to tell him I wish he would've come a day sooner."
Yogi visits: A day before the owner arrives, Leyland had another big visitor. Hall of Famer Yogi Berra made the trip with the Yankees from Tampa and made a tour of the Tigers clubhouse with Al Kaline before the game.
"That was the guy I wanted to be when I grew up," Leyland said. "Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way."
Berra was the first person Leyland wanted to meet when he reached the big leagues. That part worked out when Leyland joined Tony La Russa's staff as a coach on the 1982 White Sox.
Coming up: The Tigers endure their final split-squad set of the spring Tuesday with a 1:05 p.m. ET tilt against the Phillies at Clearwater, followed by a 6:05 p.m. ET game against the Astros at Joker Marchant Stadium. Nate Robertson will start the afternoon affair followed by Kevin Hodge, Bobby Seay, Hector Mercado and Chad Durbin. Gavin Floyd, Aquilino Lopez, Aaron Fultz and Arthur Rhodes are scheduled to pitch for Philadelphia.
Colon will start the evening matchup as part of his audition for a roster spot. Wilfredo Ledezma, Franklyn German, Todd Jones and Jamie Walker will follow. Brandon Backe is the Astros' scheduled starter, with former Tigers knuckleballer Steve Sparks slated to pitch in relief.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Pena, Hessman homer in defeat

03/21/2006
Tigers at the plate: Carlos Pena smacked a two-run homer in the eighth inning, and Mike Hessman hit his fourth homer of the spring in the ninth.
Phillies at the plate: Pat Burrell returned to the lineup after missing two games with a strained left thigh and smacked a two-run homer in the second. Ryan Howard contributed a run-scoring single and Danny Sandoval added a two-run double during a five-run first.
Tigers on the mound: Starter Nate Robertson was victimized for seven runs in five innings, though only two runs were earned. Detroit's defense made two first-inning errors. Robertson allowed seven hits and no walks, while striking out five.
Phillies on the mound: Gavin Floyd had his second straight dazzling outing, this time allowing two hits and two walks in five shutout innings, while fanning five. Ricardo Rodriguez, who's competing for a bullpen job, surrendered a two-run homer in the eighth.
Grapefruit League records: Tigers 13-9; Phillies 14-6.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers get to Backe, Astros early

03/21/2006
Tigers at the plate: For the third time in less than a week, the Tigers hit three solo homers in a game. This time, they led off the first three innings with one -- Curtis Granderson in the first, Brandon Inge in the second, then Craig Monroe in the third. Ryan Ludwick added a three-run shot in the fifth inning after doubling in Inge an inning earlier.
Astros at the plate: Lance Berkman put the Astros on the scoreboard with a two-run double in the third inning, scoring Brad Ausmus and Jeff Bagwell. Adam Everett's sacrifice fly in the sixth drove in Chris Burke. Former Tiger Eric Munson went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a tape-measure solo homer.
Tigers on the mound: Berkman's double did the only scoring damage off starter Roman Colon, who gave up six hits in four innings with a walk and a strikeout. Fernando Rodney saw his first game action since returning from the World Baseball Classic and gave up Munson's homer.
Astros on the mound: Starter Brandon Backe gave up nine runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings. A procession of former Tigers followed to the mound, including knuckleballer Steve Sparks and Dave Borkowski.
Grapefruit League records: Tigers 14-8-1; Astros 7-12.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Ilitch itching to get more involved

