I'll keep you guys updated on my blogs. If you could give some feedback on my writing, please do and dont hold anything back. Thanks!

Could I get this stickied?

Why The Tigers should Win the AL Central

The Tigers are my pick to win the AL Central this year. Call me biased but listen to my reasoning first.

This offseason, they were able to pick up 2 good catchers in Matt Treanor and Gerald Laird, as well as a veteran to fill the whole at SS, when they inked Adam Everett. They were also able to pick up a young starting pitcher when they acquired Edwin Jackson in a trade from the AL Champion Devil Rays. They gave up Matt Joyce, who seemed to have a very promising future, but weren't taking too much of a hit since they already have a very deep outfield.

Magglio Ordonez, who is one of the most consistent hitters in the game. Curtis Granderson, who can hit the long ball, steal bases, and has great range in CF. And Carlos Guillen, who made the switch from 3B to LF due to back problems. They also have Marcus Thames, who had quite a relationship with the long ball last year.

They have what seems to be a well rounded infield as well. Miguel Cabrera was one of the AL's best hitters last year, finishing with a league-leading 36 HR and 127 RBI. Placido Polanco at second, who is another consistent hitter, and the newly signed Adam Everett at short, who shouldn't have much trouble filling the gap that Edgar Renteria left. At third, there is Brandon Inge, who can finally take on an everyday job in his desired position. He performs better when playing third base as well, and brings a great amount of range to the corner spot of the infield.

Tigers pitching is also looking to improve from a horrendous year. Staff Ace Justin Verlander will be looking to rebound on his worst season, and hopes to gain more run support from his hitters. Armando Galaragga, who was superb when not expected to be, will be looking to turn heads and have an even better year this year. Jeremy Bonderman will be returning from rib surgery and is hoping to stay healthy and help Detroit get back to the winning organization they were in 2006 and 2007. Zach Miner, who was outstanding after switching from reliever to starter, is someone who could either start or relieve, but has had much more success as a starter. Nate Robinson, who had a horrible season, is someone who the Tigers are depending on to have a good year, as he finished with one of the league's worst ERAs last year. Dontrelle Willis, who was inked for big cash, has not earned any of it so far. After being sent down to Class A Lakeland last year, the D-Train should be looking to have a stupendous year in '09. All of this plus Jackson makes 7 pitchers battling for 5 starting spots. The other two will most likely be moved to the bullpen, where the Tigers need the most help.

done stuck!

Lol. Thanks! =]

Ohhh. I figured they werent hyphenated.

Problems I found:

Quote:

World Champion Devil Rays

It should be "American League Champion Rays." The Phillies are the World Champions.

Quote:

Placido Polanco at second, who is another consisten hitter

consistent

Quote:

Adam Everett at short, who shouldnt

shouldn't

Quote:

Jeremy Bonderman will be returning from shoulder surgery

rib or chest

Except for the above problems, it is a very good article!

_________________
Go

Yeah, those mistakes, too. I didn't read it quite as carefully

Eek, way too many errors.=/

My blog can now be followed on AAT.

I'll copy and paste them here for those of you not over there yet.

Why Jeremy Bonderman is Important Upon his Return

Since going on the DL before the Season Opener, Jeremy Bonderman has been much improving and working to get back to the MLB. He has been rehabbing recently and can get to Detroit if all goes well.

In his most recent rehab start for AAA Toledo Mud Hens, Jeremy Bonderman pitched six frames, allowing three runs, two of which were earned. 60 of his 97 pitches went for strikes. He allowed no walks and fanned four hitters.

Throughout the majority of his minor league rehab outings, Bonderman has showed good control, and an ability to keep his pitch count down. Once he can return, the Tigers will more than likely send Armando Galaragga to the minor leagues due to his recent struggles.

Removing Galaragga and adding Bonderman would make the Tigers starting rotation look like as follows:

Justin Verlander
Edwin Jackson
Jeremy Bonderman
Rick Porcello
Dontrelle Willis

The above pitchers as well as the bullpen have been able to give Detroit the #1 ranked ERA in the American League Central Division. Verlander and Jackson have been able to pitch exceptionally well, while Dontrelle and Rick have been what they needed to be. The one fault, being Galaragga, has lost his control and isn't able to locate the pitches he needs to get the outs from the other team.

If Bonderman can come up and keep his ERA down and give the Tigers a chance to win games, there shouldn't be too much of a problem with keeping their roll going. They are currently atop the American League Central (25-19), and stand three games behind the Kansas City Royals (23-23), in second.

There haven't been any worries lately really regarding the bullpen, but I would say they are still there. Brandon Lyon (1-3, 6.43 ERA) hasn't been the type of presence the Tigers would have hoped him to be. He has given up leads and still hasn't pitched well in games that weren't close. While I was one of the people hoping they would sign him, I do firmly believe the Tigers would be better off cutting ties with him soon, or trading him for some minor league prospect.

With the exception of Lyon, relievers Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay, Fernando Rodney, Ryan Perry, Zach Miner, and Nate Robertson have been very well in not giving up close games. While they have had their faults, they can not be blamed for all of the losses they have been charged.

I think when Bonderman gets back, and if the Tigers decide to use Lyon less, then they should have a nice year in store for them. If they keep rolling through teams like they have been able to, they should find themselves in the playoffs, and hopefully they can take it far from there.

www.aatiger.com

It's the mirror site, you should know this.