Tigers One Of The Most Improved For 2009

Well, after last season, I would hope so. Via Yahoo Sports:

Detroit Tigers: So many prognosticators selected them to win in ‘08 (I was one of them) and couldn’t have been more wrong. But there’s optimism, especially from manager Jim Leyland, who said, “I like our team a lot. I never saw last year coming because of the talent we have on the field. We have that talent still.”

They have improved their defense with Brandon Inge returning to third and Adam Everett at shortstop, with Carlos Guillen moving to left. Leyland feels Justin Verlander is a much better pitcher than he showed, as is Jeremy Bonderman. Armando Galarraga exceeded expectations with 13 wins. They will incorporate a power arm in Edwin Jackson, obtained from Tampa Bay, hope Nate Robertson bounces back, and Dontrelle Willis finds himself.

“They need to find bullpen help,” said one NL scout. “Fernando Rodney as a closer and depending on Joel Zumaya for a healthy season is sketchy at best, but this team is better than last place.”

Technorati Tags: Spring Training, MLB, Scouting

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