03/21/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Mike Ilitch and Jim Leyland haven't talked often enough to know each other. After a 15-minute conversation Tuesday night, they could relate to each other pretty well.
"I want to hear his assessment of what we have," Ilitch said after Tuesday's 10-7 Tigers win over the Astros. "We had a nice talk about that. He was very direct and he tells it like it is. That's very refreshing."
The owner asked straight questions, and the manager gave straight answers. And the owner left feeling as good about the team as he does about the guy he put in charge.
"I think we have some talent, we've always known that," Ilitch said. "And I think one of the key factors is we've got a manager with a wealth of experience. ... The way he covers every aspect of the game that a lot of people wouldn't even think of without any baseball background kind of reminds me of [former Detroit Red Wings head coach] Scotty Bowman from the standpoint that not one thing gets by him. He knows everything about every player, every situation, and he lives, eats and breathes the game. Those guys don't come along that often."
Tuesday marked Ilitch's first visit to watch his ballclub this spring. He watched the game from his box at Joker Marchant Stadium with president/general manager Dave Dombrowski, then made his way to the clubhouse.
Most of the veterans had already left, and only a few players at all were still around. He talked with closer Todd Jones, then made his way to the manager's office. Leyland compared it to a quiz.
"It was very enjoyable," Leyland said. "It was right to the point. I told him what I thought."
As for Ilitch's reactions, Leyland said, "He'd be a good poker player. He never showed any signs of anything. He just listened and asked the next question. And I enjoyed it. It was straight to the point."
Leyland compared that directness to what he saw from Marlins manager Wayne Huizenga during his two years in Florida.
"There's something about certain people like Mr. Ilitch or Mr. Huizenga," Leyland said. "When they walk in the room, there's a presence. It's there. Don't ask me to explain it, but it's there. I saw that tonight -- dignified, right to the point. You can see why he's been successful. And hopefully we're going to make this successful."
Success, in Ilitch's view, is a relative term. He didn't put it in terms of a championship, nor did he point to a winning season for the first time since 1993. It was more relative than that, more about having this club play meaningful games in the second half.
"A successful season," Ilitch said, "would be for players to play up to their potential and have about three or four players exceed their potential. It would be a great year. ... Then I figure we've got a real ballclub. You get real excited, and you want to drastically improve it and you're in the hunt. It gets everybody excited."
If he gets to that point, he wants to get involved. Really, he wants a chance to get involved.
"I haven't had an opportunity where I've had a ballclub that's displayed some talent, some will and desire and performed at a high level," he said. "When you get to that point, then you want to do everything possible for a team to win, and then you want to go out and get the players that you feel you should to fill the holes because you know it's going to mean something, because you've got a tremendous foundation.
"I haven't been able to make a difference -- in other words, to be able to get in there and say, 'This is what we need. OK, let's go get him, because you know you're on a roll now and you've got a chance.' I've never been in that position in baseball, and that's the position I want to be in."
This team, he said, will have to show him it can get into that position before he can make that difference. At this point, this early in the season, he wants to believe that it can.
"This is the best I've ever felt about it," he said, "because we've got a farm system. We know that every year we'll be able to have somebody come up that's going to be able to come close to making the ballclub or make the ballclub. We have that type of farm system now. So that's a wonderful feeling.
"You know you've got the foundation. You know you're going to have the players coming, and the guys will perform at their level, what their potential is. Generally when that happens, you're going to get people exceeding their expectations. That's the way sports run.
"I'm happy with what I see. I am. We know how long it's been, and I feel bad. We've got a great tradition. We've got great Tiger fans, and they deserve a better ballclub."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Notes: Granderson not letting up

