Post by morris on Apr 23, 2006 13:53:23 GMT -5
The Tigers have been busy days before Opening Day. They traded most of their veterans for young players with interesting potential. In fact, the fans will not cheer for Magglio or Todd Jones, who have been traded respectively to Colorado and Anaheim. This is not gonna be The Year for the Tigers. Questionned about the purpose of these trades, new Detroit gm answered "We had the choice between being good for 2005 and following years, or going for titles and championships in 3 or 4 years. If the fans still come to the stadium after over 10 years of losing records, they can wait another 3 or 4 years. Believe me, this team is gonna be exciting!" In other words, you gotta be patient in Detroit. Most experts believe the Tigers will get between 65 and 70 wins in 2005, which is already better than disastrous 2003 season, where we saw that team winning their fight to avoid worst season record ever. On the other hand, true fans will get to see the core of the team develop together and reach all-star status.
To help familiarise with new players, here's the team's lineup on Opening Day:
SP Jeremy Bonderman: 3rd year veteran should keep on improving.
C Jeff Mathis: Acquired from Anaheim in Todd Jones trade, he has the potential to hit 30hr/season when developed. He's only 22. He's #7 in batting order.
1B Chris Shelton: Making his debut at the end of 2004, his hitting will make us forget his defense. He should be the center of the offense in 2005. Will hit at the cleanup spot. He's 24.
2B Mark Ellis: Acquired from Oakland, Ellis is a good bat. He's not a long-term solution but he could produce surprising numbers. Will hit before Shelton, at #3. He's a rare veteran on this lineup, at 27.
SS Tony Giarratano: He's a reliable SS with a decent bat. He should be solid for years to come. Will hit #8 and he's 22.
3B Kody Kirkland: A speedy 3B with good power. He could be a long-term solution for the Tigers. He's 22 and will hit #9.
LF Jeff Frazier: He has the speed, good defensively, can hit and has his bat has some pop. He's got the whole package. This team believes in him a lot. He's only 22 and will hit #5.
CF Curtis Granderson: He's speedy, can hit and has some power. A 1st hitter who can produce, that's interesting to spark an offense. He's 24 and will hit #1.
RF Jeff Salazar: Acquired from Colorado at high price, he must feel some pressure to produce soon. He's a future gold glover who can hit for average. He'll be at #2 and he's 24.
DH Richie Robnett: Acquired from Oakland for another prospect, Robnett won't play in defense, which will avoid him to make blunders! He's a HR threat and the fans will like him! He'll hit #6 and he's only 21.
Please Welcome your Detroit Tigers, version 2005!
To help familiarise with new players, here's the team's lineup on Opening Day:
SP Jeremy Bonderman: 3rd year veteran should keep on improving.
C Jeff Mathis: Acquired from Anaheim in Todd Jones trade, he has the potential to hit 30hr/season when developed. He's only 22. He's #7 in batting order.
1B Chris Shelton: Making his debut at the end of 2004, his hitting will make us forget his defense. He should be the center of the offense in 2005. Will hit at the cleanup spot. He's 24.
2B Mark Ellis: Acquired from Oakland, Ellis is a good bat. He's not a long-term solution but he could produce surprising numbers. Will hit before Shelton, at #3. He's a rare veteran on this lineup, at 27.
SS Tony Giarratano: He's a reliable SS with a decent bat. He should be solid for years to come. Will hit #8 and he's 22.
3B Kody Kirkland: A speedy 3B with good power. He could be a long-term solution for the Tigers. He's 22 and will hit #9.
LF Jeff Frazier: He has the speed, good defensively, can hit and has his bat has some pop. He's got the whole package. This team believes in him a lot. He's only 22 and will hit #5.
CF Curtis Granderson: He's speedy, can hit and has some power. A 1st hitter who can produce, that's interesting to spark an offense. He's 24 and will hit #1.
RF Jeff Salazar: Acquired from Colorado at high price, he must feel some pressure to produce soon. He's a future gold glover who can hit for average. He'll be at #2 and he's 24.
DH Richie Robnett: Acquired from Oakland for another prospect, Robnett won't play in defense, which will avoid him to make blunders! He's a HR threat and the fans will like him! He'll hit #6 and he's only 21.
Please Welcome your Detroit Tigers, version 2005!
