Tigers seek turnaround under the radar

01/01/09 10:00 AM EST
Tigers seek turnaround under the radar
Detroit adds complementary players to help rebound from '08

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

DETROIT -- The last time the Tigers finished in last place, they rebounded with a 29-game improvement from 2003 to '04 that began the franchise's long-term turnaround. They're not looking for the same massive turnaround in 2009; they're simply looking to reach what they believe is this team's potential.

The surprise and disappointment over Detroit's 2008 season has worn off. The question now is where the Tigers go from here to overcome it. The megadeals that marked last offseason and raised expectations to a championship level were out of the Tigers' plans this winter. In their place was a humbler, more targeted attack that focused on specific skill sets without the grandiose resumes. Instead of aiming for star players, the goal was to put together the group that complements the stars already in Detroit.

The resulting club won't garner the same reactions as last winter, when players and media alike gushed about an offense that could pummel opposing pitching and slug its way through the American League. At this point, however, it's not attention that the Tigers are trying to build. It's results.

With Gerald Laird's arrival from Texas, the Tigers believe they have a solid catcher who can work with a young pitching staff, slow down a running game and do his share at the plate as well as behind it. Adam Everett's signing shores up a defensive infield that lacked range on the left side last season. With the trade for Edwin Jackson, Detroit added depth to its rotation with yet another young starter with a resume.

On their own, they're not meant to turn around what was a flawed club last season. They're meant to bring out the best in a roster that club officials had too much talent to struggle as much as it did last year. In the end, the Tigers' chances at contention hinge on bounceback seasons from key players whose injuries or inconsistencies marked the 2008 campaign.

To that end, the offseason has been encouraging. Gary Sheffield is healthy in the winter for the first time in at least five years, allowing him to use a more strenuous workout plan as he tries to build on an encouraging September. Nate Robertson believes his tailored offseason program, built around restoring flexibility, will help his pitching once he begins his throwing program this winter. Joel Zumaya was slated to begin throwing in December as he tries to come back from a stress fracture in his shoulder. Fernando Rodney has had encouraging results in winter ball. Dontrelle Willis is working out at home this offseason, aiming to improve his conditioning.

If the results from the last few seasons are any indication, rebounds in the AL Central aren't exactly the work of miracles. No team has repeated as division champions over the past five seasons, and the only team to not at least contend for a title is Kansas City. Though the Tigers finished in the division cellar, their 74 wins were more than they notched in their fourth-place finishes in 2004 and 2005. It was by far the highest win total for a last-place team this season.

Another 29-game improvement would earn them 103 victories. Even a 15-game improvement, though, would get them to the 89-win mark that earned the White Sox the division crown in 2008. Just 14 1/2 games separated first from last in the Central; no other division had less than a 21-game gap.

Take that into account, and the idea of contention isn't that far off. The Tigers hope that a few key moves and a couple key rebounds can get them there.

Grading on a curve: What the Tigers lacked in headlines, they made up for in goals accomplished. Given that the Tigers faced heavy competition in their search for a catcher, shortstop and relief help, not to mention their budget goals in challenging times, their ability to add talent without adding a lot of payroll or subtracting a lot of prospects earns them a seven. It won't be a final grade, though, until the bullpen moves shake out.

Arrivals: C Laird, SS Everett, RHP Jackson, C Matt Treanor.

Departures: SS Edgar Renteria, RHP Kyle Farnsworth, RHP Guillermo Moscoso, RHP Carlos Melo, OF Matt Joyce.

The Road Ahead: Though the urgency for a closer leveled off somewhat as more relievers went elsewhere, the Tigers will continue their search into the latter stages of the offseason and possibly into Spring Training. They're allowing for the possibility that Rodney could hold onto the closer's role, but even if that happens, they'll likely add some setup help behind him. Detroit headed into the holidays poised to add left-handed relief help, with heavy interest in free agent Joe Beimel.

Season in Preview A lot can change by Opening Day, but as 2008 becomes 2009, this is who is projected to take the field for the Tigers:
CF	Curtis Granderson
2B	Placido Polanco
1B	Miguel Cabrera
RF	Magglio Ordonez
LF	Carlos Guillen
DH	Gary Sheffield
C	Gerald Laird
3B	Brandon Inge
SS	Adam Everett
SP	Justin Verlander
SP	Armando Galarraga
SP	Jeremy Bonderman
SP	Edwin Jackson
SP	Nate Robertson/Zach Miner/Dontrelle Willis
CL	Fernando Rodney
Schedules: Spring | Regular season Tickets: Spring | Regular season

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

NO NANDO!!!

Rodney Sucks



I can't believe the Tigers could not get Putz, Wood or Fuentes



They didn't even try to


Jones needs to come out of retirement

Rodney gonna suck as closer

i wish i could be really excited for this season but i just don't feel too thrilled about our pitching situation. I hope Fernando won't be as horrible as last season. Sucks we didn't get a new closer. Perhaps there is still time to do so?

pudgemaggs wrote:

i wish i could be really excited for this season but i just don't feel too thrilled about our pitching situation. I hope Fernando won't be as horrible as last season. Sucks we didn't get a new closer. Perhaps there is still time to do so?

If the Tigs stay healthy, pitch like they are capable, and hit normal, they should be much better this year. I still think Pudge would have been a better catcher, he wanted too much, I am sure.

Fern Rod did better in winter ball, so MAYBE he will be ok, if not, I bet we will see a call up of Perry or a new closer. The Tigs still have only selected Dane as a ST Invitee... so hopefully they will make some more Invitee choices. Lots of pitchers out there yet to invite. And they need to get more guys for the Minor League teams. The rosters are bare!

Who knows


Maybe the Tigers will know what they doing when this year is over


But they needed another relief pitcher

Whew. At least the expectations aren't as high...maybe they will do better!

I think they will do better. The left side of the infield is stronger. Now the do not have that ungodly pressure of being a SUPER team, they can be themselves, and if that gives them 25 to 30 more wins, that allows them to contend for 1st!

Just wish they would have got another relief pitcher

Set the expectations to 0-162, that way if they win 1 game they've exceeded expectations.

I'm sure that's what the Lions did...

bobrob2004 wrote:

Set the expectations to 0-162, that way if they win 1 game they've exceeded expectations.

I'm sure that's what the Lions did...

Them Lions jokes are getting old

gs78 wrote:

bobrob2004 wrote:

Set the expectations to 0-162, that way if they win 1 game they've exceeded expectations.

I'm sure that's what the Lions did...

Them Lions jokes are getting old

Betty White is getting old. Lions jokes are going to last all year.

How do you keep a Detroit Lion out of your yard?

Spoiler:

Hehe Bobrob. Thats funny.

But according to SportingNews, the only big gap the Tigers have left to fill is Closer. Too bad Jonesy's gone.

bobrob2004 wrote:

gs78 wrote:

bobrob2004 wrote:

Set the expectations to 0-162, that way if they win 1 game they've exceeded expectations.

I'm sure that's what the Lions did...

Them Lions jokes are getting old

Betty White is getting old. Lions jokes are going to last all year.

How do you keep a Detroit Lion out of your yard?

Spoiler:

You're a regular Fozzie Bear

Where is a tomato when I need one

gdennis59 wrote:

Hehe Bobrob. Thats funny.

But according to SportingNews, the only big gap the Tigers have left to fill is Closer. Too bad Jonesy's gone.

Jones needs to make a comeback