03/21/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Curtis Granderson doesn't want to think of himself as the Opening Day center fielder quite yet. He really doesn't want to think of himself as a leadoff hitter, either.
A day after manager Jim Leyland said Granderson would be starting in center field if the season opened today, Granderson said he won't let himself get comfortable in his first real positional battle as a pro. At this point, he's still thinking of it as a fight for a roster spot.
"I think coming up where I was drafted, I kind of automatically had a spot secured no matter how good or bad I did," Granderson said. "Right or wrong, it's kind of the way the game works. But now to come in and compete first to make the team and then from there to try to get a starting spot, that's probably the most [competition] I've ever had at any level.
"I think I look at it in two different parts. If the final cut comes and I'm [on the team], that's No. 1. And then, whenever Opening Day is, if I happen to be in the lineup, that'll be the second one."
Granderson added to his case on both counts Tuesday. His 2-for-3 performance Tuesday night against the Astros, including a home run leading off the bottom of the first inning, raised his spring average to .395. That team-leading fifth homer of the spring also moved him into a tie with Oakland's Eric Chavez for the American League lead. Only Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (eight homers) and Reds third baseman Edwin Encarnacion (six) had more as of Tuesday night.
That's not exactly a typical total for a leadoff hitter -- his 5-for-5 performance in stolen bases might fit more -- but he's not trying to think like a typical leadoff man, either.
"The big thing I've been talking about to a couple guys on the Minor League side and my college coach [is that] my name may be at the one spot, but the thing I'm trying to do is be aggressive no matter what," Granderson said. "In the past, I've been trying to study and figure out the leadoff role, and I kind of overanalyzed it a little bit, worrying about what everyone else is expecting from me.
"I'm really only leading off one time a game. I could come up later on in the game with runners on, or to lead off an inning and I have to do my job depending on what the situation calls for as the game progresses. But the big thing, they're going to pitch me differently than they do the 3-4-5 guys and [differently] than they pitch righties. So I can't really get too caught up in trying to set the tone for everyone else so they can see everything."
Granderson has taken a lot of instruction in recent months from Scott Stahoviak, his hitting coach during his junior year at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Like Granderson, Stahoviak was a well-regarded prospect, a first-round draft pick of the Twins in 1991 who broke into the Majors as a corner infielder in 1995. His best season of his brief five-year career came in 1996, when he batted .284 with 13 homers and 61 RBIs in 130 games.
They've kept in touch even with Granderson in the pros and Stahoviak out of coaching. "We have similar hitting styles and approach," Granderson said, "and I'm kind of doing stuff that he already went through from Spring Training through the Minor Leagues to the Major Leagues. He's a good guy to talk to, easy to gain information, just ask questions and not have to worry about overanalyzing."
So much for showing off: Tuesday night's game was under the lights, but not quite the spotlight event it was supposed to be. Leyland was hoping to field as much of his projected starting lineup as possible for owner Mike Ilitch to watch, but Ivan Rodriguez and Dmitri Young had already received permission to take the afternoon game against the Phillies in Clearwater instead so they could get to their off time early and attend to personal business.
By game time, right fielder Magglio Ordonez had joined them on the trip. He was originally slated to bat cleanup in the night game, but took the road tilt Tuesday morning so he could return home to Miami for the off-day.
Maybin pulls double duty: It was a long day at work for first-round pick Cameron Maybin and other Tigers Minor Leaguers. By afternoon, Maybin and fellow 2005 draft selection Michael Hollimon were playing for Class A West Michigan on Tigertown's back fields against Cleveland's Minor Leaguers. Maybin hit an opposite-field home run into a crosswind with his father Rudy quietly watching.
By evening, Maybin and Hollimon were on the bigger field at Joker Marchant Stadium, having been added to the split squad facing the Astros. Hollimon pinch-hit for Brandon Inge and went 0-for-1. Maybin struck out in the eighth inning for his only appearance.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Monroe earning his keep at camp

