Detroit Tigers Roster Report
Miguel Cabrera's arrest for a second alcohol-related offense since the final weekend of the 2009 season gave a negative start to Detroit's spring training but the Tigers shrugged it aside for the businesslike preparation month they have gone through since Jim Leyland became manager in 2006. Joel Zumaya's annual injury was the big downer of early spring but Detroit had enough arms in camp to compensate. The rotation seems solid, the back end of the bullpen looks strong and the Tigers should have a better offense than a year ago.
ROTATION:
1. RHP Justin Verlander
2. RHP Max Scherzer
3. RHP Rick Porcello
4. LHP Phil Coke
5. RHP Brad Penny
Verlander and Scherzer could rank among baseball's best 1-2 combos. Verlander has been crowding 20 wins since he came to the majors and could break through with a good April while Scherzer was dominating the last four months after a trip to the minors to straighten out his mechanics.
This is a high-ceiling group but not without question marks. Porcello has worked hard to solidify his mix of pitches while Coke has shown this spring he can make a successful return to starting. Penny looks to be a positive addition -- if he can stay healthy.
The Tigers feel confident they have adequate replacements waiting in the minors (LHP Andy Oliver and RHP Jacob Turner) if needed. Oliver benefited from his 0-4 five-start cameo last summer while Turner looks like the top-flight pitcher Detroit felt he was when it made him its No. 1 draft choice two summers ago.
BULLPEN:
RHP Jose Valverde (closer)
RHP Joaquin Benoit
RHP Ryan Perry
LHP Daniel Schlereth
LHP Adam Wilk
LHP Brad Thomas
RHP Al Alburquerque
The right-handed power arms at the back end of the bullpen have good splits against both right- and left-handed hitting. The addition of Benoit, given a three-year contract as a free agent, means Valverde won't have to be overworked and that could help him avoid the second-half breakdown he had last summer.
A hamstring strain cost Schlereth a week early in camp and his roster spot is no long secure. Elbow issues, which the Tigers insisted weren't serious, sidelined Joel Zumaya after he pitched in the first exhibition game and he'll open the season on the disabled list.
Rookie Wilk isn't overpowering but has four solid pitches, control and could be the long man the bullpen lacks. Alburquerque can't spot his fastball but his slider is dynamic and he throws it for strikes.
LINEUP:
1. CF Austin Jackson
2. 2B Will Rhymes
3. RF Magglio Ordonez
4. 1B Miguel Cabrera
5. DH Victor Martinez
6. LF Ryan Raburn
7. SS Jhonny Peralta
8. 3B Brandon Inge
9. C Alex Avila
Rhymes won the second base job over Scott Sizemore, so he'll fill in until 2B Carlos Guillen comes off the disabled list. Guillen is not fully recovered from September microfracture knee surgery.
Avila hit better the last two months after getting regular playing time and seemed more confident this spring knowing his rookie year was history and that he'll get most of the playing time. Detroit's pitchers have praised Martinez behind the plate so there should be no problems when he catches.
RESERVES:
UT Don Kelly
INF Ramon Santiago
OF Casper Wells
OF Brennan Boesch or Andy Dirks
Kelly is the nominal emergency catcher despite his lack of experience as a pro at the position but his strength is his ability to play all the infield and outfield positions with some reliability plus some surprising bat strength. Santiago is the top alternative at the middle infield spots; the switch hitter is a solid fill-in for short periods of time.
Dirks is the only outfield contender without major league experience. Boesch would make the club if management feels his pitch recognition is improved.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--RHP Joel Zumaya (sore right elbow) experienced pain in the surgically repaired elbow during his Feb. 27 spring debut and hasn't pitched since. He will open the season on the disabled list. He will remain at the team's Florida camp to rehab, and it's unclear when he will make his season debut.
--2B Carlos Guillen (left knee microfracture surgery in September 2010) will open the season on the disabled list. He will remain at the team's Florida camp to rehab, and it's unclear when he will make his season debut.
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