The 2007 Tigers can be better than 2006:1. Sheffield wears out pitchers.
2. Maroth makes successful return from elbow surgery.
3. Granderson blossoms into top leadoff man.
4. Bonderman ascends to ace status.
5. Casey in clubhouse and lineup for full season.
2. Maroth makes successful return from elbow surgery.
3. Granderson blossoms into top leadoff man.
4. Bonderman ascends to ace status.
5. Casey in clubhouse and lineup for full season.
The 2007 Tigers can be worse than 2006:
1. Sheffield wears out welcome.
2. Rogers, Jones, Pudge, Casey, Mesa, Sheff all start to feel their age.
3. Inge and Monroe don’t come near duplicating 2006.
4. Injuries.
5. Leyland loses magic touch.
1. Sheffield wears out welcome.
2. Rogers, Jones, Pudge, Casey, Mesa, Sheff all start to feel their age.
3. Inge and Monroe don’t come near duplicating 2006.
4. Injuries.
5. Leyland loses magic touch.
3 comments:
5. Casey in clubhouse and lineup for full season.
Are you sure this one's on the right list? I don't follow the Tigers closely enough to speak to his clubhouseyness and I know he had a great postseason, but still, he was one of the worst-hitting first basemen in the majors last year. He'd have to bounce all the way back to his 2004 form to be a significant plus offensively.
Joe! You're alive! That's the best news yet.
I've included Casey as a positive because of his clubhouseyness (he seems universally regarded as one of the best guys around and great teammate/leader) and because I'm hoping he merely returns to his 2005 numbers, particularly as far as OBP (around .380).
He still works pitchers well (despite being painful to watch with all his rituals getting in and out of the box) and should have more chances to drive in runs with the improved lineup ahead of him. I think he pressed too much last year when he arrived in Detroit, but should be much more relaxed this season. Plus, his ability to work pitchers could benefit the guys behind him, particularly Inge.
I think he can be a boost for the "little things" much like Polanco.
Fair enough.
And yes, I have awoken from my hibernation and I plan to arrange a lot of words and numbers into some sort of Mets season preview soon.
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