03/22/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Craig Monroe spent four years trying to get into a role like this. And still he wants to feel like he doesn't have it yet.
Monroe thought he had a starting outfield job the previous two offseasons, and he thought he had posted the numbers to break through, only to see the Tigers add free agent outfielders each year. He wanted to prove he deserved an opportunity to play.
Monroe doesn't have to prove that part anymore, but he wants to feel like he does. That's the mind-set of someone whose Tigers career began with being called up and back from Triple-A Toledo five times in his first year.
"It makes you who you are when you go through things," he said. "It makes you appreciate the success that you're having. I feel like if there's no struggle, then can you really know how to handle success?"
In any previous spring, an injury like the strained oblique or strained quadriceps that sidelined Monroe for about two weeks would've cost him something -- a chance for a major role in some years, a roster spot in others. For the first time in his career, he didn't have to worry about that this spring. New manager Jim Leyland wanted to play it cautiously to avoid a recurring injury that would last into the season. Monroe could take his time and work on his swing.
In the four games since Monroe returned, he has looked like someone trying to win a job. He homered in his first game back last Saturday, had two RBI singles Sunday, went 3-for-4 against the Yankees on Monday, then doubled and homered Tuesday night.
It looks impressive on the stats, but neither Leyland nor Monroe sound all that surprised by it.
"He has gotten quite a few swings in [this spring]," Leyland said, "just not a lot of live swings. I know one thing: It's not that easy to sit around like he did [as a DH]."
While Monroe's quad didn't allow him to run, and hasn't yet allowed him to play the outfield, he was able to work in the cage from the early stages of camp and took regular batting practice for close to a week before getting into a game.
"I've worked very hard on my swing," he said. "I've worked very hard to continue to get better. And I'm getting to the point where I'm just trusting my swing, I'm trusting the things that I've worked on, and ... I feel like I can hit. I feel like I've worked so hard to get my swing where it is, so I trust it, bottom line."
The early success, Monroe said, tells him that things are working out for him. Only in recent years has he been able to think that way in Spring Training.
One of just eight Tigers remaining from 2002, he seemed set for a regular role after a relatively breakthrough year in 2003, but Rondell White's arrival meant that Monroe was the fourth outfielder. Again Monroe improved his numbers, proving he could progress into a solid overall hitter rather than someone who just pounded left-handed pitching. Just when it seemed like right field was his job, though, the Tigers signed Magglio Ordonez in the days leading up to Spring Training. Only Alex Sanchez's release midway through camp and Ordonez's hernia later ensured a job for Monroe, who went on to lead the team in RBIs.
After a few years, that kind of mentality where nothing is given settles in. In Monroe's case, it worked in a good way.
"I don't let those things get to me," he said. "I've always been humble, always been hungry, and that's just all I know. I'm still going to work hard every day, because that's what got me where I'm at. That made me who I am. Why would I ever get comfortable? I've never been in a situation to be comfortable. So I'm always going to go into [the season] thinking, 'Let's go. Let's prove it to them.' That's just me. That's how I am. And I like proving people wrong, anyway."
For the first time, he hasn't had to do that. Leyland had an idea of what Monroe could do soon after he came into the job last fall. The only slight Leyland gave him was not having time for more than a handshake at last December's Winter Meetings in Dallas, and Leyland felt worse about it than Monroe did.
Once the two got to know each other at TigerFest and early in camp, Leyland liked his personality. He already liked his bat.
"The ball sounds a little different when Monroe hits it," Leyland said.
A surprisingly large part of the personality comes from one of the guys Monroe played behind. Though White was a friend to everybody in the clubhouse, he was a mentor of sorts for Monroe. Even though White's departure meant Monroe had a starting role, probably no one on the team took it harder than Monroe did.
"Rondell taught me how to be a complete person," Monroe said. "He does so much on the field, but the respect that he has for people in general, those are the things you remember. Nobody's going to remember what I did hitting. They're going to remember me being a teammate. And for me to be around him those two years, what an amazing dude, to give respect to everybody from Dave Dombrowski to the grounds crew guys. That sticks out in my head moreso than what we talked about in baseball. That's what sticks out to me: Good things do happen to good people."
Monroe finally feels like he can relate.
"I like the struggle," he said. "I can appreciate what I went through with this team, with myself, and now I honestly feel like it's all made me a better person, a better player and to continue to grow from that. There's only one way to go, and it's up, and it looks bright. I'm just going to continue to get every piece of information, every advice, and continue to try to put it all in my game and try to make me that much of a better player."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Tigers top Phillies in 10 innings

03/23/2006
Tigers at the plate: Chris Shelton's two-run single capped a four-run third inning. Vance Wilson's RBI single extended his Spring Training hitting streak to 10 games, while Placido Polanco added an RBI single. Curtis Granderson's two-run single in the eighth tied the game. Don Kelly's sacrifice fly in the 10th inning scored Nook Logan for the winning run.
Phillies at the plate: Ryan Howard hit his franchise-record 10th home run of the spring with a solo shot leading off the seventh inning. Shane Victorino and Chase Utley powered Philadelphia's offense with back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning. Victorino tied the game in the eighth inning with an RBI groundout before Chris Coste singled in Jimmy Rollins to put the Phillies ahead. Peter Bergeron added a sacrifice fly.
Tigers on the mound: Justin Verlander shut down everything but the weather. He retired all six batters he faced before a 44-minute rain delay knocked him out of a game in which he was supposed to pitch five innings. After Jamie Walker gave up the back-to-back homers in the fourth, and Joel Zumaya pitched two scoreless innings.
Phillies on the mound: Robinson Tejeda lasted just one scoreless inning before the rain delay. Aaron Fultz retired the side in the second before former Tigers Rule 5 pick Chris Booker gave up the damage in the third.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Pair of Tigers hurlers make their case

03/23/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers' wonder kids didn't pitch one after the other Thursday, but they pitched in the same game. It's looking more like an order fans should get used to when the regular season comes around.
"It's incredible," Vance Wilson said of catching both Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya in the same afternoon. "If they can keep their heads on straight, they'll be great."
Both of them pitched two innings against the Phillies, but that was more about Mother Nature's preference than anything Jim Leyland wanted. Verlander started, but lasted just two innings before a 44-minute rain delay knocked him out of a contest in which he was expected to last five innings. With three more innings for the bullpen to fill, Zumaya went from pitching one inning, as scheduled, to pitching two.
If it sounds odd for someone supposedly in competition for a rotation spot to be scheduled for just one inning, there's a point. After saying as recently as Tuesday that Zumaya could be either a starter or reliever on the team, Leyland tilted the odds on Thursday.
"I think the options are different as to whether he's going to be a starting pitcher, eventually, or a relief pitcher, eventually," Leyland said. "That decision has not been made permanently. I would say most likely if Joel Zumaya makes the 2006 Detroit Tigers [coming out of Spring Training], it will be as a reliever."
That's not a crushing blow to Zumaya, who said early in spring that he sees his future as a closer. But it further whittles down the rotation competition to no more than three candidates, while putting Zumaya in the middle of the relief mix. It also greatly enhances his chances of making the team, to the point where it's almost a probability rather than a possibility.
"I would say, 'If I can throw it 100 miles an hour and throw it over the plate, and they're looking for pitching, then I might have a [heck] of a chance,'" Leyland said.
Though Verlander didn't have much time on the mound, he still managed to make an impression. Of the six batters he faced, five were Phillies regulars. That includes Chase Utley, the starting second baseman for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, and Ryan Howard, who hit his Major League-leading 10th home run of Spring Training later in the game and victimized Verlander last week in Clearwater.
Nobody hit the ball hard against Verlander, whose work ended with back-to-back called third strikes on Aaron Rowand and Mike Lieberthal. Both calls came on fastballs at the knees. Verlander led off the inning by setting up Howard with two fastballs before inducing a groundout on a changeup.
That low fastball, Wilson said, is the biggest sign of progress Verlander has made since camp began.
"Ultimately, he's got to pitch at the knees and then go up in the strike zone," Wilson said. "His motor runs pretty high, and he wants to pitch up early."
If this is the stuff Verlander takes into the first weekend of the regular season at Texas, he said, he'll be happy. "There's still room for improvement, though," Verlander said.
Zumaya entered the game in the fifth inning, which at this stage of Spring Training means Major League competition. He retired the side in order in the fifth, including a strikeout of Abraham Nunez after falling behind on a 3-0 count.
The only hit Zumaya allowed was a Danny Sandoval bunt single leading off the sixth. He retired the side in order from there.
It was a long-relief type of situation, and it's the kind of role that he'd probably face with the Tigers. One thing Leyland worries about, if he takes both youngsters, is that while Verlander would have time to work and learn between starts, Zumaya won't have nearly that much time when he's not on call. Leyland couldn't answer whether Verlander could pitch in relief, but it's not expected to happen.
"If he makes the team," Leyland said, "I'll try to pick my spots for him to begin with."
At the same time, though, Leyland reiterated that whoever he takes must be able to get outs, whichever situation they're in.
That's the judgment call Leyland has to make in a microcosm. He wants the pitchers who give his team the best chance to win, but he also has to think about the best chances for his young pitchers to mature. He wants to judge his pitchers on track record as much or more than spring performance, but in these cases there's little track record to go on. So he has to judge the spring as a whole, and he has to judge the pitchers individually rather than as a tandem.
"If he can pitch and locate like he did today, there's no league he couldn't pitch in," Leyland said of Verlander. "But obviously, you're looking for consistency."
Both Verlander and Zumaya will probably have at least one more outing before Leyland decides his final roster next Wednesday. If Verlander starts on his regular turn, he'll pitch again Tuesday against the Dodgers at Vero Beach. Leyland said he wants Zumaya to go on shorter rest next time out, possibly this weekend.
"I don't know if I'm going to make it or not," Zumaya said. "But my job is to go out there and prove myself and show them that I could get outs and put zeros on the board when they need them."
Verlander admitted he'd be disappointed if he doesn't win a job, because of his hard work and because it's been his dream to start in the Majors.
"I'm really just focusing on pitching well," Verlander said. "Whatever decision they make from there, that's their decision to make."

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

Notes: Ledezma optioned to Triple-A

03/23/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Wilfredo Ledezma went from being the potential fourth left-handed starter to the potential second lefty reliever to having unfulfilled potential. Now it's up to Ledezma to pitch his way back into the Tigers' reality.
The Tigers made their second round of cuts Thursday, optioning Ledezma to Triple-A Toledo and assigning Chad Durbin, Lee Gardner, Kevin Hodge, Brian Peterson, Max St. Pierre, Josh Phelps, Ryan Ludwick and Reggie Taylor to Minor League camp. None of the cuts were a surprise, but it was arguably a surprise that Ledezma did not last until the final cuts.
A year ago, Ledezma was on the Opening Day roster, earning the fifth starter's job. He lasted 10 starts, compiling a 2-4 record and a 7.07 ERA before being sent to the Mud Hens. He stayed there the rest of the season.
On top of recurring shoulder problems, Ledezma had to battle his control last year, falling behind in counts time and again. He battled it again in winter ball and carried it into his Spring Training. Manager Jim Leyland wasn't happy with the results.
"I think Ledezma is potentially a very good Major League pitcher," Leyland said. "I think he'll eventually have the versatility to pitch as a starter or in the bullpen. ... He needs to get a better breaking ball and he also needs to command the strike zone better with his fastball. If he goes out and does those two things, he'll be a big-league pitcher for a long time."
Though Leyland said earlier in camp that Ledezma was a candidate for a starting spot, he admitted Thursday that if Ledezma was going to make the team, he was going to do it as a reliever. His struggles in shorter stints didn't help that, either.
Leyland wouldn't forecast a role for Ledezma in Triple-A, leaving that up to Mud Hens manager Larry Parrish. However, it's expected that Ledezma will work as a starter, especially if the Hens don't have either Justin Verlander or Joel Zumaya on their pitching staff.
Phelps had far and away put up the best spring of the other eight players sent down. He played early and often while the Tigers were missing hitters in the World Baseball Classic, and he pounded the ball. He hit .531 (17-for-32) in 15 games with six doubles, three homers and nine RBIs, giving him an even 1.000 slugging percentage.
But with Chris Shelton, Carlos Pena and Dmitri Young ahead of him, Phelps' fate had more to do with other players than with himself.
"He certainly was impressive," Leyland said. "He put on a show. Obviously with our situation, it probably wasn't the best 30 days to be a first baseman. But he made an impression."
The moves reduce the Tigers roster to 36 players. They have to downsize to 25 by the time camp breaks on April 1, but Leyland reiterated that he'd like to have his roster decided by next Wednesday.
Lineup issues: Placido Polanco batted leadoff and Craig Monroe hit second Thursday, but that doesn't mean Leyland spent his off-day writing more lineups. He wants to shuffle his lineup so that he could get extra at-bats for guys who haven't played as much as others. Thus, Polanco had five plate appearances, Monroe four, and Young five as the designated hitter.
Still, Leyland admitted he's still toying with the top of the lineup. He won't rule out batting Polanco leadoff, and he won't rule out hitting Monroe second against left-handed pitchers. "It just depends if I end up wanting a lot of sock in that No. 2 spot certain days," Leyland said.
Monroe also made his first start in the outfield, playing in left. He made a pair of catches in the first inning.
Rogers pitches: While the young pitchers were the stars on the big field Thursday, Opening Day starter Kenny Rogers took his work to the back fields. He pitched three innings in a Minor League intrasquad game.
Trade watch: The Tigers sent down Ledezma, but they still might've had a look at a second lefty reliever on the field Thursday. Rheal Cormier pitched two scoreless innings with a hit and two strikeouts Thursday. They were for the Phillies side, but Cormier has been linked through the Tigers to trade rumors should Detroit decide it wants to add a lefty but doesn't want to keep Hector Mercado and Bobby Seay.
Coming up: The Tigers will send nearly all of their roster to Kissimmee on Friday for their 1:05 p.m. ET tilt against the Astros at Osceola County Stadium. Jason Grilli will make the case for the fifth spot in the rotation with what will likely be his final start. Roy Oswalt is the scheduled starter for Houston.
The few position players not slated to make the trip are Shelton, Curtis Granderson and Vance Wilson.
"We're getting to the point where if you're on the team, get on the bus," Leyland said.

Source: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/